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I will examine the four and seven baffle models.
For the sake of understanding, my opinion will be the moderators used on the Talon Stubby "Extreme" in .25 caliber. I will post some pics and comments on the Hi Flo and Extreme valves in "Mods and Machinists" for those interested. (They look identical)
First lets take a look at the four baffle moderator:
All steel construction. The knurled cap screws on securely. Note the "cup" plastic baffles very similar to those used in the Marauder system. The end of the moderator is threaded and screws onto an adapter that replaces the forward barrel brace. The moderator weighs 9.325 oz.
The OAL is 6.75 inches:
The outside tube diameter is 1.017 inches:
All the R & L baffles appear to be identical.
The length is 1.29 inches:
Inside diameter is 0.74 inches:
The hole at the baffled end measures .270" in diameter.
The 12" moderator is going to bring the OAL of the Talon Stubby to 37", but reduces the discharge sound to hammer slap and pellet impact.
It measures 11.75" and has seven baffles. Otherwise, it is identical to the four baffle model, but weighs 11.35 ounces.
Holding the moderator onto the Talon Stubby is a steel adapter that replaces the forward most barrel brace. It's milled from a single piece of steel, and is roughly 1.25" in length. As with the OEM barrel brace, the adapter has one threaded grub screw hole, with two larger unthreaded holes next to it.
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The threads are finely milled and the fit is excellent.
The adapter fits very snugly onto the Talon barrel. I needed to sand my barrel a thousandth or so to get mine to tightly slide on.
The new Talon barrels are attached with four (4) grub screws, two on the bottom and two on the left side of the barrel. Once the adapter is fitted and grubbed in, the other holes line up perfectly.
The way the adapter is constructed, only the moderator is utilized to minimize muzzle blast. It would be possible to vent back into the shroud but would best be done by a machinist to drill the vent holes. This is not something to be done with anything less than a good drill press and a rock solid fixture to hold the adapter firmly in place during drilling.
I believe the effectiveness of the moderator would be considerably enhanced with drilling both barrel mounts and utilizing all of the shroud for pressure relief. A few vent holes would further enhance the effectiveness of the unit.
Conclusions:
1) This is an all steel, carefully milled instrument, black anodized, and is very heavy duty in its construction, and accordingly more heavy than an aluminum tubed model. The cost seems quite low for this quality.
2) The three and four baffle models will reduce your sound signature substantially in calibers .22 and .25, but your neighbors will hear you shooting if they are very near your property. I liken the sound to a good shroud PCP with end cap and no baffles.
In my opinion, this would be good for hunting, but should not be used in close proximity to touchy neighbors. That being said, a reduction in power setting, and caliber, plus using a standard Talon valve, or the Condor valve, would both have an impact on the sound signature. It will not be silent, but quiet enough for most individual's general use. And, it is very short, and looks good on the Stubby.
The 12", which is identical in cost, is vastly more effective with seven baffles. Hammer slap and pellet impact quiet in caliber .22 and .25, and used with the "Extreme" valve, depending on power settings.
It adds weight and length to the Stubby. However, if you need quiet, real quiet, this is the way to go in the R & L lineup. If you order no moderator, $110.00 per ea., you will get a standard Talon end cap, and can then choose whatever direction you want in weight, length, width, and effectiveness on any modifier that fits the Talon frame.
Regards,
Kindly 'Ol Uncle Hoot
"Battling stupidity and ignorance since 1965!"
No Ma'am. Not funny
