Pistol Suppressor Attachments Guide

When you first get into suppressors it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what suppressor attachments you need, especially for pistol suppressors. This guide will help go over why there are different suppressor attachments and help you find which ones you need.

In order to mount pistol suppressors (our Obsidian9 and Obsidian45) on various hosts with different operating systems and threads pitches, we have multiple attachments to give you as much versatility as possible. Below describes each mounting option and how it best fits certain applications.

Handguns

When using a handgun, you’ll need to use one of the following suppressor attachments:

Booster System – For use with a pistol that utilizes a tilting, or sliding barrel. The Booster System temporarily relieves the weight of the suppressor from the barrel, in order for the pistol to cycle. (Check out a video of a booster system in action here.) Be sure to lubricate the piston before each use to allow the suppressor and firearm to cycle efficiently. We recommend white lithium grease as it withstands heat well. The Obsidian9 and Obsidian45 come standard with a Booster System (also known as a Nielsen Device) and Piston. The Obsidian9 comes with a 1/2×28 Piston and the Obsidian45 comes with a .578×28 Piston.

Piston + Fixed Barrel Spacer – For use with fixed barrels, most commonly seen on .22lr platforms (in regards to handguns). The FBS (Fixed Barrel Spacer) replaces the spring in your booster system to replicate a fixed mount. When used with rimfire platforms the FBS also helps prevent additional lead and carbon build up within the suppressor.

Carbines, Subguns, etc. (Fixed Barrels)

Since the barrels on carbines and subguns are fixed in place, using them with a booster system can cause damage to the suppressor. (VSO Gun Channel did a video going into more detail of this, you can check that out here.) To prevent damage to your suppressor and firearm, you’ll need to use one of the following suppressor attachments when using a fixed barrel:

Piston + Fixed Barrel Spacer – The FBS (Fixed Barrel Spacer) replaces the spring in your booster system to create a fixed mounting device. This is a good option if you already have pistons for handguns that are the same thread pitch as subguns/carbines you plan to suppress. When used with rimfire platforms, the FBS also helps prevent additional lead and carbon build up.
Metric and .578×28 pistons are designed to seat on the muzzle of the barrel. If you have a barrel with a traditional 90° shoulder, the shoulder can prevent metric and .578×28 pistons from seating properly on the muzzle. A fixed mount should be used in this scenario to avoid improper alignment.

Fixed Mount – The Fixed Mount works as a stand alone mounting option (it does not use a Fixed Barrel Spacer). The Fixed Mount is designed to align with the barrel’s shoulder, making it a preferred mounting option when using a barrel with a traditional 90° shoulder. For installation, remove the booster system, and replace it with the Fixed Mount.

3 Lug Mount – The 3 Lug Mount allows the suppressor to be quickly attached/detached to your subgun/carbine. Our 3 Lug Mount is designed with tight tolerances to attach to HK spec 9mm male 3-lugs such as our 3 Lug Adapter. To install, remove the booster system and replace it with the 3 Lug Mount.

Obsidian Dual Taper Mount – This mount allows the Obsidian9 and Obsidian45 to be compatible with our Dual Taper Locking System quick detach mounts. It’s ideal for those who prefer a muzzle brake or flash hider on their 300BLK rifle or an M2 Brake with their 9mm PCC carbine.

Learn more about suppressor use, optimizing your firearms and find the best suppressor for you with our Suppressor Guide.