Your First Suppressor: Why a .30 Caliber Can is the Smart Choice

Entering the world of suppressors (or "cans" as they're often called) is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. With the removal of the $200 NFA tax stamp  wait times will go up and a flood of unproven options will emerge. Your first purchase needs to be versatile and proven. That's why a .30 caliber suppressor is an excellent starting point for most shooters.

Why Start with a .30 Cal Can?

A .30 cal suppressor is rated for bullets up to about .308" in diameter, which covers popular cartridges like .308 Winchester, .300 Blackout, 7.62x39, 6.5 Creedmoor, and even .300 Win Mag (depending on the model). Crucially, it can safely handle smaller calibers like 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington—the most common AR-15 round.

This versatility means one can quiets multiple rifles while you wait for approvals on dedicated ones. Dedicated 5.56 cans often sound slightly better on 5.56, but the difference is minor for most users, and you gain flexibility across your collection. Many shooters regret starting with a caliber-specific can because it limits options early on.

In 2026, with rising interest in multi-host setups (ARs, bolt guns, AKs, etc.), a solid .30 cal can punches above its weight as a "do-all" starter.

Four Strong Contenders for Your First .30 Cal Can

Here are four highly regarded options that balance performance, durability, and value. Q comes with it's own Plan B muzzle device, all others are HUB-compatible (1.375x24 threads) for popular mounts like KeyMo, direct thread, or Plan B.

• Otter Creek Labs Polonium 30
  Specs: ~5.8" long, ~13.5 oz (without mount), 17-4 stainless steel, full-auto rated up to .300 Norma Mag.
  Pros: Affordable, tough as nails, excellent flash reduction (great for night vision/low light), quick cooling due to ribbed design. PEW Science data shows strong performance on both .308 bolt guns and short-barreled 5.56.
  Best for: Budget-conscious hard-use shooters who want one can for everything. It's a "working man's" suppressor that overperforms for the price.
• B&T SRBS 7.62
  Specs: ~6.5-7" long (varies by mount), 13-18 oz (Inconel version; Ti lighter ~7-12 oz), 3D-printed weldless Inconel or titanium, full-auto rated.
  Pros: Reduced backpressure design minimizes gas to the face on semi-autos, excellent for AR platforms. Low flash, durable for high-volume fire.
  Best for: Gas gun users (AR-10, AR-15 in 5.56) who prioritize comfort and reliability over max sound reduction. Premium build from a respected Swiss brand.
• Q Speak Easy
  Specs: ~8.6" long, ~16 oz, all-stainless steel with Melonite finish, Quickie Fast-Attach (Cherry Bomb compatible), no barrel restrictions.
  Pros: Exceptionally quiet, especially on subsonic .300 Blackout—reviewers call it one of the quietest steel cans available. Rugged, great tone, and durable for supers or subs.
  Best for: Shooters focused on maximum sound suppression (hunting, home defense, .300 BLK SBRs). Q's taper mount is rock-solid and repeatable.
• CMMG ZEROED 30
  Specs: 6.5" long, weight ~14-16 oz (est.), 17-4 stainless steel with nitride finish, full-auto rated.
  Pros: Affordable in-house CMMG build, strong suppression in a compact package, easy to service/clean. HUB compatible with included direct threads.
  Best for: Value hunters wanting a no-frills, reliable can from a trusted AR brand. Great for .308 DMRs or .300 BLK builds.

Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

If I had to pick one for a first-time buyer in 2026, I'd lean toward the Otter Creek Labs Polonium 30. It hits the sweet spot: versatile, tough, affordable, and performs well across calibers without major compromises. Pair it with a good HUB mount, and you'll have a can that grows with your collection.

Whichever you choose, remember: suppressors are addictive. Your "first" won't be your last, but starting with a .30cal sets you up for success. Safe shooting, and enjoy the quiet side!