RF is on the prowl for a .45 ACP pistol suppressor. Narrowing down the list, three cans came to mind: the Rugged Obsidian45, the Dead Air Ghost-M, and the Liberty Cosmic that I previously reviewed (and own). RF wants a modular can with a “K” or short configuration option, so the Liberty is out. As the Rugged clocks in at about $200 less via Silencer Shop than the Dead Air, we’re checking it out first . . .
Filled with interlocking, 17-4 PH Stainless Steel baffles, the Obsidian45’s hard coat anodized aluminum tube keeps weight to a minimum. While “k baffles” aren’t the most modern of suppressor baffle designs, they are known to be particularly quiet and low on first round pop.
In the case of the Obsidian, its K baffles seal together and make a tube within a tube. This keeps the inside of the outer tube — the suppressor’s body — clean of carbon and other deposits and allows the baffle stack to simply drop out for cleaning and service.
The booster assembly makes swapping pistons easy, allowing the user to mount the Obsidian on different host firearms with different muzzle threading. For fixed barrels, a simple aluminum sleeve replaces the booster spring, locking the mount solid. This is a much more cost-effective option for the owner than having to purchase a bunch of fixed mounts.
The Obsidian45 ships with a .45 front cap, but a cap bored for 9mm is also available. It may slightly cut down on sound volume when shooting the smaller diameter caliber.
I found the front cap to be easily removed by hand. However, that five-toothed gear pattern accepts the gear-shaped end of a booster piston, which can be used as a wrench if more leverage is needed.
The main reason to remove and re-install the front cap, though, isn’t for switching calibers but for switching the length of the Obsidian. Employing Rugged’s “ADAPT” technology, a section at the muzzle end of the Obsidian can be added or removed quickly and easily as desired. Then cap it off with the same front cap in either configuration.
In its full length the Obsidian45 is 8.6 inches long, and in K configuration it’s 6.7 inches long. On a scale that’s 12.8 ounces versus 10.7 ounces.
Obviously shorter and lighter is better. Well, in every way except sound suppression. So depending on the caliber, application, and use you’ll be choosing between maximum suppression and minimum weight and size. In any configuration you’re safely under the 140 dB impulse noise “hearing safe” threshold in .45 ACP or 9mm on a pistol.
Full length — according to Rugged’s numbers — the Obsidian45 meters in at approximately 129.3 dB with .45 ACP. This makes it one of the very quietest .45 cans available. It’s about 123.7 dB with 9mm, which is also a class-leading figure.
In K configuration, the numbers change to about 137.6 dB (.45 ACP) and 130.4 dB (9mm). The Obsidian can also be shot “wet” — with a splash of water or other ablative, such as ultrasound gel, inside — for a temporary further sound reduction of somewhere around 5 dB.
Thanks to those strong, sealed 17-4 baffles the Obsidian45 can also handle subsonic 300 Blackout. Unfortunately I didn’t have a 5/8×24 piston to try it out.
However, the GLOCK seen in the photos here is rocking a Lone Wolf slide (that camo pattern is laser engraved into the stainless steel slide, by the way) with a .460 Rowland conversion barrel, so I went ahead and shot a magazine of Underwood .460 Rowland through the Obsidian as well as a whole bunch of .45 ACP. Plus a few hundred rounds of 9mm through the CZ P-10 C Suppressor-Ready.
Despite over 1,000 ft-lbs of energy from the Rowland, the Obsidian (which isn’t rated for .460 so don’t do this at home) ran smooth and suppressed great. No warranty call needed — or even close — though Rugged actually does warranty stupid.
They were also smart to serialize the thickest, most durable, least likely to be damaged part of the suppressor. Should you fire this thing on your .338 Lapua SBR and pop the tube like a balloon, for instance, or run over it with your deuce and a half, Rugged can replace nearly every component on and it send it back to you with the same serial number. Repaired, not replaced.
Compared to my Liberty Cosmic (two photos up), the Obsidian45 (above) in full length configuration is within a fraction of an inch of the same length (slightly shorter) and a fraction of an ounce of the same weight (slightly heavier). There’s less weight at the muzzle end of the Cosmic, but the difference is minor when shooting.
And, of course, the Cosmic offers no shorter or lighter configuration option as does the Obsidian. For me, it made up for that in caliber compatibility: the Cosmic is explicitly rated for at least 66 calibers all the way up to and including .458 SOCOM.
But if this is a dedicated pistol caliber can — and in RF’s case it will live on his B&T APC45 in K config or maybe on his FNX-45 Tactical when it isn’t temporarily on review guns — the modularity of the Obsidian is a big advantage. Shoot it in full length on the range and when plinking with friends, and run it in K config for night stand use, PDW trunk gun use, etc.
Shooting the Obsidian45 back-to-back against my Cosmic, it was difficult to discern a sound level difference. Especially on .45 ACP. If I were pressed, I’d give a slight nod to the Obsidian, which I think was just ever so slightly quieter though maybe ever so slightly higher pitched. That’s just one man’s subjective opinion, though, and they’re so freaking close I’m more comfortable calling it a wash.
On 9mm, I feel the Cosmic was slightly quieter and deeper toned. Not by much in either case, mind you, but enough that I’m fairly confident calling it in the Cosmic’s favor. Then again, since day one with the Cosmic I’ve been surprised by just how shockingly quiet it is on 9mm.
Typically you expect more sound volume than with a dedicated 9mm can due to the .45 bore catching less gas, but the darn thing is at least as quiet as my Mystic X. I can’t explain it, but it’s just weirdly amazing on 9mm. Still, the Obsidian more than holds its own compared to your average .45 ACP suppressor shooting 9mm.
On the downside, the Obsidian45 in K configuration exhibits noticeable first round pop on both .45 and 9mm. In full length flavor it’s more muted but still clearly there. More FRP than I expected, given the design, but nothing to complain about. On the plus side, the modular design and drop-out-the-front baffle stack makes adding a dab of ultrasound gel really easy.
Next up we’ll get our hands on the Dead Air Ghost-M, but I’m skeptical that it’s capable of outperforming the Obsidian45. Let alone outperforming by enough to warrant the extra $200.
In fact, I’m comfortable calling the Obsidian45 the best .45 ACP pistol suppressor on the market today. If it isn’t the best, it’s tied for best. At least if your focus is pistol rounds. Good job, Rugged, I think RF has an Obsidian45 in his future.
Specifications: Rugged Suppressors Obsidian45
Caliber: Full-auto rated for pistol calibers up to .45 ACP. Also rated for 300 BLK subsonic.
Diameter: 1.37″
Length Full Config: 8.6″
Length K Config: 6.7″
Weight Full Config: 12.8 oz
Weight K Config: 10.7 oz
Finish: hard coat anodized and cerakote
Materials: 17-4 PH Stainless Steel baffles, aluminum tube, 17-4 PH Stainless Steel mount
Includes: .578×28 piston, .45 front cap, owner’s manual, Obsidian logo sticker
MSRP: $850 (about $654 via Silencer Shop)
Ratings (out of five stars):
Suppression * * * * *
It’s about the quietest .45 ACP suppressor available, and certainly strikes a great balance between size, weight, and suppression level. Rugged ensured it meters as hearing safe even in K config on .45 ACP, which was the right choice.
Utility * * * * *
Two suppressors in one — long and short — with the ability to shoot most pistol rounds through it and disassemble it for easy cleaning. With a very simple and inexpensive system it can be converted to fixed mount for use on pistol caliber carbines and other firearms with fixed barrels.
Overall * * * * *
Unless you’re seeking ultimate caliber handling utility, which is the Liberty Cosmic’s ace in the hole, the Rugged Suppressors Obsidian45 is arguably the best .45 ACP pistol suppressor available today. And why buy a 9mm can when a well-designed .45 one like the Obsidian45 is so dang quiet on 9mm, too?
Nice cans Jeremy.
Really. What a piece of shit article. This is not why I come to this forum.
Woah! What is with the hostility?? If there is something wrong with the article maybe offer some suggestions instead of being a dick. That advice will serve you well in life in general… something tells me you need all the help you can get.
BlazinTheAmazin and your gunna school me on being a dick.
Priceless!
I’ve got a lil parable for you Greg 😉
If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole.
If you run into assholes all day, YOU”RE the asshole.
May you never have to suffer such a horrible fate as having to read another well written suppressor review.
You don’t come to this forum to learn about firearms and firearm accessories? Then I don’t care why your here and I certainly don’t care that you don’t like this. A suppressor is likely my next major gun purchase and this is incredibly relevant information.
While you don’t have to shut your face I highly recommend it.
Ummmm…those aren’t K baffles.
You’re right, of course. Those are named because they’re sort of shaped like a letter K, which leaves them open to the suppressor tube. These newer baffle designs sort of invert the skirt on a K baffle so they create a sealed up inner tube. I’ve seen them referred to as M baffles, though those are often 2-piece, or as cone baffles (which is probably the correct term), or as various trademarked brand name terms. I admit I tend to think in terms of either fully welded or monocore or k baffle, and just view a stack of separate pieces as a k baffle core. As the performance and use and manufacturing is extremely similar or identical to that, with the only real meaningful difference being it seals off the inside of the tube, they’re just “sealed k baffles” in my brain haha. Sorry.
They’re not the only ones to get this wrong. Several manufacturers are using these “click-together” baffle stacks, and they all seem to think that they’re k baffles. That said, they operate similarly. So, maybe they think that without the sealing, click-togetherness, they might just “look” like k baffles?
That’s exactly why I tend to just call them sealing k baffles. With many of the designs, if the shroud were removed they would actually be legit k baffles, and the shroud is not functional other than to prevent the tube from getting dirty. Also, IMHO, if it “looks” like a k baffle then it is a k baffle. After all, they’re named that in the first place exclusively because of how they look.
Considering NFA items tend to be a lifetime purchase I would wait to test the Dead Air Ghost against it first. If the Ghost outperforms it in every way it is definitely worth the extra $200 (which I’m sure RF can afford).
Here is a link for the best price on the Obsidian at the moment:
https://www.gunsmidwest.com/rugged-obsidian-9-suppressor.html
Found the Ghost for about $700 so still about a $200 difference but if you wait for the sales I’m sure there will be some good ones for the Ghost.
I currently have a Dead Air Wolf in jail and in full size it absolutely purrs on my buddy’s full auto, post sample MP5.
FWIW I have shot the Ghost on a couple of occasions and was extremely impressed with its performance. I believe it to be a very equivalent suppressor to the Obsidian here. On paper they’re basically a wash for features, modularity, size, weight, sound, etc. If I were to give a nod to one vs the other at this point though it’s the Obsidian due to markedly lower cost and a stronger warranty. Plus, while I understand why Dead Air went with aluminum baffles in the modular extension section, I’m not a fan of it as it means I can’t throw them in my ultrasonic tank or otherwise clean them anywhere near as aggressively as I can stainless.
Not a single photo of the short configuration actually mounted? For such a thorough article, that seems kinda odd… Just saying.
More than half of the photos are of the short configuration actually mounted.
I’ll stick with my Osprey until/If wait times come down. There’s a shorty version of that can too btw.
Need to redo my NFA Trust before adding stuff to it anyway. Might as well get those addendums in order.
Also, a suppressor on a trunk gun…? You gotta be crazy.
Two of my truck guns are suppressed. And one of them is a suppressed SBR. They are good tools for the job. Why is this crazy?
He said “PDW trunk gun”, not “truck gun”. I dunno how y’all use words in Texas but in most places there’s a big difference there.
The latter, IMHO, is generally fine. The former is begging to be an “irresponsible gun owner of the day”.
Ahh..I see your point. I don’t fully understand the difference, but there definatley is one.
There is? What’s the difference? I don’t believe I have ever seen the terms parsed but I sure as sh*t have constantly seen them used not only interchangeably but all over the dang place written or spoken simultaneously as “trunk/truck gun,” i.e. two terms for the exact same thing.
Jeremy,
When someone says “trunk PDW”, I generally assume they are operating in a more urban environment, and I think that this is the gun they expect to get out of their vehicle, open up their trunk, grab and use in case of a shootout. I find the likelihood of that scenario, well, ridiculous. Put it behind your seat where you can grab it quickly, and that changes everything. In the trunk, its primary value is to whoever steals it.
When I think of a truck gun, I generally think of people like me, who use it mostly in a rural environment, with occasional (far too damn often in my case) trips into town. The gun is inside the cab and available for quick use, and probably has been used (a lot in my case) for hunting and varmint removal.
People often confuse my well armed truck as “ready for war”. In fact, it’s just ready to hunt.
Looks like I may need to pony up for one of these.
I’ve got a dedicated rifle can and one for .22, but hadn’t thought of one for pistol.
Eh, I’ll buy from a company who will be around in a year, and doesn’t treat people like $h!t
‘Eh, I’ll buy from a company who will be around in a year, and doesn’t treat people like $h!t’
🤔
Boy, that didn’t age well. 🤣
Rugged is still around.
Rugged has an unconditional warranty.
Rugged does 16 hour repair turn arounds.
For JS……..
I see the review was done with a slotted piston.
Use an unslotted piston (Rugged, Griffin Armament……) to noticably reduce blowback while shooting an Obsidian.
No thanks. I’d really prefer to buy from a company that will last, not some small shop you’ve never heard of. Plus the warranty is only as good as the company (in other words, if the company doesn’t last neither does your warranty). Final thought, wouldn’t be surprised if the ATF bans modular suppressors just they are about to do with slidefires. Too much risk all the way around
🤣
Still around, best warranty in the business, 2 day turnaround on warranty repairs, serialized section is the nearly indistructable 17-4 PH segment (ultra-repairable/no need for replacement, IE: ANOTHER tax stamp and wait), around the quietest cans available.
I purchased an Obsidian 45, will get a 7.62 Surge soon.
I just received my stamp and picked up my Obsidian 45 last weekend. It works perfectly. I used it on my Scorpion EVO3 pistol with Rugged’s fixed barrel spacer and the 9mm end cap. My neighbor thought I was shooting a pellet gun. That right there tells you how well it works. The suppression with subsonic ammunition is just simply amazing.
Now, for Rugged’s customer service. They are also amazing. I had seen that on other reviews, which is part of the reason why I went with the Obsidian 45. My first time using it, a bullet barely struck the 9mm end cap. It did not damage the baffles or the tube. I believe it was my fault, as the cap that tightens the piston into the suppressor was not completely tightened down. I discovered that it stuck a little on the piston, so although I thought it was tightened, it had a little to go. That slight play resulted in the bullet striking the end cap. After contacting Rugged, they sent me a new end cap, spring, and piston cap (the one that was sticking on the piston) free of charge within two days. Bottom line, their customer service is amazing and they stand behind their products. 5 stars all of the way around. For the product and the quality.
The Obsidian 45 is a great can! I usually don’t buy suppressors, I make my own but this was the exception. With cheap adapters from BlackHawk, I have used mine on everything. Mounted on MP5/40, MP5/10mm, MP5 9mm, USP Tactical, etc. Ready to get a second one!
…Looking forward to the review of that “.338 Lapua SBR”! 😉