PTR's new titanium suppressor uses 3D-printed porosity — first look

PTR has rolled out the Vent 1 suppressor, a titanium can built with 3D-printed "purposely induced porosity" internals, and TFB's Silencer Saturday series just posted a first-look at the design ahead of full testing.

Key points

• The tech: The Vent 1 uses additive manufacturing to create varying porosity levels inside the suppressor, controlling gas flow in a way traditional machining can't replicate, according to TFB.
• Maintenance matters: PTR's manual calls for light cleaning every 1,500 rounds and deep cleaning every 5,000, using an ultrasonic cleaner and CAT 206 solution, since clogged pores hurt performance.
• Specs: Titanium construction, 12.3 ounces, 8.7 inches long, 1.75 inches in diameter, with an MSRP of $1,499.
• Early range time: TFB's author mounted it on a PTR91 and reported less sparking than another brand-new titanium can tested alongside it, though a round stuck in the chamber during initial dirty, wet-weather testing.
• More testing ahead: The author plans further runs with proven ammo and possibly on a Brownells BRN10 before drawing performance conclusions.

Quick take

This is a preview, not a verdict, and TFB is upfront about that. The porosity concept is genuinely different from anything else on the suppressor market, but the maintenance demands and that one malfunction are worth watching before anyone drops $1,499 on faith. Suppressor shoppers should treat this as a design primer and wait for the follow-up testing before making a buying decision.

Read the full story: thefirearmblog.com