Deciding between a monolithic core and a baffle stack suppressor is not an easy choice. Both offer distinct advantages over the other while reducing the acoustic intensity of a gunshot.

If you are in the market for a suppressor, there are several things you need to consider before making your purchase. This post will discuss the main difference between a baffle stack and monolithic core suppressors and their pros and cons.

What Is a Suppressor and Why Should You Use It?

Suppressors operate by slowing down and interrupting the flow of exhaust gases that surround the bullet as it exits the muzzle.

There are numerous advantages to using a firearm suppressor, especially when you are hunting. This gun accessory can diminish muzzle blast, minimize recoil, increase accuracy, dampen gun noise, and ultimately reduce hearing damage.

Different shooters care more about specific criteria than other shooters because of their purpose and style. For example, a sniper would like flash reduction, quick detachment, and accuracy. In contrast, a machine gunner would like to have backpressure reduction and longevity.

Let’s see how the two types of suppressors hold up to your needs.

Monolithic Core

This suppressor has a single solid piece of metal holding together parts machined out and sometimes produced by casting. It consists of a series of baffles that are dispersed within the bore. The chambers are often set up so that gas transmission within the suppressor is slowed down.

Monolithic cores, also known as mono cores, are usually made from aluminum instead of titanium or steel to be lighter and easier for the machine to process. They are much simpler to make because they need less time and materials. Some units can be made using a CNC barrel threading machine to cut the metal pieces into their core.

Pros

• Cleaning is less difficult than with a baffle stack.
• Easy to disassemble and reassemble

Cons

• Aluminum is not as durable as steel because it is more prone to wear and tear.
• More susceptible to wear and tear.

Baffle Stack

Baffle stacks or stacked baffles are made from anywhere between six to nine cone-shaped baffles lined up to make the core. Each baffle has spaces between them where the gas can expand.

This type of suppressor is generally quieter since the increased surface area pulls the heat out the gases quicker. They are often made from steel and are known for their durability. They are harder to manufacture since the baffles need a straight alignment to prevent each unit from striking one another. There are numerous baffle designs available, including pig-nose, cone, slang, K-baffles, and M-baffles.

Pros

• Better at noise reduction and less First Round Pop.
• Can handle Magnum calibers without the need to increase its length.

Cons

• Harder to disassemble and piece together.
• It takes longer to clean than a mono core.

Selecting the Right Suppressor

Nowadays, it’s trickier to choose the right suppressor for your firearms because of the overwhelming number of options. Moreover, many gun owners usually have one thing in mind when it comes to suppressor --- sound suppression, wherein the quieter is often viewed as the better choice.

When evaluating a good can, there are several criteria you should also take into consideration, like weight, price, size, longevity, accuracy shift, back pressure reduction, flash reduction, and detachment speed. Often, you have to give up a few of these criteria to achieve the qualities you prefer in a suppressor.

Will you be able to beat 47 Meters Down with a gun? Read ”How to Beat 47 Meters Down” to learn more.