Thames Valley Guns
Tactical Rifles & Classic Firearm Restoration
Like the CZ452 this moderator was designed as a prototype only. The purpose of which was to experiment with integral moderator/rifle designs in a centerfire calibre. However, recently I have given considerable thought to improving the design and building a more efficient and simplified version of this rifle when funds become available.
The integral moderator is a hybrid, designed around a Australian M10A1 chassis, which itself is a copy of the British Enfield No4 rifle and utilises ports drilled into the barrel together with a moderator at the end of the barrel to obtain its outstanding performance.
7.62x39mm was chosen as the preferred calibre because the cartridge can be be modified to become subsonic. Whilst the rifle can fire standard ammunition, firing subsonic rounds reduced the attenuation to a very low level.
As a comparison I used the .45ACP DeLisle carbine for both accuracy and attenuation. The M10A1 was a very inaccurate rifle, which somewhat altered the rifles ability to compete effectively against the DeLisle.
The prototype M10A1 achieved its design targets with no failures and an enhanced performance against the DeLisle, effective range was doubled to 200yrds although I must admit I have yet to assess the effectiveness of subsonic ammunition at that range. Accuracy was similar to the DeLisle but this is due to the poor barrel of the M10A1 and I believe this can be improved upon substantially with a superior barrel. Attenuation was also improved upon and can be bettered even further with a more efficient moderator design. Lastly the moderator can be stripped with little or no training, something you could not do with a DeLisle which required specialised knowledge and tools.
The moderator can be easily stripped for cleaning but for safety reasons must not under any circumstances be fired without its moderator.
Attenuation Data
The following attenuation data was recorded using a Quest Technologies Industrial sound level meter.
Rifle: AIA M10A1, Calibre: 7.62x39mm
Without moderator, at the ear: 133.2dB(A), 1m 90° to muzzle: 132.9dB(A)
With moderator & S/S ammunition, at the ear: 110.4dB(A), 1m 90° to muzzle: 106.7dB(A)
The integral moderator is a hybrid, designed around a Australian M10A1 chassis, which itself is a copy of the British Enfield No4 rifle and utilises ports drilled into the barrel together with a moderator at the end of the barrel to obtain its outstanding performance.
7.62x39mm was chosen as the preferred calibre because the cartridge can be be modified to become subsonic. Whilst the rifle can fire standard ammunition, firing subsonic rounds reduced the attenuation to a very low level.
As a comparison I used the .45ACP DeLisle carbine for both accuracy and attenuation. The M10A1 was a very inaccurate rifle, which somewhat altered the rifles ability to compete effectively against the DeLisle.
The prototype M10A1 achieved its design targets with no failures and an enhanced performance against the DeLisle, effective range was doubled to 200yrds although I must admit I have yet to assess the effectiveness of subsonic ammunition at that range. Accuracy was similar to the DeLisle but this is due to the poor barrel of the M10A1 and I believe this can be improved upon substantially with a superior barrel. Attenuation was also improved upon and can be bettered even further with a more efficient moderator design. Lastly the moderator can be stripped with little or no training, something you could not do with a DeLisle which required specialised knowledge and tools.
The moderator can be easily stripped for cleaning but for safety reasons must not under any circumstances be fired without its moderator.
Attenuation Data
The following attenuation data was recorded using a Quest Technologies Industrial sound level meter.
Rifle: AIA M10A1, Calibre: 7.62x39mm
Without moderator, at the ear: 133.2dB(A), 1m 90° to muzzle: 132.9dB(A)
With moderator & S/S ammunition, at the ear: 110.4dB(A), 1m 90° to muzzle: 106.7dB(A)
