SILENCER SATURDAY #182: Old & New – SilencerCo Octane 45 Vs. Octane 45HD

Good afternoon everyone and thank you for joining us for another edition of TFB’s Silencer Saturday brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the YHM R9 multi-caliber suppressor. Last week we got a peek at the new SIG Sauer MODX-9 3D printed pistol caliber suppressor. This week we compare the SilencerCo Octane 45 with the original Octane 45HD. Can you go home again, even if your parents turned your room into a home gym? Let’s find out.

Editor’s Note: Much thanks to Silencer Shop for loaning me the SilencerCo Octane 45 for this review.

While the Liberty Mystic was my first suppressor purchase after finally moving to a free state, the then branded SWR Octane 45HD was one of my earliest additions (The SWR/SilencerCo buyout is a story for another episode). At the time, it was one of the top performing pistol suppressors on the market. Fast forward about eight years and SilencerCo has re-released the Octane line with some cosmetic changes and the addition of a indexed baffle stack. And last, but certainly not least, the Octane 45 has a very reasonable MSRP of $629 and an impressive $499 approximate street price.

While options like SilencerCo’s Omega 9K and 45K sport tubeless designs and higher pressure ratings, the Octane 45 still wins in the weight and overall suppression categories. It is an impressive achievement to have a long-lasting product at a lower price in such a dynamic market.

Sticking with my ‘no free lunch’ mantra when it comes to firearm suppressors, the Omega 45 is longer, made with an aluminum tube and lacks the modular features of some of the latest market additions. The aluminum tube means that cleaning takes a bit more elbow grease rather than harsh chemicals. It also means that supersonic rifle rounds are off the menu at any barrel length.

But a ~$500 full-size pistol suppressor with excellent performance is a rare treat for buyers. And while it’s not your typical modular system, the amount of pistons, mounts and muzzle device configurations makes the Octane 45 a promiscuous beast when it comes to potential hosts.

Let’s look at some numbers.

• Model: OCTANE 45
• Manufacturer’s Page:  https://silencerco.com/silencers/octane/
• User Manual: https://silencerco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Octane_Manual_web.pdf
• Calibers: 9MM TO 45 ACP & 300 BLK SUBSONIC
• Diameter: 1.40”
• Length: 8.5”
• Weight: 12.5 OZ
• Materials: Stainless Steel baffles, Aluminum tube
• Decibel metering: 9MM: 130.4 dB 45 ACP: 131.8 dB 300 BLK SUB: 133.5 dB
• MSRP: $624
• Buy @ Silencer Shop: $499 (local dealer pricing can vary)

Making that process easier, the new Octane 45 has indexed baffles that takes out the guesswork of reassembly in the same position after cleaning. Not only does this help with possible POI shifts, it also (theoretically) helps to maximize decibel reduction by properly aligning the baffle’s mouse holes. This is a nice upgrade from the original version.

Honestly, I’ve never had an issue with bullet impact shift on any of my suppressed pistols. Probably because I’m not that great of a shot.

With all the hot new models that have been released since the original SWR/SilencerCo Octane made its debut, mine has sat in the safe more than I’d like to admit. The Octane 45 is a great performing suppressor on pistols a carbines alike, with deep thumps when using subsonic ammunition. It has enough internal volume for impressive full auto suppression and the SiCo low profile three lug attachment is the perfect pairing for the H&K MP5 or MP5K.

On the H&K MK23, the Octane 45 held it’s own compared to the KAC can we reviewed a few weeks ago. It may have been slightly louder but it had a lower tone that was pleasant and smile-worthy. SilencerCo is one of only a few companies that make the M16x1 RH piston for the MK23.

Overall, the Octane 45 is an excellent performer with a seemingly endless amount of mounting options. It’s priced very competitively and has a proven track record. If you are interested in suppressing only 9mm, consider the Octane 9 as you will probably hear a slight bit of difference with the smaller bore.

I have spent more than $500 on lesser performing silencers; you honestly can’t go wrong with the Octane 45.

Have a great week. Be safe, have fun and we’ll see you back here next weekend for another Silencer Saturday.