[SHOT 2025] Vietnam Vibes from IMC - HEL E4A Suppressor Clone

Matthew Moss
by Matthew Moss

The Vietnam War saw the US military experiment with a whole range of different technologies and weapons and small arms weren't left out of that. Not only did the US military adopt one of the finest service rifles ever developed but within just a couple of years of that adoption they began to explore how they could suppress it.


Enter the HEL series of suppressors, most famously the HEL E4A. The HEL features in some of the hardest images of the Vietnam War often being used by members of LRRP teams or Navy Seals.


While they were the most widely issued can in Vietnam original HEL suppressors aren't exactly 10 a penny and that's where International Milspec Company come in.

International Milspec Company have developed a clone of the HEL which externally looks exactly like the original while updating and improving the actual suppressor design inside.


Here's IMC’s run down on their HEL E4A clone:


  • Externally indistinguishable from the original, blueprinted off one of the few remaining originals
  • Precision manufactured, modern baffle stack for modern performance with the look of the original
  • Easy to use and setup on any 20" .625" pencil barrel
  • Parkerized & clear teflon coated heat treated carbon steel like the original
  • The Original M16 Reflex Suppressor
  • No BS Lifetime Warranty
  • Full Auto Rated


The suppressor is attached at the rear near the front sight post and then projects over the rifles's barrel. If you need an classic M16 to go with your new HEL then you're in luck because IMC are also producing their own M16A1 clones which incorporate their own semi-auto lower receiver and original period parts.

Find out more at www.intlmilco.com/HELE4A


Are you in the market for a Vietnam-era suppressor? Let us know your thoughts on the IMC HEL in the comments. Stay tuned, much more to come from SHOT 2025!

Matthew Moss
Matthew Moss

Managing Editor: TheFirearmBlog.com & Overt Defense.com. Matt is a British historian specialising in small arms development and military history. He has written several books and for a variety of publications in both the US and UK. Matt is also runs The Armourer's Bench, a video series on historically significant small arms. Here on TFB he covers product and current military small arms news. Reach Matt at: matt@thefirearmblog.com

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