Another thing I had a chance to try out while at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous this year was the Sub9 Suppressor from Rugged Suppressors. With the reduction of the Federal Tax Stamp to zero, there’s a lot of interest in suppressors, and they’re being sold in record numbers. While there are new companies popping up every day, there’s something to be said for companies that have been at this for a while, like Rugged.
The Rugged Suppressors Sub9 is optimized for short-barreled, pistol-caliber use. It uses coaxial chambers to deliver maximum sound suppression for submachine guns and pistol caliber carbines, while maintaining low blowback. At just 6.8 inches long and 14.1 ounces in weight, it’s compact and lightweight. This makes it perfect for subgun and PDW-sized platforms.
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The suppressor comes equipped with the Rugged Universal 3 Lug Mount. That’s a taper lock design that’s compatible with all HK spec 3-lug adapters. The Sub9 also features HUB/universal 1.375×24 threading. That allows it to work with the Rugged Universal Mount as well as other standard threaded mounting systems.
While optimized for subguns, the full range of calibers that the Sub9 is rated for is 9mm, .300 BLK, 8.6 BLK, 350 Legend, 9x39mm, .357 Magnum, and .38 Special. That’s a lot of versatility out of a fairly compact can. The .357 and .38 mentions are a direct nod to all of the newer lever guns with threaded barrels, I’m sure. Suppressed lever guns are fun. I had a chance to shoot a couple of those at the Rendezvous as well.
Rugged placed the serialized engraving over the thickest stainless steel cross-section of the suppressor. That allows for faster and easier repairs if the unit is ever damaged beyond field service. That’s a nice touch, and something that a company that’s been around a while and has experience thinks of.
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Test Fire
Rugged had the SUB9 set up on a Zenith Firearm’s ZF-5 MP5 clone for testing. I think this one was actually converted to full auto, although I only fired it in semi-auto. That was an oversight on my part, especially since the SUB9 is, in fact, rated for full auto fire.
The balance on the ZF-5 was excellent thanks to the relatively short 6.8-inch length of the SUB9 and its 14.1 ounce weight. I’m not entirely sure what 9mm load Rugged was using, but the SUB9 was extremely quiet. I only ran about 3 magazines through, but it was enough to impress me.
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Long Term Testing
As a matter of fact, it impressed me enough that I arranged to get a Sub9 for longer-term testing at home. I have it mounted on the new Taurus RPC at the moment. However, I plan on trying it out on a variety of .300 Blackout, .350 Legend, and other 9mm platforms as well. I missed out on trying the MP5 clone on full auto, but I do have some FRT triggers on some of my personal guns. That should be close enough to see how the Sub9 will do on auto.
If you’re in the market for a 9mm suppressor for your PCC, the Rugged is definitely worth a look. It’s also a nice compact option for your .300 Blackout, 8.6 Blackout, or .350 Legend rifle or your .357 Mag lever gun as well.
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Specifications
| Length | 6.6″ without the RU3 mount, 6.8″ with the RU3 mount |
| Weight | 11.9 oz without the RU3 mount, 14.1 oz with the RU3 mount |
| Finish | High Temp Cerakote |
| Materials | 17-4 Stainless Steel baffles and tube; 17-4 Stainless Steel and hard coat anodized aluminum mount |
| Calibers | 9mm, .300 BLK, 8.6 BLK, 350 Legend, 9x39mm, .357 Magnum, .38 Special |
| MSRP | $950.00 |
Included: Rugged Universal 3 Lug Mount, 9mm front cap, Sub9™ suppressor, operator’s manual, Rugged Suppressors sticker, and multi-tools.
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