RECOIL Exclusive: The Gemtech 22QDA

Something brand-new that you'll be seeing at the 2017 NRA Annual Meeting is the 22QDA from Gemtech Silencers. You might have been expecting a suppressor (and you'll probably be hearing about some new ones from us in the coming days) but this is something a little different.

All of the common 22lr silencers on the American market today are direct-thread. If your suppressor is perpetually paired with one gun this isn't an issue, but swapping from gun to gun can be a bit of a PITA. This new offering from Gemtech is meant to make swapping much, much easier.

The 22QDA is a quick-disconnect conversion for .22lr and .22mag silencers. And while we're certain Gemtech would prefer that you use one of their cans, the 22QDA is compatible with any 22 silencer threaded in ½x28mm.

The complete kit comes with the adapter, muzzle device, and wrench.

The muzzle device itself looks very much like a three-lug mount, except that it sports four lugs. In truth we've often found ourselves referring to the 22QDA as the Gemtech 4-Lug mount. To install simply thread the male portion of the 22QDA into your 22 silencer of choice and do the same with the muzzle device with your host. We recommend using the wrench to tighten everything down snugly.

The muzzle device and 22QDA can only be mounted one way to ensure repeatability. Though both are marked, we found drawing a line with a paint pen expedites the process. To snap it on simply align, push down, and twist clockwise. It'll pop right into place after a 45° turn. After some practice it takes under a second to perform.

We tried several different combinations of guns and suppressors

Do note that some firearms will need a spacer installed for the muzzle device to shoulder correctly. You have several options to choose from, as this is a common issue.

The Gemtech 22QDA is rated for .22lr in any format and .22mag from rifles only–just because you have another silencer threaded in ½x28mm it doesn't mean that the 22QDA can be used with it. We're told initial MSRP will be $130 for a complete kit with additional mounts available for $33.

You can visit Gemtech online here

@DM

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