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J.B's 300 Whisper Projects
Top: SSK 300 Whisper AR-15 Upper
Bottom: SSK T/C Contender Carbine
Two Barrels, one SSK Silencer
Click for larger view of the above photos
SSK
Silencer after refinishing with
Brownell’s Teflon/Moly Oven Cured
Gun Finish, Matte Black, #083-048-801
J.B.'s Story,
Nearly two years ago (2001), I started
with a T/C Contender with a stock by Virgin Valley Custom Guns a Shillen
match stainless barrel by SSK and SSK Silencer. It took nine months to
complete the suppressor transfer. The folks at our BATF are not in much of a
hurry to complete the paperwork and issue Treasury stamps. Lessons learned;
their 120 day deadline starts when they cash our $200 checks. Somehow they
couldn’t find my check. So by the time that I was notified of my missing
check and was able to send them a replacement check, several extra months
were added to their turnaround deadline. Suggestion, if they don’t cash your
check within a couple of weeks of sending in your package, then get on the
phone with them and start trying to track your package.
A couple of weeks ago (April 2003) I added an AR-Upper in 300 Whisper from
SSK to my collection. I purchased the host Colt AR-15 SP-1 new 25 years ago
for $200. I upgraded the Colt’s trigger with a Jewel trigger. The trigger
assembly was fairly easy to install. It is a fabulous trigger; no creep,
very crisp, two-stage trigger. Both stages are independently adjustable for
pull weight. Stage one take-up is adjustable, and over-travel is adjustable.
One minor snag, the front pivot pin for
my old SP-1 lower has a different diameter than do modern ARs (Large Pivot
Lower), and they are not exactly concentric. Luckily DPMS makes an adapter
pin for around $5.
Scope is a Leupold LPS 3.5-14x50. Outstanding scope, but it is a bit high
powered for realistic subsonic 300 Whisper ranges. The AR-15 has
proven to be more accurate that the Contender. I am achieving consistent
subsonic 1/2 MOA accuracy using; Remington 221 Fireball brass, formed with
Hornady dies from SSK, Remington 7-1/2 primers, 9.84 grains of H110 and 240
grain Sierra MatchKings. COL is 2.250” to ensure proper cycling in the AR.
The suppressed Contender is very quiet. The suppressed AR is somewhat louder
due to the cycling noise. The spring noise in the butt-stock is quite
noticeable in suppressed mode. J.D. (SSK) makes a great suppressor, but it
is big and very heavy. The AR-15 loaded with a full 30-round magazine and
suppressor would be a challenge to carry around in the field for very long.
Note the adjustable gas port on the AR. Also note that J.D. included side
ports in the end of the Contender barrel, but not in the end of the AR
barrel. I need to call him and ask him about this difference. The
difference could be partially responsible for the noise level difference. It
might also be why the AR is more accurate than the Contender. I just don’t
know for sure.
Great Web site! I have studied it from top-to-bottom.
Thanks,
J.B.
Austin, TX
Quarterbore's Postscript: I wish to thank J.B. For taking the
time to send the photos and his story for everybody to see. Thanks for
the complement on my simple little website!
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