The Quietest and Most Satisfying Round We Have Ever Shot

Published on August 20, 2023
Duration: 21:04

Garand Thumb provides an expert-level review of the 8.6 Blackout cartridge and the Q 'The Fix' rifle. He details the cartridge's design, emphasizing its heavy subsonic projectile performance and quiet operation, comparing it favorably to 300 Blackout. The review highlights the rifle's lightweight chassis and suitability for specific tactical roles, backed by detailed ballistic gel testing and sound analysis.

Quick Summary

Garand Thumb evaluates the 8.6 Blackout cartridge and Q 'The Fix' rifle, highlighting the cartridge's powerful, quiet subsonic performance derived from a 6.5 Creedmoor parent case and fast twist rate. The lightweight rifle is ideal for specialized tactical roles, offering superior signature reduction and terminal ballistics compared to 300 Blackout.

Chapters

  1. 00:46Introducing 8.6 Blackout
  2. 03:328.6 Blackout Technical Design
  3. 05:25Q 'Fix' Rifle Overview
  4. 06:24Sound and Signature Testing
  5. 08:20Ballistic Gel Performance
  6. 14:18Signature Reduction Use Case

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 8.6 Blackout cartridge unique?

The 8.6 Blackout is unique due to its heavy subsonic projectile, derived from a shortened 6.5 Creedmoor case, designed for exceptional quietness and significant kinetic energy. It uses a fast 1:3 twist rate to stabilize heavy .338 projectiles, offering '300 Blackout on steroids' performance.

How quiet is the 8.6 Blackout when suppressed?

When suppressed, the 8.6 Blackout subsonic round registers approximately 114 dB. This, combined with minimal flash and heat, makes it one of the quietest and most stealthy large-bore options currently available for tactical applications.

What is the Q 'The Fix' rifle designed for?

The Q 'The Fix' rifle, featured with a 12-inch barrel, is a lightweight (5.3 lbs) platform purpose-built for urban environments or short-to-medium range Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) roles. It excels in low-signature, high-impact engagements.

How does the 8.6 Blackout perform in ballistic gel tests?

In ballistic gel tests, the 8.6 Blackout subsonic round, particularly the 280-grain variant, shows extreme penetration, often exceeding multiple gel blocks. Its high rotational energy causes the projectile to 'flower,' creating substantial permanent wound cavities.

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