The Return of Mike Pappas! - Shark Coast Podcast #60

Published on December 17, 2025
Duration: 61:13

This podcast episode features Mike Pappas, founder of Dead Air, discussing the company's history, product development, and industry trends. Key topics include the evolution of suppressor design from the Sparrow to the Mask, the impact of additive manufacturing, and insights into future product releases. Pappas also shares personal anecdotes about his automotive background and his approach to business and life.

Quick Summary

The Dead Air Sparrow was a pioneering rimfire suppressor designed for user-serviceability, featuring a unique clamshell design for easy disassembly and cleaning. This addressed a critical maintenance issue in early suppressors, setting a new standard for user-friendly firearm accessories.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Episode 60
  2. 00:33Guest Introduction: Mike Pappas (Dead Air)
  3. 01:45Shark Coast Tactical Birthday Bash
  4. 03:01Mike Pappas's Buick & Mechanic Background
  5. 05:33Mike Pappas's Military Vehicles
  6. 07:03Shot Show Travel & Business Moves
  7. 09:38Driving Through a Blizzard
  8. 10:45Dinner at Woody's on the Water
  9. 12:26Dead Air's New Year & Product Pipeline
  10. 13:27Ruger Suppressor Discussion (RXD/RXM)
  11. 14:08Mask X vs. Ruger Collaboration
  12. 15:10Additive vs. Traditional Suppressors
  13. 16:11History of Additive Suppressors
  14. 17:21The Role of Engineers in Product Development
  15. 18:21Future of Additive Companies
  16. 19:28AR-15 Market Analogy for Suppressors
  17. 20:26Navigating Industry Drama
  18. 21:11Internet vs. Real Life
  19. 22:35Industry Changes: No Stamp, Additive, ARs
  20. 24:39Upcoming Dead Air Products (Tease)
  21. 25:37Can We Get a Hint About New Products?
  22. 27:04Product Predictions: Pyro X?
  23. 27:32Confirmed Upcoming Products (22, 5.56)
  24. 28:15Critique of Mike Pappas's Shot Show Travel
  25. 29:40Sandman X & Nomad Progression
  26. 30:32Predicted Fast Sellers: 9mm & 5.56 Cans
  27. 31:26Mike Pappas's Family & Public Persona
  28. 34:51Desired New Products (Wolverine, Thermal Clip-on)
  29. 36:29Glock Gen 7 & Production Cuts
  30. 40:15Desire for New Firearms (Knights, K1/K2, FNC)
  31. 42:36First NFA Item: MAC 11/9
  32. 44:04Tech 9 & KG9 Collection
  33. 44:45Ruger P89DC & BMP1 Comparison
  34. 45:49Florida Weather & Swamp Ass
  35. 46:49Skunk Ape Myth
  36. 48:31Forced Reset Triggers Discussion
  37. 51:17Rep Training & NDAs
  38. 52:10Distributor Stealing Designs
  39. 53:00Mike Pappas's Florida Plans
  40. 53:10Dead Air at Shark Coast Tactical
  41. 53:45Origin of the Dead Air Sparrow
  42. 57:06Sparrow to Mask Evolution
  43. 59:29Dead Air Product History (Sandman, Nomad)
  44. 60:16Appreciation & Future Interviews
  45. 60:28Outro & Social Media Promotion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Dead Air Sparrow suppressor?

The Dead Air Sparrow was a groundbreaking rimfire suppressor designed with user-serviceability as a key feature. Its innovative clamshell design allowed for easy disassembly and cleaning, addressing a major pain point with earlier suppressors that tended to clog and require professional servicing.

How does additive manufacturing impact suppressor production?

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, offers significant advantages for suppressor production, including straighter construction and greater design flexibility compared to traditional welding. It's a technology that is rapidly evolving and is expected to become the primary method for manufacturing suppressors in the future.

What are the key differences between the Dead Air Sparrow and the Dead Air Mask?

While both are user-serviceable, the Sparrow was initially designed for rifles and prioritized ease of maintenance. The Mask, however, focuses on superior sound suppression for both handguns and rifles, incorporating features like shielded baffles and standoffs to manage carbon buildup while maintaining ease of disassembly.

What is Mike Pappas's background before Dead Air?

Before co-founding SilencerCo and later being involved with Dead Air, Mike Pappas worked as a mechanic and managed a gun store called 'Get Some' in Salt Lake City. This hands-on experience in mechanics and the firearms retail environment provided a strong foundation for his work in suppressor development.

What are the anticipated impacts of the removal of the NFA tax stamp for suppressors?

The removal of the $200 NFA tax stamp for suppressors is expected to provide a positive, albeit not drastically life-changing, boost to the silencer market. It will likely lead to a short-term increase in demand and a slightly higher 'new normal' for suppressor sales.

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