The Hunt Backcountry Podcast · by Exo Mtn Gear

549 | Airlock Industries — Ultralight Hunting Suppressors

October 22, 2025·1 hr 24 min·5 clips

Danny explains how his suppressor's unique internal turbulence dramatically slows gases for superior sound suppression.

This episode of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast features host Matt and guest Danny, founder of Airlock Industries, discussing his new ultralight hunting suppressor. Danny is a backcountry hunter who used his family's industrial CNC equipment to initially build his own suppressor during COVID due to long wait times for commercial models. He identified a market gap for a suppressor specifically engineered for backcountry hunting rather than general or multi-role use. Danny explains he created his first personal titanium suppressor via an ATF Form 1, which weighed only 6.5 ounces. He observed that many commercial "hunting" suppressors were overbuilt with features like full-auto ratings, adding unnecessary weight. The Airlock suppressor is designed for low round counts and prioritizes extreme weight reduction and sound performance, not for high-volume shooting like on an AR platform. Internally, the suppressor uses a patented 3D-printed titanium structure that maximizes turbulence to slow and cool gases efficiently, enhancing sound suppression and reducing recoil impulse. A key insight is that 3D printing allows for complex internal geometries, like bone-like structures, which increase strength while minimizing weight. Danny conducted destructive testing by rapidly firing boxes of ammunition through a 16-inch 6.5 PRC rifle to validate durability under worst-case field scenarios. The suppressor heats up quickly due to its low mass but also cools rapidly, a trade-off acceptable for its hunting-specific use case. He kept the design simple with a direct-thread mount to avoid added weight and potential failure points from interchangeable parts like hub adapters or muzzle brakes. The tone is conversational and deeply technical, focusing on engineering principles, material science, and practical hunting applications. Listeners interested in firearm accessories, suppressor technology, and ultralight hunting gear will find this episode compelling due to its detailed breakdown of innovative design and testing. Those seeking information on multi-role suppressors for tactical or high-volume shooting might find the discussion too narrowly focused on specialized hunting use.

As heard by us

A backcountry suppressor conversation that treats simplicity as an intentional design choice.

This episode follows Danny from Airlock Industries and a lightweight hunting suppressor built for backcountry use, not as a broad all-purpose tool.

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Why you'd press play

If you care about lightweight hunting suppressors, direct-thread mounts, and backcountry rifle setups, this one stays on point.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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