The AAC Tirant 45 is currently one of the best suppressors on the market. The 2011 and newer models are user-serviceable. Meaning, you can take them apart and clean the baffles. Among the top suppressors (or cans as we call them) for the .45 ACP, the Tirant is rivaled by the Silencro Osprey. The Osprey follows a non-traditional design in which the suppressor is not based on a cylinder like the Tirant. I looked at both before making a decision, and in the end, the Tirant was the one for me. I just couldn't buy a suppressor that I couldn't clean when the alternative was the same price and offered that ability. The specs and price between the two are very close. That being said, let's take a look at what the AAC Tirant really is: As you can see there isn't much to it. The parts are designed and precisely machined to provide the best possible sound and flash suppression. Let's take a look at each of the components:

1. Suppressor host: HK USP Compact
2. Suppressor host: HK Mark 23
3. Suppressor host: HK USP SD
4. Pistons in different thread pitches
5. Barrel thread protectors
6. Fixed barrel spacer
7. Piston recoil booster
8. Piston housing
9. Baffle stack (aluminum)
10. End cap removal tool
11. End cap
12. Suppressor tube (serialized part)

The 3 pistols shown are .45 and 9mm. Yes, you can shoot sub-calibers through a larger caliber suppressor. The pistons shown are for various barrel types. Mostly metric since the guns I primarily shoot are German. The thread protectors shown are not used much as the barrels in these guns are hardened after they are threaded. This makes the threads so hard the use of a thread protector is merely cosmetic.

The fixed barrel spacer is used for any gun that does not have a slide which cycles when fired. Examples would be the HK UMP, Ruger 22/45, or any bolt action rifle. The use of a piston recoil booster is necessary in all guns with a moving slide as it produces the extra pressure needed to cycle rounds.

The use of a recoil booster on a gun which does not require it puts unnecessary stress on the barrel threads. Over time, they may become stripped due to the extra tension provided by the recoil booster. The opposite is also true. If you use a fixed barrel spacer on a gun that requires a booster, the gun may not cycle properly. Usually it produces malfunctions like failure to eject, stovepipes, or feeding errors.

The piston housing is made from stainless steel and holds both the piston and booster/barrel spacer. It is the heaviest part of the suppressor and also gets dirty very quickly.

The baffle stack is made from aluminum, except for the first baffle which is stainless steel. The first baffle commonly called the "blast baffle" as it takes the most abuse and is first in line when the bullet comes down the barrel. It gets considerably dirty and requires are good amount of scrubbing to come clean. Each baffle has a port as seen in the last 4 baffles of the stack. The first 5 have ports which are not seen in the photo because they are turned 90 degrees from the front-most ones to aid sound suppression.

The end cap must be removed with the AAC provided end cap removal tool. DO NOT try to open it with anything else as you will probably strip out or break the end cap.

The last part is the actual tube which is made from titanium. It should be wiped out as it does accumulate carbon from the baffle ports. It is the only part of the suppressor which contains the serial number.

Overall the Tirant 45 is a great choice. It can be shot wet or dry. Unlike some others it is hearing safe even when DRY. In addition to the sound suppression, the flash suppression is also second to none. I used this setup at a night shoot and the flash signature was completely hidden.

The downside... price. It retails for around $850. Not to mention the 5+ months to wait for the ATF to approve it and $200 more for the tax stamp. If you are in the market for a .45 suppressor you cannot go wrong with the Tirant. Here is a recap with some footage of me opening the Tirant to expose the baffles: