Smith Enterprise Upgrades Battle-Worn Sound Suppressors for Silver Star Recipient in the 82nd Airborne

 

Tempe, AZ

Smith Enterprise, Inc received a phone call from Silver Star recipient 1SG Michael Onstine of the 2-505^th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) in June of this year.  He told Smith Enterprise, Inc. that he had in his possession some battle-worn Wind Talker Sound Suppressors made by Smith Enterprise from 2004 and wondered if there was anything Smith Enterprise could do to help clean them up.  Not only did Smith Enterprise clean them up, but they replaced all of the baffles inside with the new SEI Cone Baffle system as well as replace the coupler, the end cap, and the Vortex flash hider it mounts on.  Smith also gave the suppressors a new paint job to MILSPEC standards.

The only thing remaining on the original Sound Suppressor was the tube itself.  Everything else got replaced.  1SG Onstine and his men were pleased to have the four Sound Suppressor back in mint condition with the latest upgrades.

The Sound Suppressors were originally sent to the 2^nd Infantry Division (2 ID) in Korea back in 2004.  At that time the 2 ID ordered a total of 110 M14 Wind Talker Sound Suppressors along with 110 of Smith’s M14 Crazy Horse upgrade kit which consisted of Smith Vortex Flash Hiders, mounts, rails, bipods, scope rings, gas lock front sites, upgraded heat treated barrels, extended bolt stop, and a long list of other parts.  Right after the upgraded Crazy Horse rifles arrived in Korea, the 2 ID deployed to Iraq.  Those suppressors stayed in Iraq transferring from unit to unit until the 2-505^th PIR redeployed this past year.  That is when Smith got the call from 1SG Onstine with the 2-505^th.

The 2-505^th PIR is part of the elite 82^nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, NC.  The 82^nd Airborne is one of the main light infantry divisions in the US Army with an ongoing mission to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.  The 82^nd Airborne also conducts rotations overseas as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  It was during one of these rotations where 1SG Onstine received the Silver Star.  1SG Onstine received the Silver Star for valor during Operation RUSTUM as part of Operation IRAQ FREEDOM near Baghdad, Iraq in 2007.  1SG Onstine braved through multiple fire fights while severely wounded ensuring his men got out safely before he allowed himself to be evacuated.  He also acted bravely and selflessly multiple times to ensure his platoon escaped against overwhelming enemy numbers.  You can read more about 1SG Onstine here at MilitaryTimes.com.

When Ron Smith, President of Smith Enterprise was asked about this he stated, “This is a no brainer.  For what 1SG Onstine did for his men and this country, the LEAST we could do was get their suppressors upgraded for them.  These Sound Suppressors they have are quite the find.  Imagine how many battles they went through over the last 9 years?  There must have easily been tens of thousands of rounds fired through them and many of fine fighting men must have taken these suppressors on and off their rifles over the years.  They were in as good a shape as when we first sent them off, just needed to have the carbon cleaned off.  We wanted 1SG and his men to have our new light weight coupler, our new baffles, our new end cap, and our new Vortex.  We want these heroes to have the best we have to offer them.”

Smith Enterprise currently sells the Wind Talker Sound Suppressor to both the military and civilian markets.  Smith Enterprise also sells the Vortex Flash Hider, the Good Iron Muzzle Brake, M14 Accessories, AR15 Wrench, and several other weapon accessories and upgrades.

Smith Enterprise is also available on the Smith Enterprise, Inc. Facebook, Smith Enterprise, Inc. Twitter, Smith Enterprise, Inc. Youtube, Smith Enterprise, Inc. Googe Plus, and Smith Enterprise, Inc. Blog.

Smith Enterprise Releases an Improved Flash Hider Model for the M14

M14 Flash Hider

Smith Enterprise is rolling out with a new M14 flash hider model called the G6A3 M14 Vortex Flash Hider.  The flash hider consists of an external thread designed to mitigate carbon buildup when a Wind Talker sound suppressor is installed.  With these new external flash hider threads, the user can easily unscrew the Wind Talker sound suppressor with ease – even after thousands of rounds have been fired.

While Smith Enterprise already makes an AR15 flash hider with an external thread feature for its AR15 flash hider model (also compatible with the M16 and M4).  Applying this flash hider technology to the M14 is the next step.  Smith Enterprise is the leading provider of M14 upgrades in the country, and a quick search on Google shows that Smith Enterprise makes the best flash hider.  Smith Enterprise makes mounts, bipods, scope rings, flash hiders, muzzle brakes, sound suppressors, slings, front sights, rear sights, trigger assemblies, cheek pads, bolt stops, and several other premium parts for theM14.

When Ron Smith was asked about this new product, he stated: “This is just the beginning.  We have many more innovations to come.  We have new technologies for flash hiders, sound suppressors, and other accessories.  This M14 improvement is important right now because so many people are interested in M14s and we want to take care of our customers.”

Smith Enterprise also rebuilds M14 rifles into the “M14Crazy Horse”.  The upgrade features a multitude of changes and upgrades making an already good rifle into a premium collector’s item that is very accurate and lasts a lifetime.  The new Crazy Horse builds will include the G6A3 M14 Vortex Flash Hider model.  Customers can still select the old G6A2 model if they prefer.

Smith Enterprise will extend this new G6A3 external thread flash hider technology to all its Vortex flash hider models eventually, but not until they are ready for release.

SEI Receives Scope Mount Award From DOD

SEI is proud to announce it was awarded a contract for 66 each of our M4/M16 Carry Handle Scope Mount (PN 1037).  The award number is SPM7L4-13-V-1984.  Military customers can purchase this item by ordering NSN 1005-01-534-8696.

SEI's other NSNs can be found below:
1005-01-506-5750 - M14 5 Inch Scope Mount (2006)
5120-01-512-4959 - M4/M16 Armorers Wrench (1035)
1005-01-600-8577 - MK48/M240 Vortex Flash Hider (1041V)
1005-01-591-5825 - M4/M16/M249 Vortex Flash Hider (1001V)
1005-01-603-1401 - .50 Cal Vortex Flash Hider (6021)
1005-01-535-4385 - Scope Ring (7010)
1005-01-535-4374 - Scope Ring (7008)
1005-01-535-4423 - Scope Ring (7018)
1005-01-535-4417 - Scope Ring (7002)
1005-01-535-4395 - Scope Ring (7003)
1005-01-535-4430 - M14 ACOG Scope Mount (2005)
5855-01-506-5750 - M14 Scope Mount (2006)
1005-01-533-8160 - M14 Extended Scope Mount (2008)
1005-01-534-8696 - M4/M16 Carrying Handle Mount (1037)
1005-00-790-8766 - M14 Gas Cylinder (2070)

SSgt Charles Freeman from 26th ERQS USMC Sends Us Pictures

We got the below email from SSgt Charles Freeman who we sent Vortex Flash Hiders to.  He is really kind to us and we thank him.  Also please check out these pictures!

Hey Andy

      Here are just a few pics zoom in and you can see the vortex's we have more pics and video but we're crazy busy so ill get those to you as soon as I find time. Also that package with free gouge in it got buried by other [stuff] we had to ship out but you'll get it here in a few days.

P.S.  The flash hiders are [really] awesome

V/r

SSgt Charles Freeman

26th ERQS/MEDEVAC

David Winters of USSOCOM Sent us a Pics of the SEI Vortex and Wounded Warriors

Here is the email that Dave sent our Federal Supply Coordinator John Bainer:

John,

Hope all is well with SE!  I took some time and took pics of our Black Dagger M4s with your SE flash hiders (they work great).

I also added a pic of our SOF Memorial (10-11-11) and some SOF heroes.  Thought you would enjoy!

http://blackdaggermhc.org/


Dave

Here are the pictures Dave sent showing our Vortex and also some of our heroes:

Experienced Security Trainer Gives the Good Iron Muzzle Brake Rave Reviews

We recently were sent a video about our M4/M16 Good Iron Muzzle Brake from Steve Cooper from Paladin Training...  We appreciate email like this and hope you enjoy watching the video.

Here is the email:

Sir or Madame,

I recently installed an SE muzzle brake on a 16” 5.56 AR and wanted you to know how pleased I am with the way it performs.  Muzzle rise and felt recoil are noticeably dampened, but w/o any apparent increase in sound or back/side blast to my surprise.  Everyone comments that it’s the least obnoxious brake they’ve seen.

 You might be interested in a video of the brake in use here:  http://contour.com/stories/urban-break-contact-carbine-class-test-run-paladin-training-inc

I rarely write letters of this sort, but then I’m rarely 100% satisfied with what I buy these days, as I am w/ your muzzle brake.

Thank you.

Steve Cooper, Director of Training

Paladin Training, Inc.

Some Close Up Pictures of our M4 Blank Firing Adapter (BFA) P/N 1015

Here are some pictures of our BFA for the M4 mounted on a Vortex P/N 1001V.  This BFA is the most effective and has been hardened to combat specifications.  It is way better than the GI Issue BFA.  This BFA will fit on the GI Issue bird cage as well as the SEI Vortex for the M4/M16 (P/N 1001V).  There are several different angles to give you a better idea of what it looks like.

 

 

Go to GSA Advantage or to Brownells to order.



Some More Close Up Pictures of Our M4 P/N 1001V Vortex Flash Elminator

Here are some more pictures of our tried and true Vortex Flash Eliminator for the M4 Carbine.  It also fits on the M16 and AR15.

Some More Close Up Pictures of Our M4 P/N 1002 Good Iron Muzzle Brake

Here are some more pictures of our tried and true Good Iron Muzzle Brake for the M4 Carbine.  It also fits on the M16 and AR15.

Andy Shoots the New 5.56 mm Wind Talker Prototype

This sound suppressor is the 1080 LW version of our new 5.56 mm prototype. It includes a new internal baffling system. As we continue to test these and make upgrades and changes we will post videos so you can see the progress. We are very happy with how this Wind Talker is improving.

In both instances we are shooting M4 5.56 mm 62 Gr. Green Tip Supersonic Ammo. The barrel is a 16 inch barrel. The first set of rounds is unsuppressed and the second set is suppressed.

Acworth Police Officer Steve Baughman Reviews the SEI Good Iron Muzzle Brake

SEI's good friend Steve Baughman was kind enough to write a review of our Good Iron Muzzle Brake for the 6.5 Grendel.  He is a Police Officer with the Acworth Police Department and a Certified Firearms Trainer.  Below is his review published with permission.  Also, you can see some pictures of A.C.E. Sergeant Michael Taylor (Steve's fellow officer) above and below.  Doesn't this make you want a Good Iron for your Grendel or M4?

I recently had the opportunity to test out the Smith Enterprises “Good Iron” Muzzle Brake in conjunction with a 6.5 Grendel rifle evaluation.  The rifle was equipped with a 12.5-inch barrel, and was mounted on a select-fire (semi/full) lower receiver group and was set-up primarily for LE patrol/duty use.  Besides the Smith brake, a Gemtec HVT Suppressor was also utilized during several range outings.  Ammunition used included Black Hills, Wolf, and Hornady.  

During our range and training exercises to date, we’ve found the Smith Good Iron muzzle brake improved the rifle’s performance from the shooters perspective by reducing felt recoil, and more significantly, muzzle climb.  This was readily apparent, especially during rapid-fire and full-auto shooting.  We found the rifle somewhat louder while using the brake, but believe the reduction in muzzle climb is worth enduring some additional noise under most circumstances.  The upward and side vents in the brake certainly helped deflect and direct muzzle blast to assist the shooter getting back on target quickly after each shot.  Although the 6.5 Grendel is significantly more powerful than 5.56 M4’s our department currently carries, the muzzle brake allowed the gun to be very controllable on full auto.  

We are still evaluating the use of the brake for CQB with the short barrel, and are also running drills with the suppressor.  Overall, the Smith Good Iron is a robust muzzle brake and well thought out in its design.  Most importantly, it works and works very well.   

Ofc Steve Baughman

Acworth Police Dept

Firearms Training Unit

Acworth, GA 30101

John Bell Commends SEI for Our Products

Subject: What a product

Dear Ron

I recently purchased four vortex flash suppressors for the following guns. A 16in barreled Rock river patrol carbine, a Ruger 13in barreled Ac556F, A 10in barreled Ar15 9mm and a 9in barreled Keltec SU16d. Here are the results.

16in rock river .556 patrol carbine- no flash in total darkness
10in ar15 9mm- same as above
13in barreled Ac556F- unbelieveable absolutely no flash. (this gun was always a flame thrower)
9in. keltec .556 SBR just a hint of flash, almost like the flick of a lighter. This gun was like a light show before your suppressor.

The results were so good had I had not seen it for myself, I would have found it hard to believe.

Thanks for the great product and for the support that you give our troops. Its a pleasure to do business with you.

Yours truly,
John Bell

SEI Vortex Comparison on an M16

SEI Vortex Comparison on an M16 - with and without Vortex.  The difference is pretty clear.

Brownells Tests SEI Vortex Flash Suppressors

This is a nice video down by Brownells showing the effectiveness of the SEI Vortex on an M16.

SEI Vortex on AR15 in Action

Nice video of an AR15 with the SEI Vortex Flash Hider. Flash Hider is known for improving accuracy.

SEI Vortex Flash Suppressor Beats the Competition Again

These guys did a great comparison. Yet one more comparison where SEI's Vortex outshines the rest.

M4s Tearing it up with the SEI Vortex

These guys tear up the range using our SEI Vortex. Excellent videos.

SEI Gets Feedback from 1-508 PIR from Theater

Rec’d December 29, 2009
Subject: Paratroopers in Afghanistan

Hello and greetings from Afghanistan. My name is SGT Jordan Downs. I am in the 82nd Airborne Division. My Assault Platoon of Airborne Infantrymen and I are at a very (VERY) remote outpost in the Southern Afghanistan. At our small base, we do not have running water or plumbing, and electricity is very limited. We do, however, fly our US Flag with pride.

We survive off of MREs, water, and whenever we can (and their supplies allow), the food prepared by the Afghan National Army or local villagers. The district center here is extremely poor, even without the means to produce the lifeblood of the traditional Afghan meal – "foot" bread.

Morale here is good. I give my guys a lot of credit given the lack of supplies – emergency resupply of diesel fuel is continuously denied - and the rigorous patrol schedule required keeping the bad guys out of the area as much as possible. You can imagine that if we have such a hard time getting fuel what the response from "higher" is like when we request food items or anything to improve our humble "base".


We currently have two Smith Vortexes here; one M14 and a M4, and it makes all the difference between the typical A2 bird cage flash suppressors. The other squad leaders and I are currently working to outfit the whole platoon with the Vortex for our M4s, M249s, M14s, and the M240Bs that we have. We are hoping that you will be able to donate two Vortex Flash Eliminators for our M2s here. Our ultimate goal is to have every weapon here outfitted with the Vortex, minus our MK-19. Having the Vortex on every weapon system increases the safety and lethality of our platoon in our engagements with the enemy in the area.

Thanks again for your time and your support!

Sincerely and Respectfully,
Jordan Downs, SGT, Airborne Infantry
Jordan Downs
C Co 1-508 PIR
FOB Atghar
APO AE 09355


P.S. I have included a picture of a majority of my platoon for you. Also our mail has a habit of being stolen before it gets to us if it has cool identifying marks on it. Simple flat rate box works the best.

On a side note SGT Burrell and I are very interested in your M14 bar stock receiver. We are planning to build an M14 upon our return to the States. Could you also send us some info on your receiver? Thanks again for your support.


Rec’d January 02, 2010
Subject: Re: Paratroopers in Afghanistan

Mr. Smith,

That is awesome news, thank you. We did a little demo out here, Vortex vs Birdcage, everyone one was amazed. PFC Headley stated "There is no flash with the Vortex." Our response was "Thats the point." As for the pictures, feel free to use them. I’ll send some more so you can pick and chose. The quality might not be great because I’m have to compress them for the email. Let me know how it looks. We’ll try and get some unit patches as when we can get to a big FOB. Sorry if this email is kinda bland, We just got got in from a 3 day outing. What can you do? Thanks again

V/R
Jordan Downs


AT-2 OutlawsRec’d March 18, 2011
Subject: Paratroopers in Afghanistan

Mr. Smith,

We received the vortex flash eliminators about three weeks ago and let me tell you how extraordinary the whole thing has been for us. First of all it started with us recieving mail for the first time in about five and one half weeks and so there was alot. A few of my guys and my 1SG stared the typical army chain for unloading the mail with myself placing them in correctly divided area. Towards the end of the sorting process my 1SG will some harsh words tosses me a heavy box and asked me why I am ordering machine part form Smith Enterprise. Everyone form my platoon who was around kinda stopped, knowing what this means, while I stated that this was indeed a package from Smith Enterprise. A joyous aroma of laughter and excitment broke out with others going and telling other battle buddies about it. It was a good day with everyone receiving there much need mail. Then began the process of installing all the Vortexes (which I have included some pictures). There was a lot music excitement and jumping around. Someone explained it to me as he was a little kid on Christmas morning. For a little while everyone seem to forget where they were and just let "loose". A much needed escape.

So once again thank you for what you have done for us. And also if it is possible to get an address for you, my paltoon and I have some stuff that we would like to send you. I will pass that address to my buddies wife and she will mail the items. Since we have no mail system here.

Also I do have a question about going about having your company build me a rifle. One thing that I always to is to buy myself a gift after acomplishing an event. I bought myself and LWRC M6A2 after I graduated Jumpmaster school. I since I have found and new love, more of and infatuation or obsession with M14, I have decided that that's what I want. I had plans all along to build my one but I have been thinking that this would be a lot more meaningful. Since my platoon have a bond of some sort with SEI.

Thanks Again for your Support, you have given us alot more that just the some vortexes.

SSG Downs, Jordan

M16 Beta Mag Fired with our Good Iron Muzzle Brake

Recorded in 2004, Rey Marquez empties a Beta Mag through an M16 equipped with an early SEI Good Iron muzzle brake similar to our M14 USCG Brake P/N 2001.

We are in the process of updating this video.  Once complete we will update this post.

Smith Enterprise Shoots at NTC with Snipers

SEI Showcase –
M21A5/Crazy Horse - Ft. Irwin, California - November, 2008,
with personal notes by Ron Smith

The following pictures are of our M21A5/Crazy Horse at Ft. Irwin in November 2008.

Here you see a 1ST Sgt. shooting the rifle at 700 meters unsuppressed to get a ZERO at that distance.

Another soldier shooting with our suppressor at 700 meters and putting them in there every time - it was a windy day.

Here you see our Std. weight .30 cal. suppressor on a M4 with our Vortex being shot at 500 meters. They found that there were no change of bullet impact at that distance suppressed or not, we were very happy as were they.

You see a M240 with our Vortex installed and more of our stuff.

Me with some of the snipers, you can see our CAN on a M4.

These guys were the killers in Iraq and they used some of our guns while there with no problems. You will also see a M110 as well and it did not out shoot our gun, not even close. I will say that they found out the bullet drop with our gun suppressed was far less than the M110 suppressed.

Our .30 cal. CAN on a M4 and a M110 that I fired and it was no big deal, not worth $14.000.00 that's for sure.

Me with some of the killers shooting our M21A5/Crazy Horse at 700 meters along with our 30 cal CAN on a M4.

M21A5/Crazy Horse with our light weight CAN

Our M21A5/Crazy Horse un suppressed at 700 meters.

Ron Smith by the range sign.