Allen Engineering AEM5

ALLEN ENGINEERING AEM5 SUPPRESSOR - MK12 SPR OVER-THE-BARREL REFLEX DESIGN

The Allen Engineering AEM5 is an over-the-barrel reflex suppressor for 5.56/.223, built to the OPS INC 12th Model design that served as the contracted suppressor for the MK12 SPR program. It measures 8.8" overall but adds only 6.2" past the muzzle, with a 1.5" diameter and a weight of 21 oz. Finished in black C-Series Cerakote, the AEM5 is the direct fit for a traditional MK12 SPR, and the same design was used on a variety of MIL/LE precision rifles.

Because the AEM5 extends back over the barrel, it gains internal volume without the added length a conventional suppressor would need. That reflex layout lets it deliver the performance of a longer can while keeping the rifle's overall length manageable.

Mounting uses AE's A-Mount, a two-point system. The AEM5 threads onto an AE/OPS-style muzzle device such as the AEMB Muzzle Brake Mount, which carries M22x1 external threads, while a 20-degree taper on a collar like the Locating Collar - SPR aligns and locks the suppressor to the barrel. The taper returns the suppressor to the same point every time it's reinstalled, which is why this system is sought after on precision rifles. The A-Mount requires 2.5" from the muzzle to the taper, and brake-mounted AE suppressors need 7 to 10 turns for proper engagement. The muzzle device and collar are sold separately.

CAPITOL ARMORY'S OPINION

Many shooters are first drawn to the AEM5 by its history, and it's a good one. OPS INC was founded by Phil Seberger in the 1980s, and his suppressors were adopted by various branches of the U.S. Military and law enforcement. Ron Allen came on in the 1990s to help with manufacturing, and the 12th Model became the contracted suppressor for the U.S. Military's MK12 Special Purpose Rifle. After OPS INC shut down, Ron kept building the same suppressor under Allen Engineering as the AEM5, and it remains unchanged from that original design today.

If you're cloning an MK12, this is the correct choice for historical accuracy. We'd argue the history is only part of the appeal, though. The over-the-barrel design gives you better suppression without as much added length, and the AEM5 is a fantastic-sounding 5.56 suppressor. The taper collar system also brings the can back to the same point every time you put it on, a big reason it's still a favorite on precision builds.

For those looking for a quiet, over-the-barrel 5.56 suppressor or one dedicated to an MK12 SPR clone, the AEM5 is an option worth exploring.

FEATURES

• Length: 8.8" overall, 6.2" added past the muzzle
• Weight: 21 oz
• Mount: A-Mount (threads onto an AE/OPS-style muzzle device with M22x1 external threads, aligned by a taper collar)
• Caliber rating: 5.56/.223
• Color: Black
• Diameter: 1.5"
• Finish: C-Series Cerakote
• Over-the-barrel reflex design
• Requires 2.5" from the muzzle to the taper
• 20-degree taper locks the suppressor to the barrel and returns it to the same point on reinstallation
• OPS INC 12th Model design, ideal for MK12 SPR clones

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Allen Engineering AEM5 suppressor

COMPATIBILITY

• Compatible Muzzle Devices: AEMB Muzzle Brake Mount
• Collars: Locating Collar - SPR

Effective October 2019, all AEM5s come standard with knurling.

NOTE This batch of AEM5s were produced by Trajectory Arms. Trajectory Arms purchased the license to use Ron Allen's design for most of Ron Allen's equipment.