I have a 300 Blackout pistol and love it. Now, I want to get a 5.56 pistol version but I’m torn. I don’t have a suppressor yet but I want to get one down the road, particularly for the Blackout. But, I was wondering about using it on the 5.56 too. How practical is that? Is it worth it? That leads me to my main question, which pistol to get. I have narrowed m choices to the ones pictured in the attached. The two on the right would allow me to install a suppressor. The model on the left likely would not but it has a longer handguard. I have never shot a rifle with that style of flashcan. In summary I guess I need some guidance on suppression and if it is worth considering for a 5.56.
@lanceschul you certainly can run a 7.62 (30 cal) can on a 5.56 upper. Lots of folks do it until they get a 5.56 can. Therefore I would recommend one of the kits on the right. Judging by the pics, only the optic is different?
I think you already have the proper caliber for short barrels, 762x39 is also a good choice. Try a rifle length 556, the way God and Gene Stoner like 'em.
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Yes just minor differences in the optic. I was thinking of getting a 30 cal can that can handle multiple calibers. The one on the left probably won’t accommodate a can. I was just curious how practical it is to suppress a 556.
I have a couple 16" ARs, just thinking this pistol length will be fun to shoot.
@lanceschul here is the problem with shooting suppressed: once you do it, you will want all your guns suppressed. 
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I understand and that is what scares me! I think that makes the decision right there!
OP, I have two AR-15 pistols, one a PSA, one Aero Precision (Wife’s) both a 10.5" 5.56. The PSA is older and has a Pistol length gas tube small birdcage. It does have more recoil than the Aero that has a Carbine gas tube a linear compensator. (Like the PSA On the left in your post) the combo is softer shooting, but fire breathing, not that the PSA is stealthy but the Aero really flames and barks, not so much to the shooter as all that is directed away from them, but if you stand to the side, Wow!
I am a fan of the one on the left as long as you know the characteristics. Hard to go wrong. I do not supress noise
We have his and her AR-9’s too, PSA for me Angstadt for her
I have a 7.5, 10.5, and 16. Love my 10.5 the most.
Got a 16 inch barrel on my ar atm thinking about getting a muzzle device like comp or flash hider what would you recommend an why?
5.56 is always the way to go.
I agree, unless you go .223 wylde
5.56 isn’t a BAD caliber for use in 10.5" barrels, but 300 AAC is quite a bit better for 10.5". Plus, 11.5" or 14.5" is a noticeably better length for 5.56.
I have a 10.5" very similar to the one on the far left. I’m happy with it, but it’s not optimal. The sound forward device is effective at reducing the perceived volume, and especially at sending the concussive blast downrange. I’ve done direct comparisons with this next to another 10.5" I assembled for a friend with an A2 birdcage, and the difference is quite noticeable. If you are looking to reduce your flash signature, it’s pretty much impossible at 10.5", so slapping on a can would be a huge improvement even in just that aspect.
I’m looking forward to seeing what other suggestions are offered in this conversation. These are just my two cents.
I like 5.56 simply so that all my magazines (and all my neighbor’s) fit all my guns, and all his guns. From what you’re saying, a 10.5" home defense weapon would scare the daylights out of a night-time intruder. I kinda think that’s a good thing.
It would be like breaking into the Munsters’ home and the dragon from under the stairs greets you!