B&T USA Rotex-X
An amalgamation of price, performance & versatility that’s tough to beat
I have used Brugger and Thomet suppressors since my days as a Heckler and Koch LE dealer over 20 years ago. Their quality was always excellent, but the Swiss company only exported pistol-caliber suppressors at the time, primarily for the newly offered HK subguns. They were lightweight, quiet, and very well-built. With the addition of the US component of B&T, B&T USA, that focus has changed a bit, with more effort being put forth on the US LE and civilian markets with a host of rifle suppressors—including the new Rotex-X 5.56mm NATO suppressor you’re currently reading about. Derived from the well-known Rotex-V, it sheds 20 percent of its weight while maintaining industry-leading sound suppression and flash reduction.
Rotex-X
The Rotex-X is available in either 5.56 or 7.62 and in compact or full-sized configurations. Current offerings use the NATO Spec A2 (birdcage) flash hider making it compatible across several platforms. Constructed of Thermax and Inconel, the Rotex-X weighs in at 21 ounces, including the mounting system, and the overall length is 7.80-inches with a 1.50-inch diameter. With a retail price of $675.00, it’s a bargain, and given its ability to attach to any NATO spec A2 flash hider, it’s one of the most versatile QD suppressors on the market.
Testing was completed using an IWI USA Zion-15 AR equipped with a Trijicon MRO PRO RDS. The IWI’s barrel is 16 inches long and comes factory-equipped with a Mil-Spec A2 flash hider. Attaching the Rotex-X was very quick and easy; simply loosen the suppressor a couple of turns, unlock and open the locking collar, slide it over the suppressor, push the locking device in place and tighten it back up.
Ideally, you should remove the flash hider and replace the lock washer with shims to ensure it is centered to the bore, but if not, attach the suppressor, make sure it is solidly mounted, and check with a bore alignment tool. I would not recommend sending rounds down range without first checking alignment to avoid baffle strikes. Also, you will need to pay close attention to caliber as many A2 flash hiders for larger calibers have the exact overall dimensions, just a larger bore. In other words, just because you can mount the Rotex-X to your .300 BLK does NOT mean you can send .300 BLK rounds through it.
Range Time
The first thing you notice is how quiet this suppressor is. On the 16-inch Zion-15, it was quiet enough that there was no pain or ear ringing without hearing protection. Felt recoil reduction is noticeable as well. Rapid-fire strings were easy to control, and the rifle tended to move back and forth with little to no muzzle rise. Maybe more importantly, the excess gas was minimal, with a slight change in where the brass was ejected. The Zion 15 is a NATO Mil-Spec rifle with a fixed mid-length gas tube, making this pretty impressive. The result was a pleasant shooting experience and a relatively clean magazine and chamber afterward.
The first rounds down range were dead on, with around an inch of impact shift at 100-yards and less at the 50-yard zero range versus unsuppressed. Removing and reinstalling the suppressor changed impact very little. It is noticeably lighter than its predecessor, but at 21 ounces and nearly 8-inches long, it does alter handling characteristics. Adding it to an 11.5-inch barrel or similar would keep things a bit more handy and manageable.
Bottom Line
The Rotex-X is a well-built suppressor at an outstanding price, using an attachment system that fits most standard rifles today. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a solid and reliable suppressor they can add to their mil-spec AR or anything else with the appropriate A2 flash hider. Check out the complete line of B&T suppressors and firearms at your nearest dealer, or for more information, contact B&T USA; Tel: (813) 653-1200; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.bt-usa.com.
Specifications: Rotex-X Sound Suppressor
Construction: Thermax and Inconel
Caliber: 5.56mm
Length: 7.80-inches
Diameter: 1.50-inches
Weight: 21-ounces
MSRP: $675