Operators manual for GASCAN QD, GASCAN Direct-Thread, and BACKBLAST

FREEDOM FORGE ARMORY LLC

SUPPRESSOR MOUNTING, CARE, AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

DESCRIPTION OF SUPPRESSORS

Freedom Forge Armory suppressors are made from grade 9 titanium and are light weight and very strong. They are a monocore design and can be partially disassembled, in the case of the GASCAN QD for changing the mounting end cap for use on rifles or pistols.

GASCAN QD SPECS

Outer Tube: 1-1/2” outer diameter x 8” in length constructed of Grade 9 Titanium

Monocore: 8 V Baffles constructed of Grade 9 Titanium

Mounting End Cap: Constructed of carbon steel.

Weight: 13.5 oz with out pistol booster installed.

Finish: KG Gunkote

Mount: Uses Freedom Forge Armory QD mount muzzle devices.

Muzzle Pressure:

Caliber Compatibility: Rifle Calibers: .308 Win, 30-06 Spng, 30-30 Win, 7.62mm NATO, 8mm Mauser, 7.62x39mm, .30 Carbine, .300 BLK, .300 WSM, .243 Win, 6.5mm CM, .223 Rem, 5.56mm NATO, 5.45x39mm, 5.7x28mm FN, .22 LR*

Pistol Calibers with booster installed: 9mm Luger, 9x29mm Win

GASCAN DIRECT-THREAD SPECS

Outer Tube: 1-1/2” outer diameter x 8” in length constructed of Grade 9 Titanium

Monocore: 8 V Baffles constructed of Grade 9 Titanium

Mounting End Cap: Constructed of carbon steel.

Weight: 13 oz

Finish: KG Gunkote

Mount: Threads directly to the rifles muzzle.

Muzzle Pressure:

BACKBLAST QD SPECS

Outer Tube: 1-1/2” outer diameter x 6” in length constructed of Grade 9 Titanium

Monocore: 6 V Baffles constructed of Grade 9 Titanium.

Mounting End Cap: Constructed of carbon steel.

Weight: 10.5 oz

Finish: KG Gunkote

Mount: Uses Freedom Forge Armory QD mount muzzle devices.

Muzzle Pressure:

Caliber Compatibility: Rifle Calibers: .22 LR*, .223 Rem, 5.56mm NATO, 5.7x28mm FN

*.22 LR ammunition should be limited to occasional use due to lead fowling associated with .22 LR.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This operator’s manual details the proper use and maintenance of the Freedom Forge Armory GASCAN QD, GASCAN DIRECT THREAD, AND BACKBLAST suppressors. Direct-thread silencers couple to the host rifle using a section of screw threads on the barrel’s muzzle. Direct-thread is the traditional method of attaching a silencer and is popular for its rigid interface and simplicity. QD silencers use a special muzzle device and enables users to securely install the silencer onto an Freedom Forge Armory 3 port muzzle break or flash hider (all of which will be referred to as “muzzle devices”). QD silencers can be attached to muzzle devices in seconds, using an intuitive motion and gross motor skills.

MANUFACTURER’S DISCLAIMER FREEDOM FORGE ARMORY

Shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for physical injury or property damage stemming from criminal or negligent misuse, improper or careless handling, unauthorized modifications, defective, improper hand-loaded or reloaded ammunition, neglect, or other influences beyond our direct and immediate control. If you do not understand the instructions and recommendations in this manual, contact FREEDOM FORGE ARMORY. at www.freedomforgearmory.com or email support@freedomforgearmory.com for clarification.

WARNING - Failure to follow the instructions and recommendations set forth in this manual can create a potentially dangerous situation for the user and surrounding personnel, and possibly leading to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Never install or remove a silencer on or from a host firearm that you have not verified to be completely empty and rendered safe. Installing or removing a silencer on or from a loaded firearm may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Always wear eye protection when discharging a firearm equipped with a silencer. Discharging a firearm without wearing eye protection may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Silencers can become extremely hot while the host firearm is being discharged. After shooting, allow the silencer to reach ambient temperature before at tempting to remove the silencer from the firearm. Handling a hot silencer may lead to skin burns and/or personal injury.

WARNING - Your Freedom Forge Armory muzzle device and direct-thread silencer’s bore must align concentrically with the bore of the barrel to which it is mounted. A mismatch of the silencer and barrel bores may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - The barrel threads must be properly machined to allow proper attachment of an Freedom Forge Armory muzzle device or direct thread silencer. The use of an improperly threaded barrel with an Freedom Forge Armory muzzle device or direct thread silencer may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Never use a Freedom Forge Armory silencer with a non Freedom Forge Armory muzzle device. Using a Freedom Forge Armory silencer with a non Freedom Forge Armory muzzle device may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Freedom Forge Armory Titanium rifle silencers are designed for precision, low rate of fire applications. Using a Freedom Forge Armory Titanium rifle silencer in a high volume semi-automatic or automatic fire application may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - A popular trend among silencer consumers is the practice of using one silencer of a given caliber on numerous host firearms of equal or smaller caliber. The GASCAN QD and GASCAN DIRECT THREAD are designed for this purpose. This practice is safe, provided the user answers the following questions in the affirmative:

Is the alternate caliber diameter equal to or smaller than the caliber designated on the data panel of the silencer?

Does the alternate caliber produce a muzzle exit pressure equal to or less than the muzzle exit pressure of the caliber designated on the data panel of the silencer?
Does the alternate caliber cartridge have a case capacity equal to or less than the caliber designated on the data panel of the silencer?
If the answer to all three of the above questions is, “Yes”, dual use of an Freedom Forge Armory rifle silencer is safe for the alternate caliber in question.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE COMPATIBILITY OF HOST FIREARMS AND SILENCERS PRIOR TO DUAL USE.

WARNING – Freedom Forge Armory GASCAN QD, and GASCAN DIRECT-THREAD silencers have a safe maximum working pressure of 63,820 PSI, if this pressure is exceeded it may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Freedom Forge Armory GASCAN QD and GASCAN DIRECT-THREAD silencers have a bore diameter large enough to safely accommodate a 9mm bullet (.355 Caliber). Use of bullets larger than 9mm (.355 Caliber) may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Freedom Forge Armory BACKBLAST silencers have a safe maximum working pressure of 62,500 PSI, if this pressure is exceeded it may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Freedom Forge Armory BACKBLAST silencers have a bore diameter large enough to safely accommodate a .224 caliber bullet. Use of bullets larger than .224 may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Only use Freedom Forge Armory silencers with firearms of compatible caliber (See instructions above) with the caliber designated on the data panel of the Freedom Forge Armory silencer. Consult your firearm owner’s instruction manual for instructions on how to identify its caliber. Improperly matching a Freedom Forge Armory silencer with a firearm of an incompatible caliber may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Only use Freedom Forge Armory silencers on a rile with a barrel length of 10” or longer. Use of a Freedom Forge Armory silencer on a rifle with a barrel length of less than 10” can cause baffle strikes which may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

INSTALLING A GASCAN DIRECT THREAD RIFLE SILENCER

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Render the firearm safe by removing the magazine (if detachable), completely unloading the firearm and engaging the safety to the “SAFE” position. See the firearm’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Remove the thread protector from the rifle muzzle.
Inspect the muzzle threads to verify they are clean and undamaged.
Inspect the threads in the rear of the silencer to verify they are clean and undamaged.
Look through the silencer from the rear to insure the bullet path through the silencer is unobstructed.
Examine the silencer for any signs of damage.
Carefully thread the silencer fully onto the host firearm. The rear of the silencer should stop against the barrel’s perpendicular shoulder, behind the muzzle threads.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO INSURE THAT THE SILENCER REMAINS FULLY THREADED ONTO THE BARREL AND SEATED AGAINST THE MUZZLE’S PERPENDICULAR SHOULDER.

REMOVING A GASCAN DIRECT THREAD RIFLE SILENCER

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Render the firearm safe by removing the magazine (if detachable), completely unloading the firearm and engaging the safety to the “SAFE” position. See the firearm’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Verify the silencer is at ambient temperature. If the silencer is hot, allow it to cool.
Carefully unscrew the silencer from the host rifle’s muzzle threads.
Reinstall the rifles muzzle thread protector to prevent thread damage.

WARNING - Never handle a hot silencer without protective gear, as this may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

INSTALLING A QD MOUNT GASCAN OR BACKBLAST RIFLE SILENCER

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Render the firearm safe by removing the magazine (if detachable), completely unloading the firearm and engaging the safety to the “SAFE” position. See the firearm’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Inspect the male ACME threads on the exterior of the Freedom Forge Armory muzzle device to verify they are clean, undamaged, and free of obstructions.
Inspect the corresponding female ACME threads inside the rear of the silencer to verify they are clean, undamaged, and free of obstructions.
Look through the silencer from the rear to insure the bullet path through the silencer is unobstructed.
Examine the silencer for any signs of damage.
Slide the QD Mount silencer over the Freedom Forge Armory muzzle device until the male ACME threads engage the female ACME threads within the silencer.
Rotate the silencer by hand until the silencer is fully seated on the muzzle device and will no longer turn.
Rotate the silencer in the opposite direction ¼ turn and snap the silencer back in the locking direction to ensure it is seated and properly locked on the muzzle device.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO INSURE THAT THE SILENCER REMAINS FULLY THREADED ONTO THE MUZZLE DEVICE AND SEATED AGAINST THE MUZZLE DEVICE SHOULDER.

WARNING – All Freedom Forge Armory QD muzzle devices should be installed by a competent gunsmith to ensure proper bore alignment, timing, and torque. An improperly installed QD muzzle device may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

REMOVING A QD MOUNT GASCAN OR BACKBLAST RIFLE SILENCER

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Render the firearm safe by removing the magazine (if detachable), completely unloading the firearm and engaging the safety to the “SAFE” position. See the firearm’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Verify the silencer is at ambient temperature. If the silencer is hot, allow it to cool.
Unscrew the silencer in the indicated direction until it can be pulled free.

WARNING - Never handle a hot silencer without protective gear, as this may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

INSTALLING A BOOSTER ON A QD MOUNT GASCAN RIFLE SILENCER

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Render the firearm safe by removing the magazine (if detachable), completely unloading the firearm and engaging the safety to the “SAFE” position. See the firearm’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Verify the silencer is at ambient temperature. If the silencer is hot, allow it to cool.
Follow the instructions for removing a QD Mount silencer if it is installed on a rifle.
Using provided spanner wrench remove the QD mounting end cap.
Install the booster on the silencer body by hand do not use a tool.
Torque the booster so it will not readily unscrew from the silencer body by hand. (1/8^th turn past a sharp rise in torque) Do not over torque.
Mount the silencer to the pistol in the same manner as a direct-thread silencer.

REMOVING A BOOSTER ON A QD MOUNT GASCAN RIFLE SILENCER

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Render the firearm safe by removing the magazine (if detachable), completely unloading the firearm and engaging the safety to the “SAFE” position. See the firearm’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Verify the silencer is at ambient temperature. If the silencer is hot, allow it to cool.
Follow the instructions for removing a direct-thread mount silencer if it is installed on a pistol.
Using hand pressure remove the booster.
Install the QD Mount end cap on the silencer body.
Torque the QD Mount end cap so it will not readily unscrew from the silencer body using the provided tool. (1/8^th turn past a sharp rise in torque) Do not over torque.

WARNING - Only use the Freedom Forge Armory pistol booster with firearms of compatible caliber (See instructions above) with the caliber designated on the data panel of the Freedom Forge Armory silencer. Consult your firearm owner’s instruction manual for instructions on how to identify its caliber. Improperly matching a Freedom Forge Armory silencer with a firearm of an incompatible caliber may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Do not use the Freedom Forge Armory pistol booster on a rifle. The booster is only suitable for use on semi-automatic pistols of compatible caliber. Use of a pistol booster on a rifle could lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Do not use any other tool than the one provided to attach or remove the Freedom Forge Armory pistol booster and/or QD Mount end cap. Use of a incompatible tool could lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

SILENCER CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING - Only perform cleaning and maintenance procedures on silencers that are not mounted to a firearm. Attempting to clean or perform maintenance on a mounted silencer could lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Only perform a solvent immersion soak in a well ventilated area away from open flames. Performing a solvent immersion soak may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Do not use solvents such as Acetone, MEK, and Trichloroethylene, also known as TCE these solvents may damage the titanium and protective finish of the silencer. Use of these solvents may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Always wear protective gear, such as eye protection and rubber gloves when working with any solvent. Unprotected exposure to solvents may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

It is not necessary to disassemble and completely clean your suppressor after every shooting session, or ever, for the intended life of the suppressor. This is why assembly and disassembly tools are not provided. Grade 9 Titanium is a non-ferrous alloy that is extremely hard, and extremely resistant corrosion and pitting.

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Render the firearm safe by removing the magazine (if detachable), completely unloading the firearm and engaging the safety to the “SAFE” position. See the firearm’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Remove the silencer from the muzzle device. See “Removing a Direct Thread Rifle Silencer” or “Removing a QD Mount Silencer” sections in these instructions.
Using the general purpose soft bristle brush, found in most weapon cleaning kits, aggressively brush any loosened carbon fouling from the threads in the rear of the silencer. Take care to insure none of the loosened material falls into the silencer.
Clean the muzzle threads or QD Mount threads in the same manner.
If you do not wish to conduct a solvent immersion soak, proceed to step 10.
Immersion cleaning should only be done if there is a noticeable reduction in silencer performance.
Immerse the silencer in a container of solvent, completely covering the attachment threads.
Soak the silencer over night.
Remove the silencer from the solvent muzzle-up, allowing all the solvent to drain from the silencer.
Aggressively brush the threads in the rear of the silencer to remove material loosened during the solvent soak.
Flush all solvent and loosened material from the interior of the silencer using hot detergent water.
Flush the silencer with hot water to remove any remaining solvent and detergent.
Allow the silencer to completely dry.
Wipe the exterior of the silencer with a clean DRY cloth.

WARNING - All traces of solvent and/or water must be removed from the interior of the silencer. Failure to remove all solvent and/or water from the silencer may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Do not apply oil or other lubricants to the silencer as they may burn off during use. Oils and lubricants burning off during firearm use may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

INSPECTION OF THE SUPPRESSOR COMPONENTS BEFORE AND AFTER USE

Routine inspection of the silencer should be done before and after every use.
Routine inspection can be accomplish with out disassembly of the suppressor.
Inspect the mounting end cap threads for damage and flat spots.
Inspect the monocore end cap and baffles for damage to the bore caused by baffle strikes.
Inspect the bullet path of the silencer of obstructions.
Inspect the tube for evidence of bulging or cracks.
Inspect the suppressor for loose material in the baffles.

WARNING - If any of these conditions are found or suspected immediately discontinue use of the suppressor and contact Freedom Forge Armory. Continued use of a damaged Freedom Forge Armory silencer may lead to property damage, personal injury, and/or death.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR QD MUZZLE DEVICES

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Render the firearm safe by removing the magazine (if detachable), completely unloading the firearm and engaging the safety to the “SAFE” position. See the firearm’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
If a muzzle device is installed remove and discard the device and crush washer/shims/peel washers. Do not reuse any of the removed hardware.
Clean and dry the exposed threads on the muzzle of the rifle.
Ensure that the Freedom Forge Armory QD Muzzle device is the correct one for the rifles caliber and thread pitch.
Thread the QD Muzzle device on hand tight to assess the timing.
Remove the QD Muzzle device.
Install a new crush washer to properly time the device. For 3 port muzzle breaks proper timing is achieved when the ports are 90* +/- 1* to the vertical axis of the bore. For the QD Flash hider proper timing is achieved when the ports are aligned as the shooter desires.
Torque the QD Muzzle device to 25 – 35 ftlbs with a calibrated torque wrench and proper timing has been achieved. Blue Loctite may by used when installing the QD Muzzle device.
If proper torque and timing can not be achieved with a crush washer timing shims may be used in place of the crush washer.
Install the silencer on the QD Muzzle device.
Verify proper bore alignment with the QD Muzzle device and silencer by using a calibrated rod.

WARNING – Use only genuine Freedom Forge Armory QD muzzle devices for mounting Freedom Forge Armory silencers. Use of another manufacturers muzzle device may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING – Ensure the the Freedom Forge Armory QD muzzle device is the proper caliber and thread pitch for your rifle. Use of an improper caliber or thread pitch QD muzzle may lead to property damage, personal injury and/or death.

WARNING - Once the Freedom Forge Armory QD muzzle device has been properly installed it should not be removed. Removal and re-installation of a Freedom Forge Armory QD muzzle device may lead to misalignment which may lead to property damage, personal injury, and/or death.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS NOT COVERED IN THIS MANUAL:

Q: It looks like my silencer has been used. I thought it was new?

A: The silencer is new, some Freedom Forge Armory silencers are randomly selected from production and tested before they are sold to ensure that they meet our strict quality controls. This includes proof testing. These few rounds will not affect the performance of the silencer and ensure that we are maintaining our high standards of quality.

Q: I lost my mounting end cap tool but I found another tool that will work, is it OK to use that tool?

A: No, only the provided tool is approved for use when removing the mounting end cap to install the booster. If you lost or misplaced the tool please contact Freedom Forge Armory for a replacement.

Q: Can I use my Freedom Forge Armory BACKBLAST silencer with .22 LR ammunition?

A: Due to lead fowling associated with .22 LR it is not recommended to use the BACKBLAST as a dedicated .22 LR silencer. Occasional use of .22 LR ammunition will not effect performance. After use of .22 LR ammunition it is recommended to fire 4 to 5 rounds of full power .233 or 5.56mm through the silencer to remove lead fowling. For dedicated .22 LR use the Freedom Forge Armory SILVER is a better choice.

Q: After a heavy range session I can't get my silencer to thread off of my muzzle or QD Mount.

A: The silencer has most likely become carbon locked. This occurs when carbon builds up around the threads during prolonged firing. Direct-thread silencers are more prone to carbon lock than QD Mount silencers. To fix a carbon locked silencer spray a generous amount of gun cleaning solvent around the shoulder of the of the threads or QD mount and allow it to soak over night this should break up the carbon enough to get the silencer off. You may need to use a strap wrench for more leverage if the carbon lock is severe. Once the silencer is removed immediately clean and inspect the threads of the muzzle or QD Mount, and the internal threads of the silencer for damage using the care and maintenance instructions in this manual. Regular cleaning of the mounting end cap threads, QD mount threads, or muzzle threads with help prevent carbon lock.

Q: Can I purchase additional caliber monocores or mounting end caps for my silencer?

A: No, per BATFE regulations every part of a silencer is a controlled item. Possession of additional monocores or end caps constitutes constructive possession of an unregistered silencer. When a silencer is returned to Freedom Forge Armory for service or repair the old parts are destroyed and replaced one for one.

Q: I damaged my outer tube can it be replaced?

A: No, per BATFE regulations the outer tube is the registered part of the silencer and can not be replaced with an outer tube with the same serial number. The unservicable outer tube will be destroyed and a new outer tube with a new serial number will have to be transferred on a ATF form 4.

Q: There sure are a lot of warnings about property damage, personal injury and/or death in this manual.

Do I really have to follow all of them?

A: Yes, those warnings are there for a reason. Warnings are written in blood. When used properly with the right ammunition a silencer will provide a lifetime or more of use. If used improperly or with the wrong ammunition it's like holding a hand grenade next to your face and pulling the pin. You wouldn't do that so follow the instructions in this manual.

GASCAN BACKBLAST