By Mike Searson
Mike tests out the Thompson Machine ISIS-2 45 Suppressor with positive results.
USA – -(Ammoland.com)- Thompson Machine is known for producing cost-effective silencers that are easily maintained.
So when we told the guys at Silencershop.com that we had a new 1911 to try out and wanted to see how a different 45 suppressor would perform, they told us about the improved ISIS-2 and we leapt at the chance to try a Thompson Machine ( www.thompsonmachine.net ) can and they got one out to us very quickly.
Named the ISIS-2, we were familiar with the earlier version and tried one out in 9mm quite a few years ago.
Thompson Machine ISIS-2 45 Suppressor
The ISIS-2 is an aluminum monocore pistol suppressor that can handle 45 ACP, 40 S&W, 9mm, 300 Blackout Subsonic and 380 ACP. Alternatively it can serve double duty as a 22 silencer, but we would probably only recommend such use on a rifle as the weight may affect function on most 22s.
We know what you’re thinking if you primarily shoot rifle suppressors and what the high temperature and pressure can do to aluminum components. Rest assured, none of these rounds even in full auto will generate that much heat.
With only a standard thread 45 piston we tried it out on a Dan Wesson Discretion 1911 and a SIG Tac-Ops Carry.
And for the record, Silencer is the proper technical and legal term. Suppressor may be more descriptive, but it is a slang term like can, hush puppy or muffler. We will continue to use the terms interchangeably.
Thompson Machine ISIS-2 45 Suppressor – The Good
Without a doubt, the best thing about the ISIS-2 is the value. The price on the ISIS-2 runs from $359 to $569. That is a very reasonable amount of money for the versatility of this can. Especially when you consider that you can run it on a number of hosts in 4 or 5 different calibers.
Not everyone who dabbles in NFA has the luxury of spending a lot of money at the drop of a hat. Many of us have to work hard and make decisions based on price and performance.
Some NFA snobs call pistol silencers completely useless or pointless. We disagree. Our first suppressor was a pistol can. We find them enjoyable to shoot and they encourage us to shoot more often, we enjoy it so much. By extension, we have heard the same from new shooters who might still be marveling at the fact that they are firing a silencer, but a silencer takes away noise and recoil.
This makes the shooting experience more enjoyable to new shooters and anything that helps more people enjoy shooting is a win for everyone.
The simplistic design is great for people who like to clean their silencers and perfect for folks who want to take a look under the hood. We had no sound meter at our disposal this time out but can compare the sound signature to someone clapping their hands very loudly.
And no, to the armchair engineers, the Radio Shack and Iphone apps do not work due to the nature of the microphones on those devices. When we receive good decibel data we will report it if it helps you in your decision, but Db readings can be misleading. Your AR-15 bolt closes at 120 Db, a thunderclap is about 130 Db, 140 and above is when you start to do damage to your ears. So explain the difference in sound between 120 Db and 123 Db when you meter your 22 can.
You cannot and we cannot beyond basing that observable phenomenon on another and attempting to relate the two.
Thompson Machine ISIS-2 45 Suppressor – The Bad
It is not as quiet as some of our more expensive silencers, but this one is more about value.
The ISIS-2 is a bit on the long side and is heavier than some of our other pistol cans. This has no bearing on the function of the silencer and does not affect accuracy. Most importantly it did not adversely affect the functioning of either pistol. If the length and weight are contributing factors that make the ISIS-2 more affordable than most in its class, we really see no need to complain.
Probably our only other gripe about this can is the name. It makes us think of Obama’s “JV team” running rampant in Syria. Yes, it’s named for the Egyptian mythological goddess of magic, fertility, motherhood, healing and rebirth; but some shooters probably don’t think of that or the Saturday Morning TV show from the 70s of the same name. They think of either the terrorist group or Archer’s team name. Archer went ahead and changed it, though to avoid confusion.
Thompson Machine ISIS-2 45 Suppressor – The Reality
The ISIS-2 is rated for SUBSONIC 300 Blackout, 45 ACP, 40 S&W, 9mm and rimfire. A number of mounts are available including tri-lug and Uzi mounts as well as the most common pistol caliber threads.
It disassembles easily for cleaning and service with an included billet disassembly tool, but what we liked best was there are only three parts to the ISIS-2 as it uses a monocore baffle stack.
We used to look down on monocore baffle stacks or only like them on rim fire cans, but the technology seems to be getting better with every monocore design we try.
We did not have an opportunity to run this on 300 Blackout, 9mm, 22 lr or 380 ACP or our HK USP Tactical pistols due to the single piston. We ran it on our 1911s and know it would sound quieter on our HK’s due to the way those pistols lock up, yet we are still curious as to how they will perform with the other rounds.
If you want an entry level can and have no pistols that start with a “4” in their caliber, the 9mm version will run on your 9s, 300 BO Subsonic and 380 if you have one. Best of all, you’re into it for under $400 not including the stamp.
For something that can handle all your pistol calibers, you can get the 45 ACP version for less than 50% more, especially if you buy through Silencer Shop.
Thompson Machine ISIS-2 45 Suppressor Specifications:
- Caliber: 45 ACP (9mm and 40 S&W versions are available, too.)
- Length:8”
- Diameter: 1.375”
- Weight: 7oz
- Finish: Anodized Matte Black
- MSRP: Isis-2 9mm $399, Isis-2 .40 $399, Isis-2 .45 $569
Bonus Video : Running Thompson Machine ISIS-2 45 Suppressor Wiped to run 9mm or rimfire more quietly.
About Mike Searson
Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.
Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
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