Images by the author
If you’ve ever priced out suppressors, you know the math gets painful fast. A quality can isn’t cheap, and between the cost, the wait, and the paperwork, most of us aren’t building a collection — we’re picking one, maybe two, and hoping we chose well. That’s the problem I think about every time someone asks me which suppressor they should buy: how do you get the most out of a single can?
The folks at Silencer Shop have been answering that question for many shooters over the years. They’re one of the largest suppressor dealers in the country, they make the NFA process about as painless as it gets through their kiosk system, and, most relevant for this article, they carry the brands worth carrying. One of those brands is Otter Creek Labs, which sent me their new Universe-36 to put through its paces. It’s a can built around exactly the problem I described above: one suppressor, damn near any caliber from 9mm on down to .22, swappable end caps to tune it for whatever you’re shooting that day.
Before we dig into this suppressor, let’s take a quick look at the company.
Otter Creek Labs was officially launched in 2020 by friends John and Andrew. The company was named after Andrew’s granddad, who had attended (another) Otter Creek school, but this one was in Kentucky. The pair manufactured suppressors, after clearing the legal hurdles, in their garage on weekends and after work, but it soon became apparent that they were going to need to expand. Eventually, the company became a full-time endeavor for them, and they added employees and manufacturing space. To this day, each suppressor they sell goes through their hands, and they have vowed to honor the working person who may not have a large bankroll but still needs a quality product.
The Universe-36 Suppressor
I predict this suppressor will become one of OCL’s best-selling models. By buying different end caps in varying sizes, you could fit this to your .22/.223/6.5/.30/.35-9mm or other caliber in that range.
As I mentioned, I stuck it on a folding 9mm PCC. That makes this gun extremely useful where I live. We have chickens and have lost several recently to some nasty 4-legged critters. That PCC could become the main coop protector. It’s nice to be able to shoot without “ears”, although I still recommend hearing protection… it just makes sense.
Speaking of noise reduction, I measured both the open and suppressed levels while shooting the PCC. Here’s what I found:
dB Reduction using the Trailblazer Arms Pivot 9mm Folding PCC as the host.
That’s almost a 15% reduction. Other guns will show varying dB levels. Remember, decibel measurements are logarithmic… a difference of 10 doesn’t mean just 10 more or less; it means 10×10 more or less. I was able to shoot this nifty little carbine without hearing protection.
Specifications
- Length: 7”
- OD: 1.5”
- Weight: 14 oz
- Material: Inconel
- Full auto rated: Yes
- Caliber rating: Anything .36 or less
- Barrel length restrictions: Do not use on 338 Lapua if the barrel is less than 24” in length
- Price: They do not list prices on the website, but I’ve seen this for sale around the $750 range
What comes in the box:
The suppressor with a 9mm low back pressure/vented end cap installed. Does NOT include a mount; you will need to supply your own.
They have a way with words… here’s their description of this suppressor, from its web page:
The Universe-36 is well… Universal. You can use it on damn near any caliber in the known universe, from 22LR and 5.56 to .338 Lapua and everything in between – as long as it fits down the bore, it’s good to go. If you want to use it on a 9mm handgun, it can do that. If you want to use it on a full-auto 5.56 SBR, it can do that. If you want to use it on a 30-30 lever gun, it can do that. If you want to use it on a big ass 338 Lapua magnum shooting 2000 yards, guess what? Yep, it can do that too. The only limit is your imagination. This is for the person who just wants one suppressor to do it all.
The Universe has Infinity DNA being DMLS printed out of Inconel; this thing is tough as nails. FRT, easy. Full auto, easy. Belt-fed, who cares – easy. It uses a cool end cap system that lets you adjust between low back pressure and high back pressure for any caliber or gun you’re using to get it dialed in. Combine that with the fact that the Universe-36 also utilizes the universal HUB/1.375×24 thread pattern to let you use any mount, QD system, booster, or 3 lug you want – the options and configurations are limitless, vast, and ever expanding (like your mom).
It comes in the box with a 9mm low back-pressure end cap installed. Additional end caps that are available for purchase separately: 9mm high back pressure, 7.62 low back pressure, 7.62 high back pressure, 5.56 low back pressure, 5.56 high back pressure. The end caps can be changed with nothing more than a socket, OR adjustable wrench, whichever you have lying around. No proprietary tools are needed for this suppressor to ensure it’s as easy to use as possible.
If you’re the guy who wants one suppressor that will work on every gun in your safe (as long as the bullet is .36 or smaller), is extremely adjustable/adaptable, rock solid reliability, easy to use with no proprietary tools, then look no further. You’ve found it.
And, they have a decent returns policy… again, a way with words…
If you are not satisfied with your purchase or purchased the wrong item by mistake, you can return the product and get a refund, with a 10% restocking/processing fee applied if Otter Creek Labs sees fit, depending on the situation and attitude of the customer.
We typically will not charge a 10% restocking fee unless you’re a dick. You can return a product for up to 15 days from the date you received it.
Any product you return must be in the same condition you received it, unused, in the original packaging with any stickers, etc., returned with the item. Failure to meet any of these will result in the item being sent back to you, and no refund wil be given.
Please use our contact page to notify us about the return.
You can find this can at the Silencer Shop, here.
To Sum Up
The Universe-36 isn’t trying to be the absolute quietest suppressor in every category.
What it does exceptionally well is versatility. One can, multiple calibers, configurable back pressure, HUB compatibility, and enough durability to handle serious use.
For shooters looking for a practical “one suppressor” solution, Otter Creek Labs built a very compelling option.
Read the full article here
