The discussion opens with an overview of Griffin Armament as a manufacturer that started with small components and has expanded into complete firearms and NFA items. Their catalog includes sights, rail panels, hand stops, handguards, flip-up sights, pistol grips, charging handles, and full AR-15 rifles and uppers. The hosts note that Griffin built its reputation on detailed, well-made small parts before moving into suppressors and complete rifles. A Griffin Armament 12.5-inch AR-15 is mentioned from a previous “accuracy Olympics” segment, where the short-barreled rifle performed surprisingly well in terms of accuracy. The conversation sets the stage for a closer look at Griffin’s suppressor lineup, mounting systems, and ambidextrous lower receivers.
Several Griffin Armament suppressors are laid out on the table, including models intended for 300 Blackout and other .30-caliber use, with the ability to run .308 through them. A .45-caliber suppressor is highlighted for its taper lock mount, which uses a male and female adapter. The can locks with only a few turns, less than a traditional thread-on suppressor, yet remains secure on the host firearm. This design is described as functionally similar to direct thread but faster to attach and remove. A .22 LR suppressor is also shown, which uses a traditional direct-thread interface that requires multiple full rotations to install or remove. The hosts emphasize how Griffin has moved from small, meticulous parts into a broad suppressor lineup.
The hosts introduce Griffin Armament’s gate lock suppressor mounting system. Most rifles ship with a standard A2 flash hider, and the gate lock design allows a suppressor to clamp directly onto that A2 device. The can interfaces with the A2 by locking onto a ring of internal “gates.” To mount it, the user places the suppressor over the A2, pushes the collar, and ratchets it down until it locks solidly in place. The system is described as a patented, proprietary design that keeps the suppressor from moving once engaged. They contrast this with Griffin’s taper mount system and note that many of Griffin’s rifle cans use an open hub design, allowing compatibility with various universal mounting systems. This flexibility lets users choose the mounting interface that best fits their existing muzzle devices and setups.
Attention shifts to Griffin Armament AR-15 lowers, particularly the Mark 2 model, which features a fully ambidextrous control layout. The lower is compared visually and functionally to an ADM lower, with similar ambidextrous bolt and magazine controls. The hosts describe the build quality as solid, with no rough spots, and point out the integrated flared magwell that aids in faster, easier reloads without additional accessories. They demonstrate how the ambidextrous bolt catch and release can lock the bolt to the rear or send it forward from either side of the rifle. One host prefers traditional manual-of-arms techniques and is less enthusiastic about ambidextrous controls, while the other argues that ambidextrous features can simplify malfunction clearing and general manipulation. The segment underscores that Griffin’s lower receivers aim to offer high-end ambidextrous functionality at a more accessible price point.
The conversation returns to Griffin’s smaller components, including hand stops, handguards, and flip-up sights. Their sights are described as reminiscent of Knight’s Armament designs but available at a lower cost. The hosts avoid specific pricing but suggest viewers check current listings to compare quality and cost. Griffin’s pistol grips are shown, with texturing that matches the company’s charging handles. The charging handle is ambidextrous and incorporates a raised shelf at the rear to help redirect gas away from the shooter’s face when running a suppressor, often referred to as a gas-busting feature. The rifles on the table include different color options such as FDE and black, with one host favoring FDE and the other typically building black rifles but changing finishes based on environment. Overall, Griffin’s ecosystem of matched parts is presented as cohesive and functionally focused.
An alignment rod from Griffin Armament is introduced as a tool for verifying suppressor alignment. The hosts explain that after installing a muzzle device on a rifle, the user should secure the firearm, attach the suppressor, and then insert the alignment rod through the bore and into the can. The goal is to see the rod centered within the suppressor, with equal spacing all around and no contact with the baffles. Any resistance or visible contact suggests potential misalignment and a risk of baffle strikes. In that case, the user should remove the suppressor and muzzle device and correct the setup, preferably using shims or spacers rather than crush washers when working with suppressor hosts. The segment emphasizes that proper alignment is critical for safe suppressor use and that Griffin provides tools to help users confirm their configuration.
The hosts highlight a Griffin Armament 12.5-inch SPR-style AR-15 that previously performed well in their accuracy testing. They note that Griffin manufactures the bolt carrier group and safety selectors in-house, reinforcing that many core components are their own. The rifle is described as solid and well-built, with the earlier-mentioned ambidextrous controls and matched small parts. In addition to the 12.5-inch configuration, they mention other Griffin rifle options such as 14.5-inch and 16-inch models. While specific configurations and pricing are not detailed, viewers are encouraged to look up the different barrel lengths and variants. The hosts express interest in doing more shooting with the 16-inch version in particular, suggesting that the SPR and longer-barreled rifles both merit further range evaluation.
In closing, the discussion returns to the gate lock suppressor system as a cost-conscious way to run a suppressor on a rifle with a standard A2 flash hider. The ability to clamp directly onto an A2 device means users can avoid replacing muzzle devices across multiple rifles. The hosts demonstrate how to unratchet the collar, release the gate lock, and remove the suppressor quickly. They characterize this approach as a practical method for entering the world of suppressed shooting without extensive reconfiguration. Final remarks praise Griffin Armament’s work on both small parts and complete rifles, and there is interest in featuring Griffin rifles in future contests and content. Viewers are invited to share their experiences with Griffin products and to suggest whether they would like to see a Griffin rifle fully outfitted and offered in a giveaway-style format.
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