Silencers are commonly known as consumables. However, since they are not only subject to approval but also registration, their replacement often comes with bureaucratic hurdles and fees. Some manufacturers have recognized that there are innovative solutions to this problem. One such solution is the two-part silencers from HQS. In this article, we will take a closer look at the silencers from this European manufacturer. HQ silencers are the result of collaboration among four Bulgarian hunters who share different skills but a common passion for hunting and nature. Their experiences and knowledge in weapon design and material processing led to the development of silencers for everyday use in the field. The high quality of these silencers has led to their production for the general public, thus giving birth to the HQS brand - the abbreviation stands for High Quality Suppressors.

Background on the HQS brand: The English name suggests that the Bulgarians had the international market in mind from the beginning. In Germany, HQS silencers are distributed through the wholesale partner HUNTEX from Hamburg. They are manufactured by Bamex 98, a company that also produces and processes steel and cast parts for the military industry. Bamex 98 is part of a family-owned business group in Bulgaria, which also includes BMBG, a manufacturer of weights for agriculture and heavy-duty applications, as well as Alumina Trimex, a specialist in casting and processing lightweight metal alloys. The group acquired the production facilities of a former state arms factory in 1998 and modernized them into state-of-the-art industrial plants, where around 300 employees are currently employed. The three companies complement each other and have state-of-the-art CNC machines, a fully automated electrolytic anodizing plant, and modern quality assurance and testing facilities. Before we take a closer look at the individual HQS silencers for the German hunter, it should be noted that HQS also manufactures a special silencer variant for rimfire calibers, which is not available in Germany due to legal restrictions. Therefore, we will focus here exclusively on silencers for centerfire calibers.

The HQS Special Impact, particularly effective according to the manufacturer, is suitable for strong calibers such as 6.5x68, 6.5 PRC, .270 WSM, 7 RemMag, .300 WSM, .300 WinMag, 8x68S, and 9.3x62. Each HQS silencer comes with instructions, replacement O-rings, and heat-resistant grease, as well as the appropriate tool for disassembly. The Special Impact is designed so that the second chamber can serve as a wear part and can be replaced if necessary. This saves the hunter from having to purchase a completely new silencer and the annoying registration that would be required for a new silencer. The Special Impact is ideal for stalking, stand hunting, and other types of hunting where the performance of the silencer is paramount. Its diameter is 50 mm or 54 mm, and its total length is 302 mm, with 206 mm extending beyond the muzzle. Weighing 600 grams, it is the longest and heaviest model from HQS, but it also offers the highest attenuation performance of 42 dB. This makes the Special Impact the flagship of HQS, with a suggested retail price of 559 euros. In the HQS silencers with two-part cores, the front chamber can be unscrewed and replaced when it is worn out.

The HQS Special is particularly suitable for strong calibers, which will be explained in more detail in the following graphical overview. Like the other HQS models, the Special consists of a core that is divided into two areas with different functions. Thanks to its patented pressure relief technology, this silencer is said to have a longer lifespan. The Slim is a total of 250 mm long but only extends the barrel by 154 mm. The diameter is 50 mm over the barrel and 54 mm beyond that. The silencer weighs 549 grams and is suitable for semi-automatic rifles as well as powerful calibers like .338 Lapua Magnum and .300 RUM. Here, the sound pressure level is to be reduced by at least 34 dB. The HQS Special Slim costs 459 euros (RRP). HQS also offers heat-resistant neoprene protective covers for all silencer models. The covers for models with a one-part core cost 29 euros, while those for two-part models cost 35 euros. If the Special model seems too large and heavy for you, you can opt for the HQS Special Slim, which is slightly cheaper at 369 euros (RRP). This model has the same dimensions as the Special but weighs only 370 grams and has a smaller diameter of 40 mm over the barrel and 44 mm beyond that. The attenuation performance here is about 28 dB. The Slim is also an HQS model with a two-part interior.

In contrast to the previously described models from the manufacturer, the HQS Impact is not an over-barrel silencer and can therefore be used with any type of rifle without having to remove any existing rear sights of an open sight. The Impact is only 190 mm long, has a 15 mm long threaded part, and a diameter of 54 mm. It reduces the sound pressure level by 32 dB. This silencer also features a chamber that can be replaced if necessary. The HQS Impact is currently the most affordable HQS model, offered by importer HUNTEX at a price of 319 euros (RRP). With a wide range of silencers suitable for various calibers and types of hunting, HQS offers innovative solutions for hunters who value quality and performance. The ability to replace worn parts not only saves money but also simplifies the bureaucratic effort usually associated with acquiring a new silencer. Overall, HQS represents an attractive option for hunters looking for high-performance silencers that are available both on the German market and internationally.