Silencers are usually known as consumer goods. But since they are not only subject to approval but also to registration, their replacement is often accompanied by bureaucratic hurdles and fees. However, some manufacturers have realized that there are innovative solutions to this problem. One such solution is the two-piece silencers from HQS. In this article, we will introduce you to the silencers of this European manufacturer in more detail. HQ silencers are the result of cooperation of four Bulgarian hunters who share different skills but a common passion for hunting and nature. Their experience and knowledge in the field of gun design and material processing led to the development of silencers for everyday use in the hunting ground. The high quality of these silencers led to their production for the general public as well, and thus the HQS brand was born - the acronym stands for High Quality Suppressors.

Background to the HQS brand: The English name indicates that the Bulgarians had the international market in mind from the very beginning. In Germany, the HQS silencers are distributed by the wholesale partner HUNTEX from Hamburg. They are manufactured by Bamex 98, a company that also produces and machines steel and castings for the military industry. Bamex 98 is part of a family-run group of companies in Bulgaria that also includes BMBG, a manufacturer of weights for agriculture and heavy-duty applications, and Alumina Trimex, a specialist in casting and machining light alloys. In 1998, the group acquired the production facilities of a former state-owned armaments factory and modernized them into state-of-the-art industrial plants, which today employ a total of around 300 people. The three operations complement each other and feature state-of-the-art CNC machines, a fully automated electrolytic anodizing line, and state-of-the-art 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, but this 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 powerful 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 proper tool for disassembly. The Special Impact is designed so that the second chamber can serve as a wear part and be replaced as needed. This saves the hunter from having to purchase a complete new silencer, as well as the hassle of registration that would be required for a new silencer. The Special Impact is ideal for stalking, raised hide hunting and other types of hunting where the performance of the silencer is paramount. Its diameter is 50 mm and 54 mm, respectively, and its overall length is 302 mm, with 206 mm protruding above the muzzle. Weighing 600 grams, it is the longest and heaviest model from HQS, but also offers the highest attenuation performance of 42 dB. This makes the Special Impact HQS's flagship model, with a suggested retail price of €559. In HQS silencers with two-piece cores, the front chamber can be unscrewed and replaced when worn.

The HQS Special is particularly suitable for strong calibers, which are explained in more detail in the following graphic overview. Like the other HQS models, the Special consists of a core divided into two sections with different modes of operation. Thanks to its patented pressure relief technology, this silencer is said to have a longer life. The Slim is 250 mm long overall, but extends the barrel by only 154 mm. The diameter is 50 mm above the barrel and 54 mm beyond. The silencer weighs 549 grams and is suitable for semi-automatic rifles as well as high-powered calibers such as .338 Lapua Magnum and .300 RUM. Here, the sound pressure level is said to be reduced by at least 34 dB. The HQS Special Slim costs 459 euros (MSRP). HQS also offers heat-resistant neoprene protective sleeves for all silencer models. The sleeves for models with a one-piece core cost 29,- Euro, while those for two-piece models cost 35,- Euro. If you find the Special model too big and heavy, you can go for the HQS Special Slim, which is a bit cheaper at 369,- Euro (MSRP). 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. The attenuation performance here is about 28 dB. The Slim is also an HQS model with a two-piece interior.

Unlike the manufacturer's previously described models, the HQS Impact is not an overbarrel silencer and can therefore be used with any type of rifle without the need to disassemble any rear sight bases on an open sight. The Impact is only 190 mm long, has a 15 mm threaded section and a diameter of 54 mm. It reduces the sound pressure level by 32 dB. This silencer is also a single chamber model 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 (MSRP). With a wide range of silencers suitable for different 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 eases the bureaucratic hassle that usually accompanies the purchase of 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.