SILENCER SATURDAY #289: THE YHM Sidewinder M2 9mm Suppressor

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the new YHM R45 Multi-Host Suppressor. Last week we got a look at the new YHM Fat Cat 5.56mm compact rifle suppressor. This week we spend some time with the new YHM Sidewinder M2 pistol suppressor in 9mm. Is this your next pistol can? Let’s take a look.

Instead of diving into my old diatribe on the lack of utility on long suppressors mounted on compact handguns, we are going to focus on the pure enjoyment of quietly shooting heavy pistol rounds. After all, life isn’t just about utility; we can spice it up with things that don’t serve a direct purpose. Like listening to Doja Cat or eating fried dough at a pop-up carnival.

As far as I can tell, the biggest change to the Sidewinder models is the fact that “standard” size pistons from other manufacturers can be used instead of the older proprietary pistons. The length of the new 9mm version is about half an inch longer, probably to accommodate the new piston system. Otherwise the monocore baffle design with a leading traditional blast baffle is unchanged. The weight also has not changed, even with the slight increase in length.

The piston disassembly has changed sightly to use the more standardized wrenches rather than a cylindrical tool with spanner wrench posts. Part of me wishes that YHM would have changed the baffle stack removal to a wrench; the indentations and tool face can be harder to line up when twisting.

But disassembly is about as straightforward as you can get, unscrewing the piston assembly, unscrewing the baffle assembly, leaving three main parts.

Let’s take a look at the numbers.

The new Sidewinder M2 suppressor is optimized to give you an affordable, lightweight suppressor packed with features typically found on more expensive models. The booster system has been completely redesigned and now uses the industry’s unofficial standard piston. Pistons from SilencerCo, Rugged, Dead Air, etc. can be used in the Sidewinder M2 and vice versa. The redesign also includes the ability to swap pistons without the use of tools thanks to a new rear cap. The front cap has been redesigned to allow for better engagement with the takedown tool to make the service process easier.

The Sidewinder utilizes a high-efficiency mono-core baffle made from 7075-T6 aluminum that is class 3 hardcoat anodized. The outer tube is made from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum which is also finished with class 3 hardcoat anodize. These materials offer high strength and longevity in a lightweight package. The Piston, Nielsen Sleeve and Blast Baffle are constructed from heat treated 17-4ph stainless steel. This type of stainless steel is extremely resistant to corrosion and wear, and will not degrade when exposed to extreme temperatures.

The Sidewinder M2 is user serviceable which allows both the baffle and Nielsen device to be removed for cleaning and maintenance using the provided disassembly tool. Our Nielsen device enables flawless semi-automatic operation on all relevant host pistols. The Sidewinder M2 has 12 index points that allow you to adjust point of impact while remaining attached to the host firearm.

• Part Number: YHM-2065 (9mm); YHM-2070 (.45 cal)
• Manufacturer’s Page:  https://yhm.net/pistol-suppressors/9mm-sidewinder-m2-suppressor/
• MSRP: $599
• Owner’s Manual: Read it here
• Caliber: 9mm
• Overall Length: 8.35”
• Diameter: 1.375”
• Weight: 10.15 oz
• Suppression Level: 125 dB on G17, 147 gr.
• Material: Aircraft Quality Aluminum and 17-4 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type III Hardcoat Anodized, Matte Black
• Method of Attachment: 1/2″-28 RH