TFB Review: Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56

TFB Review: Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56 - Suppression in the Palm of your Hand

Silencers have seen an explosion in popularity over the last decade due to legislative efforts, and work from companies like Silencer Central to make the barrier for entry incredibly easy, and more options coming to the table which has driven down costs. It's rad! For silencer owners who may own a few already, the ultimate pursuit that many of us are on is owning the smallest silencer possible with the most noise suppression possible. Sounds like an oxymoron, and it is a little bit, yet we continue our buying search and so do the manufacturers that craft these cans. One can that caught everyone’s attention this year is the Silencer Central BANISH Speed K. A silencer that fits in the palm of your hand, and it looks more akin to a grenade than a sound suppression device (but if a grenade makes you go deaf, is that considered “sound suppression”?) I couldn’t believe how well this lil’ guy worked at SHOT Show 2024. I was frankly in shock. So, I’m ecstatic that we were able to obtain one from Silencer Central to review for you here today! Let’s dive in!

Silencer Central @ TFB:

• [SHOT 2024] Small And Mighty Silencer Central Banish Speed K
• Silencer Central Introduces New BANISH Speed K Silencer
• Silencer Central Celebrates Grand Opening of New Headquarters
• SILENCER SATURDAY #290: Universal Big Bore – Silencer Central Banish 46

Specifications - Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56

The Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56 is full-auto rated for when the mood strikes you, and it is accompanied by a Lifetime Warranty like all of Silencer Central’s products. The MSRP is $1,199 for the this tiny titan of a silencer, and the full spec listing can be read below as presented by Silencer Central:

• Length: 4"
• Diameter: 2"
• Weight: 14.1 oz
• Material: Inconel
• Thread Pitch: ½” x 28 TPI
• Brand: BANISH
• Caliber & Range: .223Rem / 5.56mm NATO
• Colorway: Black Cerakote
• Sound Reduction: 20.9 dB
• Mount Style: Industry Standard Hub Mount

While we are looking at the Speed K 5.56 model today, Silencer Central actually offers 2 new variants to the Speed K lineup: the Speed K and Speed K Ti. Again, for clarity, we are playing with the Speed K 5.56. The primary difference between the two silencers being one is constructed of inconel (Speed K) and the other is fabricated from titanium (Speed K Ti).

• BANISH Speed K 5.56 - MSRP $1,199
• BANISH Speed K Ti 5.56 - MSRP $1,399

As always, in the rare event that you should ever need service for your firearm, Silencer Central has a Lifetime Warranty that stands behind all of their products. While I have never experienced an issue with any Silencer Central products or this new test copy, it is nice to know that you have that safety net and support from Silencer Central.

A Word from Silencer Central on the BANISH Speed K

The BANISH Speed K is easily the most exciting news to come from the silencer segment of the firearms industry this year. A can this small yet it actually works is simply amazing. Silencer Central goes on to further explain the “secret sauce” in this new suppressor and flatly what it is all about:

“The BANISH® Speed K is a 5.56 caliber suppressor set to revolutionize the suppressor industry. With clipped-wall baffles and a finned blast chamber, the Speed K ensures maximum sound reduction while maintaining optimal performance. Featuring controlled flow technology and a vented 4th baffle, this duty suppressor minimizes gas blowback for a better shooting experience. The design allows for only a 5.8% increase in blowback from unsuppressed shooting, enabling rifles to function smoothly without additional modification.

Designed in partnership with Federal Ammunition and law enforcement professionals, the Speed K was built for those in uniform who demand excellence from their equipment. The silencer is constructed with 100% Inconel for durability and lower heat retention. Passing seven rounds of SOCOM testing, the Speed K is extremely durable and won’t fail when it matters most. One round of SOCOM testing puts 1,440 rounds through the suppressor in a short period. Many suppressors don’t pass one round of SOCOM testing, let alone seven rounds!"

"At 4 inches in length, the Speed K is the perfect choice when maneuverability and speed are vital to a successful mission. The compact design allows for quick and precise movements in tight spaces. Creating a suppressor short in length was a primary focus when designing and building the Speed K, along with minimal blowback and extreme durability.

The BANISH Speed K comes with a direct thread Industry Standard Hub mount. Muzzle brake devices are also available for purchase. The 1.375×24 HUB mount allows purchasers to attach a separate quick-detach mount.

If your mission is silence, trust what the pros trust and equip your rifles with the BANISH Speed K.”

What’s in the Box? Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56

A very simple yet meaningful question many gun buyers contemplate before purchasing a firearm, silencer, or any product for that matter is, “What’s in the box?” So, this is everything you can expect if you want to jump in on a BANISH Speed K 5.56 silencer.

• BANISH Speed K silencer
• QR Code Brochure to access Owner’s Manual
• Box with Protective Foam Lining
• Direct Thread Mount (not included with purchase, but provided for this review)

What’s the Upsell? What’s the Elevator Pitch?

As within anything new that we are looking to purchase, we will want to answer why we should get it or why we need it? With the BANISH Speed K 5.56, it has several traits that are too difficult to ignore:

• Only 4 inches long
• Less than 6% blowback increase
• Industry-standard hub
• Did we mention it is only 4” long?

This silencer is astonishingly compact, deploys industry standard hub mounts that work for a multitude of platforms and brands, and you get very minimal blowback (a typical concern for all silencers).

Range Experience - Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56

So, what was it like to shoot this at the range?... My first experience ever of shooting the BANISH Speed K was at SHOT Show 2024. While SHOT Show is a gun owner’s wet dream for the amount of guns and silencers you get to shoot in one afternoon, there is so much gun fire occurring on one range that it is hard to craft cogent thoughts about any given product.

While I walked away impressed from shooting the BANISH Speed K at SHOT Show, I still needed more range time - less busy range time - to formulate complete thoughts. So, this past month I shot the BANISH Speed K on my home range and my favorite PDW: the now discontinued Springfield Armory Saint Edge PDW 5.56 NATO.

In-the-Field Use - Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56

So, where do I envision this being put to use?... This silencer is perfect for home defense, law enforcement needs, and military applications. If I want the best suppression possible for a .223 Rem/5.56 NATO platform, I would lean on the BANISH 223. But, if I want hearing safe suppression for defense or tight quarters, the BANISH Speed K is the man for the job.

• 100% Inconel construction delivers reliability and durability
• Controlled flow technology mitigates back pressure without giving up sound suppression
• Linear baffle system aids in rotational gas restriction and additional chambering for increased sound suppression
• Straight venting allows for ease of cleaning

The BANISH Speed K was born from law enforcement and military demands, and it shows. This thing is crazy compact, hearing safe, and built like a tank. If you’re LEO, MIL, or simply want to top off a home defense PDW (like, my Springfield Armory Saint Edge PDW), then this can is for you.

Departing Thoughts - Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56

So, what are my final thoughts on the Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56 silencer?... At first, I was hesitant to believe a silencer this small could actually suppress as advertised, but I was proven wrong. This lil’ guy works! It gets hot but has virtually no blowback, deploys industry-standard hub mounts, and is proportionately sized - not too wide, definitely not too long, it's just right.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Silencer Central for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56 silencer. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think?

Do you believe that the Silencer Central BANISH Speed K 5.56 silencer is something worth spending your money on? Would you take one with you hunting? Shoot a league or competition? Potentially deploy it for home defense? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Silencer Central and the BANISH Speed K 5.56 silencer in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.