PEW Science published its Rugged Obsidian 45 test on a full-size .45 ACP 1911 on August 20, 2026, measuring both of the suppressor's modular configurations on the same host and ammunition. The long configuration earned a composite Suppression Rating of 49.5, while the short configuration scored 34.7. Those numbers apply to this specific system: a Remington 1911 R1 with a 5.5-inch factory-threaded barrel firing full-power subsonic Speer Lawman 230-grain ammunition.

One suppressor, two distinct signatures

The Obsidian 45 measures 1.37 inches in diameter. It is 8.7 inches long and weighs 12.8 ounces in its full configuration, or 6.8 inches and 10.7 ounces with the front module removed. Removing that section cuts the baffle count from 12 to eight. The mount section and baffles are 17-4PH stainless steel, the main tube is aluminum, and the suppressor is user-serviceable. PEW Science tested it with the supplied internal inertial-decoupling piston system rather than a fixed mount or three-lug module.

The configuration change did more than reduce length and weight. PEW Science reported a free-field muzzle Suppression Rating of 49.2 for the long setup and 32.4 for the short setup, a change spanning more than one of its performance categories. The short unit released blast momentum faster and produced more severe muzzle blast. Its early-time flow behavior remained the same because the proximal portion of the suppressor did not change, while its late-time flow rate increased after the front section was removed.