Allen Engineering's AEM-4 is a remarkable specimen of ingenuity and history, which has transcended from the Ops, Inc.’s 16th Model. Under the visionary craftsmanship of Ron Allen, moving into Ron's production for another decade under the Allen Engineering name in California and Nevada, and continuing to Alex's craftsmanship at the Allen Engineering Utah plant. This practical over-the-barrel reflex suppressor has maintained its style and manufacturing characteristics akin to what made Ops, Inc. famous over two decades ago.
An often-gripping dilemma in selecting suppressors revolves around their compatibility with diverse barrel lengths. As clone rifles continue to find their footing in military operations, several parameters —weight balance, and adaptability included— must be met to perfection. Furthermore, finding an implement that tackles noise-reduction efficiently on short-barreled AR-15s presents another layer of complexity.
As we journey towards unraveling the solution from all these intricacies, it becomes essential to acknowledge how relentless pursuit for perfection led to a product that stands out today as a compressed package of performance.
• Adaptable reflex over-the-barrel fitting that enhances volume sans additional length
• Functional on barrels as short as 11.5” with low profile gas block
• Compatible with standard AE/OPS style brakes and collars*
• Solid sound suppression - even by today's standards of more modern designs
• Same baffle design technology from sister model AEM5
• Full stainless steel construction ensuring performance longevity
• Great balance between size and impact with a length just over 8"
* note that collar positioning is different with the AEM-4 and will require a skilled craftsman to install correctly.
The Allen Engineering AEM-4 suppressor is a result of the combined engineering expertise of Ron Allen and the historical significance of Ops, Inc. The suppressor's design and construction are rooted in a reliable design framework, coupled with the use of durable materials.
The suppressor attaches to its mount via external threads that center over the barrel collar, providing optimal alignment for accuracy. A unique feature is a 20-degree taper on the adapter, which ensures secure locking onto the barrel, thus setting high standards for operational safety in modern counterparts.
Alex from Allen Engineering shares his insights about this equipment’s performance even in short-barreled AR-15s: “The AEM4 was successful during testing with an 11.5” barrel setup,” he observes. With noise levels below 140 dB, it confirms effective sound suppression across varying generations of firearms – compact yet multifaceted and sophisticated without losing its fundamental simplicity.
Understanding the technical nuances between choosing an AEM-5 model or an AEM-4 suppressor involves considering their respective distances from the muzzle crown to where their collar sits on the barrel. The AEM-5 requires 2.50" from barrel end to collar point, while the newer creation like AEM-4 requires only 2.05". This difference becomes pivotal when attaching these suppressors to different barrels - especially ones as short as 11.5".
Historically, both models were used by military forces due to their effectiveness and reliability. The US Military initially sought a suppressor that would work on an 11-1/2 inch barrel for some rifles; this led to the development of the AEM-2. Over time, there was experimentation with more baffles leading eventually to models with shorter mounts like the AEM-4.
Due to its shorter mount length, the AEM-4 presents a more practical option facilitating installation on barrels even with a low profile gas block. This requires operator measurement assurance undertaken by professional armorers or gunsmiths.
In conclusion, understanding these technical differences and the historical context of the AEM-4 and AEM-5 suppressors can help one make an informed decision on which model to choose. Whether for military operations or supplementing your existing collection, each model offers its unique advantages rooted in history and high-performance engineering.
• Overall Length: 8.4 inches
• Weight: 20 ounces
• Minimum barrel clearance: 2.7 inches
• Mounting length (start of collar taper to end of muzzle): 2.05 inches
• Length added (from end of brake): 4.5 inches
• Full stainless steel construction for durability and longevity.
• Compatible with standard AE/OPS style brakes and collars.
• Can be mounted on barrels as short as 11.5” with a low profile gas block.
• Uses the same mount as the AEM2 and AEM3, allowing for versatile use.
• Unique baffle design that channels and slows expanding gases back into the reflex area before release, ensuring sound suppression similar to the AEM5 model.
Charlie's Custom Clones takes pride in its partnership with Allen Engineering, a relationship rooted in shared values of precision and craftsmanship, and going back years. The transition from Ron Allen to Alex in Utah has been seamless, with the same commitment to quality and attention to detail that has always defined these suppressors.
Alex continues this tradition with great respect for its origins while also bringing his own expertise into play. He is not just maintaining the legacy established by Ron but enhancing it through his dedication and innovative approach.
At Charlie's Custom Clones, we're more than just retailers; we're custodians of a rich heritage in military weaponry. Every product we offer represents a piece of history and engineering brilliance that deserves to be preserved and appreciated. Our customers can trust they're investing in genuine craftsmanship when they choose an AEM-4 or any other item from our carefully curated selection.
For more technical information, please For more detailed information, please consult the official website of Allen Engineering.
Read about Allen Engineering, Ops, Inc. and the Mk12 suppressor.
Note to Dealers: We are a nationwide Distributor for Allen Engineering, contact us by email if you are interested in carrying AEM products in your store.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. This item must ship to FFL holder. No civilian exceptions.
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state.
2) Find your FFL… Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL and SOT to Charlie’s (Make them earn their fee!). Not every FFL is a SOT or Class 2 / Class 3 dealer.
3) Be patient! You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers. Please click the “Buying a Firearm” tab at the top of this page for more information.
THIS IS A SERIALIZED ITEM. It must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder. No civilian exceptions.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. Only a federally licensed firearms dealer may receive a firearm or federally regulated serialized item (like a receiver or suppressor). We cannot ship these items directly to you. Please follow these steps to process your transaction:
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state. Your FFL dealer should be able to give you all of the necessary information regarding your state specific laws. But, if we ship to your FFL, and there is a legal issue, we cannot accept a return. So please make sure that you know and follow your local and state laws.
2) A quick google search will show you what Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealers are in your area. When you are ready to purchase, contact the FFL dealer you would like to use and get their shipping address. During the check-out, put YOUR address in the “billing” section and the FFL DEALER’S address in the “shipping” section. If you don’t know your FFLs address, that’s okay. You can send the information later.
3) After check out, make sure to contact your FFL dealer to ensure they will receive your shipment for you (most do this for a small fee, but you should always double check).
4) Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to FFL@CharliesCustomClones.com. Charlie’s does not reach to your FFL (MAKE THEM EARN THEIR FEE!!!)
5) Be patient! In order to ensure we remain compliant with all federal laws, our compliance department is kept separate from our sales and operations team. Please allow a few days for our compliance officer to verify all of your dealer’s documents and ensure all federal laws are being observed. You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers, but if you are unfamiliar the process or have any other questions, please visit our How to Buy a Suppressor page for more details.
Allen Engineering
Griffin Armament
Allen Engineering
