In 2014, I had the opportunity to visit Gemtech’s facility in Boise, Idaho. We were in the arms cage packing for a range trip when I noticed a plastic tray with 10 or so very small suppressors. Each was not much larger than a tube of lipstick.

Being the polite guest, I asked before touching. What I had found was a batch of Aurora 9mm suppressors awaiting transfer to a government end user.

• RELATED STORY: Silent Nine: Gemtech’s Ultra-Quiet GM-9 Suppressor

I was told that the Aurora was designed in the mid-1990s for a pilot’s bailout kit and has since been utilized by other government entities. The concept was to provide signature reduction in a significantly reduced package. The internal components consist of old-school neoprene wipes and aluminum spacers.

It should be noted that the Aurora is only designed to be effective for five to 10 rounds and is not well suited for general use. At that time of my visit, the project was still “sensitive” and the information was embargoed.

In 2015, I paid a second visit to Gemtech and was able to photograph, shoot and meter the Aurora. The suppressor is a mere 3.3 inches in length, 1.125 inches in diameter and weighs 3.2 ounces. During our tests, the Aurora reduced the signature of HPR’s 147-grain subsonic load from 159.9 decibels (dB) to an average of 129.5 dB.

The Aurora can be serviced and repacked in the field by the user, but BATFE considers the internal components as controlled items for civilian users. I also learned that a small number of the units had been released to the commercial market through the Silencer Shop in Austin, Texas.

• RELATED STORY: Lightweight Silence: Gemtech’s Sandstorm Suppressor

Look for a complete review of the Aurora in a future issue of GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. To subscribe, visit harristacticalstore.com.

For more information on the Aurora and other products from Gemtech, please visit Gem-Tech.com.