Noveske Amigo: The Friend You Need [REVIEW]

In a world where suppressors have become commonplace and reduced backpressure designs are the rage, it’s uncommon to see something novel. 

Noveske Rifleworks clearly understands this and, with the introduction of their Amigo suppressor, has achieved something unusual in the space: a unique design. Melding the latest in DMLS 3D additive manufacturing with modern materials, they have effectively given new life to what is a decades-old device, manufactured in the tens of thousands. 

Noveske is a name known far and wide in the firearms world. When John “Johnny” Noveske founded the company twenty-four years ago, he set out on a mission to create a true hard-use platform. Pioneering designs around the now-standard 300 Blackout cartridge and focusing on US-made barrels that were incredibly accurate, that ethos lives on to this day. 

Even then, Noveske understood that the AR platform wasn’t just a conglomeration of parts. It was a system that, if assembled correctly with the tolerances to match, you could produce a rifle that stood out from its peers in all the right ways. One of those devices created is the KX3, affectionately known as the Flaming Pig. With the original engraving still present on this device, it’s a blast deflector utilizing a forcing cone much like the four-piece flash hider found on models of the AK74. 

This device has been in circulation for decades and can be seen in movies, such as The Avengers, as well as in numerous other examples of media. With so many KX3s out there, what makes the Amigo suppressor special is that it chose to utilize such a prolific device as its mounting system.

To clarify, the Amigo was designed to be part of a system. Noveske envisioned and is specific that it be utilized on barrel lengths greater than 13.7” and is built for their N4 Infidel in that barrel length. If you purchase the N4 Infidel 13.7”, you’ll receive the rifle with the KX3 pinned and welded. Purchased separately, your Amigo suppressor and the two tools needed for disassembly and mounting will be included in the suppressor box. 

Noveske has provided a good tutorial on how to disassemble the KX3 to mount the Amigo, which requires only a small number of tools. That video will be your best friend and prevent some potential frustration. One minor hiccup you may encounter is that the provided tool to hold the base of the KX3 is designed to be tight. And the weld on the pin might not fit perfectly. Fear not, a few taps on the top of the KX3 flats will help seat it properly. 

When Noveske recommends using a wrench to loosen the cone in the KX3, take their word for it. The cone is seated soundly, and you’ll want a vice as well to do the job right. After properly disassembling the KX3, it’s as simple as screwing in the Amigo with a good hand-tight snug, and you’re off to the range.

For testing, a Noveske N4 Infidel 13.7” was utilized along with fifteen hundred rounds of Scorpion 5.56 in 55gr and 77gr. The ammunition performed flawlessly and was remarkably accurate, even with their 55gr offering. 

For optics, an EOTECH EXPS3 and 3X magnifier on a UNITY riser and Arisaka Magnifier High Mount with a 3EIR Sentinel-IRV laser was used for night vision and shooting inside 300 yards. For distance, a Nightforce NX8 was used in a Badger Ordnance C1 Mount with a KOENG C1 adapter and an Aimpoint ACRO, all supported by an MDT CYKE-POD Lightweight. 

An Arisaka MalkoffHTL light with their mount provided excellent white light activated by a UNITY AXON switch with a Scope Bumper Weaponlight Cover as insurance for a white-light ND. The Walker Defense Nile rail covers provided consistent purchase and heat mitigation. Lastly, a MODTAC U-RAC Suppressor Shield helped to mitigate mirage common to any suppressor, which was hugely helpful shooting out to 600 yards. 

For a helmet platform, a ballistic Ops-Core Fast SF Next Generation helmet, paired with their AMP headset and the Nocturn Industries Alpha Mount, provided a comfortable and reliable base. A set of crisp 1431 MKIIs, generously loaned from Twisted Innovations, paired with a Surefire Vampire light in an S&S precision mount, along with their Manta Strobe, rounded out what was an incredibly light and capable night vision setup. It was so light, in fact, at a total of 4.5 pounds, that even in its fully configured state, no counterweight was needed after hours of use.

The unspoken party trick of the Amigo is the attention paid to metallurgy. One of the challenges in many suppressor designs is that the mount can be made of a single material, such as stainless steel or titanium. In contrast, the suppressor itself is made of a different material, such as Inconel or Stellite. 

This can lead to challenges as the various materials perform differently at higher temperatures, creating inconsistencies that lead to point of impact shift, or worse, the suppressor coming loose from the mount at an inopportune moment. Noveske thought ahead; the KX3 and Amigo are both manufactured from Hanes 282 nickel-based alloy, meaning they perform consistently under hard use. 

Hanes 282 is known for being utilized on rocket nozzles as a testament to its durability. This was true under a firing schedule that often had the suppressor and rifle smoking hot on a regular basis. By witness marking the top of the KX3 and suppressor, a simple visual check repeatedly verified this.

As a reduced backpressure design, Noveske nailed gassing on this rifle. It’s not so soft that you question if it would function correctly in adverse conditions, but not so punchy that staying on target even at distance with the clock running was a concern. It’s also a nice touch that the vents on the front of the suppressor are cleverly disguised in the Noveske logo. 

Gas to the face was nearly non-existent, even shooting left-handed from unorthodox body positions. One thing to note about Hanes 282 is that it takes a while to heat up under use, but once it’s heat-soaked, it takes some time to cool down. For this reason, traditional suppressor covers might not be the best choice for the Amigo. 

The form factor of the Amigo is such that it only adds three inches to the overall length of the rifle and less than an inch in diameter compared to the KX3 itself. Adding a mere 11.7 ounces, that puts it in the category of a premium offering alongside any other top-tier suppressor in the K-can class. 

In a world awash with beta-testing products on the end-user, Noveske has done its homework and designed a solid suppressor that is truly unique. With a price tag of $800 from Silencer Shop exclusively, if you already own an N4 with the appropriate barrel length, you can’t go wrong with suppressing it in their ecosystem. 

And the Amigo is just the tip of the iceberg; more is coming from Novekse to maintain the design philosophy of hard-use reliability, combining form and function. If you’re interested in purchasing an Amigo, you can only find it through Silencer Shop and their stellar stamp process.

A special thank you to BRVO Tactical, Tetelestai Range, and Twisted Innovations for providing range facilities for testing.