R.L. Posted November 22, 2019 Report Share Posted November 22, 2019 (edited) While talking about my Dead Air suppressors, another master craftsman and a very humble man I came to know, came to mind.Tim Bixler of SCRC in Texas. Back in 2011 I was was on one of my flavor of the month C-3 missions to find a suppressor for my Steyr P-IV. After much research and direction from others I was able to connect with Tim Bixler. He was not easy to get in contact with, but someone from Snipers Hide was kind enough to pass on Tim's personal phone #. Some of you may know Tim, some may not, but Tim has been in this crazy C3 world for a long time, manufacturing quality suppressors. Those that own examples of his work, know the quality of his work. Just before Kent Lamont passed, I was able to buy the last Mk 4 .30 cal dedicated suppressor he had in stock for my Steyr P-IV. It's an over the barrel, sealed unit that looks no different that most other rifle suppressors. Once installed on the Steyr, then the magic happens. This Mk 4 unit is one of the quietest suppressors I own. With hand loads using trail boss and 220 gr projo's the gun truly becomes "hollywood quiet" You can actually hear the firing pin drop when you pull the trigger. It's just an amazing piece of kit. The ONLY thing that would improve this can is making it with a threaded end cap so you can remove the baffle stack to improve cleaning. After I posted my review on snipers hide, the emails were overwhelming, lots of folks wanted Tims contact info so they could buy this "magic" can too. One thing Tim asked after the last conversation was to NOT give out his contact info. Tim is a very private person. I think he may even have become a little embarrassed for all the praise online after my review. I told him he had a following and was famous. He said to me sounding pretty pissed, at 72 I don't want to be famous!!! So no more reviews or divulging contact info. I gave my word, which to this day I have kept. I respect his wishes. My friends were bugging me to contact Tim to make one last run of Mk 4's. I had about 6 people that wanted one. I called Tim to ask about one last run of Mk-4's and he informed me he was retiring, and had a back operation in the near future....but check back with him in 2-3 months. I was a little disappointed, but it sounded like he might , so I waited 3 months and called back. He agreed to one last run, if I could assure him all could be sold. I assured him and he started the last run of Mk4's which now became Mk4D's with a removable end cap and baffle stack! After doing the Form 4 dance, 1 year later I had my new Mk-4D. Improving on perfection is hard, this can was the be all to end all for me! I will treasure these suppressors until I pass on. But most of all what I will treasure is the personal kindness and level of quality and commitment Tim Bixler was known for in the products he manufactured. The man is a C-3 treasure, and so damn humble, it's just something you just don't see much anymore. I lost track of ol' "Bix" after the last run of Mk-4D's. I've emailed him but not received a reply. If anyone out there knows Tim and knows how he's doing, I'd really appreciate an update. Tim Bixler, master craftsman, inventor, tinkerer, one of the last good guys in this industry. Thank you again Tim. R.L. Edited November 22, 2019 by R.L. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy H Posted November 22, 2019 Report Share Posted November 22, 2019 I would see Tim at the Houston Gun Collector Shows .... he either had a table or was sitting with a table holder . super nice and modest guy ..... IIRC back in the early 80's he was making HK 90 series extended safety levers..... excellent quality..... and since I was selling HK products at the time ..... sold quite a few . hope he is doing ok ...... Buddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGG Posted November 22, 2019 Report Share Posted November 22, 2019 Let us not forget Tim's M-20 (the only transferable Beretta "93R")!!! Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waffen Und Bier Posted November 22, 2019 Report Share Posted November 22, 2019 IIRC, he made a really cool vertical fore grip/ barrel extension for the MAC series. SOF Magazine did a feature on him in the late 1970's/early 1980's. I miss those days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.L. Posted November 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2019 (edited) I do miss those days too brother. I have the one SOF issue where he is standing, camo boonie hat on firing a suppressed sten , I believe. I forgot to mention in my post what a true gentleman Tim is. I really hope he's doing ok. He was 72 in 2011, making him around 80 today. There's also a youtube video of him with a quad ak gatling gun he made. R.L. Edited November 22, 2019 by R.L. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mongo Posted November 22, 2019 Report Share Posted November 22, 2019 (edited) Tim unfortunately passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. It was posted over on subguns and maybe even here. post link He was a great machinist and I still own some of his cans. I did have one of the original run of folding SMGs he put together but unfortunately I sold it. Edited November 22, 2019 by Mongo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.L. Posted November 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2019 Thank you for posting this Mongo. Unfortunately this is not what I wanted to hear. Very sad news indeed. He will be missed by the community. God speed "Bix". R.L. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Arms Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 Thats sad to hear. I remember talking to him a few times on the phone. Incredibly nice guy. That PM12 and M3 can of his are so damn quiet. They are always a hit at shoots. I wish i would have gotten the Swedish k one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.