Jason Layne – CEO & Lead Designer
A lifelong shooter and suppressor enthusiast with over a decade of experience in strength, performance, and firearms. Jason leads our design team and drives product innovation from the inside out.
Our Services
At Ridgeback Defense, we specialize in high-performance suppressors for rifles, pistols, and pistol-caliber carbines. Our product lineup includes models built for.
- 5.56 NATO
- 300 Blackout
- 7.62/.308
- 9mm PCC
- 6mm platforms
All Ridgeback suppressors are HUB-mount compatible (1.375×24 thread), and built using advanced DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) manufacturing with materials like Inconel, Titanium, Haynes 282, and 17-4 Stainless Steel.
What sets us apart is the balance of modularity, durability, and sound performance — all delivered at a price that makes sense for everyday shooters.
Our story
Founded by four partners with a shared passion for firearms and precision engineering, Ridgeback Defense was born from the idea that cutting-edge suppressor technology should be accessible to all shooters — not just professionals or collectors. Each of us brings a different perspective to the table: law enforcement, backcountry hunting, military-grade machining, and performance design. What started as a conversation between friends became a full-scale suppressor brand committed to breaking new ground in sound suppression, backpressure control, and modularity. Through the development of our proprietary OppFlow™ gas management system, we’ve built suppressors that offer both innovation and real-world performance. Today, Ridgeback Defense stands at the intersection of engineering excellence and user-focused design — delivering American-made suppressors that punch above their class in every category.
Our Commitment
We’re committed to producing suppressors that exceed expectations — not just in performance, but in value.
- We stand behind our products with a full manufacturer’s defect warranty on every can.
- For maximum peace of mind, we offer a Lifetime No-Questions-Asked Warranty for a one-time $100 upgrade.
- We also believe in simple maintenance, recommending nothing more than a soak in Simple Green and a few follow-up rounds to keep your suppressor running smoothly.
At Ridgeback, safety, precision, and performance are at the core of what we do. And as a veteran- and law-enforcement-connected business, we support those who serve — on the range, in the field, and in the line of duty.
Meet the Team
Ron Pavkovich – Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
A former Kentucky State Trooper, Ron understands the operational importance of suppressors and ensures full regulatory compliance across everything we build and ship.
Josh Branham – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
A dedicated big game hunter, Josh brings a deep appreciation for lightweight, backcountry-ready suppressors — and the financial strategy to keep our products affordable.
Tom Jones – Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMO)
A seasoned machinist and owner of Taper Roller Bearings, a trusted supplier for the Department of Defense. Tom ensures every suppressor we make is machined to military-grade tolerances.
Highlighted Technologies & Products
At the heart of our suppressor line is OppFlow™, a proprietary gas redirection system that minimizes backpressure and eliminates first-round pop by using counterflow dynamics inside the can. It creates a cleaner, deeper sound while keeping your gun running cooler and more efficiently.
One of our most innovative designs, the RHINO Hybrid, combines a Haynes 282 blast chamber and a Titanium .30 cal baffle stack to offer elite-level performance while maintaining modularity and lightweight handling. Dual 17-4 end caps allow users to switch seamlessly between calibers.
Our first flagship suppressor, the RHINO X 556, is a 3D-printed Inconel powerhouse — the first in its class to launch under $700.00 Built for extreme-duty use with low backpressure and best-in-class flash suppression, the RHINO X proves that top-shelf suppressor performance doesn’t have to come with a top-shelf price tag.
Customer Testimonials
“Finally — a suppressor company that delivers on both performance and price. My RHINO S 556 runs clean and sounds great on my 11.5” SBR.”
— Mike D., Kennedy
“The RHINO Hybrid is everything I needed for both my 5.56 and 300 BLK rifles. Solid build, smart design, and super easy to clean.”
— Rodger McHugh.
Contact Information
Ridgeback Defense Co.
175 W Lowry Lane
Lexington, KY 40503
Email: Jason@ridgebackdefense.com
Phone: 859-227-8154
Instagram: @ridgeback.defense
Operating Hours: By appointment only (for now)
Call to Action
Ready to run suppressed? Explore our lineup, take the Suppressor Selector Quiz, or reach out with any questions. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, promotions, and behind-the-scenes content — and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop.
Contact usRidgeback Defense Co.
was founded and is operated by a small, experienced team of firearms professionals and industry veterans:
Jason Layne, CEO and Lead Designer, is a lifelong shooter with a deep passion for suppressor innovation and performance design.
Ron Pavkovich, Chief Compliance Officer, is a former state trooper who brings firsthand knowledge of how suppressors enhance safety and effectiveness in law enforcement settings.
Josh Branham, Chief Financial Officer, is an avid big game hunter who quickly discovered the value of lightweight suppressors during his backcountry hunts across the U.S.
Tom Jones, Chief Manufacturing Officer, is a lifelong machinist and owner of Taper Roller Bearings, a precision manufacturer for the Department of Defense with a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability.
We built Ridgeback Defense with a shared belief: suppressors should be engineered for extreme performance, built with integrity, and priced so everyday shooters can access the best.
The Ridgeback Difference
At Ridgeback Defense, we combine cutting-edge DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) technology with purpose-driven design to produce suppressors that stand out for their strength, precision, and performance.
What sets us apart is our proprietary OppFlow™ gas management system — an internal suppressor architecture that redirects and disrupts gas flow by forcing high-pressure gas from the blast chamber to collide with gas moving through the baffle stack. This unique counterflow system:
- Reduces backpressure
- Eliminates first-round pop
- Slows gas expansion
- Produces a deeper, cleaner tone
By optimizing internal pressure dynamics, OppFlow™ delivers a quieter, smoother shooting experience across a wide range of firearm platforms.
RHINO Hybrid – Innovation Through Engineering
One of our most versatile suppressors, the RHINO Hybrid, exemplifies the kind of engineering we strive for. It’s called the Hybrid because it combines two high-performance metals — a Haynes 282 blast chamber and a titanium baffle stack — to achieve the ideal balance of weight, strength, and sound suppression.
Compatible with both 5.56 and 30-cal platforms, the RHINO Hybrid features interchangeable 17-4 stainless end caps and a 1.375×24 HUB mount. It’s a modular, adaptable can that thrives in a range of setups — from short-barreled rifles to precision builds — without compromising durability or tone.
RHINO X – Flagship Performance at a Breakthrough Price
Our RHINO X 556 is our Xtreme Duty Rated suppressor — and a statement of intent.
It’s the first 3D-printed Inconel suppressor in its class to launch under $600, offering extreme-duty durability, full-auto capability (7 mags in under a minute), and low backpressure in a compact 5-inch package.
The RHINO X isn’t just built to perform — it’s built to outperform suppressors twice its price. It’s proof of our commitment to delivering top-tier quality at a price point the shooting community can actually afford.
Built for Real Shooters
At Ridgeback Defense, we don’t just build suppressors — we build solutions for real shooters, real missions, and real-world conditions. Whether you’re looking to reduce flash signature, minimize gas blowback, shoot quietly in the field, or suppress a short-barreled rifle with confidence — our cans are built to perform.
Every Ridgeback suppressor reflects our obsession with detail, our respect for engineering, and our promise to offer elite-level performance without the elite-level price tag.
