I'm fairly new to mods, but I have 2 on my .223.
I have a Tier One Spartan III and a recently acquired Wildcat Predator 8 (which I won on facebook! -
https://www.facebook.com/UK-CUSTOM-SHOP ... 0/?fref=ts).
The sound of the 2 mods is very different, however the nice thing about both, following my first proper trip out with them is that they are both strippable.
It was drizzling all day yesterday whilst we were on the range, which meant my gear got absolutely soaked, inside and out.
When I got home I stripped both mods (as I used both) and they were soaked on the inside so I had to dry them all out completely. I don't think it would be easy to dry out completely a non-strippable mod, and although many people suggest that a squirt of oil after shooting should do the trick, can you be sure you're not just putting oil on to water..? Stainless after-all is stain-less, not stain-impossible.
That said it's your choice.
As for the rear bushing. The wildcat came with one, the tier one did not. However when screwed on I don't see either moving at all.
The Tier one has a much more satisfying sound (although I can't give figures on to how well it dampens the sound) it's a little more like a thud whereas the wildcat is more like a higher pitched whistle.
The price however, the Wildcat runs at around £240 whereas my Tier One was closer to £300 if I recall correctly (But can be used over barrel or end of barrel and comes with a muzzle break).
I'm sure the NS3 is a nice mod, but you've already noted it doesn't come in the colour you want and is non strippable...
For my money I'd probably head to Wildcat (UK Custom Shop) and go with one of their customisable jobs, although I really do like my Tier One.
My (slightly biased as I own them) advice.
in advance