Yeah, not everyone owns (or even likes) the AR-15, but I’ve had a fair number of AR-15 / M4 related search engine hits, so I know many of you do. Besides, it’s what came to my mind this morning for a post – lucky you. 😉 If you’re buying or building one, let me give you a quick break down on your flash suppressor options. If you’re buying a stock model off the shelf, chances are very high it’ll come with the A2 birdcage flash hider. Bird cage action:
This is the standard, even amongst the military. You can purchase a Vietnam-era A1 flash hider if that’s your flavor, but why? The new A2 flash hiders come with a closed bottom port. What’s that mean to you? If you’re firing prone, in the sand and stuff, you won’t get dirt kicked up in the air beneath the barrel with a closed bottom port.
Next up is the “Phantom” flash suppressor. This piece is supposed ALL flash, so it’s perfect night vision equipment. You know, if you’re into dumping big money into those hoity toity scopes. I’m not, but that’s just me. Still, I like this design and it comes in two versions, with the bottom port closed and without. If you already have one without the bottom port closed, you can buy a wicked cheap timing washer and time the 5-port Phantom so that the openining is not exposed directly below. This will help. Phantom action:
Next up is the Vortex. It has a cool name, and it looks cool. I’m not a big fan of the design, but it’s also supposed to eliminate all signature flash. It comes down to personal preference. Vortex action:
If you’re more interested in controlling muzzle rise from rapid fire than you are the flash signature you’ll want a muzzle break. These things will keep you right on target regardless of how fast you fire. They come in a few different versions. Pictured here is the Bushmaster “Izzy” and the AK74 version for the 5.56:
Note that there are additional options out there, but this covers the most common. AR-15’s are big business nowadays. A LOT of people own them. I remember when you used to go to a gun store and it was rare to see military style rifles. Now they’re everywhere, and AR companies are making all kinds of fancy shmancy options to customize the rifle. Many of them are just unnecessary add ons that make very minute differences. They’re marketed to people with a severe case of Black Rifle Disease (BRD). You know, the people that need every single attachment – 14 times over, the people that convince themselves they NEED the latest gadgets. That being said, have a little fun, go buy some features – 14 times over.
– Ranger Man
7 comments
“BRD” I thought is was called “MNS” Mall Ninja Syndrome? They must be closely related..keep up the good work!
I was at a rifle certification class one time in 1997 and saw TWO DIFFERENT GUYS’ vortex flash suppressors break. The prongs just banana peeled. It reminded me of Bugs Bunny sticking his finger in Elmer Fudd’s shotgun and Elmer trying to shoot. I would think that piece of hardware has been improved upon in the last 10 years, but I’m scarred for life. I’ll just stick to my A2 birdcage.
Thanks for the down to Earth and kick ass blog, Ranger Man.
THE VORTEX WORKS BY VIBRATING LIKE A TUNING FORK. HOWEVER IT CAN CATCH ON TWIGS OR STRINGS TOO. THE PHANTOM TYPE LIKE YHM MAKES, DOES HIDE THE FLASH VERY WELL. CLOSED END TYPES CUT RECOIL TOO, BUT MAKE FOR AN AWFULL BIG BANG TO BY STANDERS’ EARS.
GREAT BLOG RANGER MAN>>>>>>>>
The vortex works by allowing enough open real estate for all the residual gun powder to burn off before exiting the muzzle. Vibrations have nothing to do with it.
There was a batch of vortexes that were constructed poorly and were prone to “blooming” as mentioned above. That has since been corrected. The Vortex is bar none the best flash hider (not suppressor, get your terms right fellas) on the market. The YHM 5C1/2 also kick major ass.
Nothing wrong with the standard A2 either, only compromises a bit of flash reduction.
Flash reduction is mostly tied to night vision equipment, so if you don’t have or need any…then don’t worry about it too much.
That’s spelled “brake”, not “break”.
Muzzle brake.
Quoting “Bob” above:
“(not suppressor, get your terms right fellas)”
Hey Bob,
Brownells, Bushmaster, etc. many, many mfg and gun parts and smiths call these things “flash suppressors” it’s an interchangeable term with “flash hider”. Neither is more correct.
I prefer the DC Vortex Flash Eliminator and DC California Compensator Vortex from SEI over all others. Both are Sound Suppressor Capable.