Favorite Muzzle Device?

[El Cid]

Mr Pannone,

I am curious to hear your take on the use of muzzle brakes on AR-15s. They seem to be gaining rapidly in popularity, and I’m even guilty of having one on a rifle myself. I’m looking at this issue as a LEO for two reasons. One is the reduction of flash when firing in low/no light conditions. The other is when shooting around others (as LEO’s and military are more likely to do), especially when inside small spaces (interior rooms, vehicles, etc.). I could care less what competitors on the one way range use on their rifles, but I’m starting to doubt the viability of anything but a flash hider on a “working” rifle.

Finally, what muzzle device do you prefer overall?

Thanks in advance,
-K

[MP01]

Breaks are great for competition but for the very reasons you mentioned are not a viable option for military/LE. The benefits in shootability of a comp are easily outweighed by flash signature to a threat, blinding effects to the shooter and the detrimental effects when shooting in proximity to others or the ground.

I like the Surefire FH556-212A Flash Hider (Flash Suppressor) and Suppressor Adapter. The flash reduction is significant even on 10.5" SBR's and I can put my suppressor on all my rifles in 5.56. If I don't care about the suppressor the YHM Phantom series is dollar for dollar the best flash-hider I have shot. I prefer the YHM 28A and 28 5C1 or 2.

[El Cid]

Excellent - thanks! I will be transitioning the brake I have to a SF hider since I bought one of their cans. Since you're the 2nd SME here who recommends the 212A, how does it compare to the 215A hider? I ordered the 215 because it resembles the vortex and that has been known for its flash reduction.

[MP01]

The 215 and the BE Meyers are based on the Vortex design and cut flash dramatically. I haven't seen that much obvious flash suppression over the 212 and I don't like open prong muzzle devices so I lean towards the 212.