OP, nothing wrong with an A2 birdcage for rifle use. That said, for SBR or AR pistols, a blast shield is a good way to go. It may throw a fireball but the people standing next to you will really appreciate that the blast wave doesn't hit them while you're shooting. I have a 10.5" pistol with a KX5 and it works well at keeping the blast wave forward. If you replace your A2BC with one, you'll notice two things. 1_ a fireball and 2_ no muzzle rise mitigation.