Flash hider suggestions

#1 10-02-07, 11:04

Hi guys newbie here,

The most popular flash hiders I have read about here are the Phantom and the Vortex.

Which do you guys preffer and why, and specifically what Phantom do you guys like or is better? The original, the 5C1 or the 5C2?

markm · #2 10-02-07, 11:44

Unless I need one to bring a 14.5" barrel up to 16", I just use the regular old A2. I've found it to be just fine on barrels as short as 11.5" with M193 ammo.

The Phantom tends to build a lot of carbon up on the end of the barrel due to it's design... I've never heard of anyone having problems with this though.

C4IGrant · #3 10-02-07, 12:22

The Vortex is my favorite and is one of the few FS that the US Military has ever used (besides the A2).

My next choice would be the Phanton 5C2 or 28A.

C4

MX5 · #4 10-02-07, 13:08

In low/no light, the Vortex has the lowest flash signature, excluding sound suppressors, and the original Phantom is a close second - either of these is very small indeed. The A2 FH is a poor performer on any bbl and only gets worse as the length decreases. C4 has witnessed this as well.

markm · #5 10-02-07, 13:34

I've fired the A2 on an 11.5 in the dark using XM193, and the flash wasn't nearly as big as I expected... Maybe enough to affect a NOD, but certainly not enough to bother my eyes.

I was hoping for a BIG BRILLIANT flash like rsilvers captured in his pictures, but I guess the naked eye isn't the same as good photography.

I mean... I get a worse flash from my .22lr ruger mk2 pistol. We do a lot of low light shooting out here in the hot summer months, and that's just my unofficial results.

Robb Jensen · #6 10-02-07, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by demigod

I've fired the A2 on an 11.5 in the dark using XM193, and the flash wasn't nearly as big as I expected... Maybe enough to affect a NOD, but certainly not enough to bother my eyes.

I was hoping for a BIG BRILLIANT flash like rsilvers captured in his pictures, but I guess the naked eye isn't the same as good photography.

I mean... I get a worse flash from my .22lr ruger mk2 pistol. We do a lot of low light shooting out here in the hot summer months, and that's just my unofficial results.

Just get some of that Guatamalan ammo, it flashes like a camera.

markm · #7 10-02-07, 14:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotm4

Just get some of that Guatamalan ammo, it flashes like a camera.

I'll have to!

I thought XM193 had a pretty flashy reputation.

Shihan · #8 10-02-07, 16:15

Its interesting when I last spoke to YHM they told me that the 5C2 is superior as a FH than to the original Phantom plus the benefits of it being a break as well.

onmilo · #9 10-02-07, 18:03

Considering Yankee Hill wants 2.5 times as much for their new flash hider verses their 'old' flash hider, what they told you doesn't suprise me!

Shihan · #10 10-02-07, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by onmilo

Considering Yankee Hill wants 2.5 times as much for their new flash hider verses their 'old' flash hider, what they told you doesn't suprise me!

The 5C2 and the original Phantom are the same price.

chp5 · #11 10-02-07, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shihan

Its interesting when I last spoke to YHM they told me that the 5C2 is superior as a FH than to the original Phantom plus the benefits of it being a break as well.

If this is the model that simply has a closed bottom, then calling it a brake is a marketing overstatment! I like them, but they are no brake.

Shihan · #12 10-03-07, 03:47

From the YHM site
"Phantom 5C2 Comp/Flash Suppressor
$29.95
YHM-28-5C2
The popular Phantom Flash Suppressor has been redesigned to work as a muzzle compensator while maintaining the excellent flash hiding capabilities of its predecessor. This 5 port design has no downward facing port which helps eliminate dust problems when shooting in the prone position. The 5C2 keeps the aggressive front end used in hand to hand situations. For threaded barrels only. Includes crush washer. "

I bought 4 of them t tryout but havent even mounted them yet so I just go by what the ad says.

#13 10-03-07, 08:40

Thanks for the suggestions guys, so it seems that the Phantom is the best for all around work considering its price and performance.

How about the VLTOR flash hider/comp? Is it any louder than the std A2? I cant forget the time when we were doing 2-man drills, one of the guy had a comp on his rifle and the blast just blew away his buddies cap and glasses.

C4IGrant · #14 10-03-07, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by cebuboy

Thanks for the suggestions guys, so it seems that the Phantom is the best for all around work considering its price vs performance.

How about the VLTOR flash hider/comp? Is it any louder than the std A2? I cant forget the time when we were doing 2-man drills, one of the guy had a comp on his rifle and the blast just blew away his buddies cap and glasses.

The VLTOR is one of the best "hybrids" on the market. It does a little of everything.

It is not louder than an A2 and kills flash like an A2.

C4

chp5 · #15 10-03-07, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shihan

From the YHM site
"Phantom 5C2 Comp/Flash Suppressor
$29.95
YHM-28-5C2
The popular Phantom Flash Suppressor has been redesigned to work as a muzzle compensator while maintaining the excellent flash hiding capabilities of its predecessor. This 5 port design has no downward facing port which helps eliminate dust problems when shooting in the prone position.

I bought 4 of them t tryout but havent even mounted them yet so I just go by what the ad says.

They are good - don't get me wrong. I use them on some uppers. But by simply eliminating the downward facing port, they now claim it's also a compensator. It's a good design because it does eliminate dust problems when shooting prone, but it's not a compensator.

This is the same design change of the A1 to the A2 FH. There's a thread on a real FH/brake combo somewhere on the board if that's what you're looking for.

Robb Jensen · #16 10-03-07, 09:05

I'm really liking the Primary Weapons FSC556, no flash and works VERY well as a comp, it is louder than an A2 but that's the price you pay for a comp. There is no 'free-lunch'. My Colt will be getting one very soon. Another benefit is that it will work with the Gem-Tech HALO suppressor. We'll be doing a night shoot at Quantico in a week and a half on a Saturday night. I'll try and get some video and stills of this and other flash suppressors, sound suppressors and comps.

markm · #17 10-03-07, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by chp5

It's a good design because it does eliminate dust problems when shooting prone, but it's not a compensator.

I've never found that any of the muzzle devices without bottom slots/cuts/ports or whatever makes a bit of difference on dust signature. (at least in the desert)

If it's really dry, there's a dust poof five feet long and 3 or 4 feet wide with every shot.

#18 10-03-07, 09:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by C4IGrant

The VLTOR is one of the best "hybrids" on the market. It does a little of everything.

It is not louder than an A2 and kills flash like an A2.

C4

Thanks for the info Grant, will try one out when I can get one. And it does look very well made too...

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotm4

We'll be doing a night shoot at Quantico in a week and a half on a Saturday night. I'll try and get some video and stills of this and other flash suppressors, sound suppressors and comps.

Looking forward to those pictures.

The FSC556 looks good too, the flash is not that big anymore. How about the blast in confined spaces? I know comps are loud and some are just louder than others... not to mention flamethrowers too.

Gunfixr · #19 10-03-07, 09:44

I got the Vortex for my 16" carbine. I don't care whether it looks mean or not, or whether it functons as a brake or not. All I want ti to do is eliminate flash, and it's the best, so that's the one I got.

onmilo · #20 10-03-07, 10:16

I stand corrected, it is the VLTOR I was thinking of.
Phantoms rule!