Why change from my A1/A2 muzzle device to a break/flashider?

[bsmith_shoot]

Im writing this post with the thought that a lot of new guys are lurking around on the forum. Ive seen a lot of posts popping up about "which break" or "which flashhider" should I use? So I wanted to see if we could create a thread that explains why each of us chose to stray away from our factory provided muzzle devices? To go into detail about why we chose to go with a break/flashider/suppressor adaptor, instead of what we had.
Innevitably, it all boils down to personal preferance, and necessity, but hopefully it will help a new guy in deciding what he needs, or dont need.

[snake eater 332]

In CT, we still have a pseudo AWB in place which limits the number of 'evil features' you can have on any post-ban assault rifle to 2 features, which includes flash hider, folding/collapsible stock, pistol grip, bayonet lug, and detachable magazine. Since AR's already come with a detachable magazine and pistol grip, we're kinda stuck with the no flash hider part in most cases. So it's a choice of which muzzle break we want on our rifles. I have a Surefire MB556K muzzle break on my AR because I intend to get a Surefire QD suppressor in the near future.

[Leonidas24]

I have used a KX3, A2 birdcage, and most recently an MB556K brake on my SBR. I really liked the A2 for the simplicity and decent reduction of flash but like the poster above me I eventually plan on buying a K-can in the not-so-distant future. I at some point read that a muzzle brake can aid in reducing baffle erosion, but I can't say that with any scientific certainty as to why I chose a brake over a flash hider.

As for right now my SBR has absolutely no muzzle rise and is extremely light on recoil making it really easy for follow up shots, but at the same time I wouldn't turn to this gun first as an HD gun for fear of blinding and deafening myself, and likely also deafening the person in the adjacent room, friend or foe. For now, it's on there as a recoil reduction device, and later as a suppressor mount.

[aklaunch]

I am all about the factory A2 flash hider. I love the classic look!

[Moose-Knuckle]

This topic always seems to generate heated debates. For guy's behind the lines in Commie states breaks might be their only choice. The fact some may choose to utilize a suppressor may opt for one as well.

As for me and mine the A2 serves it's purpose and is usually free or cheap.


I forget, but there is a FM that documents the doctrine concerning breaks vs flash suppressors on combat rifles.

[rob_s]

My personal guns wear the A2.

[Magic_Salad0892]

If a suppressor isn't in the future, I'd be willing to say the A2 FH is probably the best option, especially value wise.

[rob_s]

Originally Posted by Magic_Salad0892

If a suppressor isn't in the future, I'd be willing to say the A2 FH is probably the best option, especially value wise.

Thanks for reminding me.

One of my personal guns that stays suppressed wears an Ops brake/mount. The other gun that I put the can on has an A2 Ops mount.

[120mm]

I'm recoil/flash insensitive. Frankly, I couldn't GAS less what's on the end of the barrel.

[bsmith_shoot]

I run only A2's on my rifles, and will buy a Halo when I get a can, just so I can keep them.

[Scoby]

I've purchased a AAC M4-2000 (waiting on ATF) and both my rifles now have the 51T Brakeout Comp on them.

I've found that the brake does wonders for muzzle rise. I really do like the Brakeout Comp.

[naloxone]

Originally Posted by snake eater 332

In CT...... I have a Surefire MB556K muzzle break on my AR because I intend to get a Surefire QD suppressor in the near future.

CT people should keep in mind that a suppressor is considered a flash hider by state law and is no-go for use on post ban rifles.

[RyanB]

I used to think the A2 was fine but depending on what you're doing and what ammo you're doing it with more flash suppression may be necessary. As has been learned in Afg.

[markm]

I've not found anything that I'd replace an A2 flash hider with. It's not the best at any ONE thing, but it's the best overall muzzle device for me.

[BCmJUnKie]

Same here. The A2 does its job well. I keep that on my AR's. My SBR will runn something different for a can. Like another poster said, I would like to go with the HALO also

[RyanB]

As a civilian it is unlikely that I will be in a shooting at a location with no ambient light or face an adversary with NODs. For a title II rifle the A2 is in all likelihood all I need. On an 11" gun with military ammunition the signature can be downright obnoxious and my preference would be for a more effective unit. In Afghanistan the military is finding that from 14.5 and 10.5" barrels the signature is drawing enemy fire and they've tamped up the issuance of suppressors and blackout flash suppressors. I expect at some point in the future line units will have suppressors as a standard item.

[snake eater 332]

Originally Posted by naloxone

CT people should keep in mind that a suppressor is considered a flash hider by state law and is no-go for use on post ban rifles.

Not entirely true. CT state law is ambiguous in regards to sound suppressors/silencers as it does not define what one is at all statutorily. From what I understand, the BATFE defines a suppressor/silencer as a sound and flash suppressor, which is a Federal definition, but CT does not address it.

Many people in CT own suppressed post-ban rifles and suppressors are legally sold by Class 3 dealers. I know LE and civilians who own such weapons. There is also a Class 3 Match held annually in CT and there have never been any issues regarding these weapons.

Being in LE myself, I've contacted the CT State Police Licensing and Firearms Unit, the guys we in CT LE would call with questions about guns and gun law for advice, and they can't or won't provide a clear answer because I believe they are unsure as well. The only true way to know would be if a case were to be brought upon someone and tried in court, unfortunately.

As it stands right now, it seems that if it is illegal to affix a suppressor to a post-ban, then it is likely being overlooked and/or not enforced due to the ambiguity in written CT law. Furthermore, if it isn't explicitly defined as illegal by law, then wouldn't it be legal?

Safe bet would be to use a pre-ban lower for sure, though.

[Clobbersauras]

The A2 is very hard to beat for the benefits it provides and its low cost. I can shoot better with other comps/brakes, but always at the cost of more flash and blast. It just depends what is important to you. I want to shoot faster and maintain accuracy, so the A2 sits in the parts bin.

[OTO27]

This is a good thread as I have been thinking of replacing the A2 flash hider on my duty AR with a battlecomp. I thought the BC was supposed to be just as good at hiding flash as an A2 but with the added benefit of compensating. Anyone that has it can you confirm its at least as good as an A2?

[Clint]

Originally Posted by bsmith_shoot

Im writing this post with the thought that a lot of new guys are lurking around on the forum. Ive seen a lot of posts popping up about "which break" or "which flashhider" should I use? So I wanted to see if we could create a thread that explains why each of us chose to stray away from our factory provided muzzle devices? To go into detail about why we chose to go with a break/flashider/suppressor adaptor, instead of what we had.
Innevitably, it all boils down to personal preferance, and necessity, but hopefully it will help a new guy in deciding what he needs, or dont need.

Great question.

Your choice of muzzle device starts with knowing or figuring out what factors are important to YOU for your intended uses and selecting the device that meets those needs best.

It may be helpful to list some muzzle device performance factors in no particular order.

Primary Factors:
- Accuracy / POI
- Flash
- Noise / Blast
- Muzzle rise
- Recoil

Secondary Factors:
- Cost
- Length and Weight
- Back pressure / Cycling
- Suppressor Mounting Capability
- Caliber / Thread availability
- Appearance / CDI Factor

Many devices focus on one primary factor ( like flash reduction ) and are very effective at that one thing, but sacrifice performance on other factors.

Some combo devices address several factors, and may do many things well. However, they generally are not as good as the dedicated device at any particular factor.

So, good advice would be to start with the A2, shoot it a lot, determine if it works for you or not and go from there.