Which flash suppressor and why? [Archive]

jgalt

07-01-08, 15:47

I'll be ordering a Noveske N4 Light Recce Basic 16" rifle soon (possibly within 24 hours!) and need help deciding which suppressor to go with. Here are the options listed:

- AAC Blackout (non-mount)
- AAC M4-2000 Blackout
- A2 birdcage
- Smith Vortex
- Surefire FH556K

Which one would you pick and why?

Since it is a 16" barrel, it won't be pinned so I can always change it out later if I feel like spending the money. But at this point I don't intend to do so - at least not any time soon.

Thanks for your help - I'll let you know what I go with!

MBRMan

07-01-08, 16:40

jgalt

07-01-08, 16:55

I prefer the vortex...Not only is it hands down the most effective flash hider I have ever used, it also looks cool. Do a search (Google) and I'm sure you'll find some night pictures taken with various hiders. The vortex is about the best. Unless you'll get a suppressor, then get the AAC M4-2000.

MBR

So I gather that the M4-2000 is designed to accept a sound suppressor over it? I'm moving to MN where 'silencers' are illegal - one of the only crappy gun laws they have - so that isn't a factor for me at this time.

Thanks for the info & opinion. Anyone else want to help a feller out?

Carbineoholic

07-01-08, 21:26

Vortex. Why? It really works well.

TDrift

07-03-08, 12:22

+1 on Vortex.
You guys recommended me and I love it. So listen to these guys they know what they are talking about.

markm

07-03-08, 12:41

Vortex Schmortex!

I still don't trust that those things won't bloom on you! The blackout has beefier prongs. It's the only open pronged FH I'd use.

JSandi

07-03-08, 12:54

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t159/JSandi_photo/march2008flashm4smalltn8.jpg

Fringe

07-03-08, 14:05

Looks like the Blackout wins.
I like mine.

MBRMan

07-03-08, 14:22

"Beefy Prongs"??? Whats that mean. If they're heat treated/hardened, it's fine, regardless of the brand.:rolleyes: "Beefy Prongs" will peel like a banana too if they're not heat treated.

MBR

markm

07-03-08, 14:34

"Beefy Prongs"??? Whats that mean.

It means thicker. Three thicker prongs are less prone to damage than 4 thinner prongs... all things equal.

Yes. I have seen a bloomin' vortex in the past. And I've had a vortex prong bend from impact on one of my guns. Vortex is probably fine if the gun won't see any rough use.

LOKNLOD

07-03-08, 15:22

Yes. I have seen a bloomin' vortex in the past. And I've had a vortex prong bend from impact on one of my guns.

What kind of impact? Not questioning, just wondering what it took to bend it.

markm

07-03-08, 15:39

Just general bangin around. No one specific incident that i can recall. I just happened to notice it one day. I think I just used a screw driver to pry it back straight.

jgalt

07-03-08, 19:38

I don't really know what I'm looking at here - can anybody help me out???

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t159/JSandi_photo/march2008flashm4smalltn8.jpg

LOKNLOD

07-03-08, 19:41

I don't really know what I'm looking at here - can anybody help me out???

2nd column is M855 ammo. 3rd colum is Xm193 w/ no flash redardant.

From top to bottom:
No muzzle device
AAC Blackout
Vortex
USGI A2
M4-2000 Suppressor, wet
M4-2000 Dry, first shot
M4-2000 dry, 2nd shot (10 seconds after first)

jgalt

07-04-08, 08:27

2nd column is M855 ammo. 3rd colum is Xm193 w/ no flash redardant.

From top to bottom:
No muzzle device
AAC Blackout
Vortex
USGI A2
M4-2000 Suppressor, wet
M4-2000 Dry, first shot
M4-2000 dry, 2nd shot (10 seconds after first)

Thank you very much - that makes it all much clearer. Now if only MN would drop their stupid 'no suppressor' law...

Hootiewho

07-04-08, 09:14

If you want the best, the Meyers is the way to go. I have two 6933's, one with a Blackout and one with a Meyers and me and my girlfriend were shooting them after dark last night for pre-4th of July celebration. Ammo was M193, and the Meyers was clearly superior.

I know what is claimed by certain manufacturers, but I know what I have seen doesn't agree with that claim.

I will try to get pics this weekend.

usmcvet

12-02-09, 16:13

Just general bangin around. No one specific incident that i can recall. I just happened to notice it one day. I think I just used a screw driver to pry it back straight.

Was it a Bushmaster with a Vortex? One of our officers sent his back they (Vortex) had an issue with some of their units. It was replaced for free. His prong was bent so it was in line with his BORE! Not good.

Biggy

12-02-09, 16:26

AAC non-mount Blackout from G&R Tactical .

Tangotag

12-02-09, 19:07

A2 Birdcage it's only $8, it keeps your 16" rifle shorter than all other options and still has some flash hiding ability.
I have a Vortex, KX3, and a Phantom for fun but always fall back on A2 for weight, cost, and symplicity.

jp0319

12-03-09, 01:25

AAC either the standard or the M42000 I have an AAC 51T M.I.T.E.R. on my DDM4 looks great, will mount a suppressor, and is as good or better from everything I could find as the vortex, plus I "think" it is marginally shorter than the vortex. Cant go wrong with AAC, I plan to put the M4200 on my next M4 also.

pezboy

12-03-09, 07:34

I've used the Vortex and AAC and have never seen any bent prongs. Since you won't be getting a sound suppressors anyway, I would suggest a Vortex. The good thing about them is that they are the same external diameter as A1 and A2 flash suppressors to allow you to use the same dust covers and cleaning rod guides.
Dustin

Boss Hogg

12-03-09, 11:56

I've used an AAC 51T Blackout, A2, and Yankee Hill Phantom. (and a PWS most recently, though I don't believe it hides any flash.....)

Some people find the Blackout's "ping" annoying. For all purpose use, you can't go wrong with a Phantom, and they're cheaper.

joshua79109

12-03-09, 12:40

Smith Vortex

I've had great results with them.

I've never bent one and I use my carbines.

I've never tried any of the others you've listed, but the Vortex works.

Good Luck in your choice

Alaskapopo

12-03-09, 13:49

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Flash%20hiders/Muzzleflash-1.jpg

S391

12-03-09, 14:27

I have a Vortex on my AR and couldn't be happier with it. First off, it just plain works. Second, there is very little for stuff to get snagged in / on. Third, the company gives them to US soldiers who are fighting overseas......

ziggiey

12-04-09, 19:27

Another +1 for Vortex, only wish the Armed Forces used them

FromMyColdDeadHand

12-04-09, 20:40

AlaskaPoPo,

Just out of curiosity, what is your back stop??? It looks like you are shooting in an office or something?

I love that series of pics.

William B.

12-06-09, 15:28

I was just reading an article about AR flash suppressors in Small Arms Review. They tested several different flash suppressors on AR's with various barrel lengths using Federal and Norinco ammuntion. They did it at night and took pics of each shot fired. The Vortex had the least muzzle flash by a LONG shot. It was the September 2009 issue if anybody is interested.