Which Flash Suppressor/hider? [Archive]

USGILT

02-10-10, 17:03

I have a Noveske 14.5" Afghan Barrel with a Daniel Defense M4 12.0 Rail running over the top. I am trying to figure out what flash suppressor/hider to install and permanently attach to make it legal. I like the standard A2 flash hider configuration but don’t know if I eventually want to do all the paperwork and get a can in the future. Here are a few choices I have been looking at or maybe someone could suggest something else?

DENNY'S Guns Extended A2 Flash Hider
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x192/USGILT/DennysGuns.jpg

VORTEX Flash Hider
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x192/USGILT/Vortex.jpg

VLTOR Model # VC-1 or Model # VC-A2
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x192/USGILT/Vltormodel1.jpg
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x192/USGILT/VoltrModel2.jpg

AAC Blackout Flash Hider
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x192/USGILT/AACBlackout.jpg

Thanks,

USGILT

02-10-10, 19:23

Any reason why the vortex?

sgalbra76

02-10-10, 19:32

USGILT

02-10-10, 20:34

AAC Website states overall length as - 2-1/8"

jp0319

02-11-10, 02:49

The AAC Blackout hides flash the best and is more durable than the Vortex, but I don't know if it is long enough to be pinned on a 14.5" bbl and make the 16" length requirement. I'm sure someone else is in the know on that issue.

Depending on which one, Noveske pins the M42000 blackout to their 14.5" barrels to meet criteria, I e-mailed AAC and their newer standard blackout will also meet the length.

I agree with sgalbra76, as far as flash suppression the blackout is top notch.

ColdDeadHands

02-11-10, 06:41

Go with the Blackout or the Blackout 51T if you think you ever want to get a can.
http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz170/mw1311/Misc/fh_51t.jpg

Robb Jensen

02-11-10, 06:47

For strickly a flash hider I like the Blackout and the Vortex. For combo flash hider/comps I like the KAC Triple Tap and PWS FSC556.

ColdDeadHands

02-11-10, 06:54

For strickly a flash hider I like the Blackout and the Vortex. For combo flash hider/comps I like the KAC Triple Tap and PWS FSC556.

How does the PWS FSC556 compare to the Blackout?

Robb Jensen

02-11-10, 06:58

How does the PWS FSC556 compare to the Blackout?

With the FSC556 most of the time people to your sides can see a little bit of flash at the side ports of the comp.

The Blackout virtually has no flash, once in a while I see a tiny bit coming out of mine on a 10" barrel when shooting without the suppressor.

ColdDeadHands

02-11-10, 07:26

yea, I really like my Blackout a lot. Thanks for the info on the FSC556, it seems like a good compromise.

rainman

02-11-10, 07:43

I have both of the <post title> flash hiders...

I voted AAC because believe it's more durable (3 thicker tines versus the 4 smaller ones on the Vortex), but have been happy with both.

I also have an Vltor VC1...don't feel enough 'compensation', and rumor has it that it's "okay" at killing flash.

-Rainman

USGILT

02-11-10, 07:48

Hows the dust when firing from the prone with the blackout?

ColdDeadHands

02-11-10, 08:07

the last time I fired it from prone the ground wasn't that dry and covered with leaves. From where I fired there was a cleared area of about 24"x5" in front of the muzzle after shooting. No leaves or dirt came back my way. Don't know if this helps...

sgalbra76

02-11-10, 08:09

Hows the dust when firing from the prone with the blackout?

There's going to be a little more dust kick up with the AAC over the regular A2. However, if you have one of the three prongs positioned at the 6 o'clock it's pretty minimal. The Vortex is worse with kicking up dust.

JasonM

02-12-10, 15:17

For flash suppression, the BLACKOUT™ is tops, but another option is our new BRAKEOUT™- it's a combo flash suppressor, brake, and comp with a closed bottom.

http://www.aacblog.com/?p=6041

ColdDeadHands

02-12-10, 15:57

great, just what I needed...something else to spend money on...:D
Can I trade in my Blackout and 51t? :p

JasonM

02-12-10, 16:24

great, just what I needed...something else to spend money on...:D
Can I trade in my Blackout and 51t? :p

unused?

It won't be available for another 4-5 weeks. So, time to save your money!
;)

sgalbra76

02-12-10, 16:30

For flash suppression, the BLACKOUT™ is tops, but another option is our new BRAKEOUT™- it's a combo flash suppressor, brake, and comp with a closed bottom.

http://www.aacblog.com/?p=6041

Cool. How much more flash will you get with it over the Blackout and will you offer it without a can attachment?

markm

02-12-10, 16:37

Hows the dust when firing from the prone with the blackout?

No flash hider is going to reduce any noteworthy dust kick up. The dust kicks up 5 feet or more in front of the muzzle out here in the desert.

The only sort of benefit you get is a compensating effect.... although I don't really feel any real difference there.

glocktogo

02-12-10, 17:02

For flash suppression, the BLACKOUT™ is tops, but another option is our new BRAKEOUT™- it's a combo flash suppressor, brake, and comp with a closed bottom.

http://www.aacblog.com/?p=6041

Somehow I've managed to amass 4 Blackout 51T's (two mounted and two still in the packages) and I now have a Brakeout on order with my dealer. I just picked up my M4-2000 today.

Hell, I only have 3 rifles! :rolleyes:

HeavyDuty

02-12-10, 21:36

I must be the last person that prefers the Phantom...

ucrt

02-13-10, 07:31

I'm probably just ignorant of the mechanics, but do any of the FH's listed affect accuracy better than other?

Does anyone know of a test where someone used an accurate barrel and ammo combination and swapped FH's to see how they compared?

It seems like some FH's, especially the unsymetrical ones, could adversely affect accuracy?

Thanks.

shootist~

02-13-10, 10:09

For strickly a flash hider I like the Blackout and the Vortex. For combo flash hider/comps I like the KAC Triple Tap and PWS FSC556.

gotm4,

Would you consider the FSC556 suitable on a purely LE/Mil/HD carbine or is it reserved just for 3-Gun competition?

FWIW, I recently put the newish Rainier Arms Xtreme Tactical Compensator on a 20" rifle. I don't shoot that rifle much anymore, but my early "perception" is it's not as loud as other comps I've used or been around:
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1684

Any input on the Rainer would be appreciated. I'm mulling over moving it to the 16" N4 Light in place of the Vortex so I can get a better read on it. I also have a ban era 14.5" & pinned AK type muzzle device that needs something better on the end.

ColdDeadHands

02-13-10, 10:14

gotm4,

Would you consider the FSC556 suitable on a purely LE/Mil/HD carbine or is it reserved just for 3-Gun competition?

FWIW, I recently put the newish Rainier Arms Xtreme Tactical Compensator on a 20" rifle. I don't shoot that rifle much anymore, but my early "perception" is it's not as loud as other comps I've used or been around:
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1684

Any input on the Rainer would be appreciated. I'm mulling over moving it to the 16" N4 Light in place of the Vortex so I can get a better read on it. I also have a ban era 14.5" & pinned AK type muzzle device that needs something better on the end.

I've looked at the Rainier Arms FH. Why don't you put it on your 16" and give it a workout? :D Let us know what you think about it. :cool:

Robb Jensen

02-13-10, 10:18

gotm4,

Would you consider the FSC556 suitable on a purely LE/Mil/HD carbine or is it reserved just for 3-Gun competition?

I would use the FSC556 on a LE/Mil/HD type gun, in fact my wifes 10" SBR has the FSC556 Gemtech G5 mount. It's loud as hell without the can on it but it works well. The only time it's a disadvantage is shooting roll-over prone. Other than that it's great. The Rainer Arms comp/brake looks nice. I've thought of getting one to try out.

Mega

02-13-10, 11:59

None of the above. I prefer the Noveske KX3.
The KX3 focuses the flash (and sound) forward eliminating the 'fireball' that many designs allow.

Click on the thumbnail image for a more detailed photo.

http://mynetimages.com/c5f5c095ea_th.jpg (http://mynetimages.com/viewimage/c5f5c095ea)

Jay Cunningham

02-13-10, 11:59

None of the above. I prefer the Noveske KX3.
Click on the thumbnail image for a more detailed photo.

http://mynetimages.com/c5f5c095ea_th.jpg (http://mynetimages.com/viewimage/c5f5c095ea)

Can you explain in particular why you are a fan of that thing?

Mega

02-13-10, 12:05

Can you explain in particular why you are a fan of that thing?

The KX3 focuses the flash (and sound) forward eliminating the 'fireball' that many designs allow.

Jay Cunningham

02-13-10, 13:01

The KX3 focuses the flash (and sound) forward eliminating the 'fireball' that many designs allow.

That is true... however, have you ever shot that thing in a room or near a teammate?

Mega

02-13-10, 13:08

That is true... however, have you ever shot that thing in a room or near a teammate?

Nope. I don't shoot indoors.

shootist~

02-13-10, 14:09

I've looked at the Rainier Arms FH. Why don't you put it on your 16" and give it a workout? :D Let us know what you think about it. :cool:

I'm on it Boss! (probably). :D

Hound74

02-13-10, 15:55

Anyone shot the Troy Medieval FH??? What did you think?

shootist~

02-14-10, 18:45

I'm on it Boss! (probably). :D

Here's the Rainer combination Comp/FH on my mid-length. I'll get to the range with it sometime this week, but unfortunately I don't have a FSC556 to test it against. At some point I'll compare the noise to the (ungodly loud) double or triple chamber compensators my old 3-Gun buddies use.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/shootist87122/AR15/RainerCompN4-1.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/shootist87122/AR15/RainerCompN4-3.jpg

rob_s

02-14-10, 18:51

Stickman

02-14-10, 19:12

How does the PWS FSC556 compare to the Blackout?

Its not even close, the AAC Blackout buries the PWS FSC. However, its worth noting that they serve two different purposes.

markm

02-14-10, 19:14

Nope. I don't shoot indoors.

If you have a gun that you know you'll never shoot indoors or past anyone, go for it.

You won't see a lot of shooters here who find the flaming pig to be of value. I'd personally rather have the extra inches in barrel length.

shootist~

02-16-10, 20:34

The Rainier Arms Xtreme Tactical Compensator:

I shot it today on the 16" N4 Light and I'm impressed - improvement in controllability was significant and just a hell of a lot better the 14.5" CAR (/w pinned AK brake) I brought along. It's been some time since I've done any 3-Gun/speed type shooting with an AR, but for a single port comp it works very well.

Prone, using a 30 rd mag as a mono-pod I could not quite do double taps on a 12" gong at 100 Yds, but controlled strings at ~0.5 seconds per shot were no problem (I did not think to bring a timer). The red dot did not appear to move off the target [shooting prone], but the shooter needed a little time for trigger control.

No dust signature with the Rainer from prone today, but there is more moisture content in our high desert stuff than normal right now. I would estimate some moderate kick up when it's really dry.

There was no difference in accuracy VS the Vortex, but POI did change enough to make a difference. The 12" 300M gong still fears me, even with the Aimpoint. :D

Noise Level: I was wearing a set of 21 db electronic muffs, and yes it was noticeably louder than before. It's really hard to judge from behind the gun, but it did not seem excessive.

About 250 rounds through the N4 and another 100 with the CAR - a good day at the range. The Rainer will stay on the N4.

ColdDeadHands

02-16-10, 23:44

Thanks for the report!

crossgun

02-17-10, 03:58

The only thing I dont like about the AAC is the sound it makes after the shot. It has that tunning fork "bing" after the shot that just continues to resonate.

Any Thoughts?

ColdDeadHands

02-17-10, 06:43

The only thing I dont like about the AAC is the sound it makes after the shot. It has that tunning fork "bing" after the shot that just continues to resonate.

Any Thoughts?

never heard that...but I'm using ear plugs.

rob_s

02-17-10, 07:05

The only thing I dont like about the AAC is the sound it makes after the shot. It has that tunning fork "bing" after the shot that just continues to resonate.

Any Thoughts?

I was in a class with a shooter using one of those recently. Very small class, 6 students & the instructor. Every time the shooter would chamber a round you'd hear the "ping" and everyone would turn to look and see where the noise came from. Kind of amusing.

Skyyr

02-17-10, 10:42

The AAC Blackout reduces flash the most, with the Vortex coming in at a close second. The Blackout is also structurally stronger than the Vortex and has fewer tines (3 vs the Vortex's 4). IMHO, if you have the choice, go with the Blackout. The only reason not to go with a Blackout is if you have a Vortex already, as the gain in flash suppression will be minimal. Otherwise, there's no reason not to get the Blackout.

The following image is an from an article in Defense Review (http://www.defensereview.com/aac-blackout-open-prong-flash-hidersuppressor-for-tactical-small-arms/) showing the different effective levels of flash reduction among various suppressors.

http://www.defensereview.com/stories/acc/march2008flashm4smalltn8.jpg

ColdDeadHands

02-17-10, 12:18

thanks for the pics!

INTrooper4255

02-17-10, 19:34

You can't go wrong with the Smith Vortex or the AAC blackout.

Wagner

02-18-10, 21:35

None of the ones on your list. I only use Colt A2, Knight's Armament NT4 FH and OPS Inc.

markm

02-19-10, 08:16

The only thing I dont like about the AAC is the sound it makes after the shot. It has that tunning fork "bing" after the shot that just continues to resonate.

Any Thoughts?

That REALLY varies from gun to gun. I had a Blackout mount that wouldn't ping at all on my SBR. Iraqgunz has a few mounted on his guns. One of them pings a little bit. The other, almost nothing at all.

(the first time I heard a really good ping was on an SBR that one of the Phx PD guys brought to a class. This was like 10 years back before AR gadgetry had become half of our nations GDP. I thought the thing was such a finely tuned weapon that it pinged.)

seebee

02-23-10, 13:12

I just got, about hour ago in the mail my new YHM phantom comp/ brake with the aggressive end.. can't wait to throw it on and see what happens.
The only thing about this one I hear is there is still a bit of a flash but also wanted a comp as well.. I can deal with that. looks bad ass. Yankee hill has great products!!!