So what's the deal with flash hiders, anyway?

strider007

strider007

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Can anyone tell me if there is any significant difference between a standard length flash hider, and an extended length one? Let's say a 1.875" compared to a 2.25". Does that not-even-a-half-inch really make any noticeable difference, or is it simply a matter of preference? I've not too much experience in AR's as I would like to have, so I'm hoping that someone can chime in to let me know.
 
They're mostly just for looks for us civilians. I do notice a small difference in muzzle flash when using shorter barrels and different ones can direct the sound downrange better than others.
I like linear comps and the PWS Triad. I also have a Rainier mini comp which helps reduce recoil a little (not like a 223 makes much to begin with) but it's really loud.
 
Got it. Thanks guys...

So from what I'm getting here is that there really is no difference in the length of the flash hider other than what legalities need to be met by our American counterparts. Simply put, it comes down to a matter of preference for us luckier folks...cool

Ar180shooter said:
You have to include the overlap from threading the flash hider on to the barrel.
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Then what about design of the flash hider...other than using a compensator, does the design of a flash hider determine its performance? Or is it simply a matter of preference again?

I'm aware that different port designs will affect sound and flash discharge, but on an overall performance stand point, are there flash hiders on the market that are better than others?

Sorry for the noob questions, guys...the only reason I'm asking is because I see flash hiders from various manufacturers priced anywhere from $50 to $100, and can't really figure out why. This is why I'm thinking that there may be a significant difference between the various choices.
 
strider007 said:
Thanks for the input, Chris...long time, brother. Hope all's been well with you.
Click to expand...

Where you been hiding?
Still have a USP fetish? The AR bug is even stronger ;)

Been good, Just finished putting together another AR and parts are in the mail for another :) LOL.


Are you looking to buy an AR or do you already have one? I've owned just about every length barrel AR now and my preference is 12-14.5 inch. I would avoid a brake on anything shorter than a 14.5 though. I had the Mini comp on my 14.5 and it wasn't too bad then swapped it to my 12 inch and it rattled my sinuses and was very obnoxious to the guys at the range so I had to swap it out.
 
A flash suppressor contrary to popular belief is actually designed for the benefit of the shooter reducing the chance that the shooter will be adversely affected or blinded in low light as opposed to limiting the size of the flash from the enemies point of view on the battlefield which is why a good flash suppressor is not going to be ported rearward and are actually not designed or intended to help with recoil in anyway especially on a smaller caliber....people often get flash suppressor and muzzle break mixed up as a muzzle break is designed to reduce the recoil on a larger caliber she'll have little to no effect on the flash....in response to the loud aspect almost all flash suppressor will make your rifle louder to you and those on the range as they are not silences and the reason for this it the gas that would normally come out and go down range is now being directed to the sides in the bay your shooting....so if your not going to be shooting in low light and you want it quieter you'd actually be better off with none....but for the most part they add a good look....so IMHO buy what you can afford and what you like the look of because 9.9/10 your paying extra for name brand and looks
 
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