Flash Hider?

[Steppenwolf]

I read the following article and found it interesting. I didn't like his explanation of the purpose of a flash hider(to hide the shooter's position). I believe it is impossible to hide the flash from a rifle. I can't remember seeing a flash hider that didn't channel the flash through side vents. I always assumed that it's use was to help eliminate the flash from obscuring the shooter's view of the target. Anyone?

"FLASH-HIDER: (also referred to as: flash-suppressor) a device attached concentrically to the muzzle; for the purpose of reducing muzzle flash. When the bullet exits the barrel, the expanding gases behind it are allowed to exit thru several slots or openings to quickly dissipate (to the sides) the “flash” produced by un-burnt gunpowder. Elimination and/or reduction of the “flash” are considered necessary in military weapons to help conceal the shooters position. Muzzle flash is an even greater problem in short-barreled weapons that allow some of the still burning powder to exit the muzzle (with a flash) such as Mosin M44, and US M-16."


http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/muzzleattachments/index.asp

SW

 

[Skippy]

Notice it says to "help" hide the shooters position.

 

[Stevo]

Strictly speaking, a flash-hider and flash suppressor are not the same thing.

The cone shaped flash-hider on a No5, Bren, or M1D, does just that, it "hides" the flash from view execpt from a frontal angle.

A flash-suppressor is supposed to prevent the flash from even happening.

 

[airwapiti]

its to spread out the six feet of flame coming from the front of your gun. instead of being an arrow to your exact position the flash supressor makes the flash break up a bit so the bad guy can't tell exactly where you are. depending a lot on where he/she is standing.

 

[David K]

Flash "Hider"

... One of the main, if not the actual main reason. for "flash hiders" extistance, is to reduce the flash (bliding effect) on the shooters vision. Classic example is the Lee Enfield "jungle carbine" No.5 ..... The FN series, be they the L1A or FAL varients, were more of an attempt to "eliminate flash" ... not very effective at all !!! ..... David K.