This is my first real post here, so go easy on me 
My question is pertaining to aftermarket or USGI flash hiders and/or muzzle breaks, and whether they are a necessary or worthwhile investment. But first a bit of background: I got my PAL mid-summer of this year, and promptly purchased a Norinco M305 (22" if it makes any difference). I made that choice full well knowing it would be a project gun; I love to tweak and tinker so it seemed like a fairly obvious choice to me - in addition to the fact I've always been attracted to the M14 platform. My long-term goal is to eventually replace almost every Norinco part on the rifle until only the receiver and barrel are original (give or take). So far my alterations/upgrades are as follows:
S&J Hardware M14 Op Rod Spring Guide & Spring
Boyds M1A Walnut Stock
Sadlak M14 Heavy duty Front Rail (intend to sometime scope and bipod the rifle)
Gunsmith work: trigger job, barrel indexing
Future plans include but are not limited to:
NM Front and Rear sights
M14.ca Scout Hand Guard
M14.ca NORG
The next step is to have the gas system unitized by Casey at Tactical Ordnance. In realizing this would require removal of the stock Flash Hider, I got to thinking about replacing it all together, which brings me to my question. I understand no one can properly convey to me the pros and cons of doing just that, like decreased felt recoil, increased muzzle blast, etc, and that those are things I will just have to experience myself, but my question is: what are your experiences with aftermarket flash hiders and muzzle breaks? Pros and cons? What make and model do you have experience with? Do you feel it was worth the cost in the long run?
I am open to any suggestions, recommendations and any advice on the matter. I'm trying to soak up as much information as possible.
My question is pertaining to aftermarket or USGI flash hiders and/or muzzle breaks, and whether they are a necessary or worthwhile investment. But first a bit of background: I got my PAL mid-summer of this year, and promptly purchased a Norinco M305 (22" if it makes any difference). I made that choice full well knowing it would be a project gun; I love to tweak and tinker so it seemed like a fairly obvious choice to me - in addition to the fact I've always been attracted to the M14 platform. My long-term goal is to eventually replace almost every Norinco part on the rifle until only the receiver and barrel are original (give or take). So far my alterations/upgrades are as follows:
S&J Hardware M14 Op Rod Spring Guide & Spring
Boyds M1A Walnut Stock
Sadlak M14 Heavy duty Front Rail (intend to sometime scope and bipod the rifle)
Gunsmith work: trigger job, barrel indexing
Future plans include but are not limited to:
NM Front and Rear sights
M14.ca Scout Hand Guard
M14.ca NORG
The next step is to have the gas system unitized by Casey at Tactical Ordnance. In realizing this would require removal of the stock Flash Hider, I got to thinking about replacing it all together, which brings me to my question. I understand no one can properly convey to me the pros and cons of doing just that, like decreased felt recoil, increased muzzle blast, etc, and that those are things I will just have to experience myself, but my question is: what are your experiences with aftermarket flash hiders and muzzle breaks? Pros and cons? What make and model do you have experience with? Do you feel it was worth the cost in the long run?
I am open to any suggestions, recommendations and any advice on the matter. I'm trying to soak up as much information as possible.
