How to Choose the Right Muzzle Brake For You | Flash Hider Review | Tactical Rifleman
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- If you walk through your local gun store that carries tactical rifles, you will probably see dozens of different types of Muzzle Brakes and Flash Hiders mounted on the ends of the barrels. Over the last 50 years, we have gone from a bare barrel to a standard Flash hider (M-16 Birdcage) to a unlimited number of options available from every manufacturer. Why and what is the difference?
The standard “Flash Hider” is designed to reduce the visible signature of the blast coming out the end of your barrel. If you have ever stood to the side and watched someone shooting a short-barreled AR with no flash hider; then you have seen the large fire ball that comes out of the end of the barrel. Short barrels usually have larger visible blasts, because much of the gunpowder hasn’t finished burning yet, causing slower muzzle velocity and a larger blast. So, it is easier to see with a short barrel. However, all firearms have a visible, and audible report. Instead of having a long fireball coming straight out of the barrel, the addition of a vented flash hider will allow much of this blast to vent out through the number of small slits cut in the walls and will reduce the visible signature from the sides.
Many flash hiders will only have vents on the top and sides. This accomplishes two things. First, it slightly reduces “muzzle climb” and allows a faster follow-up shot. Second, by eliminating the vents on the bottom, the rifle kicks up much less dust when fired from the prone position.
So, what is a muzzle brake and how is it different from a flash hider? A muzzle brake still works with the blast coming from the end of your barrel. However, instead of dissipating it out through vents, a muzzle brake uses flat baffles to “catch” this blast and use this force to reduce perceived recoil by the shooter. This is very important for snipers rocking extreme calibers, like the .50 cal or .338LM. However, with the dawn of competitive 3-gun shooting (where speed is everything), we are seeing muzzle brakes on almost every competition AR rifle. A “well tuned” brake (one that catches/directs just the right amount of gas for your setup) will completely remove recoil and allow you a lightning fast follow-up shot. Now, that’s great for competition, but what about combat? Well, isn’t speed just as important when you are standing in a room with multiple bad guys? That’s why you are seeing a lot of SOF guys running brakes on their blasters.
Do either of these (hiders or brakes) affect accuracy, and how much, if at all? Some would argue a lot, while others would say not at all. I would say it is similar to getting an X-Ray taken at the doctor’s office. Yes, x-ray radiation is bad for you. However, the gains greatly outweigh the risks.
Which is better, Flash Hider or Muzzle Brake? I would have to say that it depends on your mission… what are you planning on using the firearm for? Also, there are options on the market that are combination Flash Hider and Muzzle Brake.
Which brand to a recommend? Here at Tactical Rifleman, we try not to play favorites, as there are a lot of great companies out there make great gear. AR parts are cheap. Try out a few and decide for yourself. You may notice (throughout our other videos) that many of my rifles have AAC Brakes and Hiders on them. That is because these are all adapted to accept my AAC Suppressors. AAC does put out great products, but they are not the only company pumping out quality accessories. Buy American, and thanks for watching. TR.
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The purpose of the brake is to piss off the person to the left and right of you on the line. I hate being next to someone with one.
Gaunter O'Dimm ok, I like brakes too, had a Lantac dragon on my AR15.. LOVED IT.. BUT I TOOK IT OFF. put back the A2.. I don’t want a loud ass brake on my go to rifle, SHTF, minute man..1. I don’t need that massive noise in a hallway even with ears during home defense, totally unneeded and hazardous to my ears. 2. Nobody wants to fight tyranny next to a guy who’s smacking the guys next to them in the face with blast and in the ears with noise all while giving their present position away with the big flash of a muzzle brake... on a rifle that has minimum recoil to begin with., youd have to be an inconsiderate jack wagon to do that to others.
@@redpilledpatriot8484 but but but muh recoil :(
@Gaunter O'Dimm You're a snowflake coz you proved yr a pussy and replied to a two yr old comment yrself, like a persistent shit stain
My st victor just came with it . Till my can comes . May as well run it .
Gaunter O'Dimm rifles of all kinds kill less than 500 in a country of 330M every year. The chance you’ll need a brake for a good follow up is tiny. If your stance and grip are so bad you need to overcome it mechanically, take some quality classes. Tinnitus and hearing loss are real. Instead of making up for your feelings of inadequacy with a loud AR, buy a monster truck and “enhancement” pills on the Internet. Everyone’s ears will appreciate it.
I appreciate the quality and content you guys are offering. Great channel!
Thanks, we try to put out a new video every week. Pass it on to your friends to help us spread the word.
This guy explains this shit the best, dude knows what time it is.. thanks for the info.
After watching quite a few of y'alls videos, I respect what your putting out and the way it's delivered. I thought it a bit condescending at first, then realizing it's necessary to push back against all the BS on the interwebs these days. It definitely takes me back to Smoke Bomb Hill, running Ardenne, and hanging at Green Ramp, there's nothing like Army humor . I applaud you for not responding to all the Internet Ninja replies... Rise above. Thank you for the real life experience that's being brought to the table. MY Hat's off to you fellas and thank you for your service.
3 pronged flash hiders typically reduce flash more than a birdcage - but they can snag on stuff and can sometimes make a pinging sound when shot. I also think that the birdcage design provides a more durable/stable tip for muzzle thumping.
Agreed
a lot of the modern prong type flash hiders like the SEI Vortex, the Maple Ridge Trident, and the various Surefire designs, have much thicker and stronger prongs than than the old M16A1 threeprongs. Also given the fact that USSOCOM has been using prong type flash hiders like the Surefire's for years now, probably indicates that they are durable enough.
@@MaxwellAerialPhotography I would argue that the current popularity with SOCOM would be for mounting suppressors more easily, though I'm sure they ARE far more durable than (and de-tuned from) the older M16 three-prong.
@@MaxwellAerialPhotography Check out Seek rook flash hider
I have buddies who are "experts" on guns and always give their advice. But when I go shooting with them, I see that they are rather lost.
That's why this guy rocks. Any advice he gives is from learned applied knowledge.
I'd follow him any day.
Thanks
The best flash hider AND muzzle brake: Suppressor.
That's why the whole Corps went suppressed
I like to at least have a tapered muzzle attachment for the suppressor.
Vg6 epsilon is a comp,brake,and flashhider with the cage it's a perfect system for everyone
Why the hell is this channel still below 100k subscribers? These guys consistently push out quality ass content. I love this fucking channel. Suuuuuuuubscribed!
631K now. Hell yeah.
Oh how I love your reviews! They are all just experience and no BS!
Thank you for clarifying this, I am working on a 308 project, this film is clearing out the confusion. Cheers.
Glad it helped
flash hider / flash suppressors actually seem to disrupt the cloud of gas from fully burning. The amount of light created by the muzzle flash seems to be much less. I noticed this shooting low-light drills at an indoor range with some friends. My mini-14 without a flash suppressor would light up the room. Using the same ammo from the same length of barrel, the A2 flash hiders generated much less light.
First video that made sense describing how they work. Thank you.
I love your guy’s videos. Always very informative and in depth. I have learned so much from you all, that I have applied to my CCW, and whatever AR I’m running. Thank you guys!
Great video! One added FYI, if I may. A big reason they closed flash hiders in Vietnam was because the crates holding rations were bound together with a small wire. The GI’s who were young and hard on equipment would use the muzzle break to break the wire and pop the container open. This resulted in bent flashhiders. Three prong open flash hiders like a dead air KeyMo are the best flashhiders you can buy period
J-Comp...possibly the best hybrid muzzle device for the money in existence.
never gave flash hiders a thought. at the range the muzzle blast didnt seem like anything at all. when I got out of the army I wanted an ar-15 to plink with so I got a clinton ban target match H-bar and it was loud as hell!! I had no idea the little metal thingy made so much differance..... flash hiders can be good for your ears!!
I use the Smith Vortex on all my Battle Rifles from my M14, to my AK and my AR. No more needs to be said. Not only does Ron Smith make the World's almost perfect flash hider, he is also a Great American Patriot and I will support support him and others like him.
Amazing stuff guys! I appreciate my fellow servicemen having a channel like this. I have had some questions with my friends that I go to the range with as well as a few Army buddies about the difference between compensators and muzzle breaks and I have not been able to properly give them adequate intel on the exact difference between the two. It would be awesome if maybe there was a follow up video or another video in reference to that. Thanks guys! Keep up the good Vids!
The xm 177e2 had an extra long flash/blast suppressing flash hider it was also used to keep back pressure up on the system to ensure it would cycle after the round left the short barrel.
Wear a lighter shirt next time you're covering dark colored gear. Great breakdown and really informative.
impossible for grey man
@@illduitmyself This needs more thumbs up.
Have we decided this is Christopher Walkens brother yet?
Abaddon GC Is that right? Let me ask you something eh? Does your mother sew?
BOOM!
Get her to sew that!
Ha ha ha I thought the same thing! All I could picture was Clem from Joe dirt.
This man is a hero, I don't want to hear this shit.
Need way more cowbells.
Kalvin Reagan 3
Karl, Thanks for explaining everything as well as you did in this video. That's why I watch!
Thanks for watching, TR
thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in these videos. I've been asking and looking for information on the differences between a flash hider and muzzle break. This is the first source that provided detailed information about both.
I like this guy. The way of explaining and voice combined makes you understand it in a good way. I hope you don't hate other religions and country's because you are a army guy..
Oguz, Thanks for watching. I don't hate anyone. All my years in the military, traveling the world, has taught me that we are all the same. It's our politicians that drive these conflicts, not the war fighter. I give everyone respect, UNTIL you give me a reason to take it away from you. Then, it is very hard to get my respect back. That applies on all subjects and has served me well. Again, thanks for watching. We put out a new video every Friday. Strength & Honor, TR.
The slats on the flash hider mix the hot burning gas with cooler air at an accelerated speed causing the flame to shrink and/or the gasses to fail to ignite. It only redirects the flame according to Hollywood, who use blanks that push more burning gasses at a much slower rate. Set up a slow motion camera at any angle to the gun or just off to the the side of bullet tajectory and compare with and without flash hider, you will notice a difference, even though the flash is not entirely eliminated.
I agree with the AAC Brakeout II, works great, and has the 51T connect for suppressors.
Being a former RSO going into a shoothouse with a competitor with a break on their weapon sucks a##
Wow Karl, Have not seen you since we were stationed together at Fort Campbell in 1991. Reach out to me.
"Our mission is to make metal and meat mix together." -Karl
you make terrific videos and share great info. That being said, You're more Christopher Walken than Christopher Walken is.
Just installed a strike industries 4 prong flash hider, gonna try it in a few days, so excited, had a factory installed Bcm Mod 0 compensador that was not bad at all
Great explanation. I’ve never had a problem with the A2 on 5.56, but have muzzle breaks on my 10.5 .300BLK “pistols”. I’ll probably switch to insta-thread/cam lock when I get cans.
I heard a Quote once "Muzzle brakes are for competition, flash hiders are for combat"
We have learned a lot from competitive shooters. Not EVERYTHING they do is tactically sound. However, there are many advances in shooting that have come because of competitive shooting. Thanks for watching, TR
TR is awesome, I listen at work like a podcast. Well done, very informative and captivating.
Thanks
Best explanation on all the internet. Thanks
Thanks for watching, TR
Any recommendations for the Saiga Vepr 12?,flash hider with recoil reduction?
Sorry, I have no experience with that model.
this the best instructional vid on the subject.
Thanks for watching. TR
I enjoyed this video. I'm used to using the classic bird cage at work and recently threw on the Precision Armament M-72 Brake and right away noticed 3 things......1)Huge recoil reduction. 2)Increase in noise and 3) Annoying the guys left and right of me. Might consider swapping it for the VG6 cage system and trying that out.
PWS FSC30/556
Was incredibly effective on my MK216(.308M) in all areas, though it is pretty long. I did end up having to switch to a dead air mounts in the end, when i started running suppressors.
Great video, but amazing war room/ man cave?! Love the channel, keep ‘em coming.
Really good video. There are no solutions only trade-offs. The bottom line is that you do not want to be seen, so flash hider. PERIOD
Flash hider for a SD/Combat rifle. There are some good hybrid Break/Comp/Flashiders on the market though that can be used on SD/Combat weapons.
Precision Armament makes some of the best breaks out there. They have been tested vs. countless other breaks and have won in recoil reduction every time. They have a few break/comp/flashider hybrid devices that not only arw some of the best in recoil reduction, but also amongst the best at flash reduction. And that is in verified testing.
Travis, thanks for sharing. TR
@@TacticalRifleman Thanks for talking about the AAC muzzle devices. The fact their suppressors just screw right over their flash hider is genius. They make one of the absolute best flash hiders and their suppressors are legendary in my book.
great backing track
Damn, liked and subscribed. That was the most informative video on muzzle devices I've seen. Thanks man!
Thanks for watching, TR
I just learned a lot. I that flash hider and comp was the same thing but I was very wrong. Thank you sir
Thanks for watching, TR
@TacticalRifleman I have a question that I haven't seen discussed before. Does using a muzzle brake vs a flash hider, in conjuction with a suppressor, increase flash signature to any measurable or noticeable degree? I'm currently using a Surefire muzzle brake with a Surefire Socom556 RC2. I went with a brake to act as a sacrificial baffle. Saying this, flash signature reduction is my highest priority so I'm willing to switch it out for a flash hider if there's a noticeable difference.
Great video, I use a Yankee Hill Phantom, which is not only a good MB/FS it is also very affordable
Thanks for sharing!
The "flash hider" reduces the effects of the blast on the eyes of the shooter. They can be effective enough to lower the signature,overall.
Surefire, Dead Air and others make great 3 prongs. SF has the 4 prong also. Machining the prongs a certain way also helps mitigate that "ping" sound. And with a suppressor, you don't snag shit.
My next purchase though is hopefully the KAC NT4 with their proprietary muzzle device. That corn cob though!
I like the 3 chamber brakes specifically silercerco. took the recoil off my 308 by half.
Sir, you are a well-spring of knowledge. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks for watching, TR
Thanks Carl. Your videos help out a lot.
Thanks for watching, TR
Excellent video! Well just have to keep shooting to find my favorite MB
Thanks for watching, TR
Great video and information! My favorite device is VERY close to your favorite pick. I love the surefire warcomp. Pretty good muzzle control, almost zero flash even from my SBR and accepts surefire cans.
Also, has anybody ever told you that you sound a LOT like Christopher Walken? Lol
I have the strike industries set up with the “king comp” and ratcheting forward blast thing. I put it on my 10.5 pistol and it works pretty well for $130 but if I had a can I would just run that hahaha. I have the AAC on my 20” rifle and it works really well. It does get kinda bright tho when shooting in low light especially magnified.
I like my Surefire Procomp,looks great. Great Channel.
Thanks for watching, TR
Uncle Saddam approves
Good teacher...
Great video. Thank you for all of this information.
Check out the surefire warcomp. Works pretty darn good.
Lbsthapink I LOVE that flash hider! Even on my SBR (which was a flame thrower even with the A2 birdcage) it completely kills flash and does a pretty good job of muzzle control too. And it's not miserable to be around like my lantac Dragon.
I don't know what the deal is, but the Warcomp on my 14.5" middy OVERcomps. I mean, it really SHOVES that muzzle down, below parallel with the ground. So rather than my red dot moving slightly skyward during rapid fire shooting, it goes downward. Reaalllyyyy annoying. At least an A2 keeps my muzzle nearly completely neutral. I haven't shot the Warcomp at night, so I can't comment on it doing its primary job duty...
the fireball is also greatly reduced. I don't know how flash hiders do it, but they do disrupt the formation of a bright flash. without a flash hider, but rifles become a blinding flamethrower in low light and even worse in darkness.
I wish I had a quarter of the experience that you have. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND ALL YOU HAVE SACRIFICED.
Thanks for watching, TR
What are you dipping? Lol and your content is 👌🇺🇸
4 years later and here I am trying to decide if I should buy a surefire socom brake.
Thanks, great info.
Good information. Best
i have a Windham Weaponry that came with a standard A2 flash supressor but for being in NJ i cant own a "flash suppressor" so they have 2 holes drilled into the bottom solid section and it is considered a brake now. best of both worlds? idk but shoots nicely
Excellent information thanks
Bottom line, just use the military flash hider. Endure the recoil.
Also the flash hinders had to allow rifle grenades to be used or they had to allow a bayonet.
A can will mitigate some recoil and flash and noise...I run typical 3-4 port breaks on my bolt guns. Stoner brake from midway is cheap and very effective, Jerry mickulek breaks on my precision Ar's cheap/effective and I got 2 whit machine brakes one on my 300 ultra mag hunter and the other on my 32" 338 edge.
Got a job howitzer brake but its a bit fugly for my sexy ass rifles
Spell check sux..jp howitzer brake
New to your channel... great video
Welcome aboard! We do a new video every Friday, and have over 300 in our video archive. Enjoy. Strength & Honor, TR
Thank you will keep watching
No. The 3 prong flash hider wasn't getting caught on the wait a minute vines. We were using the damn thing to break the wire
around the c ration cases. So eventually the barrel would get loose if the GI was turning it counterclockwise so
no accuracy. Damn! didn't think about it until the Southeast Asia Wargames were over. I imagine the Army didn't want to talk about that.
Never heard that side of it, but I did have a few guns fitted with the 3-prongs ( while playing OpFor) get snagged on vines and brush in late80s. The crusty Nam vets in my unit mentioned they had the same issue in the jungle.
Good informative video, but sadly what about they guy that doesn't have the money to be buying different types to see wich one has both good compensation and muzzle flash control....
A2 served me well on the streets of Sadr City, the orchards of the Arghandab and the countless night engagements overseas and in garrison. No other muzzle device on the market has a better reputation for helping turning bad guys faces into canoes since Mogadishu.
I can say from experience that your battle buddies will hate you for having that narly muzzle break/compensator on your weapon.. when you fire that bad dog while lined up abreast with your fireteam, all that blast and fireball and noise is going rite into your buddies face.. I swapped rifles to see just how bad mine could be while standing next to it. It sucks. But fear not, you can always redeem yourself by getting a suppressor!
Was wrong with the shrouded brakes?
Nice video, well explained. I’m just wanting a flash hider that makes my AR pistola look sexy......I know, but that’s all I want it for.
The dramatic music..lol
The real reason I think the military still uses the a2 birdcage is because it would cost a bunch to buy all new blank fore adaptors (BFA)
Agree
Thanks !
Great video.
Any suggestions on a compensator muzzle device? Shooting 5.56 for me I’m a bigger guy and recoil has never bothered me in the small round. What I’m interested in is a top quality compensator for less muzzle rise.
It will vary based on your type of ammo (how much blast) and barrel length (how much blast is left by that length). Shorter barrels equal larger blasts and longer barrels less blast (visibly arriving at muzzle). So, you may have to try a few to find "your" perfect combo. Here's what I did for Muzzle Rise, when building a 3-Gun Upper: I found the best brake I had (it was a Benny Hill). I then slightly drilled out the top holes to vent more gas upward. Went and test shot. It needed more. So, I drilled larger gas port and repeated test. I now have a sweet upper that does NOT more a lick when shooting that load of ammo. Worked for me. Thanks for watching, TR.
i think the old birdcage needs to be a bit longer i still see plenty since they went to the shorter barrel.
What's a good 9mm muzzle device meant to protect the shooter's ears for indoor shooting- send the concussion away?
..maybe the Lantac Dragon Muzzle Brake?
You need a Suppressor for that.
That would work
Another great video. Many thanks. How is it that flashhiders began to be restricted in California?
Too "Military." Come back to America, and leave California for the sheep. Thanks for watching. Strength & Honor, TR.
Thanks again. I see. Yeah, that messed up logic makes sense among the ignorant and deceiving Feinstein types. Love the place, though, and just can't ever give up on my home state. Come on over, we need all the help we can get. Go 2A!
@@JorgeGarcia-lw7vc These guys are ok with surrendering, we should be adding stars to our flag(Canada for 51?😎) not giving them to tyrants.
I feel like a KAC CQB suppressor or mini/shorty suppressor is the best of all worlds but that’s just me 🤷♂️
Is that picture if Saddam on your left
your video is awsome :)
What is the best flash hider for use with NVG's?
For the Surefire Muzzle Break they have 6.8mm muzzle break or a 308 muzzle break would a 6.5 creedmoor round work still even though its smaller then the design of the break
It will function, as in you wont have to worry about bullet strikes. However, it might not catch as much gas. A good break should be selected to match the amount of gas being generated. Too strong a break may actually move the barrel forward and down, though not often. A 6.8 brake would work great on a 6.5 Grendel... But I might prefer a 308 brake for the 6.5 creedmoor. Other viewers might correct me on that. So, I'll defer to them. Thanks for watching, TR
Thanks for the response
I carried a three prong flash hider on a m 16 for a couple of years. Weapon never misfired...never.
Overview
DPMS products
A flash hider is a muzzle attachment for a firearm used to quickly disperse the burning gases emitted from the barrel so as to limit the amount of flash seen by the shooter. Not only do they serve a purpose, but they also give your AR a custom look. Recommended torque is 15-20 ft-lbs, the use of a crush washer is also recommended. 1.75" overall length.
www.midwayusa.com/product/343064/dpms-flash-hider-a2-1-2-28-thread-ar-15-matte
I like to fact check and several sources say that is to protect the vision of the person shooting the rifle, contrary to a lot of people think (no be seen by the enemy) just fyi.
Yet you source a civilian company that was publishing for a civilian market. Trust me, and note that we both are entitled our opinions, that I have had many military instructors (from several countries) in my 25 years in the military explain and demonstrate it to me that it helps reduce visible signature to the enemy. Especially from the sides.
Do you not sacrifice accuracy with all that gear hanging off the end of your barrel? I have magnum weapons that are very accurate out past 500 yards. Heavy with nothing at all.
We use free floating barrels with all the gear just on the hand guard. Suppressors and muzzle brakes do touch the end of the barrel but do not effect accuracy much.
Anyone have any insight or opinions on the noveske kx3?
very good information, but please lose the background music. It is distracting and unnecessary.
Question: can I use any muzzle brake as long as the threads are the same and it's meant for the same caliber? Like, can I use a 308 muzzle brake for a 308 Winchester round with the same threads?
Yes
What year did the army change the three prong flash break in Nam?
will it changed when the M16A2 came out.
Circa 1988?
You’re all wrong. The 3 Prong was used on the XM16E1 which was issued until 1967. It was replaced by the M16A1 which had a Birdcage flash hider. The A1 Birdcage had slots around the entire circumference. It was replaced in the mid 80’s by the A2 Birdcage which closed the bottom slots to reduce dust signature.
That music....
Who's this young man
Young? I’m 55.
@TacticalRifleman It's a joke. Since this is a older video. Have a great day
Yeah, I did look a lot younger back then.
Hi Karl, been watching your vids for some time but never comment, i do have a question and would truely appreciate your professional and experienced reply sir, i have a heavy barrel on my AR, no threading or anything so what would you recommend for a flash hider on mine? not sure if there's any kind of screw down aftermarket item ,but i don't care much for screw down types of add ons, please help and thank you for your service brother. hope to hear from you, Jerry in Indiana
Jerry, if you truly want to add any kind of brake or flash hider, you are going to have to drop the $40 and have a gun smith thread the barrel for you
@@TacticalRifleman Karl , i appreciate the reply and thanks for the awesome content you provide us all.
Why are flash hiders illegal in California? I don’t understand.
They make the guns scary