Muzzle Devices

Muzzle Brakes vs. Flash Hiders

Firearms tend to produce recoil, and some, like carbines, expel gases, much like a fire breathing dragon. In certain situations, especially military operations, these attributes could be dangerous. Fortunately, engineers have figured out a way around both those issues over the years, and out of their ingenuity came muzzle brakes and flash hiders.  

• Muzzle Brakes redirect expelled gases at an angle that pulls the gun forward upon the projectile leaving the barrel, thus reducing rearward felt recoil. They are often utilized by hunters or tactical enthusiasts who operate a large caliber AR-15 rifle, or by bullpup and rifle style pistol owners who are dealing with the recoil of a shorter weapon. Once installed, an AR 15 muzzle brake allows for faster follow up shots and more comfortable shooting. However, with this recoil reduction comes an increase in sound, which is noticeable even when using ear protection. Brakes are available in a wide range of sizes for several calibers, and many, like the SilencerCo muzzle brake, offer simple one-handed attachment.
• Flash Hiders & Flash Suppressors are interchangeable terms for a device that redirects or reduces the fiery signature of gasses expelled from the barrel when the bullet leaves the muzzle. Using a flash mitigation device helps prevent hostiles from zeroing in on your location and protects you from being blinded by intense muzzle flash in low light conditions. Most flash hiders are one of two types— pronged or the birdcage variety. An example of a pronged device would be the Dead Air three-pronged flash hider, and a birdcage variant would include A2 types made by companies like Primary Weapons Systems. Pronged hiders are open-ended and can sometimes get hung up on gear or obstacles when maneuvering, whereas A2 or birdcage designs feature a solid ring on the end for snag-free operation. A2s are the type often used by the US Armed Forces as they have solid bottoms with venting ports on the top to prevent sand from being kicked up and blown in the operator’s face when shooting from a prone position. This top ported design also provides some control over muzzle rise.

Compensators

Compensators are devices designed to prevent muzzle rise by venting gas upward. Often used on competition pistols, these devices enhance the shooter’s ability to reacquire the target by keeping muzzle jump under control. YHM makes a 9mm muzzle brake/comp hybrid that is ideal for competition shooters as it works to mitigate both rise and recoil more efficiently than a comp or a brake can do on its own.  

• Flash Comp devices are considered a hybrid component that eliminates flash and reduces muzzle rise. Surefire manufactures a hybrid that effectively eliminates more than 98% of muzzle flash, even on short-barreled rifles, while holding down the muzzle during rapid shooting engagements.

Thread Adapters & Protectors

When the thread pitch on your weapon is a different configuration than the device you wish to install, a thread adapter is a component that bridges the gap for a perfect fit. Another handy little part that pays big dividends is a thread protector. When you need to remove the muzzle device for whatever reason, these open-ended “caps” screw onto the threads of your barrel and protect it from the irreparable damage that can occur from rough handling.

Suppressor Mounts & Adapters

Suppressors or silencers are NFA class 3 muzzle devices that reduce the auditory impact of gunfire. Often called “cans,” these components either attach directly onto a threaded barrel or fit over an existing flash hider or muzzle brake via a quick attach mount. Because there are so many different models of firearms, there are adapters to handle potential mounting compatibility issues. Components such as rifle thread spacers for guns with long threads, adapters to address pistol barrels with internal threads, and fixed barrel spacers, are just some of the parts you may need depending on your setup. When faced with a suppressor that possesses a thread pitch non-compatible with the pitch on your existing rifle, there are adapters that solve this challenge by marrying the two for a secure fit.

There are no absolutes when choosing a muzzle device as the choice ultimately depends on how you use your weapon. In general, competition scenarios require fast follow up shots, which is where a compensator comes in handy. Hunters operating big-bore rifles often benefit from a muzzle brake that tames felt recoil, and for shooters who are concerned with muzzle flash in low light conditions, a flash hider is the device of choice. Hybrid devices like comp/brakes mitigate both recoil and muzzle rise for those who compete with high caliber handguns, and flash hider/comps reduce flash and muzzle jump for operators who require fast target acquisition in dimly lit environments. In the end, for those struggling with recoil, flash, excessive noise, or muzzle rise, a muzzle device can make a world of difference in accuracy and performance.