Posted on 04/05/2021 11:55:54 AM PDT by MtnClimber
In Muzzle Brake Shootouts Part 1 and Part 2, we were primarily testing recoil reduction performance. With something like 64 brakes and comps recoil tested, it was time to move onto muzzle flash. For this shootout we were able to gather 33 different muzzle devices — mostly dedicated flash hiders but also some hybrid units — and pit them against each other for flash suppression prowess. Not only did we capture photographs of each FH in action, but with the use of a trick light meter we were able to record actual brightness measurements and scored some real, objective data. . .
EDIT: In addition to the 5.56 muzzle brake tests linked above, there is now a second 5.56 flash hiding test HERE and a .308 muzzle brake test HERE. You may also be interested in the AR-15 Drop-In Trigger Roundup HERE.
Flash Testing Protocol for the test was as follows:
Camera was set up a couple feet to the right of the muzzle and elevated to see the top and the right side of each FH. Aperture and shutter speed were locked for the entirety of the test. The shutter was open for 3.2 seconds for each FH. The light meter was placed about two feet from the muzzle off at a ~45° angle to the front and slightly elevated, which should have ensured its ability to “see” brightness from the side, top, and out the muzzle of each device. The light meter I purchased is capable of recording flashes as brief as 10 milliseconds. It was set on “peak hold” to hopefully record the brightest single moment for each FH. Three shots of American Eagle 5.56 were fired while the camera’s shutter was open. This means every photo seen below is actually three gunshots all captured on one camera shot. Same goes for the light meter, which recorded the peak brightness moment of all three of those shots.
There is a video of the test in the article at the link and a results table. The old A2 Birdcage did not do badly in this test. The winner was JP Enterprises’ Flash Hider.
What’s nice about AR15 flash suppressors is how easily that they thread right onto your barrel and, interestingly (imo), they will also thread onto the end of a threaded .22LR barrel in case you ever want to suppress the flash from your .22 pistol or rifle.
they might want to give them a try again since there are very few wait-a-minute vines in the mountains of south asia
I actually like PWS FSCs in .30, I got 2 of them on a couple of my AKs. First gen was better because the prongs were open ended and it’s an outstanding flash suppressor and compensator in one package. The gen 2 is also extremely good, but it doesn’t have open prongs, and sometimes unburnt powder will cling to the outer portion of the cage, and a following shot will ignite that unburnt powder, but it’s rare and isn’t really that big a deal. Both are absolutely fantastic FSCs in my honest opinion, but would like to try JP enterprises. Those results look good
Actually I should clarify that I have the gen 2 is on my RPK for that reason. Longer barrel, less unburnt powder at the muzzle, I bet if I stuck it on a krink I’d see some more flashing. I have a draco, but I put a 74 brake on it just because it sounds badass. That’s a loud, percussive little dude and when it goes off, you know it
I know that the prong type flash hiders can snag vines and branches. There is always the old trick of a wrap of electrical tape around the end to prevent snags. The A2 did pretty well so an upgrade may not make sense for many people.
100%
JP makes good stuff all around. I’ve used the Smith Vortex for several years and found it very effective - I’m not surprised that the JP entry is of a very similar design.
The Smith Vortex was so close to the JP that there is virtually no difference.
For later.
L
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