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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5 сен 2024
