Flash hiders/ supprossors or brakes.

Hellfire61 · 07-14-2008, 16:16

I having my bushmaster upgrade buy pws to the new piston system. They offered me a new FSC556 flash compressor, How much better is this than the A2 bird cage, for
a) muzzle control
b) flash reduction

is it worth doing the upgrade?

JJ_BPK · 07-14-2008, 17:04

I have heard good reviews about this FSC556 brake/comp,,

But for 1/3 the cost the YHM Phantom may be the better deal and just as effective.

Quote:

Phantom 5C2 Comp/Flash Suppressor, $30.50 , YHM-28-5C2

The popular Phantom Flash Suppressor has been redesigned to work as a muzzle compensator while maintaining the excellent flash hiding capabilities of its predecessor. This 5 port design has no downward facing port which helps eliminate dust problems when shooting in the prone position. The 5C2 keeps the aggressive front end used in hand to hand situations. For threaded barrels only. Includes crush washer.

http://www.yhm.net/

YHM also has a brake/comp that works with their can's,, if you ever plan take that route..

Quote:

Phantom 5.56 Flash Hider for our Sound Suppressor This flash hider is used for our fast-attach sound suppressor (Patent Pending). It retains the excellent flash hiding capabilities of the original Phantom. This flash hider also accepts our Phantom 7.62 Sound Suppressor.

1/2"-28 Right-Hand Thread (YHM-3102A) $75.00
M 15 X 1 Right-Hand (YHM-3102M) $75.00

My $0.0002

Leozinho · 07-14-2008, 19:09

This isn't for your duty weapon, I take it.

I have the FSC556. It is a big improvement in muzzle flip (though not so much recoil) over the bird cage. However, if it is just for the range or for 3-gun, there are cheaper and softer shooting comps out there.

To my naked eye, the FSC556 seemed to have just a bit more flash than the A2birdcage. All other comps, except perhaps for Surefire's new one which I haven't tried, are positively flamethrowers. That alone should rule them out for a serious gun.

The FSC556 is not as harsh on those shooting beside you as the other comps, but anyone standing even with the muzzle will definately be suprised the first time you fire through it. Surefire's comp is also supposed to be relatively tame as well.

Regarding muzzle flip vs recoil. The FSC556 seems to do a good job of keeping the muzzle down, but doesn't do much to lessen recoil. If you are looking through an optic, the dot or crosshairs will shudder or bounce around a little bit during recoil. Other comps geared to the competitive shooter will keep the muzzle down and soften recoil and the dot moves around a lot less.

Hellfire61 · 07-14-2008, 19:34

It is a free upgrade, so I think I will go for it, I currently have the A2, but if it reduces the muzzle bonce, then that is a big improvement, I am not worried about the recoil, I have just put a gas piston on the rifle and updated the buffer to be heavy.

**Team Sergeant** · 07-15-2008, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellfire61

It is a free upgrade, so I think I will go for it, I currently have the A2, but if it reduces the muzzle bonce, then that is a big improvement, I am not worried about the recoil, I have just put a gas piston on the rifle and updated the buffer to be heavy.

Two more things to reduce muzzle "bounce"; work out that upper body and two, hang a nice big flashlight under the barrel.

TS

jatx · 07-15-2008, 10:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leozinho

Surefire's comp is also supposed to be relatively tame as well.

I've been using Surefire's FH556-212A on my carbine and like it a lot. FWIW to my naked eye, there seems to be no difference in flash between it and my previous Smith Vortex. At least it doesn't sound like a Garand running empty, though.

How is it as a comp? I can't say for sure - we are talking about squirrel guns after all!

Hellfire, how about some "dry fire" PT? Start with 250 single shot drills from the low ready per day and work up from there.

I like to put 1" dots up around the house for variety and move from room to room - it's great for working on your mount and "seeing fast".

Hellfire61 · 07-15-2008, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by jatx

I've been using Surefire's FH556-212A on my carbine and like it a lot. FWIW to my naked eye, there seems to be no difference in flash between it and my previous Smith Vortex. At least it doesn't sound like a Garand running empty, though.

How is it as a comp? I can't say for sure - we are talking about squirrel guns after all!

Hellfire, how about some "dry fire" PT? Start with 250 single shot drills from the low ready per day and work up from there.

I like to put 1" dots up around the house for variety and move from room to room - it's great for working on your mount and "seeing fast".

I like the drill, I will give it a try.

Thanks all for you input, I get my upper back Thursday, we see how she shoots, I let you know my opinion.

**Razor** · 07-16-2008, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by jatx

I like to put 1" dots up around the house for variety and move from room to room - it's great for working on your mount and "seeing fast".

Spoken like a true single guy.

**The Reaper** · 07-16-2008, 09:11

Muzzle devices are subject to the laws of physics, and there are no free lunches.

While there are a few spectacularly bad designs out there, the majority are optimized for one function or another.

A device which suppresses the flash will normally not help keep the muzzle down, and a compensator will not have much in the way of flash suppression. A muzzle brake designed to reduce recoil, as on a .50 rifle, will increase the amount of muzzle flash and blast.

Think of it as a triangle with flash suppression, muzzle compensation, and recoil as the points. As you approach one, you leave the others. If you try to approach two, you leave the other even further behind.

The only way I know of to get all three is to use a sound suppressor, and that is really effective at controlling flash, but manages to moderate muzzle climb and perhaps a bit of recoil chiefly through its increased weight hanging at the end of the muzzle. On the down side, the weapon will run dirtier, it will weigh more, it will tend toward being muzzle heavy, it will heat up faster and to a greater degree, it may affect accuracy and point of impact, and you will be poorer.

If you are shooting a rapid fire competition, you may prefer a compensated weapon. If you are shooting a relatively powerful weapon, you may want recoil reduction. If you are shooting in limited visibility or in a tactical situation, you might want to go with a flash suppressor. If you want to shoot your select fire, .50 BMG as a CQB weapon, you will have to compromise somewhere.

No free lunches. HTH.

TR

jbour13 · 07-15-2008, 11:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leozinho

This isn't for your duty weapon, I take it.

I have the FSC556. ......... .

Pretty much sums up the experience that I've had with it. I put around 2000rds through an upper in 5.56 with it this last week. Better stability than the A2 flash hider, little more in the recoil department (but not much). It has more of a crack than the standard flash hiders. It does emit a bit more visible flash than others, depending on ammo of course. My ammo usage was M855 and it was soft shooting the whole time.

I had also shot the same style of break on a 6.8 upper. Fireballs galore!!

In my limited experience there is always a trade of sorts with flash hiders/suppressors and breaks. You'll get less recoil, but more muzzle rise. Or vice versa. You may get more flash than you like, especially for low light shooting.

TS mentioned a light and working out. Get a SF Devastator and hang that bad boy off your gun, carry it for 2 weeks and it'll negate the gym fees.