AR15 FLASH HIDERS | AR 15 FLASH HIDER | AR 15 Muzzle Brake
AR15 FLASH HIDERS
The FLASH HIDER is without question the first upgrade the shooters perform on the AR15, M4 or M16 style rifle. The reasons are typically, for performance, appearance or compatibility with a sound suppressor. Unfortunately those interested in appearance may be disappointed by performance of their flash hider while those who do not care about the appearance will be pleasantly rewarded by the performance of a simplistic, inexpensive and ordinary FLASH HIDER. Quite simply it is difficult at any price to beat the performance of the YHM PHANTOM 5C2 or SMITH ENTERPRISE VORTEX. The previous statement is more of a generality. There are FLASH HIDERS that are aesthetically pleasing that do perform very well they just have a tendency to be quite expensive compared to the YANKEE HILL MACHINE and SMITH ENTERPRISE offerings.
Those planning on using SOUND SUPPRESSORS on their AR15 rifles need to pay special attention that their FLASH HIDER is compatible with their SOUND SUPPRESSOR. If you are not sure purchase the FLASH HIDER recommended by the SOUND SUPPRESSOR manufacturer.
In the page below we will work through the details of the most common AR15 FLASH HIDERS. You might need to scroll as the page will not be completed alphabetically but rather by what I have on hand at the time.
ADVANCED ARMAMENT COMPANY AAC
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ALUMALITE USA
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BROWNELLS
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DOUBLESTAR
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DPMS
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MICOR INDUSTRIES
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MIDWEST INDUSTRIES
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NOVESKE RIFLEWORKS LLC
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SMITH ENTERPRISE VORTEX AR15 FLASH HIDER
SMITH ENTERPRISE VORTEX AR15 FLASH HIDER
I get a substantial amount of emails asking “What is the BEST FLASH HIDER FOR AN AR15“. Naturally with so many great options it’s very hard to single out one single AR15 FLASH HIDER as the “Best“. Who has the time and money to test them all? Not me. Fortunately this is one time where sales numbers, website visitors, reviews and YouTube videos mostly agree. The SMITH ENTERPRISE VORTEX FLASH HIDER is with good reason arguably the most popular and copied FLASH HIDER for an AR15 available today. It’s popularity is based on performance and cost about $60. There are other flash hiders that perform just as well and maybe insignificantly better but be prepared to spend two to three times the cost of the VORTEX FLASH HIDER.
If there are two undesirable characteristics of the SMITH ENTERPRISE VORTEX FLASH HIDER the first would be its plain and simple appearance. The second characteristic can be an annoyance to some. The VORTEX has a tendency to “Ring” as rounds are put down range.Watch and listen to the video below.
Specifications:
Used by US armed forces worldwide as well as US Dept of Homeland Security and law enforcement across the nation. Designed not to loosen under sustained fire. Compatible with Smith Enterprise’s quick attach/detach Direct Connect (DC) sound suppressors from Smith Enterprise, Fisher and Gemtach Halo. Specially angled 15 degree helical flutes hides nearly 100% muzzle flash, even during full-auto fire, by dissipating gas and retaining unburned powder for increased residual burn. Constructed of the same 8620 bar stock steel used in the manufacture of AR-15/M16 bolts and carriers, then heat-treated to provide a high-strength core and tough, outer shell. Special, helix design helps align exiting barrel gas to improve accuracy with all bullet types. Skirt extension conceals gap between barrel shoulder and flash hider on AR-15, M16, and M4 rifles. Grooved base ring allows integration of Blank Firing Attachment (BFA) used by law enforcement trainers, and permits installation of the Smith Enterprise M4DC CQB sound and flash suppressor (available factory direct to USG/LE and FMS customers). Thread-on design requires no washer. Torque to 10 ft. lbs. maximum, self-tightens as weapon is fired. Use M-193, SS-109 (M855) and MK 262 service ammo for highest degree of flash suppression. Can be permanently attached to 14.5″ long, M4 barrels for an overall length of 16.1″.
TROY INDUSTRIES
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SUREFIRE
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VLTOR VC-1 FLASH HIDER COMPENSATOR
COLT SPORTER AR15 with VLTOR VC-1 FLASH HIDER COMPENSATOR
I purchased the VLTOR VC-1 based on the recomendation of a good friend who is an employee of RANIER ARMS. The VLTOR VC-1 was utilized for a project that involved taking my pristine early 1990’s COLT SPORTER MATCH H-BAR and upgrading it to a more modern configuration. Aside from being a great FLASH HIDER and COMPENSATOR ith VLTOR VC-1 was designed to accept many common SOUND SUPPRESSORS and more specifically the GEMTECH HALO SOUND SUPPRESSOR. Additionally the The VLTOR VC-1 measures 2.1″ long making it perfect to bring a 14.5″ barrel to a 16″ overall length (with addition of BATFE approved pin/weld installation). To date I have been quite pleased with the performance of the VLTOR VC-1, unfortunately I decided to go with an AAC M4 2000 QD SOUND SUPPRESSOR.
VLTOR VC-1 FLASH HIDER COMPENSATOR
Manufacturers Info:
Highly-efficient internal helical design uses ten precisely contoured longitudinal ports combined with a unique, cloverleaf-shaped exit port to trap unburned powder particles long enough for full burn and dissipation of hot combustion gasses. Muzzle flash cancels itself out to minimize shooter exposure during daytime and low-light situations. Also serves as a compensator by directing venting gasses to help reduce muzzle jump and improve shooter control for better shot placement. Precision machined from 4140 steel to stand up to rough tactical operations. 2-1/8″ overall length brings a 14½” barrel up to legal length for civilian use when flash suppressor is permanently pinned or welded in place. Accepts most sound suppressors and Blank Firing Attachments designed to fit a M16/M4 flash hider. VC-1 fits .223/5.56mm AR-15/M16/M4 rifles.
WILSON COMBAT
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YANKEE HILL MACHINE
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