Best/Easy to install AR15 Flash Suppressor

[Ohen Cepel]

Looking at getting a flash suppressor for my non-threaded Bushmaster AR. It's a heavy barrel with a slight step down at the muzzle, there is nothing currently on the end of the barrel.

Leaning towards the Vortex. However, would like something that I don't have to send the upper out (or take to a smith).

Are the self-installed ones a waste of money or an undue hassle? Place to order the one of your liking?

Open to input.

Thanks,

 

[Zak Smith]

Yes, spend the time and get it threaded correctly now.

 

[Onslaught]

I don't understand your question...

If your rifle is "pre-ban", the muzzle should be threaded. If so, then ANY of the standard AR15 muzzle devices should fit. Some, like the Vortex, original style Phantom, or A1 flash suppressor would be easier to install as they don't have to be timed, therefore the action block/bench vise combo is not neccessary.

If on the other hand your barrel is NOT threaded, then it would be a "post-ban" barrel and would have to be threaded by a gunsmith. I would agree strongly with Zak that you do have it threaded rather than fool with any of those "press on" deals with the set screws that you can launch downrange if you don't have the barrel dimpled to keep them on.

Vortex is PROBABLY the easiest of all FS to install (on a 16" or longer barrel) because you don't even need a lock washer. Just snug it up tight and it keeps itself tight with the inherent slot twist.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Onslaught, thanks for pointing out my confusion. I edited my post, think it's correct now. Get confused at times.

I'm going to call a local smith in the AM when he opens and see what the cost to thread it will be.

What's fair for that service?

Thanks!

 

[swingset]

$50-75 is about going rate.

You can send the upper to Adco they'll do it for $80, which includes the FH price. No problem shipping since it's not the gun, just a part. Good service, too.

www.adcofirearms.com

 

[Houndawg]

If you want it to look right, have them put an A2 birdcage and a peel washer on it. Lots of people use crush washers, but that's only because peel washers are a pain in the butt to work with. If you let somebody else do it, let them deal with the pain and you can have it look right. I think the crush washers just look wrong.

 

[Rockstar]

While I agree that the most desirable method would be to have the barrel threaded, I'd suggest your giving Mr. Smith, of Smith Enterprises a call. Could be that he'd configure a Vortex for you with setscrews, a la his "post ban" muzzle brakes.

 

[swingset]

For what Smith wants for his very loud muzzle breaks, you can have an authentic flash suppressor installed on threads.

I'd do it right rather than monkey around with set screws, dimpled barrels and such, if it were me. Same $$, either way.

 

[NMshooter]

Ah, the memories...

It always was funny afterwards, discussing the latest muzzle brake to be launched down range.

You don't have to live with a smooth muzzle anymore, and should not.

It was a wonderful thing to screw on my A2 flash suppressor on my new "no ban" barrel, secure in the knowledge that if I changed my mind I could always remove it and put something else on there just as easily.

 

[Rockstar]

On second thought, if you can get the barrel threaded for $30 or so, then, obviously, that'd be the thing to do.

 

[Onslaught]

Hey guys, these $prices$ that I see quoted are what it costs to have your barrel SHORTENED TO 14.5", threaded and then have the muzzle device PERMANENTLY INSTALLED.

To have the barrel SIMPLY THREADED, the cost is more like $35 - $50.

FWIW, A standard, off the shelf Smith Vortex costs $50, so I GUARANTEE you that a CUSTOM press-on muzzle brake will cost MORE than that, not less.

If you don't believe me, let's ask Zak Smith what Smith Enterprise cost him to do that semi-custom 6.8mm SPC brake from a 7.62 Remmy!!!

Get it threaded for $35, install a $5.95 A2, and see how you like it. If that doesn't float your boat, Then you can check out the other, more expensive suppressors that are available.

 

[homeka45]

FWIW Kokalis recommended the vortex in a write-up in SGN.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Local smith quoted me $100 to thread the barrel.

Need to call another local guy then look at shipping it out since it seems that for $100 I could get it shipped, threaded, and the suppressor put on.

Hopefully, the other local guy I have heard of can do it for less.

Thanks for the advice.