Three Flash Hider questions

[Coronach]

One is general, two are specific:

1. Do FHs, in general, have any braking effect on the muzzle? As in, is the choice between FHs and muzzle brakes as distinct devices, or can flash-hiders also help prevent muzzle rise effectively?

I know that under the 94 AWB they were separated into two different legal entities, based upon the flash reduction capabilities of the device, but I'm talking about practical effects, not legalities.

2. I currently have the mid-AWB DSA brake on my FAL. It is reasonably effective at preventing muzzle-rise, but it has no flash-reduction capability. I've been thinking about replacing it since, oh, 2004 ( ), and I figure I may as well make a decision. Is there any FH out there that has good performance re: muzzle-rise?

3. What is the difference between the NM and standard FH for the M14/M1A? Is it just the the NM one is reamed out more than the standard, or is there something more?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[taliv]

in theory a bit, but not nearly as much as a real brake/comp. the FSC combo is fairly well-regarded. otherwise, yeah, I'd say the choice is one or the other

an interesting alternative is the brake/suppressor combo. for instance, the surefire brake that is the QD for their suppressor. the FSC with the wings on it will QD a gemtech can.

btw, the 308 FSC is pretty dang cool looking.

 

[Coronach]

Hmm. AIM has them, too.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Primary_.html

Interesting. I wonder how much recoil attenuation an FAL "needs" to get fast follow-ups...

Mike

 

[taliv]

can't help you there.. i've no experience with FALs. i can say it makes a difference on 223 AR15s. I can't imagine you wouldn't notice on a 308

 

[Coronach]

Any idea about #3?

Thanks for the 411 on 1 & 2.

Mike

 

[taliv]

sorry, i'm an m1a retard. didn't even know there was a difference in FH for NM.

 

[cuervo]

#3 is just the reaming like you mentioned.

Both should ideally be put on with a gage to make sure it centered on the axis of the bore so the bullet doesn't hit it on the way out.

 

[Coronach]

Gotcha. Does this affect function (read: flash attenuation) at all? If not, why don't they just make them all to the reamed-out dimensions?

Thanks,

Mike