Why AK74 Style Muzzle Device Over Flash Hider?

[HGM22]

My understanding is that the muzzle device on the Russian AK74 is more of a muzzle break/recoil reducer and not a flash hider such as the AR15.

Why choose this device over a flash hider? I don't believe 5.45x39 has too much recoil.

 

[PabloJ]

It probably kicks up less dust when in prone position though taking the thing off to get to the cleaning rod is probably pia. While Vortex 'tulip' is great at flash dispersal I can't see shooting something so equipped prone against sandy soil or something similar.

 

[HexHead]

The muzzle device on a 74 is also a grenade launcher. And it's easy to get off as long as you clean the gun well if shooting corrosive surplus ammo (which is the best for it), just push down the spring loaded retaining pin and unscrew by hand. Just remember it's a left hand thread, so it unscrews clockwise.

 

[briansmithwins]

The AK74 muzzle device is a brake and compensator. It's retained by 24x1.5mm RH thread and a plunger, the interior is hardchromed to resist erosion from gas wash and corrosion.

The AK, with its dropped stock, has always had pretty bad muzzle climb on full auto. 5.45x39 has less recoil but the Sov Army wanted to make full auto fire (which they do more often than aimed semi-auto) more effective.

BSW