AAC Blackout 51T: The Blackout 51T flash suppressor from Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) is compatible with AAC’s line of sound suppressors and is available for both 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO chamberings. It’s made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant aluminum that is then nitride finished.
AAC Blackout 90T: The AAC Blackout 90T, available in 5.56mm and 7.62mm, is the newest version in the Blackout family and works in conjunction with AAC’s SR5 and SR7 sound suppressors. It’s made of the same high-strength, corrosion- resistant aluminum alloy as the Blackout 51T and is also nitride finished.
AAC Blackout Non-Mount: The AAC Blackout Non-Mount is identical to the other flash suppressors in the Blackout family with the only difference being that it is not suppressor compatible and is purely a flash suppressor. It’s available in 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO.
B.E. Meyers 249F: The B.E. Meyers 249F is a four-prong flash suppressor that was originally designed for military use but is now available to the civilian market as well. According to B.E. Meyers, it “virtually eliminates muzzle flash, preserving night vision while firing and preventing enemy detection of friendly positions.” It’s currently available in 5.56mm and is easy to install.
Daniel Defense Flash Suppressor Assembly: The Daniel Defense Flash Suppressor Assembly is manufactured from aerospace- grade 17-4 stainless steel that is then salt-bath nitrided. Standard and extended-length versions are available in both 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO. The standard-length Flash Suppressor Assembly comes with 1/2×28 threading and is compatible with the AAC Omni, Gemtech Halo and Knight’s Armament Corporation NT-4 QDSS sound suppressors.
Gemtech Triad 5.56 Quiuckmount: Gemtech’s new Triad 5.56 Quickmount flash suppressor/suppressor adapter is the culmination of user feedback, extensive testing and decades of experience. It cut downs on carbon buildup in your suppressor and prevents it from getting stuck. Improvements include larger 0.75-inch wrench flats for installation, a blank-firing adapter (BFA) groove for increased suppressor options and training, more area behind the lugs for use on SBRs, an overall length of 2.4 inches for use on 14.5-inch barrels (pre-drilled for pinning) and an included precision-mounting shim kit.
Griffin Armament M4SD Flash Suppressor: The M4SD Flash Suppressor provides M4SD sound suppressor end-users a high-performance flash suppressor/compensator alternative to compatible A1/A2-style flash suppressors. The M4SD Flash Suppressor reduces muzzle climb and flash while providing a better fit. For maximum durability, it’s machined from precipitation-hardened 17-4 stainless steel.
Griffin Armament Taper Mount Stealth Flash Suppressor: The Taper Mount Stealth Flash Suppressor brings cutting-edge flash suppression to Griffin’s Taper Mount-compatible silencers. After lots of time-intensive research and development, this high-performance, three-prong flash suppressor does not ring or ping when fired. The unit is CNC-machined from heat-treated 17-4 stainless and Melonite QPQ treated for durability and corrosion resistance.
Noveske KX5: The KX5 is a redesign of Noveske’s original KX3. While the KX3 has a 1.35-inch diameter, the KX5’s has been reduced to 1.2 inches. The overall length has also been shortened to 3.25 inches, making it 0.03 inches shorter than the KX3. This decrease in size allows the KX5 to fit underneath most common rail systems. Also, when permanently attached, the shooter can use a barrel as short as 12.75 inches and still bring the overall length to 16 inches, keeping you out of SBR territory and avoiding the $200 tax stamp. This flash suppressor is available for 5.56mm, 300 BLK, 6.8 SPC and 7.62mm chamberings.
Smith Enterprise Vortex G6A2: The Vortex is the mainstay in Smith Enterprise’s lineup. It comes in many different variations—with or without fluting, suppressor or non-suppressor compatibility and the option of a pre-drilled hole for permanent installation. The new G6A2 model features Smith’s patented 15-degree helix, guaranteeing a complete propellant burn and negligible flash. The flute configuration is 40-percent stronger due to greater mass, and no washers are needed. The G6A2 also serves as a quick-connecting interface for Smith Enterprise’s M4DC CQB sound suppressors. The G6A2 is available in 5.56mm, 7.62mm and 6.8 SPC chamberings.
SureFire 3P Eliminator 5.56: SureFire’s 3P Eliminator 5.56 flash suppressor is precision-machined from mill-certified steel bar stock with high-precision, single-point cut threads for an optimum thread interface. The SureFire 3P Eliminator 5.56 has a black Melonite finish that provides maximum protection under harsh environmental conditions and facilitates cleaning even after extreme use. It’s designed for use with 5.56mm rifles and is not compatible with SureFire sound suppressors.
SureFire SF3P-556-1/2-28: The SureFire SF3P-556-1/2-28 three-prong flash suppressor, which fits M4/M16 weapons and variants with 1/2×28 muzzle threads, features a patent-pending design that greatly reduces muzzle flash—typically more than 99 percent—when compared with a plain muzzle. Boasting robust tines built to withstand the rigors of combat, the SF3P-556-1/2-28 also serves as a rock-solid mounting adapter for SureFire SOCOM 5.56mm Fast-Attach sound suppressors.
Troy Medieval Flash Suppressor: The Troy Medieval flash suppressor is threaded for all M16/AR-15/M4 rifles and carbines. It’s made of heat-treated, ordnance-grade steel and accepts USGI sound suppressors. The Medieval’s aggressive diamond-shaped teeth can also serve as a breaching or standoff device for close-quarters battle. It’s available in both 5.56mm and 7.62mm.
YHM Phantom Flash Hider: The Phantom Flash Hider from Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) virtually eliminates flash and provides excellent performance in conjunction with night-vision gear. The front of the Phantom is also designed for use as a standoff device. It’s precision CNC-machined and finished with a mil-spec phosphate coating for durability.
AAC Blackout Muzzle Brakes: The AAC Blackout 51T muzzle brake is a highly efficient design that is compatible with AAC sound suppressors. Available in 5.56mm and 7.62mm, the brake is made from aerospace-grade, heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel that has been nitride coated for enhanced durability. The Blackout 90T muzzle brake is similar in function but is designed to work with AAC’s newest line of suppressors, the SR5 and SR7.
BattleComp 1.5: BattleComp produces a myriad of brakes and compensators. Available in black Melonite or matte stainless, the 5.56mm BattleComp 1.5 will fit all barrels with 1/2×28 RH standard threads. The BattleComp 1.5 offers the same performance as the BattleComp 1.0, but the BattleComp 1.5 has been extended and pre-drilled for permanent attachment to 14.5-inch barrels needing a 16.1-inch overall length.
Daniel Defense Muzzle Climb Mitigator Gen II: The Daniel Defense Muzzle Climb Mitigator Gen II redirects propellant gases through calibrated ports, countering both recoil and muzzle climb. Less recoil and muzzle climb result in quicker, more precise follow-up shots and reduced fatigue. The Mitigator is manufactured from aerospace-grade 17-4 stainless steel before being salt-bath nitrided for extra corrosion resistance. It’s designed for 1/2×28 threading.
Fortis Rapid Engagement Device: Fortis’s new Rapid Engagement Device, or RED, is a military-grade muzzle brake that not only functions great but looks great, too. The design is the result of extensive testing by military and law enforcement personnel as well as 3-Gun competitors. The RED is available in both stainless steel or salt-bath-nitride finishes in 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO.
Griffin Armament M4SD Muzzle Brake: The M4SD muzzle brake provides high-efficiency recoil reduction and two durable, sacrificial baffles for use inside M4SD/30SD sound suppressors. It’s CNC-machined from 17-4 precipitation- hardened stainless steel that is then black oxide coated for enhanced corrosion resistance. It works with 1/2×28 threading for compatibility with most 5.56mm ARs, and its 2.25-inch overall length will bring 14.5-inch barrels to the minimum legal length of 16.1 inches when permanently attached
Lantac DGN556B Dragon: The Lantac DGN556B Dragon muzzle brake offers improved recoil management and muzzle rise for AR-style rifle. Its unique Short Energy Pulse system reduces the length of recoil so that repeating shot energy cannot overlap and knock the shooter off target. Full-auto fire is possible with massively reduced recoil and muzzle climb, meaning that all shots fall on target. Models are available for both 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO rifles.
Rainier Arms XTC 2.0: The Xtreme Tactical Compensator (XTC) 2.0 reduces felt recoil and eliminates muzzle rise for faster follow-up shots on target. The first expansion chamber has two timed ports to keep the muzzle flat. The ports are sized appropriately for each caliber (5.56mm or 7.62mm). The additional two side ports help mitigate felt recoil. The front tines can be utilized as an impact device. The XTC 2.0 also functions with the Fortis Control Blast Mitigation Device to direct all blast and sound forward. Black and matte stainless versions are available.
Wilson Combat Q-Comp: The new Wilson Combat Q-Comp muzzle device has been designed to greatly enhance recoil control during rapid fire. The Q-Comp is a hybrid brake/compensator that has been tuned to minimize side blast and concussion. This exclusive Wilson Combat design displays almost zero muzzle flash while retaining excellent vertical and rearward recoil reduction with all calibers. The device is made of Melonite QPQ-coated alloy steel for durability.
SureFire ProComp: SureFire’s ProComp muzzle brakes, featuring precision stainless steel construction and a tough Melonite coating, greatly reduce recoil and muzzle rise, permitting faster follow-up shots. Available in 5.56mm or 7.62mm, ProComp muzzle brakes are threaded to mate with popular rifle models and fit other firearms with correct threads, but they are not designed to serve as adapter mounts for SureFire sound suppressors.
Troy Claymore: The Troy Claymore muzzle brake directs blast and sound forward, away from the shooter, while retaining effective muzzle brake properties. This rugged muzzle brake offers a very low dust signature without a swirling effect and is tough enough to serve as an improvised breaching device if the situation calls for it. It’s available in 5.56mm and 7.62mm.
VG6 Precision GAMMA 556: The VG6 GAMMA 556 was designed using state-of-the-art engineering techniques and is 100-percent CNC-machined for optimal performance. The VG6 GAMMA 556 is a muzzle brake and compensator hybrid. It virtually eliminates recoil and minimizes muzzle movement. The gas port dimensions have been strenuously tested to give the utmost muzzle control.
YHM Phantom Comp/Brake: This Phantom device works as a muzzle brake and compensator. This five-port design has no downward-facing port, which helps eliminate dust problems when shooting in the prone position. It also features a snag-free design that allows the user to navigate rough terrain without interference, while another version with forward teeth is available for close-quarters battle.
AAC Brakeout 2.0: AAC’s Brakeout 2.0 muzzle devices, available in 51T or 90T configurations, are both flash suppressors and muzzle brakes. The new symmetrical design of the Brakeout 2.0 does not need to be timed with shims like a conventional muzzle brake, simplifying the installation process. The 51T variant comes with either 1⁄2×28 or 5/8×24 threads for 5.56mm or 7.62mm rifles. The Brakeout 2.0 90T maintains the same specs but is compatible with SR5 and SR7 suppressors.
BCM Gunfighter Compensator Mod 0: This compensator from Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) was designed for tactical applications to reduce muzzle rise, flash signature, noise and lateral pressure. Its exterior dimensions are consistent with military specifications for installing sound suppressors on flash suppressors. Available for 5.56mm NATO rifles, the unit is made from stainless steel is for maximum corrosion resistance. Versions are also available for 300 BLK and 7.62mm rifles.
Primary Weapons Systems FSC556: A Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) signature product, the FSC556 couples flash suppression with muzzle control. The FSC556 is an ideal compensator for putting a high volume of rounds on target, and it’s also a mounting option for the Gemtech Halo suppressor. While the FSC556 is built for 5.56mm NATO rifles, .30 and .308 versions are also available from the company.
SureFire WarComp 556: One of the latest additions to the SureFire lineup is the WarComp 556, which fits AR-style weapons with 1/2×28 threads. Is patent-pending design provides over 99-percent reduction in muzzle flash compared to a plain muzzle, which helps to conceal the shooter’s location and preserve his or her dark-adapted vision. It virtually eliminates muzzle rise, and it also serves as a rock-solid mounting adapter for all SureFire SOCOM 5.56mm Fast-Attach suppressors. A 7.62mm version is also available.
Gemtech Blast Jacket: The Gemtech Blast Jacket mounts on all existing Gemtech Quickmounts. It throws the muzzle blast forward, away from other shooters on the firing line, and prevents the huge dust cloud we all experience when shooting from prone. Made out of pure titanium, the Blast Jacket weighs only 3.5 ounces, and its stainless spring is capable of a million compressions. It’s also only 2.55 inches long. It fits and functions on all rifles compatible with the Gemtech Bi-Lock mount in both 5.56mm and 7.62mm.
FERFRANS CRD: This is a two-part system consisting of a muzzle brake and Concussion-Reduction Device, or CRD, which has a built-in quick-attach/detach mechanism. By itself, the FERFRANS brake is highly effective at reducing recoil and muzzle climb, but the side blast and concussion can be significant for the friends shooting next to you. This is when the CRD can be utilized to redirect more of the gases forward. There are small holes all around the CRD that still allow some of the muzzle brake’s benefits to be effective, but the CRD does slightly increase the amount of felt recoil and muzzle climb when attached. Versions are available in 5.56mm and 7.62mm.
Griffin Armament QD Blast Shield: The QD Blast Shield was designed to offer significant concussion reduction for the end-user and other team members operating in the immediate vicinity. It’s made of ultra-strong 17-4PH stainless steel to withstand intense use and full-auto fire without fear of failure. Its fluted geometry lightens the unit while providing internal front supports for the muzzle device. The QD Blast Shield is compatible with Griffin’s line of QD mounts in 7.62mm and 5.56mm.
Lantac BMD: The Lantac Blast Mitigation Device, or BMD, slides over and locks onto the Lantac Dragon muzzle brake to redirect exiting gas and concussion. The BMD has vents and holes located directly above the Dragon’s ports, so not only does it direct concussion forward, but it also utilizes the effects of the muzzle brake.
SureFire Warden: The SureFire Warden blast regulator directs any concussive blast out the front of the muzzle instead of out the sides of the brake, helping to protect the hearing of shooters or teammates on either side of you. It’s designed to securely attach to all SureFire SOCOM/SOCOM2 suppressor-
compatible muzzle brakes and any adapter/muzzle device (including flash suppressors) for 5.56mm and 7.62mm weapons via SureFire’s Fast-Attach system. Black and Flat Dark Earth versions are available.
VG6 Precision CAGE: The VG6 Precision CAGE is built to disrupt side concussion while keeping or enhancing the characteristics of the GAMMA and EPSILON series of muzzle devices. It accomplishes this with ease. The CAGE does not use a large tubular design because the gas dynamics of muzzle brakes do not operate efficiently when transferring energy into them. Instead, it features a close-wrap fit. The sides of the CAGE utilize a series of small holes that move over the chambers of the GAMMA and EPSILON devices. This allows the gases to expend more uniformly and slows them down while moving through the porting for smooth recoil and zero muzzle flip.
Wilson Combat Rapid Thread Blast Diverter: This is a useful accessory for AR-platform rifles that are equipped with Wilson Combat’s Rapid Thread Muzzle Brakes. The Rapid Thread Blast Diverter simply screws onto the brake’s external threads and directs noise and blast to the front, away from the shooter. This is a handy item to have when you want to minimize your rifle’s concussion and muzzle blast. The Rapid Thread Blast Diverter’s rugged black, Melonited, carbon- steel construction will also help it hold up to heavy use.
With so many options out there, finding the right muzzle device for your AR-pattern rifle can quickly become an overwhelming task. There’s literally a sea of muzzle devices available with choices ranging from flash suppression, recoil management, quick-detach suppressor mounting options, hybrid flash suppressors/muzzle brakes and forward concussion-direction management devices, or blast shields.
My mission is to help you navigate through this sea, and give you the information to make the best decision depending upon the role in which your individual rifle will be utilized. The easiest and most logical way to make sense of all this information is to break it down by category.
Flash Suppressors (Photos 1-14)
By definition, flash suppressors are a particular group of muzzle devices that are designed to better eliminate or reduce the flash signature emitted from the end of the barrel when a round is discharged.
Muzzle Brakes (Photos 15-26)
These muzzle devices are designed to help mitigate muzzle rise or climb when the weapon is fired. They help to keep you on target and allow for faster follow-up shots. If you’ve ever had to take secondary or tertiary follow-up shots while looking through a magnified optic, a muzzle brake can help keep you on target. Muzzle brakes are my first choice when running a suppressor. The ports inherent to their design help reduce wear on the suppressor itself by acting as an additional set of sacrificial baffles, helping to prolong the life of your suppressor.
These hybrid designs offer both flash suppression and recoil management. These devices may be the answer if you run your weapon suppressed only part of the time. When a sound suppressor is attached, the brake portion acts as a sacrificial baffle and when your suppressor isn’t attached, you benefit from the flash suppression qualities.
Blast Shields (Photos 31-37)
These devices direct the concussion from muzzle blast in a forward direction. If you’ve ever been on either side of a shooter running a short-barreled AR and a muzzle brake, I don’t have to explain how deafening and distracting that concussive blast can be. These devices help direct that shockwave in a forward direction, reducing the shock felt by fellow shooters in close proximity. These devices also help to minimize the effects of dust being kicked up while firing from prone. Blast shields can thread directly onto the end of your barrel, or they work in conjunction with specific muzzle devices already attached to your weapon.
For more information on the muzzle devices featured in the gallery above, please visit the following sites.
