I’ve been considering putting a KX3 that I already own on a year old DD M4. I like the idea that this setup would help direct more of the concussion and muzzle blast downrange - a potential advantage in both the home defense scenario and when it comes time (soon) to begin instructing the younger generation on the proper handling and use of such of a weapon.
In doing my forum research on this subject, however, I came across a thread from 2006 which warned that a KX3 on a 16" barrel had the potential to “over-gas” the rifle’s action. The question I would pose, therefore, is what additional insight have we gained over the past four years? Did these concerns prove to be warranted and of significant importance, or is it likely that I can use the KX3 on my DD M4 without fear of damaging the rifle?
While it can be done, there is no doubt that adding dwell time and gas back into the system is tougher on reciprocating parts. Having both carbine and mid length gas systems, I can tell the difference between the two with the same ammo and it is not subtle. Carbine gas systems feel distinctly more violent. Mucking around with the gas system on an already sorted weapon is a bad idea. I believe a Noveske rep has mentioned that they are intended for SBRs. If Noveske says it isn’t ideal, I wouldn’t even bother with anything other than an SBR.
Your notion of directing blast downrange in your house is somewhat misguided, in close quarters, that blast is gonna come right back at you. It is not at all like having a sound suppressor. Plus you are putting 8 ounces of weight at the very end of a 16" barrel making handling in tight quarters even more awkward.
The gal that answers the Phone at Noveske, said they “work great” on 16 inch barrels. She is a Sales Pro, so no hard feelings on my part! I have not done it. My only concern is the weight, which would tame recoil, but add mucho weight on the tip.
I neglected to mention that while it does a good job of directing blast, it does not really hide the flash. So not only is it deafening in CQ, but it will also ruin your night vision. Not so ideal for HD.
agreed, KX3’s hanging on the end of anything longer than 12.5" are just dead weight. the benefits of this muzzle device are really reaped on SBR type uppers.
I did that on a 16" upper and the only benefit was added muzzle weight and more felt recoil! The only benefit was that all the blast was directed downrange but at too high a price for me! JMHO
Yeah, it’s 100% pointless and completely unnecessary to put that big ass ugly thing on anything other than an SBR. Please don’t do it. Please, for me.
I don’t think guys really understand how much that weight on the VERY end of an already longer bbl affects weapon balance and god awful front heaviness. I kid would have serious issues just holding it up in the Ready position, and would likely compensate for that heavy weight by standing in a horrible shooting position just to act as a counterbalance.
A good way IMO to introduce the kiddies to the AR would be a .22LR conversion kit, and go from there. A muzzle brake would give it a lot less recoil too, but I’m thinking that might scare the piss out of some kids or simply make them uncomfortable shooting it -I don’t really know since I don’t have any experience with that specifically. To be honest, I’d just go with a really good flash hider like the AAC Blackout or Vortex(?).
All that said, I’ve got a friend who has a 7.5" SBR and he has the KX3 on it, and that’s a GREAT partnership right there, believe me! It makes it a little more bearable to shoot and also very easier and more pleasant to be next to when it’s being fired. That is one violent bitch! But the KX3 tames it a bit and really helps to keep it running more reliably… although I’d personally rather just have a 10.5" SBR anyways instead of a 7.5" with a 2.5"+ muzzle device, but to each their own I guess.
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