Ok I have a question about muzzle devices. I have a 14.5" mid-length being built by Daniel Defense. It is going on a non SBR lower so I will need to pin the muzzle device, since this is a permanent choice I want to do it right. I am looking at the PWS FSC556 and the AAC Blackout. I have never fired a round through either, I know that the FSC has the benefits of offering compensation and flash suppression but sacrifices flash suppression to the AAC which may be king of flash suppression but offers no compensation. The other issue is that I have heard that the Blackout has a “ring” when shot. Is it annoying or distracting? Which one and why is my question to each of you? I just want as much input as possible before making the decision.
FSC will always have more flash than a dedicated flash hider. I would recommend getting vortex or just a simple extended A2 flash hider. I did shoot next to a guy in class whose vortex had a tuning for ring. It’s not distracting/annoying at all, just something to get used. I recall (maybe mistakenly) seeing somewhere that later versions of Vortex eliminate this issue. In this same class there was a shooter with permanently attached FSC. During the nightfire, FSC obviously had a larger flash signature.
Since most bad things tend to happen after dark I recommend a flash hider unless you are constrained by state law (AWB).
Thanks, this is going to be my “hard use” everything carbine. I hope to shoot tons with it to include classes. So I am leaning to the AAC especially considering urban prone and positions where the FSC could cause more problems than its worth. Can anyone speak to the FSC and its use in close proximity to the ground?
I built up a 14.5 general use middie and went with the vortex. I like the distinctive tuning fork sound it makes. Flash is suppressed and there are suppressors made for the vortex as well. I’ve got 2 vortexs, 1 A-2, 1 ext. A-2, and a cav arms, which is on a SBR and is’nt bad. My favorite is the vortex, call me old school!
Vortex or Phantoms are my choice… there good at suppressing flash and meet the length requirment…
I’m not a “FH of the month” club member. I put one on and move on with my life as there are more important things to focus on them my FH…
I agree there are more things to worry about than the FH BUT when it is stuck on the gun forever and you have never shot with it it is a fairly big decision. Just looking for some insight. I will have all of this done before I get home from Afghanistan so I have to make the decision sight unseen so to speak. Thanks for the input. I think I will go with the AAC.
Perhaps I did not think about this to much, but I just sent my 16" Colt to my smith to shorten and install the SureFire 212A flash suppressor.
I will be looking into getting a SF can, and this will interface with it.
The fact that my bud, is a rep for them didn’t hurt either.
Bob
All the way, and then some…F’in A!
I’ve perm attached a vortex to a 14.5 BCM upper, and the ring isn’t something I notice. The only time I ever hear it is when I charge the gun.
Old School! 
Hey if old school works stick with it. I like my Vortex too. I bought an AAC for a new 14.5" middy, it was 2 or 3 bucks more than the Vortex and I wanted to try it. It looked a little stronger too.
I recently went through this same decision when I was building a new upper based on a DD 14.5" pencil. I didn’t want an open ended FH for absolute durability reasons - I remember a rash of broken Vortexes back around ten years ago, and I’ve also seen pics of bent tines. I decided I didn’t want to take the risk with a permed muzzle device.
My default FH for a few years now has been the Phantom, but they recently pissed me off when I called them with a technical question so I wanted to consider other devices. I ended up having a Saylors Machine Phoenix pinned on. It’s closed-end like a Phantom but has spiral flutes like a Vortex. So far, so good - I’m hoping on getting some low-light shooting in before too long, but a few test rounds at dusk were promising.
Rainier sells the Phoenix.
I have a good friend who had one of the bad Vortex FH’s I was looking @ his patrol rifle and quickly said you better not shoot this! One of the tines was bent and in line with the bore. If he had shot there would have been a serious issues. That is what I meant by stronger. I thinking of the issue Vortex had. I’m sure it has been taken care of. Mine is GTG it is juat a picture that sticks in my head.
I am going to go with the AAC blackout non mount flash hider. Thanks for the input guys.
I’ve used both the Sabre and BCM extended A2 FS’s. Both are equally nice, but I now prefer the BCM becuase the finish matches my LMT uppers perfectly. I’ve also used the Surefire FH556-212A flash hider/adapter to make a DD 14.5" LW legal. It also worked like a champ.
You can’t go wrong with a Blackout. I would suggest getting a can mount, just inn case you do want to take the plunge in the class 3 world. I have an AAC M4 1000 and it’s a load of fun. I’m thinking about going higher end next buy.
All the Way!
101
She’s never given me a reason to look for a newer model
I would but having a suppressor mount permed will void the warranty of the can if used. Which is why I was looking at the non mount blackout.
JP
jp,
Is that AAC’s policy? If so my can’s warranty is voided! I cut down a heavy 16" barrel to 14.5 and had a Blackout 18T pinned.
101
I think that is just Surefire’s official policy, as Noveske pins AAC suppressor mounts and AAC is well aware of this.
If you get a good company who knows what they are doing (familiar with suppressor use etc) and a quality barrel + quality suppressor mount, it shouldn’t be an isssue. Furthermore, with the AAC blackout, the tuning fork ring goes away when you start using a can and carbon builds up.
You are correct it is just surefire. I just received word from AAC that as long as it is done correctly by a professional it will not void the suppressor warranty.
Whew! I was starting to have a holy shit moment!
101