I’ve made a decision to stop using a FH that has to be timed. I don’t use a can and have always just put an A2 bird cage on my rifles. I got a Smith Enterprise Vortex. They recommend to not use any kind of washer or shim. I read a post somewhere, a guy said he uses a crush washer with them, just his personal preference. Anyone use these FH? How do you recommend installation? Should I use rocksett? Good or bad experiences with these FH?
I’d spin it on with no washer and see how it butts up. I prefer the look of a shim or peel washer, but that’s just preference. Theoretically the vortex is self tightening, but I’d put a drop of Rocksett on if it were my gun.
I put one on a 12.5 several years ago. No loctite. Had it swapped with a suppressor mount last week. My local shop said it was on the toughest to remove vs the two other A2 mounted rifles that had been mounted with crush washers.
Was it still accurate with it on that tight. After watching the brownells video with Mike from SOLGW, about overtightening muzzle devices, I don’t want some self tightening device that might over torque.
I have 3 mounted on different rifles and haven’t had any problems, but only 200 to 250 rounds in. No issues with accuracy.
Thanks for the all the advice. I think I will use a crush washer and just snug the FH not very tight. I just got 2 LMT crush washers for free from roof top defense. Had to pay $5 shipping Lol
Sorry, I can’t be of any help in that regard.
20 ft-lbs of torque with no crush washer and no issues at all.
People have said the Vortex FH increases accuracy due to the symmetrical dispersion of gasses. Some guys install them with minimal torque (hand tight) and fire a few rounds, the muzzle device is self tightening.
Crush washer will do the opposite of alleviating your concerns. I’d just put it on the bare shoulder and give it a slight kiss of wrench.
Great FH, I have them on match barrels with no loss. Clean threads and hand tight with just a little wrench.
No washer no worries, it’s not going to self tighten enough to cause muzzle distortion, it’s also a very good flash suppressor.
After spending substantial dollars over time, many of us learn that so much of these “boutique” and “better than mil-spec” parts and associated advice regarding these “upgrades” have one purpose; to generate revenue. Congratulations and hope all goes well.
Are you saying a Smith Enterprise FH is some kind of “boutique” upgrade? Do you think it’s not a good flash hider?
If your goal is reduced muzzle flash without a can, Smiths is a solid choice. That said I use A2s.
Well, I own one and haven’t had an issue from it in ten years.
Yes it is a boutique upgrade.
I have to echo the posts that the Smith Vortex is an effective flash hider. I was involved in testing it when my agency selected it to complement new night vision systems being fielded. I was impressed by it enough that I put one in my luggage to install on my M4 when working as a security contractor in Iraq in '04. At night you generally fire at muzzle flashes and reducing your signature to the level that a Vortex does is a huge tactical advantage. I’ve gotten older but still have one attached to the 11.5" AR-15 I keep in the house to protect my family.
I am aware of a handful of failures which mostly resulted in one of the 3 flash hider tines breaking off when the carbine / rifle was dropped onto concrete. The A2 flash hider would probably shrug off this type of damage but offers nowhere the degree of flash suppression. So it’s your call, but in my mind it’s nowhere close to what can be termed a boutique type of upgrade.
It is an exceedingly effective muzzle device. If I already had A2 FS on everything, I might change one or two out for a Vortex. If I had nothing on the barrel yet, I would certainly consider it a worthwhile option if killing flash was on my mind.
It’ll twist the rifle out of your hands! :sarcastic: