Recently finished my 16" recon upper and used a standard A2 flash hider. Now what would you guys recommend over the A2 flash hider?
I’m in Texas so no issues with flash hiders.
Am wanting something that will NOT hinder accuracy.
I like my Smith Enterprise Vortex.
-RD62
The Vortex is a good choice. It really does a good job at suppressing flash. VLTOR came out with a new one that looks pretty nice, although I have not tried it.
Vortex or OpsInc.
I use Vortex on all my uppers (except the 10.5") its the best flash suppresor I tried. The only drawback for me it that is long.
Say, the flats on the Vortex, do they need to be indexed so that they are on the left/right side of the barrel?
Negative. It doesn’t need to be timed.
-RD62
I have recently been wanting to try a Smith Vortex, and was wondering if anyone here could answer the following questions for me?
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Is there ANY other FH that even comes close to the Vortex, as far as hiding the flash on a rifle (disregarding actual NFA items such as suppressors of course)
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HOW MUCH better is the Vortex at hiding flash, than the A2 birdcage style FH’s??? I mean, does it kill 50% more flash? 80% more? Just looking for a BALLPARK here. (I realize this WILL BE a ballpark figure!)
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The Smith Vortex (unlike the A2 Birdcage FH’s) leave a dust signature, correct? I don’t believe I’ve seen a solid bottom side to the Vortex, so is it indeed true that there WILL be a LOT more dust signature coming off a Vortex, as compared to the A2’s???
Thanks guys…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TPpsIw7IwE
Look at this video, hope it helps. Regarding the dust signature, I’ve not noticed any difference shooting from the stand and behind cover positions, from the prone position I can’t tell.
Wow,
That video shows there is almost NO flash with a Vortex, and there is a TON of flash with an A2.
I’ve never heard anyone claim the Vortex to be THIS effective… Thanks for posting…
BTW,
Does anyone here know the best (cheapest) place to purchase a Smith Vortex???
Based upon still photos that I have seen on other sites and in magazine articles, it is my understanding that the Phantom flash suppressors are nearly as effective at reducing flash as the Vortex while being slightly shorter. Also, some of them have no 06:00 ports to reduce dust signatures or open prongs to get hung up on vegetation, which may or may not be a concern given the environment. The Phantom is also less expensive.
I have read some posts indicating that there might be a difference in muzzle blast on SBRs between the Phantom and Vortex. I’d be interested in getting more feedback on this.
I looked at the Phantoms too. I’ve heard good things about them and for the money they seem like a great deal.
I’ve also heard people talk of the potential for vegetation to get caught in the Vortex’s tines before, but after looking at the spacing and thickness of the tines on my Vortex I just can’t see it really being a problem.
Unlike the Phantom, the Vortex doesn’t require the use of a crush or peel washer to time the ports, as the Vortex doesn’t need to be timed or torqued. Just hand tighten and it will continue to tighten itself as it is fired.
One interesting observation I’ve made with my Vortex is that the tines ring like a bell when the rifle is fired. It doesn’t make much difference either way, it was just interesting.
Another option I meant to mention before is the DNTC comp from AK Concepts. It seems to be very good at reducing muzzle rise and also pretty good at reducing flash. While not a dedicated flash suppressor and maybe not as effective at reducing flash as the Vortex or Phantom it may be more conducive to faster follow up shots and/or better accuracy which may be of higher importance to you in a SPR/Recce type build. Just food for thought.
-RD62
I have never heard them ring unless you whack them with a cleaning rod deliberately.
$31 is cost it seems. I usually see them for >$50 each.
Phantoms are $25 each.
You can mount a Halo on a Phantom, not on a Vortex if that matters. Please don’t give me the “a suppressor will kill all flash” story either. They don’t.
I started to get a vibe from the news report that the government sucks and won’t give the troops what they need. I wonder what they’d do with the tooling and millions of A2s out there…
I do believe there are better alternatives to the A2s and they need to be implemented…
It wasn’t very loud, but I could just hear it after the report faded. It wasn’t distracting at all, and I may have only noticed it becasue I had already heard it. I went to grab the rifle to pack it to take to the range and my wedding ring hit it causing it to ring slightly. So I was kind of listening for it.
-RD62
Guys, which specific Phantom is the one to get, or does it matter? Thought I’d ask before I order… Thanks.
For 14.5" and longer, we use A2’s and SE Vortex’s.
For unsuppressed SBR’s, the Noveske KX3.
Comp’s have no place in the real world, especially indoors if you have team members nearby…
I prefer the phantom with a closed bottom and no teeth…
I like the look of the Vltor flash hider but I have shootone yet. Most of my experience is with an A2 and they seem to work for me for what I do.
Dave
The Vltors aren’t out yet. They’ve redesigned it and it’s pretty nice.
The cuts on the inside are twisted like the vortex to channel the gas spirally.
I can’t wait until they are available!
They are now just visit your friendly interent dealer and pick one up.