While at the range doing other stuff, I noticed that I was seeing a lot more muzzle flash because of the overcast conditions. Using the same ammunition (Prvi Partizan M855) in two different 16″ barreled AR-15s, I was able to compare the performance of the Spike’s Tactical Dynacomp and the Primary Weapons Systems TTO. The image below is representative of the amount of flash seen both with the naked eye and on video, though these are still photographs.
Although there is a large difference, the amount of flash seen in front of the Dynacomp is still what I would consider unacceptable for nighttime two-way range use. Brakes and comps are fun, but true flash hiders, like the Smith Vortex and the AAC Blackout, exist for a very specific reason. I have yet to encounter a muzzle device intended primarily to reduce recoil that provides acceptable levels of nighttime flash – that is, equal to or less than the A2 flash hider – and yes, I’ve used various examples of the BattleComp. For “fun purposes,” I really like the TTO – the muzzle doesn’t move, and it throws huge fireballs. New shooters love it.
I’d like to see a Battle Comp and AAC blackout added to those pics, as well as an A2 and bare muzzle. Just for fun. I have a BC and AAC blackout as well as the brakeout. The BC does the best at controlling the muzzle of my collection but the blackout obviously does the best at controlling flash, and my suppressor mounts to the blackout and brakeout.
Yeah, I only had two rifles for this. I’ll reshoot it at some point.
I would like to see a comparison between all available ones, that would be awesome.
how do you choose one over the other … break vs hider?
also, are the hybrid muzzle devices only mediocre at both hiding and breaking?? pws and ranier etc..
If you are going to use it on the range, brake.
If you are going to deploy overseas with it or use it in a dark place where people are trying to kill you, flash hider.
No, the PWS and XTC are great at reducing recoil and keeping the muzzle flat, but not so good at flash reduction. The PWS FSC556 is better than the TTO at flash reduction, but not by much, and not where it counts (downrange).
Good job on the photos.
thanks, this camera pretty much does it by itself.
I’ve got an FSC556 on my M4 and it’s great for keeping the sights on target during rapid fire. The increased detonation may not be appreciated by those off to your flanks however. 🙂
Can someone clarify something for me? I have a rifle with an A2 flash hider, and a rifle with an A1 flash hider. I feel no difference in recoil or muzzle rise. I am finding no difference in accuracy, or the amount of dust kicked up when shooting prone (which is usually none at all in my environment). Yet there seems to be a great amount of space dedicated to debate of this issue on the internet. Is there really something better about an A2? What do the high power competition guys shoot?
Is there any obvious reason why someone couldn’t produce a combination device consisting of something like a Vortex or Blackout completely contained within a larger perforated shroud equivalent to a Battlecomp or Dynacomp? Would the structure of the inner FH disrupt the gas flow too much for the comp to maintain effectiveness?
D, my assumption would be due to weight, bulk, and cost reasons, even if it were effective at what it was intended to do
True enough. Although sales of the Noveske indicate to me that some folks would accept the weight/size penalty. Also because it appears that a good amount of the flash is visible only beyond the dynacomp perhaps something like a comp with a full size Vortex or Blackout structure at the end of it might cut flash noticeably. Of course this would slim its profile at the cost of length, ending up at 4+” long (personally I wouldn’t mind this, I’d run an 18″ and wind up with standard 20″ + FH dimensions)
I’ve got a dynacomp welded to my 14.5″ spike’s upper and it’s outstanding. My previous AR had a YHM 5C2 phantom which is easily the best bang for the buck flash suppressor around. $20 bucks to do a very, very good job at hiding your fireballs. However, never having a compensator before and thinking I was good at keeping on target and controlling my recoil, I was dead wrong until I got this dynacomp. It doesn’t budge and I can keep a sharp eye on target while pounding my trigger. Of course now I have fireballs which sucks…so I’m now wondering which benefit I’d prefer. Since my AR is my home defense gun, I may think twice now that I know I can get temporarily blinded by the flash if fired. Hard choice…and yes, a combo device would be outstanding.