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Flash Suppressor or Muzzle Brake??

C10VetC10Vet Member Posts: 16 ✭✭
edited June 2003 in Ask the Experts
I was looking at a rifle early this week and I noticed it had what I perceived to be a "Flash Suppressor" on it. I asked to guy at the counter if it was a flash suppressor and if so, I thought they were illegal? He said it was a muzzle brake. I wanted to ask him what the difference was but every time you ask a simple question (at this particular gun shop) about rifle mechanics, you are treated with this certain level of condescending/patronizing attitude that makes you feel like a dumb dumb. So I just politely said okay and exited the store knowing I could ask the same question here on the forum and get treated pretty decent with the answers. So....what is a muzzle brake? Thanks guys (and gals) to whoever answers the question.
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Comments

  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Flash Supressor, A device to reduce the amount of muzzle flash seen by the shooter. Esp. when shooting in low light conditions. Some FH's have anti-climb features, like the AK-74 with it's extended lower "lip", built into them.

    Muzzle Break, A device that is used to reduce the amount of felt recoil, and or muzzle jump. A good brake can reduce the amount of felt recoil by approx. 40% IE: 30-06 down to 223 level, or 300Ultra down to 308Win level.

    A break works by redirecting the expanding gases back toward the shooter. Look for a near bore size hole (.010-.025 over bore size) thru the device, with gas redirection (escape) slots, or holes, intersecting it.
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I dont believe I would give my business to a store who treats their customers that way.But here's the difference.A muzzle break allows gas to escape there for reduceing felt recoil and makeing second shots quicker to acquire.A flash suppressor only helps eliminate muzzle flash mainly at night to help conceal your position.HTH
    Sorry for the double reply we must have typed at the same time!

    Best!!

    Rugster


    Toujours Pret
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    In this case, spelling DOES matter. The term is "muzzle brake", as in "to slow or reduce".

    Addition of a flash suppressor MAY be illegal, if installation converts an otherwise legal rifle into a dreaded "semi automatic assault weapon".

    Neal
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  • C10VetC10Vet Member Posts: 16 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Whoops-Damn English Language. I'm going [two]-uh [too]-oops I mean to fix the spelling. I never even thought about the correct usage of the word. Thanks nmyers for the catch as that does make sense. And thanks to all the replies and rugster, I have stepped in that store for the last time. Now I get my knowledge here on the web site and make my purchases online.

    quote:Originally posted by nmyers
    In this case, spelling DOES matter. The term is "muzzle brake", as in "to slow or reduce".

    Addition of a flash suppressor MAY be illegal, if installation converts an otherwise legal rifle into a dreaded "semi automatic assault weapon".

    Neal


    "It's better to be tried by 12 than carried by six"
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