Are you thinking of buying a flash suppressor for your AR-15?

There are a lot of factors to consider when looking at the variety of flash suppressors on the market.

Factors to Consider

Are you looking solely for flash elimination? Reduction in recoil? Something that works, but stays within your budget? Understanding what your top priorities are will help you find the suppressor that is best for you and your specific AR-15. Any good flash suppressor will greatly (and oftentimes totally) eliminate flash, making night shooting better.

Suppressors also reduce felt recoil, due to the weight of the suppressor on the tip of your gun. Also important to note, is that while the sound of the blast will not be eliminated, it can be greatly reduced. But with the differences of quality, price and benefits offered, it can be overwhelming to make a choice.

Here is a quick rundown of 5 of the most popular flash suppressors on the market, at least in our humble opinion:

AR-15 Phantom 5C2 Flash Suppressor by Yankee Hill Machine

As opposed to solid suppressors, the Phantom 5C2 has longitudinal vents that help hide and eliminate flash. The vents also allow the gases to rise upward and out from the muzzle. It also is designed to help eliminate dust kick-up from shooting.

Customers like the look of the Phantom 5C2 and that it is not only tough and strong, but also easy to install and at a good price point. Some users commented on the disappointment in the finish on the material, as well as a lack of noticeable recoil reduction.

Pros:

• Has vents for gas dispersion
• No downward facing port
• Overall good value
• Easy to install
• Reduces/eliminates flash

Cons:

• Doesn’t have the best finish
• Offers only slight recoil reduction

AR-15 VC-1 Flash Suppressor by VLTOR Weapon Systems

The VC-1 flash suppressor is designed for precision. It cancels muzzle flash for better nighttime, or low-light shooting. Because of its unique shape, any powder particles left unburned will be trapped just long enough to get a full burn.

It also dissipates any gasses. It gives improved control to shooters and reduces muzzle jump. At a mid-price range, it offers a lot of the benefits of more expensive suppressors, without the big price tag.

Some customers have reported that there was little to no reduction in dust kick-up.

Pros:

• Reduces/eliminates flash
• Reduces muzzle jump
• Overall good value
• Easy to install
• Stable

Cons:

• Kicks dust up

AR-15 KX3 Flash Suppressor by Noveske Rifleworks

One of the top AR-15 suppressors is the KX3 from Noveske Rifleworks. While the price point is higher than many other options, it comes with a lot of benefits. All KX3’s come with their own individualized serial number, giving buyers peace of mind that they make quality control a top priority.

It eliminates side blast, protecting anyone nearby. It is also known for reducing muzzle rise and lessened felt recoil as well as being easy to install.

Pros:

• Unique design for better suppression
• Good recoil management,
• Easy to clean
• Reduces/eliminates flash
• Reduces muzzle rise
• Reduces recoil

Cons:

• Big and heavy
• Offered at a higher price point

AR-15 A2 Flash Suppressor by DPMS

The A2 suppressor by DPMS is made of machined steel.  It has a lower price point, making it a popular option for someone on a tight budget, or for someone getting the feel of using a suppressor.

Like other suppressors it helps reduce muzzle flash when fired and dissipates gas. The ports are located on the top of the suppressor with a solid bottom, which helps with reducing dust printing. It’s a great option for a first time suppressor user.

Pros:

• Easy to install
• Overall good value
• Reduces/eliminates muzzle flash
• Dissipates gas

Cons:

• Peel washer not included

AR-15 Extended Flash Suppressor by Daniel Defense

With a higher price point (generally sold for around $135.00) the extended flash suppressor by Daniel Defense is a good-looking, solid suppressor. It has elongated vents with a closed bottom keeping debris and dust from kicking up.

The Daniel Defense is of good quality, providing all the benefits of most suppressors, including eliminated muzzle flash, lessened recoil and is easy to install.

This is a great option for night shooting, or shooting with night vision. Customers like the finish and sleek and strong look of it. Its biggest drawback would be the price point.

Pros

• High quality
• Reduces/eliminates flash,
• Lessens dust kick-up
• Lessons felt recoil

Cons

• High price point

Conclusion

Doing your research when buying a flash suppressor will help you find the best one for you. Read reviews, comments from buyers,  and if you have a unique AR-15 or homemade one, asking questions about fit and attachment is recommended. Of course safety is always the top priority when handling guns and gun parts.

Make sure you are getting the proper suppressor for your caliber of AR-15. While there are some pros and cons to adding a suppressor to your AR-15, most gun enthusiasts agree that the pros far outweigh the cons, making an AR-15 suppressor and fun addition to you gun collection.

This article first appeared at Gun News Daily.

Image: Creative Commons.