Suppressors 101: Muzzle Brakes vs Flash Hider Mounting Solutions

[@whatiwant8898]

If I'm not using a suppressor, then I use a flash hider on any intermediate cartridges and a brake on any full power or magnum cartridges. To me 5.56 and 300blk don't have enough recoil for me to warrant putting a brake on them.

[@Ertactical]

yea they are def a low recoil cal but a good set up can make them kick like a 22lr and i find this has a very useful effect on the shooter. thanks for your support!

[@professorz3036]

You should do a decibel test with flash hider versus muzzle brake. Add in a flash signature out the suppressor at night for a difference as well.

[@Ertactical]

that would be cool but the testing equipment is like 50K.. ouch! even renting it is like 7k

[@MrAbrown2112]

Great video! Such informative non bias videos! You run what works day in and day out, and don’t mess with or waste money on what doesn’t! Appreciate the info.

[@Ertactical]

thank you for the support =)

[@casehami]

I have a couple YHM cans and have decided I am going with their newer sRx system. I like that the brakes are 360, so no timing needed. Was still debating on brakes vs. hiders, but I am just a brake guy I guess. Have barrel lengths from 8" (9mm) to 16”. I still may go with a hider for the 8” 9mm. Thanks for the vid, great job!

[@Ertactical]

thanks for sharing! glad you liked it! =)

[@code_red7744]

Good point on the carbon lock with brakes over flash hiders. I have a surefire can and it seems like the brake blows more carbon into the mount than the FH did when I ran it.

[@Ertactical]

agreed, this is what i hav found to be common too.. thanks for the support!

[@blazeharding574]

I don’t have nearly the experience as Rob with all of the different suppressors on the market, but I have ran cans from 4 different manufacturers on a rigorous training cycle, and have experienced some carbon lock up on a QD mount. All 4 manufacturers just simply recommend just shooting the can off. Literally unlocking the mount and firing a round. The can goes about 30 yards down range but isn’t damaged. The first time I ever did this I thought for sure I would get a baffle strike. Nope! Perfectly fine. Throw it in the ultrasonic cleaner and she is good to go.

[@Ertactical]

@@blazeharding574 yes, I have never had to do that myself and would def avoid that option but I know and have seen it many times. Still kinda hurts my soul haha while the manufacturer might say this is the best COA I am sure we can all agree it’s not a great day when you have to do it yourself or it’s at least less than ideal. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

I have a suppressor for all of my brakes so using them indoors is no issue as I make sure the suppressor is on. I also use a suppressor if I’m shooting at night so I’m not worried about the signature from a brake/comp. If you don’t have a suppressor you can use a blast forwarding device to direct the fireball and noise down range. I’m about 50/50 with my rifles right now. I have a lot of flash hiders but I’m starting to use a 360 degree comp on my new rifles. It avoids some of the extreme issues you get with a break but works just as well to keep the rifle muzzle from moving between shots.

[@Ertactical]

NICELY DONE! looks like you have figured it out well! thanks for your feed back and support!

[@ToastbackWhale]

Downside to brakes: They're loud. It's less of an issue outdoors but Lord help you if you're next to a wall, inside a building, or are at the range with others. Flash Hiders 100% of the time for that reason alone.

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

I only use brakes on guns with suppressors. You can also use a blast forwarding device if you don’t have a suppressor. They work well enough to direct the fire and noise down range from the muzzle.

[@Ertactical]

agreed.. they def are loud but gotta pick your adventure.

[@justinpate3466]

Flash hider for 5.56 as it really doesnt need recoil reduction but on 308 gas guns I only use breaks that accept my suppressors.

[@JackTagar]

Or be the rebel and use a hybrid device. I'll always shill for the Griffin Tactical Compensator and through my own testing and reviews, it appears to provide the best braking capabilities before getting into proper chambered muzzle brakes, so it's not overly concussive or flashy by comparison. And it's closed bottomed so to not kick up dust and keeps the barrel flatter when firing rapidly. Plus, you can use Griffin's suite of adapters for nearly any suppressor on the market.

[@Ertactical]

good feed back, we did do a test with several brakes for a magazine and that was one of the brands. It did do very well but it was not what we all agreed on as best, its a Blue press mag if you want me to find a link for you.

[@JackTagar]

If you have it, please! I first learned about them years ago from a Truth about guns article.

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

My new device is the Cobalt Kinetics comp. It’s 360 degrees of small holes that spreads out the concussion so you don’t get such a hard punch like you do with the brakes. It also keeps the muzzle on target with virtually no movement. I don’t know how it does with flash but if I’m shooting at night I’ll have my suppressor on there anyway.

[@ThisHandleIsTaken1]

We’ve all been at the range next to ‘muzzle brake guy’ shooting his comped 7” 556. So uncomfortable. Flash hiders all the way. Also, all my suppressors I intentionally bought brands with really good lifetime warranties, so no worry about if there is degradation . . .

[@Ertactical]

ouch! 100%

[@Fadaar]

I built a 10.5" with a SiCo ASR brake on it. Wanted to go through a mag without a can on it first. Yeah that lasted a grand total of 5 rounds, and this was shooting outdoors by myself.

[@Ertactical]

@@Fadaar 🤣🤣🙌🏻

[@FatSanta54]

should be noted some sileners can have very different performance with various types of flash hider, breaks and even muzzle attachment devices. Pew science has touched on this some with the surefire warcomp compared to the standard 3 prong on certain cans. Also some companies specifically design their cans to have optimal performance with a specific mount/muzzle device, CAT for example has talked a lot about how they designed some of their cans to have the best harmonic resonance with their Spooky flash hider and TFSX mount. It's not like other hub style mounts on different muzzle devices won't work, but there could be a performance change, just something to think about.

[@Ertactical]

100% they def can effect the cans, SF has had a few mentions of this and about every manufacture wants you to use their mounting system as they were made around their brakes and mounts.

[@ncramz1662]

You have a link where CAT discussed this?

[@Viperjjr]

Most brakes are obnoxious especially if you are in an indoor range. I prefer a muzzle brake for all the reasons Rob stated, however depending on the situation a flash hider is needed if you don’t have a suppressor.

[@Ertactical]

well said! thank you

[@theapfchannel]

great video! thank you.

[@jw6921]

Silencerco's open 3 prong FH disappointed me. One they claimed it was designed not to sound like a tunning fork but flick it with your finger and you can hear it ring. Maybe its not a issue shooting dont notice anything so it is what it is. Secondly the gaps between the forks are just the right size to catch your cleaning rod while cleaning I bent and gouged my cleaning rod several times the first time I cleaned my gun after installing it. Pretty much have to pry it out of the prongs. I've never had that issue with any other 3 prong flash hider. Kinda stuck with it now but in the future will either buy the closed end ones or the brake style, I contacted SilerncerCo about this letting them know while they replied there reply was have I tried the closed tined one. Just figured they would consider updating the design or something considering the price of the mount it should either have no issues or they should warn you that there could be issues with cleaning rods getting stuck. Of course most likely they came out with the closed tine one due to this issue and are just trying to get rid of there stock of open 3 prongs

[@loneczgunner6562]

I've heard it said that a flash hider focuses the blast to a much smaller area causing excess wear. Like flame cutting. No idea how true that is, but all my rifles have the brake so 🤷‍♂️

[@Ertactical]

haha yeah I am a brake guy too

[@msquared9605]

I don’t understand the science behind that. A flash hider is meant to quickly disperse the blast to, you guessed it, hide the flash. A brake is what focuses the blast, specifically to the 3 and 9 o clock.

[@camclovin1408]

Would you say a closed tine like the asr would be a good medium to help preserve suppressor blast baffle erosion yet help with muzzle flash shooting unsupressed?

[@Ertactical]

the closed tine does not help the can much IMO.

[@wades623]

I have about zero experience with this stuff and its not like there are very many places to actually go look at and try this stuff. I was considering looking into this stuff more but i am not really sure what brands and stuff like that to look for. Things i am trying to look for are types of screw/lock (not so much brake or flash hider), can they come in different calibers and cost. Those are some things i would want to read up on more but

[@Ertactical]

check out our silencer mounting solutions vid

[@Av8torman42]

Do flash hiders change the flash signature of the suppressor vs compensators?

[@Ertactical]

it can in some!

[@kylekubovcik]

Would be cool to see how the brake and flash hider alter gas blow back when suppressed

[@Ertactical]

we could def show that.. I think it will be a minor change and we might not be able to capture it but its worth a try. thanks for the idea!

[@Pxt7916]

Do you still have recoil mitigation when the suppressor is mounted on the brake or does the suppressor negate the recoil reduction once installed on the brake? I assume it's negated as the blast has no where to go but inside the suppressor?

[@gynocentrismergomgtow]

Are there HUB mounts that can be screwed on a threaded barrel? For example: A 1/2x28 threaded barrel is screwed to a HUB mount that has 1/2x28 inner threads and the 1.375x24 outer threads screw on a HUB compatible suppressor, making the use of a muzzle device redundant.

[@Ertactical]

there are a few companies that make them. I personally don't like them due to their size and I think they look weird.

[@ToastbackWhale]

That's just a direct thread adapter.

[@exodusz19]

What are your thoughts between a flash hider or brake for an 11.5 5.56?Would be using the ASR. Like the brake for the sacrificial baffles, like the flash hider in the unlikely event I have to take off the can

[@Ertactical]

I put the ASR from SiCo on most everything. when i drop into the 7.5" area i use a FH cuz it will ring my bell with out a can. the 10.3 and longer get the brake. hope this helps =)

[@exodusz19]

@@Ertactical thanks for the reply! Makes sense, thanks!

[@Ertactical]

@@exodusz19 🔥🔥

[@whiplash5026]

If you're going to be shooting suppressed 90% of the time I would suggest a muzzle brake flash hiders will wear your first baffle out faster but if you're wanting to go to a shorter system often I would suggest using a flash hider just depends on what you're wanting to do

[@Gnome-A-Tron]

So do you not approve of the keymo system at all? I love the Nox muzzle devices and wanted to buy a 762 Ventum with Keymo Hub. Would you advise against this?

[@cornfedchris1]

What did he say that would make you think he doesn’t like keymo? I have keymo on all my rifles and have had zero issues with them on multiple hosts, devices, and cans

[@Ertactical]

I have a keymo, its ok.. it seems to lock on with a smaller round count and I and many of my clients have had enough issues that its just not my first choice

[@Gnome-A-Tron]

@@cornfedchris1 because he hasn’t mention it once from the videos I’ve seen in a positive light. I feel like the last video he mentioned ASR, Rearden and another

[@Gnome-A-Tron]

@@cornfedchris1 what cans are your running with them?

[@Gnome-A-Tron]

@@Ertactical what’s your preferred system?

[@Spushed]

The important thing is that you realize a flash hider is signature reduction and that is king.

[@Ertactical]

def! well said as it pertains to night. thank you for the support

[@aaronbeaulieu6086]

Hi Rob, I am a new suppressor owner. Will you please explain if using a muzzle brakes will cause any damage to the side wall of the suppressor. I am waiting for my Silencerco Velos and I want to understand if the brake will cause damage. The Velos ships with the ASR 3 prong flash hider and the new Velos k ships with a closed tine ASR. Please have some grace as like many this is my 1st suppressor. I called Silencerco and they said it makes zero difference running a brake vs flash hider. Always Faithful Always Forward Aaron Beaulieu

[@Ertactical]

Hey brother, Silencerco is correct. Your muzzle device will not adversely affect your suppressor. You’re absolutely going to love that suppressor as it’s currently one of my favorites. I like the muzzle break because it reduces recoil. But if you want to do a flash hider that’s OK too. The suppressor is going to last you the rest of your life and it will not cause any damage. Hope this helps.

[@wades623]

​@@Ertacticalbrake

[@chrisf247]

Birdcage actually refers to the fact it's closed on the end (as opposed to open tine flash hiders), not the fact that it's closed on the bottom like an A2. Great video though!

[@Ertactical]

not correct.. the Org m16 had an open tine FH.later a closed tine FH, when the mil ID's majority of its shooting was in the prone and too much dust was being kicked up they had the bottom sealed off. (birdcage) to reduce how much dust would be kicked up next to the shooter. you will find this on M16 A1 types and newer and will will not see this in the first few MK18's as they were made to be CQC guns and were not often fired from the prone. If the end is sealed off like BCM likes to do than you can consider it more of a Comp depending on a few more features. I hope this helps.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

Do muzzle brakes lessen back pressure somewhat? A bigger manufacturer on YT mentioned that using a brake might rob some back pressure when trying to cycle 300blk subsonics.

[@Ertactical]

interesting, I am not sure I have seen the same results. But I am willing to test.

[@JackTagar]

Depends on construction. Best example would be something like the standard AK muzzle device and AK 'cone' style flash hider vs a bare muzzle. The devices increase back pressure and helps the action cycle, something important to consider when shooting steel case.

[@CMH_1975]

I bought a Nomad 30 for my Rattler LT. I contacted Dead Air to ask what they suggested between a flash hider or brake. He simply said a brake adds more benefits than a flash hider. He didn't get into details, but I took him for his word. I ended up going with a micro brake. I couldn't tell you if it helped or not because my Rattler has only been shot suppressed. No way I want to shoot a 6.75" gun with a brake on it. 😂

[@Ertactical]

@@CMH_1975 💯

[@frankthetank5013]

Direct thread

[@Ertactical]

thats a solid way to go if you can marry your can to your gun and it saves weight. thanks for your support! =)

[@monztermovies]

My 16” psa Sabre muzzle device has that ringing…I’d like to get rid of that. 🤺

[@AncientGloom]

The 3 prong flash hider? If you have the tools, pop that thing off and replace it with an A2 birdcage.

[@Ertactical]

yea the 3 prong types do that... even closed tines can do that like the M14. some times you can even hear it through the can..

[@monztermovies]

@@AncientGloom yeah, it’s the 3 prong. Not sure if it’s pinned and welded…I’ve been wanting to write psa to see. It would be cool to change it out.

[@AncientGloom]

@@monztermovies If the barrel is 16" then it's not pinned. PSA does sell shorter barreled Sabers that have the muzzle device pinned, though.

[@monztermovies]

@@AncientGloom yup, it’s a 16” barrel. New to the AR world, learning as I go along. Thx for the info. 😎

[@CMH_1975]

I have a suppressed MPX-K and a Rattler LT. I run a flash hider on my MPX because the chance of me shooting it without my Wolfman is high. I have a micro brake on my Rattler LT and have zero interest shooting that thing without my Nomad 30 on it.

[@Ertactical]

thats a solid set up! I am jelly of your Rat LT, i got mine before they had the LT so I don't have the ambi catch. Thanks for the support! =)

[@CMH_1975]

@@Ertactical thank you sir! I love my Rattler LT. I'll probably buy a Spear 11.5" upper in 5.56 and swap uppers for when I want to have a cheap range day. Man, 300 bo ain't cheap, but it's fun.

[@Ertactical]

@@CMH_1975 yeah I am more of a 556 guy but the 300 blk is quite

[@CMH_1975]

@@Ertactical how do you think the Nomad 30 would do on a 11.5" 5.56 gun?

[@Ertactical]

@@CMH_1975 it does very well! It does have very high back pressure and if you mitigate it, it will do great. Sidenote, don’t use the titanium one as it’s not rated for such a short barrel.

[@JusticeFreedomDestin]

If a brake is too much for shooters next to you, some muzzle devices are compatible with a blast shield. It's not a perfect solution, but it'll keep the threads clean and keep the blast a little more forward instead of to the sides

[@Ertactical]

yes there are several blast shield types that save your buds and look nice but I have found that they under mind the brake. We have used them for the Helo Pig hunt, the guy in the back seat will give a bad headache to the guy in the front seat. thank you for the support!

[@Ertactical]

💥

[@coyotesguy1111]

Wouldn’t a brake defeat the purpose of a suppressor? I assume it would make it louder.

[@whiplash5026]

No . If you put a suppressor over a brake the brake will take more damage and protect your suppressor baffles a little bit . I just switched to a brake because my flash hider was basically blow torching my suppressor. I'm going to use my flash hider for a different sbt where I won't use a suppressor much in it .

[@wisesage3289]

I hate muzzle brakes on your gun. 😅. Not indoor friendly. Thanks for the information.

[@Ertactical]

well said! if you are an indoor range guy your buds will hate you hahaha

[@whiplash5026]

Indoor ranges are for lazy people that don't actually train for combat. Reality check , I won't let you get cozy and rest your gun if we meet in the field.

[@apocalypse1175]

Muzzle brakes are not for serious use rifles. Competition guns sure, but nothing else.

[@Ertactical]

they are def home on a comp gun but I put them on most everything but norm a can too.

[@whiplash5026]

I don't agree with you . If comps were not for serious use they wouldn't be on 50 cals used by military. I think operators that shoot suppressed 95 percent of the time should have a brake in their suppressor. I think operators that carry a suppressor with them for when it's needed should use a flash hider . I have two sbrs with different purposes for that exact reason . One stays suppressed one is for vehicle and night vision in close quarters Wich has a flash hider that I can add a suppressor to quickly if I need to.

[@JoshuaADemic]

I sincerely do not care when the guy in the lane next to me has a muzzle brake. Why are there so many people that make a big deal about that? To my mind, it's a non-issue.

[@Ertactical]

and if we could all have cans than life is really good

[@oldirtyshinobi420]

Right? Aren’t you wearing ear protection anyways? If not why the fuck did you come to a shooting range? Must be all the new libtards in the gun community complaining. I can’t believe I even have to say that…

[@msquared9605]

Forreal man, omgggg his gun is loud I’m so inconvenienced!

[@blazeharding574]

Our team normally runs suppressed, but at a training course they made us take them off. We are shoulder to shoulder moving and shooting, and our muzzle breaks were concussive enough that my teammates hat was knocked off. It was really hard to get solid hits on target with the muzzle blast on a 10.5 hitting you in the face.

[@williamboggs1682]

So is buying a can it’s a non issue