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What is a 556 Flash Hider? 🔍
A 556 flash hider is an attachment designed to reduce the visible muzzle flash when firing 5.56x45mm cartridges from a rifle-length barrel. It works by redirecting and cooling the gas exiting the muzzle of the firearm, thus reducing its visibility while shooting.
🎥 Watch the video to see how it works:
Features 🔋
| 🔰 Design | come in different designs ranging from standard A2 birdcage designs to advanced three-prong or four-prong styles with closed or open ends. |
| 🔰 Material | typically made from steel or aluminum. 🔎 Steel is more durable and can stand up to the intense heat generated by 5.56 caliber weapons systems, while aluminum is lighter and easier to install on your rifle. |
| 🔰 Compatibility | come in different thread patterns that correspond with standard 5.56 barrels and muzzle devices like compensators and suppressors. |
| 🔰 Durability | tend to be highly durable due to their construction materials and design features all meant to reduce heat buildup and increase total wear resistance. |
Benefits 💣
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What are the types? 🔢
5.56 Flash Hiders can be categorized into three main types:
- 1️⃣ A muzzle brake is designed to reduce felt recoil for greater accuracy ➔ it does this by redirecting gas from the barrel outward in different directions as it exits the muzzle.
- 2️⃣ Compensators also mitigate felt recoil ➔ but they are more effective in reducing muzzle climb due to their increased gas release area.
- 3️⃣ Last but not least, flash suppressors (often referred to as flash hiders) are specifically designed with a series of ports or baffles that disperse burning gases away from the shooter’s line of sight ➔ which greatly reduces visible flashes when fired at night, or other low light conditions.
🎥 Hope the video will be helpful for you:
Our Selection 14 Best 🚀 556 Flash Hider
1# Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5.56 Q.D. Flash Hider YHM-3102-28A
Looking for an upgrade to your YHM Turbo suppressor? Check out the Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5.56 Q.D. Flash Hider! This flash hider looks great and helps keep the noise down when you’re shooting. It’s made of steel and has a black finish, so it’s built to last. The external locking mechanism keeps the heat away from the spring mechanism, and the dust enclosure protects all of the internal moving parts. The 5-port design decreases visible flash, making it a great choice for hunting or tactical applications.
2# SureFire SOCOM Closed Tine .223/5.56 Flash Hider
The advanced SureFire SFMB-556-1/2-28 muzzle brake is the perfect choice for your weapon. This muzzle brake greatly reduces both recoil impulse and muzzle rise, so you can keep your weapon on target for faster shot-to-shot recovery. With its patented Impulse Diffusion design, this muzzle brake minimizes side blast and rear-directed concussion effects. Order your SFMB-556-1/2-28 muzzle brake today!
3# SureFire Warcomp Flash Hider w/Suppressor Adapter
If you want to take your shooting game to the next level, you need the SureFire Warcomp Flash Hider/Suppressor Adapter. This top-of-the-line flash hider is designed to virtually eliminate muzzle rise and flash, giving you unparalleled accuracy down range. Plus, the heat-treated stainless steel construction is extremely durable, and the inbound DLC coating offers comprehensive protection against the elements. If you’re looking to mount a SureFire SOCOM suppressor, this is the perfect adapter for the job.
4# SureFire 3 Prong Eliminator Flash Hider 1/2-28 Threads
The new SureFire 3 Prong Eliminator Flash Hider is the latest innovation in flash reduction technology. Featuring a patent-pending design, the 3 Prong Eliminator provides greater than a 99% reduction in flash compared to a plain muzzle. A high-precision single-point cut barrel thread ensures a perfect thread interface, while a blind pilot hole at the 6 o’clock position facilitates pin-and-weld applications. The black nitride coating provides maximum protection against harsh environmental conditions and facilitates cleaning after extreme use.
5# Sig Sauer QD Taper-Lok Flash Hider Mount For SRD556-QD
The Sig Sauer QD Taper-Lok Flash Hider Mount is the perfect way to conceal your position while using a Sig Sauer SRD556-QD 1/2-28 TPI SRD556-12X28-F. It is a three-piece assembly consisting of a rear mount unit, a crush washer, and an interchangeable tip, letting you easily install this device in almost any application. Pick up the Sig Sauer SRD556-12X28-F Flash Hider Mount for Sig Sauer SRD556-QD 1/2-28 TPI MRO-A2-F to properly install this muzzle device while also obscuring your position in the field.
6# Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5.56mm Aggressive Compensator Flash Hider
The Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5.56mm Aggressive Compensator Flash Hider is designed to work as a muzzle compensator while maintaining excellent flash hiding capabilities. This device is made in specialized factories and is perfect for those searching for a tactical edge. The Phantom 5.56mm Compensator/Flash Hider is an all-in-one unit that will help make your AR-15 more effective on the range or in the field.
7# Yankee Hill 4315M13LA QD Flash Hider 5.56 NATO
The Yankee Hill Machine 4315M13LA Mini QD Flash Hider 5.56 NATO is an excellent attachment for your favorite sound suppressor. This flash hider helps reduce IR signature and weapon flash, while also allowing you to use your sound suppressor without interference. Made of high-quality materials, this flash hider is durable and built to last. Whether you need a more compatible sound suppressor or just want to reduce the rate of fire for your weapon, the Yankee Hill Machine 4315M13LA Mini QD Flash Hider 5.56 NATO is a perfect choice.
8# Midwest Industries AR-15 Flash Hider
The Midwest Industries AR-15 Flash Hider is a no-frills muzzle device that is designed to reduce felt recoil and muzzle flash. It is constructed of steel with a melonite finish and is compatible with 5.56mm/.223 Remington rifles with 1/2-28 threads. It also comes with a new crush washer for easy installation.
9# Breek Arms 3FO AR15 .223/.556 .30 Flash Hider Outside Threaded
The Breek Arms 3FO AR15 .223/.556 .30 Flash Hider Outside Threaded is a great upgrade for your AR15. This flash hider is made from prehard steel and finished with a nitride coating, making it extremely durable. The 3FO has three prongs that are outside threaded, which helps to disrupt gas expansion and results in less flash. This design also makes it easier to attach a muzzle brake or blast shield.
10# Yankee Hill Machine QD Blast Deflector 5.56mm YHM-3130
The Yankee Hill Machine QD Blast Deflector 5.56mm YHM-3130 is the best way to protect yourself from the noise and blast of your firearm. The mechanism is fast, positive, and virtually impossible to disengage accidentally, making it a great choice for all your shooting needs. The deflector is made of chrome moly steel and has a Melonite QPQ finish, making it durable and long-lasting. This product is made in specialized factories and is a great choice for all your shooting needs.
11# Troy Medieval Flash Suppressor 5.56mm/.223 SSUPMEDO5BT00
Protect your eyesight and stay hidden from your enemies with the Troy Medieval Flash Suppressor. This premium quality suppressor features a robust, heat-treated ordnance steel construction. The 5.56/.223 caliber suppressor is 2.25″ long and features a unique diamond-shaped teeth design that can act as a breaching device in close-quarters combat situations. Don’t be caught without the Troy Medieval Flash Suppressor when the situation demands it.
12# Strike Industries Venom Flash Hider
If you want to buy a top-quality flash hider to add to your barrel, notice the Strike Industries Venom Flash Hider. It’s made from 0.5 x 28 TPI threaded steel for incredible durability and features 4 prongs at the end with serrated points to help preserve the muzzle crown. Best of all, it eliminates almost 100% of muzzle flash while circulating air to disperse burning gases away from the barrel. Plus, it has a predrilled hole that makes it wire-cutter capable.
13# Surefire Warcomp 556 CTN Flash Hider
Introducing the SureFire Warcomp 556 CTN Flash Hider. It features a closed-tine, birdcage-style muzzle device that helps to reduce muzzle rise when firing. Additionally, the neutral porting on this flash hider ensures that your shots are on target every time, while the tough, corrosion-resistant coating protects your investment from the elements. Best of all, the SureFire Warcomp 556 CTN installs quickly and easily without any permanent modification to your weapon system – making it the best for any shooter.
14# Silencerco AR-15 ASR Flash Hider 5.56
The Silencerco AR-15 ASR Flash Hider 5.56 is an awesome accessory for your AR-15 rifle. The patent-pending resonance suppression effectively eliminates the tuning-fork effect common with competing for 3-prong flash hiders. This flash hider is perfect for use with suppressors and can be used with or without a suppressor. It is also perfect for night shooting as it eliminates flash.
What are some tips for using 556 Flash Hiders? 👁🗨
🔵 It is important to properly install your 556 Flash Hider and to inspect it regularly:
- 📌 Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
➔ As improper installation can lead to decreased performance or even damage to your gun.
- 📌 Additionally, you should clean and lubricate your flash hider after each use.
➔ As dirt and debris can build up over time and cause issues with function.
- 📌 Finally, make sure that it is compatible with your particular rifle.
➔ Flash hiders come in different thread sizes so be sure to double-check before purchasing.
FAQ 🤔
Conclusion 🙂
When looking for a flash hider, it is important to consider the many different factors that will make one the best option for your specific needs. In this buyer’s guide, we provided in-depth information about the best 556 Flash Hiders on the market, as well as tips on what to look for when making your purchase decision. With this knowledge, you can select the perfect flash hider for your firearm and be confident in its ability to protect both you and those around you. Thanks for reading! ❤️ 🔥
I believe that the SOCOM version is the superior option, as compared to the Warcomp. I personally do not prefer the 3/4 prong flash hiders due to their tendency to get caught on objects. I typically utilize a standard A2 on most of my equipment, but for this particular model, I opted for a slightly enhanced A2 with the capability of mounting a QD suppressor.
Can I put a suppressor over the outside thread?
✔️ Yes, you can. ⚠️ However, mounting a suppressor on the external threads of a muzzle device is not recommended as it may cause damage to the suppressor and affect its performance. ⚠️ It is important to ensure that the suppressor is mounted properly and securely onto the muzzle device’s appropriate mounting surface, such as a direct thread or a quick-detach (QD) mount.
I recently acquired a Surefire Warcomp for one of my top-of-the-line builds, and I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. I have set up the divider between the two sets of ports at the top, and the results have been fantastic. Not only is it an improvement over the A2 flash hider, but it also does an admirable job of reducing muzzle rise. I am strongly considering replacing several of my existing muzzle devices with the Surefire Warcomp.
Did you know that sure fire also makes a closed tine version? While it is slightly less effective as a flash hider, it does eliminate the loud ping that is associated with the open-tine design. The closed-tine version also redirects the blast upward, making it more suitable for shooting prone in the dirt. Its design is somewhat reminiscent of a birdcage.
I can attest that I am currently using the closed-tine version of the muzzle device. I find it to be an excellent addition to my setup.
I have come across information suggesting that pronged flash hiders and birdcage flash hiders are each more effective at different angles. It has been suggested that one is better viewed from the front while the other is more effective when viewed from the side. However, I have not personally tested these claims.
I personally like the muzzle device that offers a combination of a flash hider and compensator, as it seems to provide the best of both worlds. While I find the Surefire compensator to be more effective in controlling muzzle flip/rise, I personally do not encounter any issues with grip technique or felt recoil when shooting with a 5.56/.223 caliber.
I have been considering the WarComp and Warden combination for my 11.5 build due to its versatility in being able to easily attach a Surefire suppressor when I acquire one.
I’m wondering if I would need a crush washer and shims to install the muzzle device and if it would need to be timed properly during installation.
1️⃣ Yes, you need the appropriate shims and a crush washer when installing 556 muzzle devices. These are important components to ensure proper indexing of the muzzle device on your 556 rifle barrel.
2️⃣ A 556 flash hider needs to be properly timed during installation. 🔔 It is important to ensure that the flash hider is lined up correctly with the barrel of your firearm. This will help to reduce any potential gas leakage which can cause problems over time. Additionally, it ensures that you are not in danger of having any of the spent gases escape into the face or eyes of anyone who may be nearby when firing.
Do surefire’s flash hiders make a ringing sound?
I can confirm that Surefire’s flash hiders do produce the ringing sound but that is typical of muzzle devices. I have personally installed them on my Colt and Aero Precision rifles, and while I initially found the sound to be noticeable, I quickly got used to it after firing a few shots. 🙂
The Medieval brake is highly effective at reducing recoil, and I have personally utilized it on a Sig 556 ER with great success.