Was just sitting down and considering picking up two of Smith Enterprise's Vortex flash killers. Having too much time on my hands (at the moment), I went swanning around checking out items like the Wilson Combat three-prong model, and the oh-so-long (as in, eat your heart out Krebs!) B.E. Myers 249S, and it vaguely occurred to me that there may be more, and perhaps better, options out there.

So. What do we like for three- or four-pronged flash disruption muzzle devices? I'm looking to accommodate ARs in 7.62 and a 6.8, but wouldn't mind hearing what you think about other models for other calibers as well.

I have a couple of the Advanced Armament “nonmount” three-prong flash hiders. As I recall I chose them because reviews rated them highly (best?) for the sole purpose of hiding the muzzle flash. They are relatively long, but that makes no difference to me, and may be the reason they are so effective.

https://www.advanced-armament....der-556mm_p_449.html

The company offers a similar design for 7.62, but I have no experience with it.

https://www.advanced-armament....der-762mm_p_450.html

Although I have no experience either with the Smith Enterprises vortex model, I did try a similar design by Thunder Beast. What I found was that the “vortex” design makes it impossible to index the flash hider to minimize muzzle blast on the ground when shooting from the prone; i.e., the gas escaping through the slots of the device kicked up a cloud of dust and fine gravel every time I shot. The helical twist of the TBAC is much more pronounced than the Smith’s, and perhaps the Smith wouldn’t have the same problem, but it may be something to consider.

Dead Air Flash hider works great. Shooting my Sandman K at night there is a nice little fireball, take off the can and shoot the flash hider only and flash is gone, this is with a 10" barrel too.

I also have a few of the AAC flashhiders, some are also can mounts. I have been very happy with them. I would also like to try one of the Surefire Warcomps. Supposedly this is the best combination of a flash hider, and a compensator.

I have an AAC silencer mount 3 prong threaded for 5/8-24 that I bought mistakenly, thinking it was a 1/2-28.

I use them on several other rifle bids and they work well. I would make you a deal since it is the wrong thread pitch for my rifle.

7.62 I run the surefire. 5.56 I run the AAC. Both seem fine and well made. If you go AAC invest in their tool. Since I'm not testing flash very often I can't say anything about the actual reduction, but I've seen comparisons around on the net.

I can see I'm definitely going to have to take a closer look at AAC.

The first prong-type FH I had was from Wilson, as they came with new rifle. The Wilson FH worked fine, and suppressed flash better than the traditional bird cage designs.

But I have no use for flash hiders -- when they are used by themselves, as the sole muzzle device. I cannot imagine a situation where a FH works better than a can.

All my ARs are suppressed now. I use Surefire's QD attachments for their SOCOM suppressors. I have a mix of 3-prong open tine, 3-prong closed tine, warcomp, and brake attachments. They all work just fine with the SOCOM cans. I have multiple models because I purchased what was on sale at the time.

The one difference I notice is the harmonics of open-tine multi-prong flash hiders -- the ring is noticeable within the suppressor. I have to listen for it, but it's there.