AR Sponsor
Posted: 11/5/2004 9:30:43 PM EDT
|
I've been shooting AR's for some 3+ years, and I thought I knew all I needed to know. (I never really know enough, you know what I mean) I've been reading a lot of post on fs's, and I've realized one thing. I don't know how they work. Well this is one of those questions that I think I know the answer to, but I'm just not sure. I know that you put one on and it helps hide the flash. That much I get. How exactly do they do this? I had my bbl cut/threaded for a fs, and I had a 3 prong fs put on it. Looks cool and all, but I would like to know what in the design makes it work? Hell I'd like to know how they all work. I'm sure there are some other people out there that may have the same question. I'm a little embarrassed to ask the question myself. I feel as though I should already know the answer. Maybe I do, but I would like to hear from you all. Thanks, DBAR 
|
|
I assume you mean flash suppressor ... The Bird Cage FS was designed not only to suppress flash but also to minimize dust deflection when shooting in a prone position. And any FS can effect recoil. Why the liberals implimented a no FS unit in the idiotic AWB, I could not for the life of me, figure out. Kinda like the "no bayonet" rule too. Why the 3 prong and other FS's? I dunno. The Bird Cage worked fine for me. |
| A flash suppressor is a simple, ingenious design. Just as the base of a fired bullet passes the muzzle of a firearm, the super-pressured gasses propelling it (52,000 PSI on AR-15 20" Barrel) shoot around the bullet in all directions. This gas and unburned powder produces the flash. A FS is usually a cone that prevents the gas from expanding out in all directions, rather containing it so the percieved flash is reduced. Look at the old cone add-ons on M2- .50 Cal, M1 Carbines and M1 Garands. The slit-style FS's redirect the gas and turn a fireball that would kill your natural nightvision and give away your position into a star pattern that is less noticeable. The slits in an A2 FS also act as a compensator. This means, the slits channel gas upwards only. (the bottom is closed) Remember every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore the gases act like a tiny jet engine applying downward force on the end of the barrel reducing muzzle climb. Plus it reduces the chances of kicking up dirt or snow while lying prone like icantdance said. |
|
This may not have anything to do with it, but I have another theory on how they work. Ever use a bunsen burner or propane torch? If you burn just the gas, with no air, it creates a luminous flame - orange and sooty. Once you open the vents, which act like a venturi and suck in air from the sides, the flame burns hot, fast and blue. It is my theory that the birdcage-style flash suppressor acts this same way - based on observations I've made of different types of flash suppressors. In hollywood, M-16 muzzle flashes blast out in the familiar "asterisk" pattern. That would seem to actually counteract the intent behind a FS. In real life, I have observed that the flame from a birdcage-equipped M-16 is about 3 to 4" long, comes directly from the muzzle, and not out of the vents, and is bluish. This is only my own experience and mileage may vary based on barrel length, ammunition, etc... The vortex is really cool to see in action. I will have to get some photos of it sometime. You get about an inch-long, narrow blue flame from the muzzle, and 4 very tiny blue/orange fireballs from the vents. Very unique looking. The say the vortex is designed to let gasses escape, but retain residual burning powder. The original CAR-15 FS (not the XM-177 model that was also a sound suppressor) was designed to allow the unburnt powder and burning gasses to expand into the long tube of the flash suppressor before encountering the side vents. Sherluck marketed a flash suppressor that was about the same length, but full of tiny holes, that was supposed to be for use with night vision... it looks cool, but it's not as effective as the vortex.  |
Thank you for your reply. It sounds very logical, and it's kind of what I thought. The only difference in my thinking was that I thought that the fs (yes icantdance I mean flash suppressor) disrupted the flow of gas escaping the bbl. This would in my mind disrupt the burning of excess powder and gas. Does anyone else have a answer? btw "CYBIN" why bump? |
|
Instead of the Fireball that exits the barrel, the flash suppressor cuts and chops up the fireball like your diceing up an onion. by venting hot gases away from the fireball. the Birdcage has a tapered cone that directs the gases through the slotted ports. by "taking away or slicing up the fireball". |
AR Sponsor