I am currently looking at a couple of guns for sale and was wondering what the difference is between these two models aside from the flash suppressor. Also, what would be needed to add a flash suppressor to the model that does not come with one?

Go to S&W site and do the compare it will tell you. No flash suppressors are compliant one will have a fixed stock to add a flash suppressor to the 811310 fixed stock or 811312 Magpul MOE Rifle Stock you will need the barrel threaded. The flash suppressor makes the rifle 4" longer. Price wise would be cheaper to buy the flash suppressor model if that's what you want and can have then spend the money to thread the barrel and buy a add on flash suppressor.

The barrel profile is different as well. The flash suppressor model comes with a pencil barrel which helps keep the weight down. The compliant model comes with a heavy profile barrel which soaks up heat better for more accuracy over an extended firing period.

There are actually 3 models that are similar (excludig cammo models) The first picture looks like the ca compliant model and the 2 picture looks like a compliant model.

So to break down all the differences:

Normal model - 20 round pmag, ambi mag release, 6 position stock, flash suppressor, pencil barrel

CA compliant - same as normal model EXCEPT: single side mag release, 10 round magazine, bullet button for mag release

Compliant model - heavy profile barrel, no flash suppressor, fixed/pinned stock, 10 round mag, bullet button, single side mag release

To add a flash suppressor properly, you have to remove the barrel, get a machinist to thread it, and then add flash suppressor. There are some clamp on type flash supressors but I wouldn't recommend them.

thanks.. sounds like I will be going with a normal of CA compliant.

there are actually 3 compliant ones that are for different states:
SKU: 811309 Compliant for sale in CA, CO
SKU: 811310 Compliant for sale in MA, NJ, CO this one has a pinned stock, 10 round mag, normal ambi mag release, no suppressor.
SKU: 811311 which is not compliant with any restrictive states from the looks of it
SKU: 811312 camo model which they say is available everywhere except CA. it has a rifle stock and apparently normal mag release which is what keeps it out of CA i think.

manufacturers must love trying to keep track of all the different state restriction combinations.

And SKU: 000000 Compliant for sale in Md

I seem to remember Md pass a law no AR's after October when their magazine restrictions goes into effect.

And SKU: 000000 Compliant for sale in Md

I seem to remember Md pass a law no AR's after October when their magazine ban goes into effect. I'm sure if I', wrong someone pls correct me as I don't follow them to close, to commie a state for me.

I got my 811311 model back in Jan. Got some SR-25 mags and been having a blast at the range since getting it. No issues with about 2K rounds through it.

What kind of sights and/or scope did you put on it? What changes to the original furniture, etc., did you make? What kind of accuracy are you getting?

Why some you you guys just don't get up and move is beyond me . . .

Mike

Because this is where the jobs are! Now, after retirement, that's another story. Looking at NC, WV, Kentucky ......

Leupold M4 16x24x50 600bdc, with MOE hand rails and but stock. Been shooting Win 7.62x51 150g out to the 450 yd steel target at my local range. Haven't tried it out further than that, yet.

What does "compliant" mean? Oh. ... you poor SOBs, you should move to America.

I don't know where it's compliant, nor care, but there is one that is heavy barrel, non threaded, collapsible stock and whatever size mag you're able to get for it.
Have to agree with above, if your state restricts certain items, time to move or change legislators. I know... Easier said than done, but at least change the legislators!