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How to remove the flash hider

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swons73

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I just purchased a M&P 15T and I want to replace the flash hider with a muzzle brake. First, is that a good idea? Second, is that possible? Third, what size threads are on the rifle?
 
swons73 said:
I just purchased a M&P 15T and I want to replace the flash hider with a muzzle brake. First, is that a good idea? Second, is that possible? Third, what size threads are on the rifle?
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Not trying to sound like a jerk, but if you are asking if this is a good idea or not, why do you want to do it? What are you trying to accomplish?

Sure, it is possible. The thread pitch is 1/2 X 28.

I recommend that you go shoot the rifle. After you have a couple hundred rounds down the pipe, you will have a better idea if any changes are needed.
 
I'm looking to minimize recoil as much as possible. I plan on putting a scope on the rifle and shooting out to 200 yds and would like to be able to follow my shot through the scope. Plus, I'm trying to get my wife interested in shooting so anything I can do to minimize recoil is a plus. If I can get her into shooting, it'll mean a bigger budget and more range time for me!

Will it reduce enough recoil to make it worth the expense and trouble of replacing the flash hider with a muzzle brake? I'm also a bit OCD so I'd like to put a Mech Force brake so this rifle looks like my other rifles.

I put about 300 rounds through the rifle so far using the MBUS sights and the rifle shoots great. The rifle seems to kick up and to the right when I shoot standing. I'm hoping the muzzle brake will calm that a bit.
 
Have to wait for some of the muzzle brake guys to respond if it will allow you to accomplish your goal. Personally, I don't think there is much recoil and I can't stand it when someone shoots with a brake next to me at the range.


Do you use a sling when shooting? Since you mentioned standing while shooting, I thought I would ask.
 
I don't use a sling. Once I mount the scope, I'll primarily shoot from a bench. I put a bipod on it for that purpose. I'm just waiting on the mount for the scope.
 
A comp/brake will accomplish some of what you are looking for. It will reduce the amount of muzzle flip-how much depends on the design. As to what is felt at the shoulder, haven't shot enough different ones to say one way or the other. On my Sport II, I have a comp to comply with state law, and really couldn't tell any difference between the flash hider and the comp. But then the installed flash hider also functions to some degree as a comp/brake.
 
MichiganScott said:
If the recoil of 5.56 NATO needs to be mitigated for the wife to enjoy shooting, you are probably tilting at windmills. The excessive blast from a muzzle break will be far more of a problem than 3.8 ft-lbs of recoil.
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This^^^^

I wouldn't put a break on a rifle for a new shooter. The increased sound and felt concussion will make it unpleasant. Get her a 15-22 to practice on and when she's ready introduce the AR.
 
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The A2 flash hider that comes on most AR rifles already acts to prevent muzzle rise due to the bottom being closed. It also acts to prevent dirt getting kicked up from the muzzle blast.

Like mentioned above, muzzle brakes make the neighbors beside you unhappy due to the noise and blast. AR15s tend to not have much recoil, so it might be a good idea to let the person shoot it first before committing to changing to a brake. Typically, a brake is most beneficial for long range shooting and not so much for closer in. What one defines as long range is going to vary from person to person but the general agreement is something along the lines of 600 yards or more for an AR.

In the end, it's going to be your call but I wouldn't do it.
 
swons73 said:
I put about 300 rounds through the rifle so far using the MBUS sights and the rifle shoots great. The rifle seems to kick up and to the right when I shoot standing. I'm hoping the muzzle brake will calm that a bit.
Click to expand...

Not all brakes are created equal, but yes, they reduce muzzle rise.
I installed a Lantac on my 16in carbine which significantly reduced muzzle rise to the point that it barely moves between shoots while shooting offhand. Very nice. :)

Is a brake worth the price? Well.... the Lantac was about a $100. I can go through $100 of ammo during a shooting session. That my rifle performs significantly more to my satisfaction for a $100 which is relatively insignificant compared to ongoing shooting costs puts it in the category of well worth the price.

Thread is standard AR15 -1/2 28. You'll want a receiver vice block for removal and install. Wheeler for $20 works fine. Other than that there's no special tools required.
 
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sgtsandman said:
The A2 flash hider that comes on most AR rifles already acts to prevent muzzle rise due to the bottom being closed. It also acts to prevent dirt getting kicked up from the muzzle blast.

Like mentioned above, muzzle brakes make the neighbors beside you unhappy due to the noise and blast. AR15s tend to not have much recoil, so it might be a good idea to let the person shoot it first before committing to changing to a brake. Typically, a brake is most beneficial for long range shooting and not so much for closer in. What one defines as long range is going to vary from person to person but the general agreement is something along the lines of 600 yards or more for an AR.

In the end, it's going to be your call but I wouldn't do it.
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On my AR-556, Ruger installed a flash hider that is open at the bottom. I have no idea what their thinking was for doing this. I am open to suggestions on a replacement. :confused:
 

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That's weird! Get a standard A2 birdcage and swap it out. They're cheap and effective.
 
All thoughts aside as to what works the best, yes it is very easy to remove and to install a different type. Unscrew old, screw in new (and time if necessary). That's it.
 
Shooting next to someone using a muzzle brake will ruin your range day.

Cant stand muzzle brakes ... especially on 223/556. There is no need for them
 
mule69 said:
I took the flash hider off and installed a muzzle brake for no other reason than it looks cool.
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I ordered a Wilson Combat flash hider last night for the same reason. Chose it over YHM 5C2 after a lengthy internal debate.
 
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