Dumb Question

[Aldoradave]

What is the difference between a muzzle brake and a suppressor. Back in Vietnam the Corps didn't teach me about that, and now that I have added M&P10s to my collection of M14s I ought to know.

If as it appears a muzzle brake is superior s there any particular brand that is best?

Dave Dillehay

 

[Doc498]

The only Dumb Question is the one not ask!

 

[Badquaker]

Think of the blast that exists the barrel as a wave of energy. A muzzle break forces some of that energy to the sides, reducing the amount pushing straight back. A suppressor tries to control the wave of energy by catching and releasing it slower.

 

[ole-cowboy]

as pertaining to muzzle devices,there are:
1) flash suppressors or flash hiders that are designed to cool or disperse the escaping gasses to hide the flash signature.

2) muzzle brakes: that redirect the escaping gasses to reduce the muzzle flip to help provide a quicker followup shot

3) sound suppressors or silencers that internally slow and cool the gasses and effectively reduces one of the two sources of noise (explosive expansion of hot gasses) the other source being the sonic crack as a projectile breaks the sound barrier (solved by using sub-sonic ammo).

1 and 2 are the most commonly seen muzzle devices with companies offering a combo flash suppressing brake

 

[Aldoradave]

OK, what is it on my stock M&P 10s?

Dave Dillehay

 

[Badquaker]

S&W refers to it as an "advanced flash hider"

 

[Aldoradave]

Is the "advanced flash hider" a muzzle brake or flash suppressor? Is the something superior to whatever it is?

Dave Dillehay

 

[ole-cowboy]

its a flash hider

 

[cgunther79]

I've only seen the term flash hider and muzzle brake used for the attachment end. Again, my understanding is the flash hider hides flash and the muzzle break let's gases escape out the sides and some even do up/down to reduce recoil. Here in NJ we are required to have muzzle breaks when not running a fixed/compliant barrel and they have to be permanently attached. A suppressor is a silencer and used for a totally different purpose, to silence the gun and make the sound exiting the chamber as quiet as possible. Banned in most states unless you have a federal stamp allowing it's use.

 

[Badquaker]

Look up pictures of both on google. It should be pretty obvious the difference when you look at the end of the brake/hider. A 5.56 has no need fora brake, but I would have no problem putting a brake on a 308.

 

[ole-cowboy]

I've only seen the term flash hider and muzzle brake used for the attachment end. Again, my understanding is the flash hider hides flash and the muzzle break let's gases escape out the sides and some even do up/down to reduce recoil. Here in NJ we are required to have muzzle breaks when not running a fixed/compliant barrel and they have to be permanently attached. A suppressor is a silencer and used for a totally different purpose, to silence the gun and make the sound exiting the chamber as quiet as possible. Banned in most states unless you have a federal stamp allowing it's use.

hate to pick nits but that's not true. They are legal in most states, but there are hoops to jump through

 

[johnjeff]

ole-cowboy, actually suppressors are banned in all states unless you have a federal stamp. I have read some 34 states allow them as long as you have the federal tax stamp. But I am by no means an expert on the subject.

 

[ole-cowboy]

ole-cowboy, actually suppressors are banned in all states unless you have a federal stamp. I have read some 34 states allow them as long as you have the federal tax stamp. But I am by no means an expert on the subject.

Then wouldn't that make them restricted I stead of banned?
I can get one for a 200.00 tax and my local sheriff's signature

 

[Jessie]

Why in the world does NJ REQUIRE muzzle brakes? I cannot think of one reason for that. If anything it would be the opposite because of blasting gasses on anybody to your sides. Can't understand why they would care what kind of recoil you are experiencing.

 

[LlindeX]

I believe that what the poster meant to convey is that NJ will not allow a suppressor, and either a muzzle break or a flash hider must be pinned to be legal there. Any gun with a screw-on flash hider or muzzle break is illegal. Either one must be permanently attached in his state so that it can't be readily removed and a suppressor installed. I don't believe that any suppressor is legal in NJ even if you were to pin it, but I may be wrong on that one.