The flash suppressor has little, if anything, to do with directing gas away from the shooter. A barrel, left alone, will blow the gas out and away from the shooter every time....don't need to add anything to it to make that happen. The flash suppressor's purpose is to reduce the flash signature at the end of the barrel which helps preserve the shooter's night vision during low or no light shooting conditions. Selection of ammunition (or powder if you are a reloader) that has a low flash signature will work hand in hand with the flash suppressor for the most effective reduction overall.