New Muzzle Device Poll

[BluntForceTrauma]

Guys, I've got three muzzle devices back from the 3D plastic printer for review. Two are Gen2 upgrades to the Alpha (three-prong) and Bravo (three-prong but closed end) flash suppressors, and the third is the all-new Delta four-baffle muzzle brake.

The attached photo shows from left to right: Alpha, Bravo, and Delta.

These are all our UltraSlim design, with a total length of 2.25 that brings a 14.5 to a length of 16.1 and a diameter that allows a .750 gas block to slide over.

Our design philosophy is to do only what makes sense — while having a minimalist, modern look — not what everybody else is doing, not doing what's always been done.

For example, why do muzzle devices typically have a chunky .864 diameter? Cuz that's what they used on the M16. Why did they use that diameter on the M16? Cuz they specified a diameter large enough to fit the M7 bayonet!

(Bonus: Why do 5.56 barrels typically have a 1/2-28 muzzle thread size? Cuz that's what the M16 used. Why did the M16 use 1/2-28? Cuz the M16 had a pencil barrel with a diameter of .570 in front of the gas block journal that flared to .610 at the muzzle thread shoulder. Fast forward about 63 years later: If a 5.56 barrel isn't a pencil barrel, it should have beefier 5/8-24 muzzle threads.)

Anyway, if your use doesn't require the M7 bayonet, then why have a chunky, clunky muzzle device? Designs should make sense for the required use. Save bulk. Allow pin and welds. Keep the performance — well, INCREASE the performance cuz test after test after test says a lengthened three-prong is best at reducing muzzle flash, followed closely by closed-end versions.

Anyway, which style of UltraSlim muzzle device do you prefer? Please vote — and you can vote on more than one if you like 'em all!

[Csitt]

Delta and Bravo

Chuck S.

[BluntForceTrauma]

Thanks, Chuck, what do you like about those designs?

[Bigs28]

I like the look of the delta over the others personally. Always liked that shark gill look

[Csitt]

Thanks, Chuck, what do you like about those designs?

Hi BFT, I like the closed design myself. Never cared for the open prongs. Just my personal preference. I also hunt in thickets sometimes, so the open prongs can catch on them little buggers.

Chuck S.

[sundowner]

I like the delta design the best , i like closed end designs .

[tashley680]

I voted Delta. I assume they are printed in plastic for prototyping? Would a plastic device stand up to muzzle gases?

[BluntForceTrauma]

Yes, those are only prototypes.

[Lemonaid]

BFT, on the Delta about what angle is the gas going? I hate it when at the range the guys on either side of me have brakes that channel the gas blast right into my face and eyes.

[montana]

I like the Alpha..

[BluntForceTrauma]

The four baffles on the Delta have what I consider to be best compromise angle.

You don't want 90° (or 0° depending on how you calculate it) cuz it blasts your neighbors AND limits its effectiveness.

You want some angle to provide a "cupping" effect to present the most surface area relative to the gas flow vector to capture the most gas. But you don't want that angle to be too severe, such as 45°, cuz that deflects the blast directly back at the shooter.

I've settled on a 20° angle as the best compromise. Goldilocks would be happy.

[eggman918]

I went *15 on my brake with 3.500" on mine and I like what I have so far, It's my 3rd version and by far the most effective.
On a side note what clearance did you run for the bore?

[BluntForceTrauma]

I'm gonna call this the Delta 6X brake. The 6X means it's for 6mm, 6.5mm, and it will just barely work with 6.8mm. Bore is .2968. Clearance for .243 (.297 — .243) = .054. For .264 = .033. For .277 = .020. NOT to be used with larger calibers for obvious reasons.

[Bigs28]

BFT, on the Delta about what angle is the gas going? I hate it when at the range the guys on either side of me have brakes that channel the gas blast right into my face and eyes.

When i am at a public gun range i expect to hear and feel loud noises and likewise i don't give a crap about the guy next to me while shooting.

Not that they can complain about anything since I'm shooting suppressed with my own brass catcher.

[drewthebrave]

I'm excited about the brake, since California considers flash hiders evil.

[jonny rotton]

how does the delta do at night for flash??

[BluntForceTrauma]

No flash testing yet on Delta. Only have a plastic 3D prototype at this time. At any rate, the Delta is NOT a flash suppressor, but a muzzle brake for reducing recoil, so I'm sure flash at night will be same as any similar brake.