I have an 11.5 upper, and a Sandman S that will hopefully arrive soon. I went to order a compatible Deadair muzzle device, and before you know it, I've read what seems like every thread on here about brakes vs flash hiders on here.

The general consensus seems to be that if you plan to shoot unsuppressed ever, the flash hider is the way to go. I plan shoot unsuppressed a decent amount, and would like to do so relatively comfortably. This is my only AR, so I'd like to one-and-done it. I'd like to get a brake due to the bit of recoil mitigation it offers, and the sacrificial baffle. I figured if I'm shooting at an indoor range and loudness or flash is a concern, I'll just throw on the can.

I'm not sure if this is flawed logic though. I could go to an outdoor shoot in the mountains with the brake or have the can being serviced, shoot it once, and realize I dont like to loosen my tooth fillings or clear out my sinuses. But, I really don't want to wear out my suppressor early by going the flash hider route. I know the wear is likely minimal, but these suppressors are still rare gems to me. I'm very torn obviously. What would you guys do?

I asked Mageever a similar question once, and he said that it really doesn't matter. The Sandman-S has Stellite baffles, which should shrug off anything you can throw at it.

Personally, I went with a flash hider on my 10.5" for the same reasons you mentioned, knowing I will occasionally shoot it unsuppressed. I used muzzle brakes on longer barrels, where the muzzle blast wasn't as much of a concern.

Really, you can't go wrong either way.

You should definitely test out both and report back to us, so I know what to use for future projects.

I would get the flash hider if you plan to shoot unsuppressed. I wouldn’t worry about protecting the Sandman S. In Otter Dumps recent “test,” he put a 60rd drum through a full auto 4.5” 5.56 upper, and the Sandman S was not damaged. By comparison, most other suppressors were damaged while some suppressors were completely destroyed.

Takeaway: Sandman S is tough, don’t overthink it. Use what you want.

Just in case you weren't aware, Forward Control Design makes an A2 Birdcage style Dead Air mount. This is supposed to function somewhat as a brake compensator, while still offering excellent flash suppression.

Attached File


https://www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/6315KM-12x28_p_191.html

6315KM is a light and short blended performance muzzle device.  It provides 15 to 20% better muzzle rise compensation than the A2, and what is impressive is that it does so without sacrificing its flash suppression capabilities, or creating more noise and concussion.

Best of both worlds, perhaps?

I'd suggest getting one of those slip on flash cans that twist on to the suppressor mount.

Sweet, thanks a lot guys. Sounds like I'll go with a flash hider then and not worry about damaging the Sandman. Dead air's support seems on point too should something weird happen. I also don't think I'll miss recoil mitigation that a brake offers as much either given this is just firing 5.56.

I like the nox as a MD even without a can. There is almost no flash with it and it shoots flat

I have a KeyMicro brake on my 10.5” and am also waiting for my Sandman S to get out of jail. It definitely is noticeable firing it at an indoor range. It’s not uncomfortable to me, but it is loud. It also can put out a decent fireball depending on ammo. The fireball can be irritating inside as all you see is a bright flash when you fire causing you to wait a second to reacquire your point of aim. I contemplated switching to the KeyMicro flash hider but don’t like it. Once my can is out of jail I’ll be shooting suppressed most of the time anyway.

That doesn’t look like it has any brake properties at all.  At best, it may be a better comp, preventing muzzle rise, but with that open end, it’s not going to function any better as a sacrificial baffle than a regular A2 flash hider.

Sandman S is very durable and Dead Air's warranty is good (I sent one back so speaking with personal experience).  I also like the FCD 6315KM.  My guess is you won't shoot out your can with a flash hider and if you do, I'd bet DA will take care of you.

That's what it seems like, I just saw a YHM can with a FH that had like 80k rounds through it in one of the threads on here too, and sounds like the Sandman might be even more durable than that. Sounds like I'll go with the flash hider then even though I'll mostly be shooting suppressed, on the off chance that I decide not to it will be nice to have on.

You are correct. I wasn't really thinking about the difference between brakes and comps, and they even describe it as "better muzzle rise compensation" in the description.

Thank you for the correction.

I've been thinking about getting a Sandman S but wanted an A2 style FH similar to my NT4's.

I did not know about this. Thanks for posting.

They also have a longer version available, designed specifically for 13.9" P&W.