I was looking at putting a vortex flah hider onto my rra upper but it states that it does not need a crush washer. is this right? It states for threaded barrels, it is not needed. does this mean there are barrels where it is needed? I'm pretty confused here. what do I need to succesfully install one?

I have no idea about Vortex's meant for unthreaded barrels, maybe for an M1A ot something?

Regardless, I don't see where the confusion is.   You have a threaded barrel.  The instructions say "don't use a washer".  What's the problem?

had kind of a brain dump on that last posthat

some flash hiders like the A2 birdcage or the closed bottom phantoms or even the QD suppressor mounts need to be "indexed" meaning that there is a top and bottom...

vortexes do not need to be indexed and need to be tightened so that the muzzle is flush with the inside of the vortex... a washer of any type would prevent this...

hope that helps

I dont think there is any need to "index" the Vortex like a standard A2 FS or other variants where vents need to be specifically aligned.   So there is no need for a washer of any sort.

Quoted: Regardless, I don't see where the confusion is.   You have a threaded barrel.  The instructions say "don't use a washer".  What's the problem?

Pretty much.  Vortex flash suppressors just go on with no washer.   Not complicated.

I have a handful of Vortexes mounted.

There is no easier flash hider to install.

Simply screw it on and you are done. You don't even need to use a wrench on it; they are designed to tighten as you fire.


Save your washers for your Phantoms.

Indexing a Flash Suppressor or a Muzzle brake matters in a few circumstances.

1. The bottom "port" is left closed to reduce your dust signature. So you naturally need to install the muzzle device with the closed port down.

2. Muzzle brakes that vector the gasses in a specific manner to reduce perceived muzzle rise or recoil.

On the Vortex itself, there is no alignment index on the flash suppressor. I put a dab of grease on the threads before installing to make my life easier when it comes time to disassemble for whatever reason.

Just screw the thing on and be done with it. Just tighten it as much as you can with your hands. They are very nice hiders. I also really like the "tuning fork" ring that it makes when I rack the action.