AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/1/2007 6:39:31 PM EDT
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I have a Smith Vortex flash hider on my LaRue 16" upper build and when the rifle is fired I hear a very distinct audible "ring". I figured that it was somehow related to the flash hider because I know that when you tap it, it will ring like fine crystal. I know that shooters would check heat treatment on M-14/M1A's flash suppressors by listening for the "ring". Well, I didn't think too much about it until I read a small comment about users of the Vortex commenting on hearing a "ring". The poster didn't elaborate on the subject like it was somewhat well known. Can anyone fill me in here on what I've missed? Has this been a problem? Just an annoyance to some? |
Saying that the current line of Vortexes has this problem is like saying the current line of M16s have the same problems that they had back in Vietnam.  This is brought up every time someone mentions the Vortex. BTW I never heard my Vortex ring but I was probably to busy shooting to notice. 
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I smashed through a car window with one of the G6A1 Vortex after firing about half a mag... No apparent damage to the Vortex, other than some marks on the finish. The blooming problem is ancient and will not manifest itself in any of the newer (G6) and up Vortex from Smith. As to the ringing from the tines... Yes, it's annoying. I choose to just deal with it. |
G6A1...is this the straight Vortex with the washer? Is it much different from the angled one (A2)? Thanks and sorry for the drift. |
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This really is the first time I've ever heard anyone having a problem with a Smith Vortex. I've only heard appreciation for them and I know the ones I have are great and ring true also. I really won't be using another flash suppressor on any rifles from now on unless I have no choice. There not complete forgings from what I know, and most are made from 8620 bar stock. The new piston Ar I'm working on putting together will have one soon enough unless I do end up with a 14.5 upper as I haven't bought it yet. 
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They do bloom slightly, but nowhere near like the old ones did. I only notice this when somebody sends me a used one to permanent attach. I have a 22mm collet on my spin-indexer that I use when grinding the welds. A new Vortex or phantom slides in perfect with about 0.003" room to spare. A well used Vortex needs to go in the lathe to have the tines compressed a bit before it will fit into the 22mm collet.
 Vortexes are machined from barstock, not forged.
+1. 
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Learn something new every day.  I guess that's why they came out with the G6A3. |
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I've been away from my computer for a while so I haven't had a chance to reply to these responses. For everyone that came back with some sort of smart ass answer about them being annoying, any references to me whining about shooting AR types of rifles due to ringing or "sproinging" springs maybe you misunderstood my original post. I have all the faith in the world for vortex flash suppressors and don't find the "ring" annoying! I personally think its kind of cool! This is just the first one I have had and like I said in my original post I didnt think anything about it until I read a post on here the other day that briefly mentioned "a problem with them ringing" so I was just asking for clarification. Everyone can see I've been registered here on this site since 2004 and yet only have 45 posts...Don't get me wrong, I have learned lots of very useful things here and really love the forums but its because of things like some of these comments I have limited my post count. If the smart ass replies were not directed at me (the original poster) then I apologize in advance for getting my "dander up". OH...And for the ones that just gave an answer to my question on whether or not there was an issue...THANK YOU!! Thats what I was looking for. If a higher post count would help people take me more serious I will work on contributing more to the boards. |
 J |
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