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Posted: 7/29/2011 10:53:13 PM EDT
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I never thought I would do a pistol AR but have seen some pics of some over the last few months I really liked, and I just picked up a barrel and upper on the EE for a smoking deal, so I plan to cut the barrel and build a 10.5" upper and get my SBR stamp later in the fall.
I see lots of Noveske KX3s, and the Smith Vortex on most pistols, throw in some Troys, YHMs and others. I have 2 questions, if I am running a 10.5" barreled upper, would there be a noticeable difference between the KX3 and Vortex, which one would give me the most benefits for flash, follow-up shots, recoil? Also I have seen some breaks that look similar in size/design to the KX3 but are more aggressive or slightly different, but I can't get a line on who is making them, any help? Appreciate any feedback. |
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I am in the process of building a pistol and I went with a 10.3" Daniel Defense barrel. I looked at some of the different muzzle devices commonly mounted on the shorties, however, maybe for different reasons than you are thinking.
The shorter barrels make things louder and closer to the shooter. I was thinking, that I'd not particularly want to lose my hearing if possible. What I found in researching Arf, M4carbine.net, and various sites: Noveske KX3, Troy Claymore, and the Levang Linear Compensator(DPMS?) All three of those appear to be very similar in how they work. They do not send any gas out of their sides like an A2 flash hider. They all send gas forward for one reason or another. The KX3 "supposedly" was created to help cycling because it creates more backpressure by limiting the amount of gas that can escape the front of the barrel through the ports. The Troy , and the Levang both appear to do the same thing although most likely with somewhat different results. So the side-effect (Or Main effect) is that the blast from the muzzle will be directed more away from the shooter, giving the effect of slight sound reduction in a totally legal non-supressor method. I personally have chosen to try the Levang comp. If you goto midway they have lots of good feedback. The Levang appears to be only 1/4" or so longer than an A2 birdcage, and most likely the lightest in weight. The KX3 is supposed to be significantly longer and heavier which to me defeats the purpose of a short barrel. The Levang is 30-35$, the Troy is around 60$, the KX3 is like 120$. I don't think any of the 3 are going to be great for flash suppression but that is less of a concern for me compared to sound reduction towards my ears. If it helps cycling by increased backpressure, even better! |
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I was going to go with the KX3, but I went with the Spike's Tactical S.T.A.B.
It is similar to the KX3, but it is adjustable with regard to back pressure. I played around with the adjustment a little bit, I'm sure the adjustment works, but my pistol didn't have ANY cycling problems to begin with so I just left the adjustment in the middle. It does exactly as advertised and all the muzzle blast goes forward. I'm very glad I bought it! People standing beside me used to get blasted by the concussion from each shot, but not anymore. It supposedly helps with muzzle rise or something like that, but all I can say is I love it. You might not be able to find the STAB on Spike's website. I had a hard time finding it lately, but I'd call them if you are interested to see if they still have them. From what I understand, AR pistols with short barrels can tend to throw fire balls when shooting at night due to some unburned powder. I'm not sure that there are any/many flash hiders that will tame this completely. Longer barrels help a lot and 10" or 11" barrels can use a suppressor which is said to be the BEST flash hider. My pistol has a 7.5" barrel so I use the STAB. |
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