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Posted: 2/12/2008 8:51:34 PM EDT
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Ok, I know the general consensus is to use these on 11" and under SBR's , but why? Is there an unspoken wraith of the AR GODS that will strike thee that useth it on a 13" or 14.5" or 16" barrel?  Anyone try it? |
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I was thinking of putting it on a fluted or light barrel, which would be cut to the proper length for 16" OAL with the KX3. This should make the barrel just under 13" long. Just thinking out of the box. Do they do anything other than shove the blast away from the shooter? Do they help with muzzle jump? Right now I have a compensator on my tactical AR and it helps a LOT with muzzlejump. I can pull the trigger as fast as I can move my fingers and the muzzle moves maybe a 1/4-1/2 of an inch, but it is LOUD.
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The performance improvement seems to go down as barrel length goes up... in other words, on the longer barrels you don't notice as much difference in noise to the shooter. It's not a problem per se, but just a balancing of diminishing returns versus the cost, size and weight of the device. I've shot one on a 16" and even a 20" barrel just to try it out, I wouldn't spend money for one for a barrel of those lengths. A 13.7" barrel + KX3 would be more viable IMO. |
Because the can will cost you $400 more.  ETA: There's nothing wrong with putting a XK3 on a longer barrel; I run one on my M17S with an18" barrel (of course, it's a bullpup so the muzzle is a lot closer to your face). |
Because the KX3 does not require a tax stamp, 6 months wait period, a signoff, or cost $600+. Also how is a supressor that you have to clean periodically and that wears out over time more durable vs a KX3 that you don't really do anything with? Please keep this thread regarding my question, thanks. How well does it work on your M17s? Does it make a noticeable difference? Also does it help muzzle jump at all? Or mainly just sound. Thanks |
Other than the weight help keeping the muzzle down, it doesn't have any effect on muzzle rise (not that this is really a problem on the relatively heavy M17S). The place where the KX3 shines is in limiting muzzle blast, both to the shooter and people standing/shooting next to you, which is why I've also occasionally used it on my 16" ARs, especially when introducing new shooters to the platform. Another benefit of the KX3 is that it reduces felt recoil, which is another reason I like to use it with new shooters (this can be very helpful when combined with ultra-light ARs like the one I keep around for the girls). Finally, it actually makes a decent flash hider; it's not in the same league as a Vortex or Phantom, but is better than the A2/A1/3-prong FHs. As far as sound, it doesn't make the gun any less loud, but because all of the muzzle blast and energy is directed forward, the perceived noise is somewhat less (but you definitely still need hearing protection). BTW, I've since switched to the Levang Linear Compensator for the bullpups; it gives most of the benefits with a lot less bulk (I would still go with a KX3 for an SBR, though). |
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We just did a shoot off. We got the tax stamp, and could legally put together the SBR. While waiting on the ATF, I got a Noveske KX3. We had the Troy Midevil Brake from the original 16" setup. We shot both muzzle devices head to head to compare: SBR w' KX3 Pig SBR w' Troy Vid You'll see not a lot of diff in sound. Less flash from the sides w' KX3 but a lot more jump. We are leaving the Troy on. Less jump, quicker follow up shots. The KX3 is wights twice as much and 1" longer. Final Config:  When I get around to building a 7.5" upper, then I think the KX3 will be required. |
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I have uppers in 7.5", 10", 11", 14.5", & 16". I have found the most benifit of the KX3 on the 7.5" as it really does direct the blast forward and people standing next to me notice less blast than my 16" with a Phantom on the end. I have since suppressed my other four uppers but will leave the KX3 on my little "Diplomat". Mine is actually Noveski's first generation model he called the KFH and it is still running strong after 5 years. MadDog  
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jeff, I had an M3 Aimpoint on it but it felt very top heavy for such a small gun. The LaRue IronDot ballances it much better. The sight weighs only 4 oz. with a built in BUIS and if you take it off it fits in your shirt pocket. It goes back to zero when you re-mount it and the battery gets changed from a door on top so it never looses zero like the Doctors. The dot is 4 moa (a little larger than I am used to) but very adequate and has two brightness settings (normal & auto). MadDog 
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You don't have to tell the ATF everytime you leave the state with a suppressor, either. Only SBR's, MG's, etc. Suppressors don't fall under that rule. So, unless you're using a KX3 on a 16"+ barrel, or permanently attatched to make a legal 16" barrel, you should be notifying the ATF everytime you leave the state with your KX3 equipped rifle... |
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