The basic A2 flash hider seems to fit what I'd want but I wonder if there are better options.

Why not "future proof" yourself and chose a muzzle device that would accommodate a suppressor in case you want to go that route someday ?

 

So you need a 2 1/2 long muzzle device?

What matters in a device to you looks, extension, flash hider, compensator, break, ability to mount a suppressor, bayonet, grappling hook, etc…

 

you can pin and weld any muzzle device regardless of the material its made of, just use a pin of the same material and a welding process for that material.

just drill the pin depth to just below the minor dia. of the threads on the barrel, press the pin in and weld the pin to the muzzle device, leave the weld showing for a "see what I did ATF agent".

its still removable, just a real pain, you'd have to destroy the muzzle device and would leave a mark in the muzzle end threads where the pin was, not a big deal when mounting another muzzle device/flash hider.

 

I think the AFT will not allow an aluminum muzzle to be used to extend a short barrel to make it 16+ inches.

I am not an expert on ATF stupid - but I have read this several times - so at least check it out before you use aluminium as your barrel extender.

 

If you were going to have a muzzle device permanently attached to a 14" (roughly) AR-15 barrel to make it a bit over 16" what would you choose?

Not a muzzle break, that's for sure. I have always liked the XM-177 style.

Did you literally give up having a stock for a barrel that was only 2 inches shorter than legal?

 

Did you literally give up having a stock for a barrel that was only 2 inches shorter than legal?
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Not a muzzle break, that's for sure. I have always liked the XM-177 style.

Did you literally give up having a stock for a barrel that was only 2 inches shorter than legal?

No, that would be silly. This is just something I've thought about doing. I am going to wait and see what happens with the BATFE's latest regulations in the courts and the 2024 election before I put any money into a project like this. The Supreme Court might end up voiding big chunks of the NFA or things might go the other way and we'll get something like the Clinton Era restrictions again.

 

I have the smooth version of this flash hider installed on my rifle. Seems to do a slightly better job hiding flash than an A2 birdcage.

Phantom® 5.56mm Flash Hider/Compensator Hybrid (1/2-28) - YHM-28-5C1

This 5 port design has no downward facing port which helps eliminate dust problems when shooting in the prone position. This flash hider has an aggressive front end for use in hand to hand situations, but we also manufacture a smooth version for those who

yhm.net

 

I used a BCM Mod 1 compensator for my 14.5” 6921. It being 1.5” for a total of 16”. I don’t know who makes a 2”.

 

A 1.5" muzzle device will not be long enough to make a 14.5" barrel 16" long. You have to remember that you loose 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch from the length of the muzzle device for the threads. So you will need at least a 2" muzzle device to get a 14.5" barrel to 16".

 

There are extended versions of some muzzle devices that will make 16" on a 14.5" barrel.
Example :

BCM® A2X (Extended A2 Flash Suppressor)

The A2X is an extended A2 flash hider found on the M16 and M4 series of rifles. Pre-drilled and comes with a dowel pin and crush washer for install.

bravocompanyusa.com

 

My preferences would be:

No excessive length since that would defeat the point of using a sub-16" barrel. Of course, the optimal device length would depend upon the exact length of the barrel.
Good flash suppression (which rules out most muzzle brakes)
Moderate blast/concussion (another strike against most muzzle brakes)
Some compensation to reduce muzzle rise would be nice.
Having the ability to mount a suppressor would also be good although I don't see myself doing that anytime soon.
Cheaper is better but I would consider a "buy once, cry once" type of option if it seemed clearly superior

Maybe this.

 

If I were concerned about making my pistol length barrel into 16 inches I would just get a 16 inch upper instead of screwing up my pistol barrel.

 

I recently had a 4 prong flash hider pinned to a Colt 6921 upper.

I am very pleased. Very little 'ping' from it.

Strike Industries Venom Flash Hider 5.56mm 1/2-28 Thread Steel Matte

Own one of the world's most effective flash hiders! The Strike Industries Venom Flash Hider nearly eliminates 100% of your muzzle flash and quickly...

www.midwayusa.com

 

I use the same one in spite of the tuning fork performance “tingggggggg” after the last round of a string is fired.

 

I have a 14.7" with an A2 pinned and welded. It's my favorite upper. I've thought about replacing it with a suppressor mount but I just leave the suppressor on my SBR.

 

I use standard A2 hiders on 14.7 barrels. I've also removed PW devices. Before 14.7" barrels came out, I used Phantoms on 14.5".

 

Well, if the feds have wrench tested the Tacccom or Odin aluminum extension sleeve attachment, they must have passed because they are in the current catalogs as finished barrels or as just the tube.

 

They are today, anyway. Bump fire stocks were for sale too not so very long ago.

 

A discouraging thought. But then everything they can swing will be off the market eventually.

 

Retro AR15 Extended Flash Hider 5/8-24 - 6 Inch

Retro AR15 Extended Flash Hider - 6 Inch - 5/8-24 Design inspired by the XM-177 Moderator, this extended flash hider will extend a 10.5" barrel to legal non-NFA length when pin and welded. CNC machined from bar steel Heat treated for strength Phosphate coated to protect from corrosion Threaded...

www.kakindustry.com

KAK makes these retro steel XM177 moderators in 4 & 6 inch drilled for pin hole. I stuck one on my 10.5 in. 7.62x39 but couldn't bring myself to weld it. It made length at about 16.2 inches. I took it off and just bought a real 16 in. barrel. Makes more sense to me.