Are postban ARs more accurate than prebans?

[Mylhouse]

I have been told by a not-so-reliable source that post ban AR15s (non threaded muzzle) are noticeably more accurate than preban AR15s that have threaded muzzles and flashhiders.

Is this true?

Also, how does the flash attenuation of a 16" barrel with an A2 flashhider compare to an unaltered 20" .223 barrel?

Thanks, inquiring minds want to know!

 

[Mulliga]

I asked this exact question once. I believe the answer was, "Yes, but not enough to matter to 99% of shooters."

 

[JNewell]

In theory, this would, or at least could, be true.

In real life, based on a lot of examples, it doesn't matter -- other variables are greater factors.

 

[DMK]

In theory, any muzzle device could affect accuracy. The weight of the device at the end of the barrel affects harmonics and since it screws on, it may not be perfectly oriented with the muzzle crown. I'd suspect that there may be a slight turbulance affect from brakes and flash suppressors also.

Ultimately, a bare muzzle with a perfect target crown would give you the best accuracy.

Like Mulliga said though, unless you are in the top circle of high power shooters, it isn't going to matter to you.

 

[geekWithA.45]

I remember reading on the Bushmaster site their response that the AWB, in causing the removal of the flash hider, forced them to develop a crowned muzzle that was inherently more accurate.

 

[Zak Smith]

With regard to muzzle attachments, a properly designed compensator ("brake") will not affect accuracy to a noticable degree.

 

[ddc]

There has been some discussion over on ar15.com that a Vortex suppressor actually increases accuracy.

I have no personal experience in this area; just relating what I've read on another site.

 

[Steve Smith]

Considerring that the AMU and the USMC MU both have flash hiders on ALL their match guns, I think its very safe to say that when properrly attached they do not decrease accuracy in the least. I'm not suree what they do to "properly attach"" them, but I DO know they are not tight like theyarre fromm some factories.

 

[JNewell]

"properly attach"

Steve, what I recall is that they're not made tight by applying X ft/lbs of torque but by Loctite. IIRC the issue is that when you crank the f/h down to book specs you can introduce potentially uneven tensions at the muzzle, depending on the barrel, that may affect accuracy.

In the real world, for most of us, it's not an issue.

 

[Mylhouse]

Thanks to everyone for all the insight!

 

[geekWithA.45]

Here's another way to approach this issue, using the "logic" of gun bigotry.

Preban AR's are "assault weapons", innaccurate bullet hoses designed to spray down a crowd and kill thousands of people in mere minutes, without aiming or reloading.

Postban AR's are not evil "assault weapons". Therefore, they need to be aimed. Therefore, postbans are more accurate.


Naturally, this tosses them over into "sniper rifle" territory, but that's another can of worms.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Yes, but as Mulliga says, most of us (myself included) don't shoot well enough to make a difference. What does this mean? We must all spend less time behind the computer and more time on the range.

Forgot the title of the Collectors' Grade Publication on the M-14 rifle but if you read the chapter on the development of the sniper rifle, the AMU found that the flash suppressor is not conducive to accuracy. Gases exiting the suppressor act unevenly on the base of the bullet and thereby induce some wobble (yaw?). Post-ban guns with their match muzzles don't suffer from this problem.

Gary

 

[Chipperman]

Nice assessment, geek.

 

[armabill]

I wouldn't worry about it. If you see a gun that you like and can afford it, buy it.

Done deal and have fun shooting.

 

[Steve Smith]

Gary, just because they found that it was not conductive to accuracy doesn't mean that it degrades accuracy when somewhat loosely attached. Both sniper and match M14s and M16s continue to have the flash hider.

 

[TODD3465]

Some National Match flash hiders are reamedn out more and the comp on my Colt M-4 Sporter has a larger center hole around the crown than on the "baffles".