Flash Suppressor on CAR -- how important?

[ArmedBear]

I'm contemplating buying a 16" upper.

I've been intrigued by a stainless fluted barrel with a plain (post-ban style) crowned muzzle. Shorter, slightly lighter, no rust problems with the flash suppressor (I've had that happen with another carbine), and it just appeals to my KISS mindset.

The shortest .223 I have is a Mini-14 with an 18.5" barrel. Some ammo really causes a fireball in low light; some doesn't at all. The 20" AR I shoot doesn't seem to have much muzzle flash, but that's a different animal and has a flash suppressor.

Anyone compare a 16" with and without the flash suppressor?

 

[benEzra]

I've shot a 16" AR before, and the muzzle flash ranged from distracting to downright annoying. In daylight.

Having said that, a gunsmith can thread a barrel easily and cheaply, and flash suppressors are very inexpensive. Even the best-of-the-best is only $50 or so (Smith Enterprises Vortex), and an A2 style is less than $10.

 

[rbernie]

What he said. I have shot my 16"ers both with and without, and the difference is very noticable. My FLG charges me $35 to thread a barrel; it's well worth it.