Flash Suppressor Questions for 14.5" Upper

[Joe Link]

I'm purchasing a complete Colt SOCOM 14.5" upper tomorrow and I don't want to go through the NFA stuff, so I'm going to have to have a flash suppressor permanently attached. I've been reading quite a bit and it seems to come down to either a Vortex or a Phantom, but I'd like some opinions on which is better overall. Is the Vortex even long enough to make the rifle legal? Also, say I get it permanently attached, then I want to buy a can down the road. Would a smith be able to remove the flash suppressor without damaging anything? I appreciate your input

Also, do you think $650 is a good deal for that upper?

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I think to be NFA legal it has to be attached with silver solder of blind-pinned. I believe it's a royal pain to get them off (which is why the ATF wants it done that way). Both should be long enough. If you want a can later you could get YHM's fast-attach phantom that is made for attaching their cans. It would limit you to a YHM can though.
I have heard that the tines on the vortex can spread over time which really irked people who had them permantely attached, but I haven't tried one myself so that's just hearsay.

 

[wcwhitey]

I have the Bushmaster Shorty AK, 14.5 with an AK brake permanently attached to make it 16". I will say that the AK does a nice job with recoil albeit a bit loud. Maybe not the best flash hider but it is worth consideration. Bill

 

[Joe Link]

Ah yeah, I don't want to lock myself into a particular brand or anything. The chances I could afford a suppressor anytime soon are very slim anyway. Any other suggestions on which flash hider?

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Phantom is my preference between the two.

 

[tsidorus]

vltor makes one long enough too...

 

[HisDivineShadow]

VLTOR or Vortex are my choices. Got a Vortex for a .22lr AR-15 to get it longer, ofcourse in Finland I don't need to have it permanently attached. I've heard the phantom flash hiders wear down quickly.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Oh yeah, just rub it right in, why don't ya!

 

[GunNut]

Phantom.

They can be removed later on if you do buy a suppressor. The pinned/welded area would need to be milled down to remove the FH. The FH would be destroyed, but the barrel would be fine.

I permanently mounted a Phantom 5C2 on my 14.5" LMT upper.

 

[jburnett]

Noveske KX3 will put it over 16"... Plus it won't deafen anyone standing to the sides of you. Must be either welded (TIG) or BLIND pinned...
-J.Burnett

 

[Joe Link]

Thanks for the input guys. I ordered a Phantom 5C2 last night, unfortunately before I saw the VLTOR (that thing looks great!). Oh well, I got the Phantom for half the cost ($26 shipped)

Any comments on my purchase price?