M1A flash suppressors/muzzle brake

[Wes Janson]

Does anyone have any experience with various aftermarket M1A flash suppressors or muzzle brakes? I'm thinking about getting a Scout Squad, but I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to mount a Smith Enterprises Vortex flash suppressor in place of the standard brake. With just a straight flash suppressor like the Vortex, how much muzzle rise does an 18" M1A have? I'd rather have the extra barrel length, and standard gas system of the Scout over the SOCOM 16, but I'd really prefer something a bit shorter than the factory's flash hider/brake. Can anyone give me advice? Thanks!

 

[MassMark]

The brake tames recoil better than the Vortex....You can also add a modified M14 flash suppressor, (minus the lug)....The Vortex is a sweet set-up.

 

[Wes Janson]

I figured the Vortex would rise more, but how much more is my question? I'm tempted to order one eventually, but it's part of my decision to go for a SOCOM 16 or the Scout Squad...if the Vortex's rise on a Scout is considerable, then I think it'd be preferable to stick with a 16.

 

[Onmilo]

I now have a Smith Enterprise quick connect Vortex flash suppressor on my M1A Bush rifle.
I have had the standard M1A suppressor, a standard M1A Vortex, and a Smith Enterprise Muzzle brake mounted on this rifle at one time or another.

All have preformed adequately but I saw no appreciable reduction in recoil and the muzzle rise was so inconsequential with the flash suppressors that I saw no great advantage in a Muzzle Brake verses a Flash Suppressor.

Shorter barrels tend to produce quite brilliant levels of muzzle flash, especially in dim light and the Votex suppressors do exactly what they are designed to do, reduce flash to near imperceptible levels.

With that in mind I recommend you go with the Vortex over a muzzle brake if your state laws will allow this.