Recommendations for flash hiders for my Para FAL?

[iamkris]

Well, a cursory search didn't find any topics on this...although I vaguely remember Nightcrawler going through this a while back.

I'm getting (hopefully in about 8 weeks now) a DSA SA58 Para. One of the downsides of the very handy 16.25" barrel will be increased muzzle flash...especially in low light. Please no other comments on the barrel length...it is a bit like religion for many folks.

The stock flash hider that comes on the beast

I've also seen a lot of people who like the Vortex FHs. They are a bit spendy, though, at $75 retail at Brownells.



Then there are the YHM Phantom flash suppressors. I've heard pretty good things about them and they are a more reasonable $35.

So my questions:

• Does anyone have any experience with the stock, short Belgian FH with a relatively short barrel 308? How effective?
• How about the Vortex? I've heard it's good but $75 good?
• Phantom users? What are your experiences? Especially with a 16" 308?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bwana John]

Does anyone have any experience with the stock, short Belgian FH with a relatively short barrel 308? How effective

I have a Imbel short combo device on all my FALs, including my 16.5" carbine. It is a exact copy of the Belgium short combo device.
They works fine, I would not think about replacing them with anything else.

The 16.5" shorty is a little "flasher" at night, but it is hard to tell the differance between that and my 17 3/8 barrelled FAL (real FN Para lenght).
If you really want to hide your flash signature, use a full lenght 21" barrel.

Besides remember, its a "combo device" you get to be able to fix a bayonet, launch a rifle grenade, and fire blanks, not just suppress flash

 

[Thefabulousfink]

I am also a big fan of the Belgian Combo device and have it on my FAL (soon to be FALs ). As Bwana said, it is quite useful and effective. I didn't like the looks of them at first (in pictures), but now that I have handled a FAL with one, they just look "right".

The Phantom would be my second choice. I havent tried one yet, but they look pretty good. If you eventually want to get a suppressor, YHM makes a flash hider with quick-detach threading for sound suppressors.

 

[iamkris]

Exactly the feedback I was looking for. Thanks.

If anyone else has similar or different experiences, I'd love to hear them.

 

[Grayrider]

I would echo the above sentiments. I have the Belgian on my two 18" SA58s. I also like the Steyr Short hider and will likely have that on my upcoming STG-58 Para Carbine. Both work quite well. My boss seems to like the A2-style hider. I think you would be happy with any of the above as all are effective.

John

 

[DMK]

In all the tests I've seen (and in unscientific tests of watching someone shoot my ARs at dusk), the Phantom and Vortex seem to dampen flash about the same (and very well). The Vortex usually has a slight edge, but maybe not worth the extra cost. The Vortex does look really cool though.