Thread protector or muzzle device?

[Rammer Jammer]

Hey all,
I can't decide between just using a thread protector or getting a muzzle device. Will be used mostly for hunting and range plinking. Is anyone seeing any extra recoil with the thread protector vs an A2 flash hider for example?

Thanks.

[VASCAR2]

I have a 20” Shilen match profile barrel that is not threaded. I have a 16” with phantom flash hider plus a 12”, 16” and 18” 6.5 Grendels with A-2 flash hiders. I like the A-2 the best and really don’t notice any difference in recovery time as the 6.5 Grendel has mild recoil. I’m not fond of muzzle brakes on low recoiling guns. I do like the reduced flash signature with the Phantom and A-2 FH in low light situations. I like the A-2 a little better than the Pantom just because they are little shorter.


The thread protector does affect the overall length compared to a muzzle devise. Here is a picture of my 20” Shilen next to my 18” Faxon GB barrel with a A-2 Flash Hider. Basically I think it is personal choice. I shoot my Shilen mostly from the bench.

[Sinclair]

Just my two cents, but after reading about muzzle devices in the vol 2 of the 6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbook, I installed a Vltor VC-301 flash suppressor mostly to protect the crown of the barrel. Secondly, have you ever been hunting and stumbled? Did you get mud or snow jammed up the barrel? I have and the flash suppressor gives you a stand off buffer between the obstruction and the bore, just in case! And third, after attaching the flash suppressor I shot the rifle outside on a pitch black moonless night and saw NO muzzle flash, zilch, nona! Do not if you hunt coyotes or hogs at night, but the suppressor might save your night vision for a followup shot. And yes the VC-301 adds about 1 5/8 inches to the OAL, other models may vary.

[Swampfox]

IMHO if your barrel is threaded put a flash hider or muzzle break on it.

[A5BLASTER]

It's all personal preference I belive.

Thread protector does just that protect the threads nothing else.

Flash hider kills the flash and protects threads and crown.

Muzzle brake- Well they are load but do reduce felt recoil and gun movement and protect the crown and threads.

Best to pick the one that best fits your needs

[Klem]

You won't notice any recoil difference between an A2 cage and a thread protector. There's no right, or rear angled surface area for the escaping gasses to push against.

[Merle]

Brownies has a sweet deal on Daniel Defense extended length flash suppressor right now. I think they might be on clearance. Just picked one up for my Grendel project. For some reason they don't have a picture posted though.

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/muzzle-devices/flash-hiders/ar-15-extended-flash-suppressor-30-caliber-prod86634.aspx