Flash Can vs Linear Comp vs thread protector.

kymasabe · December 24, 2019, 06:50 PM

I'm building an AR pistol with 12.5 inch barrel. Was gonna use 12 inch handguard, but would require something like Kaw Valley linear comp to make sure extends past end of handguard. Now, I'm thinking maybe 9 inch handguard instead so...dont need anything too long. KAK flash can is option, as I want all sound and flash forward towards target.
But, was wondering...do I need anything at all? If I just put a thread protector on the end of the barrel, will that be enough? Or will it not direct enough forward and direct too much outwards

G.barnes · December 25, 2019, 07:51 AM

What brand of handguard is it. Some handguards are exact length others are a little long. Example would be aero precision 12in handguard on a 12.5 barrel you can use a standard a2 flash hider. If the handguard is a little over 12 I’d recommend the black river tactical covert comp. Looks almost like an a2 just with no ports.

BillM · December 25, 2019, 10:43 AM

I picked up a PSA 7.5" pistol on a trade. Darned thing would loosen fillings
and rattle my brain, and even with a A2 flash hider I tended to get a bit close to the
muzzle with my left hand.

Hung a cheap ($20ish) Krinkov style flash can on it. Wow what a difference!
Went with the knurled outer--a little tactile clue that I was getting too far forward
on my grip. It cut the muzzle blast by at least 50%. I am still a bit amazed.

kymasabe · December 25, 2019, 12:29 PM

Was planning on Aero Atlas S-One, 12 inch, thinking of maybe going down to 9 inch.

rickyrick · December 25, 2019, 01:38 PM

I used a linear Comp on my 5.56 10” pistol and I liked it. Less perceived noise for me. Straight back recoil.

G.barnes · December 25, 2019, 03:15 PM

Just out of curiosity if your going with a 12.5 barrel why not a 10-11” handguard.

kymasabe · December 25, 2019, 04:10 PM

Well, I suppose 10 or 11 inch would work fine, depending on the handguard. I like the Atlas because its comfortable for me to shoot. I tend to hold at the back end of the handguard with the side of my hand against the mag well. Many handguards have a mount/clamp hanging out the bottom that's sharp edges, the Atlas is smooth, comfortable, fits my hand, so trying to stick with what I know and like.

kymasabe · December 26, 2019, 06:39 AM

....and the question still remains...what if I went with a 9 inch handguard and no can or comp, just a thread protector? Would blast and sound project out too much without aid of muzzle device?

stagpanther · December 26, 2019, 07:12 AM

I have a KAW linear comp on a 9mm PCC and it goes maybe 2 " down under the guard (same length hand guard and barrel) and the total length extends well past the end of the hand guard. However, I'm not sure of the length of the 5.56 linear comp. Call em and ask them.

9x19 · December 26, 2019, 10:07 AM

I think you'll notice a significant reduction in blast and noise using a linear comp vs a bare muzzle. I did.

rickyrick · December 26, 2019, 11:45 AM

A bare muzzle would be worse than a linear comp. some muzzle brakes can be worse than a bare muzzle or better

kymasabe · December 26, 2019, 11:57 AM

Thank you all.
Since the goal is to keep the build short and light, decided to try a KAK micro flash can.
Will let you all know how it works when I complete the build.

imashooter · December 27, 2019, 11:36 AM

Excluding the extended length of a comp / can having perhaps an effect on flash / bang, no problem with going w/ only a thread protector.

I have a Kaw Valley linear comp on a 5.56 pistol (8.5"). I tell little to no difference between it and an A2 flash hider regarding noise. Same item on a M&P 15-22 (16") on which I can easily tell the difference in reduced noise. Not a bunch but easily discernible.

I have a KAK flash can on a 9" 300blk. Little if any difference with it as well.

Installed on the 2 pistols for handguard length reasons.

December 24, 2019, 06:50 PM	#1
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	Flash Can vs Linear Comp vs thread protector. I'm building an AR pistol with 12.5 inch barrel. Was gonna use 12 inch handguard, but would require something like Kaw Valley linear comp to make sure extends past end of handguard. Now, I'm thinking maybe 9 inch handguard instead so...dont need anything too long. KAK flash can is option, as I want all sound and flash forward towards target. But, was wondering...do I need anything at all? If I just put a thread protector on the end of the barrel, will that be enough? Or will it not direct enough forward and direct too much outwards __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

December 25, 2019, 12:29 PM	#4
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	Was planning on Aero Atlas S-One, 12 inch, thinking of maybe going down to 9 inch. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

December 25, 2019, 04:10 PM	#7
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	Well, I suppose 10 or 11 inch would work fine, depending on the handguard. I like the Atlas because its comfortable for me to shoot. I tend to hold at the back end of the handguard with the side of my hand against the mag well. Many handguards have a mount/clamp hanging out the bottom that's sharp edges, the Atlas is smooth, comfortable, fits my hand, so trying to stick with what I know and like. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

December 26, 2019, 06:39 AM	#8
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	....and the question still remains...what if I went with a 9 inch handguard and no can or comp, just a thread protector? Would blast and sound project out too much without aid of muzzle device? __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

December 26, 2019, 07:12 AM	#9
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,777	I have a KAW linear comp on a 9mm PCC and it goes maybe 2 " down under the guard (same length hand guard and barrel) and the total length extends well past the end of the hand guard. However, I'm not sure of the length of the 5.56 linear comp. Call em and ask them. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

December 25, 2019, 07:51 AM	#2
G.barnes Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2011 Posts: 182	What brand of handguard is it. Some handguards are exact length others are a little long. Example would be aero precision 12in handguard on a 12.5 barrel you can use a standard a2 flash hider. If the handguard is a little over 12 I’d recommend the black river tactical covert comp. Looks almost like an a2 just with no ports.

December 25, 2019, 10:43 AM	#3
BillM Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Amity Oregon Posts: 791	I picked up a PSA 7.5" pistol on a trade. Darned thing would loosen fillings and rattle my brain, and even with a A2 flash hider I tended to get a bit close to the muzzle with my left hand. Hung a cheap ($20ish) Krinkov style flash can on it. Wow what a difference! Went with the knurled outer--a little tactile clue that I was getting too far forward on my grip. It cut the muzzle blast by at least 50%. I am still a bit amazed.

December 25, 2019, 01:38 PM	#5
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	I used a linear Comp on my 5.56 10” pistol and I liked it. Less perceived noise for me. Straight back recoil.

December 25, 2019, 03:15 PM	#6
G.barnes Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2011 Posts: 182	Just out of curiosity if your going with a 12.5 barrel why not a 10-11” handguard.

December 26, 2019, 10:07 AM	#10
9x19 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Sherman, TX USA Posts: 3,750	I think you'll notice a significant reduction in blast and noise using a linear comp vs a bare muzzle. I did. __________________ Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!

December 26, 2019, 11:45 AM	#11
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	A bare muzzle would be worse than a linear comp. some muzzle brakes can be worse than a bare muzzle or better

December 26, 2019, 11:57 AM	#12
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	Thank you all. Since the goal is to keep the build short and light, decided to try a KAK micro flash can. Will let you all know how it works when I complete the build. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

December 27, 2019, 11:36 AM	#13
imashooter Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 395	Excluding the extended length of a comp / can having perhaps an effect on flash / bang, no problem with going w/ only a thread protector. I have a Kaw Valley linear comp on a 5.56 pistol (8.5"). I tell little to no difference between it and an A2 flash hider regarding noise. Same item on a M&P 15-22 (16") on which I can easily tell the difference in reduced noise. Not a bunch but easily discernible. I have a KAK flash can on a 9" 300blk. Little if any difference with it as well. Installed on the 2 pistols for handguard length reasons. Last edited by imashooter; December 27, 2019 at 11:49 AM.