AR pistols and muzzle blast

[AyeGuy]

What is muzzle blast like firing 5.56 through sub-14.5" barrels? I just discovered that AR pistols are a possibility in CA (SBRs are definitely not allowed); I was wondering how unpleasant they are to shoot. In the Vietnam era, the 10.5s had that long sound moderator attached, which made them practically 14.5s, but with the Mk18s this does not seem to be an issue. What are your impressions?

[NSR500]

If you're behind the gun it isn't that bad. If you're to the side, or front it'll be loud.

[Hk996]

It's louder than regular Ar's, but it also kicks more... nothing severe though.

[NiteQwill]

Firing my 7.5" barrel leaves a HUGE grin on my face... it leaves a huge frown to anyone else around me, though.

That's my impression...

[bjl333]

If you're behind the gun it isn't that bad. If you're to the side, or front it'll be loud.

Anyone want to be in front ?!?!?!

[AyeGuy]

Anyone use the Noveske KX3 muzzle device?

[NiteQwill]

Yup, this is my setup.

It's loud, obnoxious, and awesome.

[Spyder]

Yeeup. Definitely feel the percussion. Definitely LOVE it.

[AyeGuy]

Yup, this is my setup.

It's loud, obnoxious, and awesome.

Doesn't the KX3 moderate the muzzle blast? Or what does it do?

[SamsDX]

Doesn't the KX3 moderate the muzzle blast? Or what does it do?

From the advertisement and the word on Calguns (as well as AR15.com) is that the KX3 directs the muzzle blast forward, toward the target. It's also supposed to increase back pressure and dwell time to improve cycling on the shorter barrels. Some say the noise heard by the shooter is reduced because it is directed forward, but I haven't noticed that much of a difference. That's probably because I primarily shoot at an indoor range, though, and it's going to be loud no matter what.

[ExtremeX]

Put a nice brake on it like a Surefire or FSC556 and people around you are going to cringe.

Its loud, I like loud =)

The KX3 is supposed to direct sound and blast downrange, so it should help... u know, if you are not into going deaf.

[SNEAKS]

The recoil is really not bad at all and the sound is louder than AR rifles but not that loud out of my 10" barrel.

[TKM]

My Badger Ordnance forearm is close enough to the muzzle brake to catch some of the fireball.

The flame shoots out of all the little holes, it's a pretty good show.

[biglou]

My 7.5" barrel is loud and throws out a nice fireball. You also get a lot of looks at the range. Signs of a good build.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

With an 11" and standard A2 flash hider, the muzzle blast isn't much more noticeable to me, but it is to those on either side. Without exception, everybody who has fired mine has walked away with a smile on their face.