Is a comp a flash hider?

[JC Smith]

When building a featureless AR one of the evil items that must not be attached is a flash hider. I have no need for a flash hider but I would like to have a muzzle brake (aka compensator). Will a comp be considered a flash hider by the geniuses in Sacramento?

[jericho89]

a comp is not a flash hider, but most people of the law enforcement and government community do not know the difference,

[buellster]

"(b) "flash suppressor" means any device designed, intended, or that functions to perceptibly reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter's field of vision."

You ask a politician, they wouldn't be able to explain what that means. I stick to what the manufacturer calls it. If it's marketed as a flash hider I stay away.

[NATEWA]

There was a thread on this not too long ago. There are muzzle brakes that also reduce the flash. I simply put a thread protector on my ar15's and went with a brake on my ar308 that does not reduce flash. Some people may be comfortable having an advertised brake that also reduces the amount of flash (as stated in the description). As for me, I don't want any mention of flash suppression/reduction on a brake/compensator if that is the determining factor of it being featureless or an AW.

[Junkie]

There are two ways it can be considered a flash hider: it can be advertised as one or it can have features. Features include tines and a front that's either open or a large hole.

IANAL though, and you'd be better off asking in semiauto or how CA laws apply to me.

[NATEWA]

Good info here. Watch out for the "hybrids"

http://www.recoilweb.com/preview-flash-suppressors-muzzle-brakes-compensators-tip-barrel-5927.html

[smak28]

There was a thread on this not too long ago. There are muzzle brakes that also reduce the flash. I simply put a thread protector on my ar15's and went with a brake on my ar308 that does not reduce flash. Some people may be comfortable having an advertised brake that also reduces the amount of flash (as stated in the description). As for me, I don't want any mention of flash suppression/reduction on a brake/compensator if that is the determining factor of it being featureless or an AW.

Agreed. Sounds like the safest is go with thread protector. The definition written sounds like muzzle can be classified as flash hider, so use a muzzle device at your own risk. Or just buy a thread protector and keep it as a backup just in case.

[Redharris]

Wouldnt you need to pin and weld the thread protector?

[jericho89]

Wouldnt you need to pin and weld the thread protector?

The only reason why things are pinned and welded on a rifle is to meet minimum length requirements. If it is a 16" or longer barrel then NO you do not need to pin or weld.

[JC Smith]

With a comp that spits fire out the top it would be hard to claim it reduces flash, but I agree... don't want anything that mentions flash reduction. A night video might be helpful if it ever came to that.