What is the difference between a flash hider and a muzzle break?

[mrgone]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I'm scratching my head on this

topic. for a ar to not be considered an aw it can not have a flash hider but it

can have a muzzle break? sorry for my ignorance on this but I just don't get it.

[tradecraft]

Flash hider hides flash....muzzle brake doesn't.

[dk94044]

A muzzle break is a fire breathing dragon, flash hider is the opposite

[mrgone]

ok, thank you for clearing that up. that's what I thought.

[Devon]

do a search

if you have gotten as far as posting on this site, then just google the difference. Some of the differences are subtle and some muzzle devices are easier to determine than others. Rule of thumb, small hole on the end it is a muzzle break, open end, it is a hider.

[M1NM]

A brake has a hole slightly larger than bullet diameter. The flash hider has about a 1/2" hole.
ADDED: The flow chart is your friend - http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf

[AlexDD]

See the definition of "flash suppressor" on page 4 of 15 of the new regulations that DOJ put out on AW.

[TomMcC]

I could be wrong, but the laws don't actually define one or the other, do they? I guess our masters expect us to "just" know. If I wanted a muzzle brake, I would make sure that nothing in the manufacturers description uses the words "flash hider" "flash reduced" or something like that.

[TomMcC]

See the definition of "flash suppressor" on page 4 of 15 of the new regulations that DOJ put out on AW.

So, now they have a definition?

Read it. Is this the first time they have actually defined a FH?

[mrgone]

I could be wrong, but the laws don't actually define one or the other, do they? I guess our masters expect us to "just" know. If I wanted a muzzle brake, I would make sure that nothing in the manufacturers description uses the words "flash hider" "flash reduced" or something like that.

that's why I posted the question. it has been very vague as to what is allowed.

[Quiet]

So, now they have a definition?

Read it. Is this the first time they have actually defined a FH?

It was first defined in CA regulations back in 1999. [11 CCR 5469(b)]

It has been redefined under the new regulations that CA DOJ BOF released yesterday. [11 CCR 5471(r)]



11 CCR 5469 old11 CCR 5471 new
For purposes of Penal Code section 30515 and this Chapter the following definitions shall apply:
(r) "Flash suppressor" means any device attached to the end of the barrel, that is designed, intended, or functions to perceptibly reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter's field of vision. A hybrid device that has either advertised flash suppressing properties or functionally has flash suppressing properties would be deemed a flash suppressor. A device labeled or identified by it's manufacturer as a flash hider would be deemed a flash suppressor.

[Jimi Jah]

It's what the manufacturer's say it is. I expect many to drop their "flash hiding" descriptions in order to keep selling here.

[fxjets]

I'm trying to figure out if a standard Imbel FN FAL muzzle is legal. Any guidance here?

[Jimi Jah]

There are no technical descriptions of a flash hider in the CA laws. It relies on the description from the manufacturer.

I hereby request all manufacturers of flash hiding devices to drop those descriptions for us.

[OlderThanDirt]

I believe the standard FAL uses a flash hider with a bayonet lug. If the muzzle device has long narrow openings that run parallel to the barrel, you have a flash hider.