Most complete uppers come with parts that actually are a lot more optional than barrels or bolt carrier groups.
Case in point: muzzle devices. Most complete uppers come with them, at least if the included barrel is threaded.
But muzzle devices are diverse in nature and application, and different types are useful for different reasons. Here are the main types of muzzle devices and what they are good for.
Flash Hiders
Flash hiders do exactly what their name suggests they do - they hide your muzzle flash by trapping or effectively dispersing some of the gasses escaping at the muzzle.
The main value in a flash hider has to do with concealment, so these are commonly on issued rifles because they help soldiers stay hidden across wide distances, preventing the muzzle flash from their rifles from betraying their positions.
Another benefit of a flash hider is that it helps keep muzzle flash down on the shooter’s end of it, too. Sometimes, the muzzle flash can cause loss of the target; by suppressing the flash, a flash hider makes it easier for the shooter to keep his or her eyes on the target.
One popular style of flash hider is the A2 flash hider, also known as a birdcage flash hider. These are commonly found on military and police-issued rifles.
The shorter the barrel, the worse the barrel flash is, but longer barrels tend not to have the same problems with it, especially with a light-shooting cartridge like 5.56 or .223. However, on short barrels, these can cause somewhat distracting and disorienting muzzle flashes.
Suppressors
Suppressors go by lots of other names, including cans, dampers, mufflers, and of course, the most popular slang name - silencers.
A silencer works by trapping most of the gasses escaping from the end of the barrel and allowing them to expand and cool in a metered, controlled fashion in a series of several hollow chambers separated by baffles.
Because the gasses are trapped, the silencer extends the overall length of time required for the vapors to escape, making the process less explosive and reducing overall noise at the muzzle.
In addition to keeping noise down, some suppressors can almost entirely contain the muzzle flash and most will substantially reduce recoil, too. This makes them highly practical and appealing for a wide variety of reasons.
With this said, suppressors put a lot of pressure on the gun’s gas system and action because they increase backpressure. As a result, suppressed firearms will need to be cleaned more frequently, more thoroughly, and some parts, like gas rings, may need to be replaced more frequently.
The only thing about suppressors is that they are, for the most part, very expensive. Adding to this is the legal trouble of securing one - they are classified as an NFA item, and so need a special tax stamp from the ATF to be legal.
Moreover, they can be heavy and add significant weight and length to most firearms, substantially changing handling and portability of the overall platform.
Muzzle Brakes A.K.A. Compensators
Another highly useful type of muzzle device is known as a muzzle brake, which may also be called a compensator, especially if it is installed on a handgun.
These muzzle devices, like the others, typically affix to the end of the barrel using threads and operate according to a fairly simple principle.
The design of most muzzle brakes involves a series of ports along the sides or top of the device. These redistribute the gasses ported at the muzzle, redirecting the forces of felt recoil. Instead of going straight back into the shooter’s shoulder, they disperse out the sides or top of the device.
Muzzle brakes offer a great deal of practical value to most shooters. For one, quality muzzle brakes can cut felt recoil by as much as 50% without adversely affecting shot power.
Because they reduce recoil, muzzle brakes can also help keep muzzle jump down, making it easier for shooters to keep the target acquiring, reducing follow up shot time while enabling greater overall accuracy.
Generally, compensators have ports that face upwards, the goal of which is to direct ported gasses up, pushing the muzzle of the gun down. These special types of muzzle brakes also reduce recoil, with the express intent to tame muzzle flip for faster, more accurate follow up shots.
It is also important to note that there are several types of compensators/muzzle brakes, including linear compensators and hybrids.
Thread Protectors
A thread protector is really not specifically a type of muzzle brake, but it should still be mentioned because if you do not get a complete upper with a muzzle device but the barrel is threaded, you will want to have one of these installed.
Basically, a thread protector is a piece of metal that screws onto the barrel threads. All it does is keep the threads from getting crushed through incidental contact, but that’s all you need, cause if you ruin the barrel threads, you’ll need a visit to a gunsmith if you ever want to mount a threaded muzzle device again.
Which Muzzle Device Is for You?
That really depends on what you want from the complete build.
Are you recoil shy? If so, a muzzle brake is for you.
Does muzzle flash obstruct your view of the target? Are you building with a short barrel length? Then a flash hider is your best bet.
If you have the money for the tax stamp and don’t mind the extra maintenance, a suppressor offers all of the benefits of the best muzzle brakes and flash hiders and then some.
If none of these appeals to you, but you have your heart set on a complete upper receiver with a threaded barrel, just make sure you have a thread protector installed on there.
Muzzle Devices and Complete Uppers Are in Stock
If you have questions about these muzzle devices or about the other parts we sell here with AR uppers - such as charging handles or bolt carrier groups, get in touch with us before buying at Sales@MCSGearup.com.