Options for lealizing a flash hider ?

[sdgunslinger]

Would it be possible to get legal by cutting off the prongs on the original flash hider (STG) , and blind pinning the device in place ? I don't really care for muzzle brakes . I see talk of "sleeving" flash hiders . What is the purpose of this ; what does it gain you legally ?

[Ratlord]

Flash hiders have a wider opening than the barrel does. It holds more of the flash inside the chamber of the flash hider and releases some of the gasses through ports on the FH. By sleeving it you narrow it down to the width of the barrel and cut off the gas ports on the flash hider making it into a barrel extension.

[58772239]

My advice to you is to send anything that you wish to install on the end of your barrelto the atf to see if they would consider it to be a brake, a cosmetic device, or a flash hider, i have made a few flash hider look alikes for use on my ar's, i like the flash hider look, but i sent them to the atf, they actually test them, and one would have been a flash hider, oops, but they will let you know if they are kosher, and legal, you get a nice letter telling you that your manufactured part is not illegal too :p

[FALPhil]

You would still not be legal, as the diameter of the STG FH would still allow for the mounting of all those rifle grenades that you have lying around. :p

I "legalized" one of mine a while back. I sleeved it by turning the interior threads off, inserting the correct diameter tube and spot-welding the tube in place. Then I welded a fat bead around the band behind the prongs, and turned it down so that it increased the diameter, yet looked neat.

It was a PITA to do all that. For the next two that I built, I ordered the TAPCO STG muzzle brake. Looks extremely similar and is actually cheaper than doing all the work I did.

[DWS]

I have a question for you guys, Can you turn the 22mm f/s down to 20mm and be legal? I read somewhere that was acceptable because the rifle grenades wouldn't work. If it is not legal I will weld a bead in the 6 o'clock position.
I have the Imbel style f/s, I have drilled it out and spot welded in a 1/2" o.d. sleeve. It covers the holes up and with a .320 i.d. could not suppress flash. I also removed the spring steel clip for rifle grenade and welded up the bayonet notch. I plan on blind pinning it to the barrel.