Custom 3-slot f-hider orientation?

[L/FN]

I'm wanting to make a custom flash-hider / brake similar to the PWS Triad as pictured.

The triad is oriented kind of like a AK slant brake.
Facing the muzzle, the main upper slot is slightly to the right at 11:00 w/ the 2 smaller slots at 3:00 & 7:00 approx.

The flash-hider/ brake I'm wanting to make is for a HB FAL w/ bipod. The HB will have a short gas system w/ bbl length of 17 - 18". The rifle will be shoulder fired, but also used w/ the bipod.

I was thinking of orienting the main upper slot of the custom flash hider at 12:00 rather than 11:00 as I'm not sure I'll need the slanted feature of the brake.

Question is: I read that having a f-hider slot at 12:00 can produce flash into the sight line or interfere with optics/ nightvision, etc.
Then again, as I write this, I guess it wouldn't matter IF the slots had the odd orientation. Guess I was thinking the braking action of the 12:00 orientation would be more effective if the bipod is used.

Any thoughts?

[FUUN063]

Well, I would think that the slot would definitely NOT want to be at 12 o'clock just for that reason: front sight picture. I would also think that maybe a four slot might be a little better and then have the slot orientation in the pattern of an "X" so that you have the slots out of the front sight line and also not pointing straight down for the ground/dust reasoning. This would possibly offset the thinking that the top-slot-needs-to-be-straight-up-for-recoil. Two at an angle upwards would probably do the same thing. Good luck.

Leland

[L/FN]

Yeah, I know the 4 slot X pattern is probably the way to go, but that Triad just looks BADASS! LOL

Larry

[MAINER]

Are you interested in accuracy or controllability? AFAIK, the "slant brake" is designed to control a firearm in full auto. For a left-handed shooted the top slot should be positioned in the 11 o'clock position and 1 o'clock for a right-hand shooter.

It is said that the "slant brake" with its offset orenitation is somewhat determental to accuracy, but in the case of a combat weapon, controllability is more important.

I would think that a Brake that blew gas crap out the side at 3:00 and 9:00 would work better for an HB FAL, unless you going to be going full auto on that beast.

A few idle thoughts from an idle mind. Ya did ask, right?
NOT a muzzy brake xpert btw.

[gunplumber]

I read the bullshit article on the ersatz RSA brake. And the bullshit that TAPCO put out on their slant "for lefthanders" . And the bullshit Hesse put out for his crooked brakes.

The FAL will rise because the piston is over the bore. It is not a rotating bolt, ergo asymetrical placement to compensate for the torque created by a rotating bolt is pointless.

If you want it asymetrical, just make the flat on the bottom wider. How this will affect accuracy is another issue.

I've always like the 3-slot. You can cll it the Moretechs.

[L/FN]

I ONLY want accuracy, controllability and flash suppresion.
Hey, I'm an American, can't I have it all?

I've done alot of study on this and off the top of my head have gleaned these points among others:

A open front slot or same w/ twist (vortex) is the best flash hider.

A top vented muzzle brake is really for full auto.
A top vented brake on a std bbl w/ bipod can actually cause the muzzle to flex down.
Side vented brakes are best for accuracy and braking heavy calibers.

A brake is not a flash hider.

I guess that's why I like the Triad. It's mainly a flash-hider, but has some brake capability.
-----------------------------------
For amusement: There are some military prong type flash hiders that are slotted on the top including the Valmet.

[gunplumber]

There are some military prong type flash hiders that are slotted on the top including the Valmet.

yep. and

c. 1936 US 1918A2 (5 prong)
c. 1943 US M1D Garand (5 prong)
c. 1955 Argentina FAL (3 prong)
c. 1958 Peru FAL (3-prong)
c. 1958 Austria FAL (4 prong)
c. 1960 Israel FAL (3-prong)
c. 1960 Finland Valmet (3-prong)
c. 1960 US AR-16 (3-prong)
c. 1962? US AR-15/XM-15/M16 (3-prong, 2+ styles)
c. 1970 US Mk19 Mod3 (4 prong)
c. 1970 UK Sterling AR-18 (3-prong)
c. 1975 US M2 (Air Version, M85 tank version, M85C ground version) (5 prong)
c. 1975 Japan Type 62 (3-4 prong)
c. 1976 Spain Spanish CETME Modelo L & LC (3 prong)
c. 1979 Austria Styer AUG (3 or 4 prong)
c. 1980 Germany HK 53 (4 prong)
c. 1980 US SA M1A-A1 (5 prong)

[DakTo]

The bad rap on the US 1960s pronged flash hider is the prongs could be misaligned during combat operations and had a tendency to allow water into the barrel versus the later birdcage.

[gunplumber]

Originally posted by DakTo
The bad rap on the US 1960s pronged flash hider is the prongs could be misaligned while being used to pry the straps off ammo cases.

there - fixed it for you.

[L/FN]

LOL, thats what I read.
The real reason for the bird cage was to keep GI's from tooling their prong flash hiders.

[emcroy]

I have an AAC blackout on my Scar.

It is three prong with the top slot at 12:00.

Flash from the 14.5" barrel in low light is very minimal and does not affect my vision.

[101ABN327]

Other than looks, there is no need to align tines in any fashion. The firer will see much less, if any, flash when firing. The AAC Blackout is an excellent Flash suppressor and does not require timing. I use these on all my AR15's and SCAR's because they are all suppressed. AAC's three prongs do tend to ring when you fire them. That isn't an issue to me.

Larry, I say go forth with your project! I like your idea and the FAL needs some modernization. Those who want to align their tines a certain wan can use the tried and true paper clip method of flash eliminator timing.

101

[Mark IV]

For flash suppression, nothing beats a Vortex.

[L/FN]

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement.

(Following pics best viewed at 75%)
Heres a 4 pronger I made from a old Stoll just to get some ideas.
What I want is a 3 pronged like the Triad, but a sleeker design and longer visually.

If the moded Stoll floats anybodies boat, feel free to copy it.







Triad

[Brian in MN]

I always thought the three prong M-16 FH was supposed to have the vents at 10, 2 and 6. This keeps the flash out of the line of sight and vents two slots up and one down and, at least theoretically, acts as a mild brake in this orientation.

With a carbine length 7.62 NATO I would definitely think that you would want to keep the flash out of your line of sight.