I'm working on an 18" AR build with a floated stainless 1:8 barrel and rifle length gas system for an SPR/Varmint type rig, and am debating as to whether I want to use the YHM Phantom flash hider like I have on my CMMG mid length, or use a brake such as the Coolie, Miculek, or Gill.

I undertsand and know first hand that the AR in .223 has very little recoil (especially in a heavier target rig), but was curious just how much more accurate and quicker on follow up it would be with a tactical type brake. Is it worth the extra noise? I haven't used a brake on an AR yet, so is there much extra blast? Is it worth it?

What is your planned primary usage for this rifle?

I prefer my hunting rifles (6.5WSM and AR15) to have a good muzzle brake installed. However, 99% of the time I am wearing Sordin earmuffs when the shot is taken. If you hunt with a braked rifle you will want good earpro. Yes, they are LOUD! Anyone who says they aren’t hasn’t killed enough stuff with one yet.

A good brake will allow you to spot your own hits in the field. The reticle on a braked AR15 will rarely leave the target even at 22x.

Go with the brake…but get good ear pro!

What is the muzzle diameter of the new barrel?

It's a CMMG stainless 18" M18 SPR barrel. I believe it's a .840dia barrel, and .730 at the muzzle. Rifle length gas system and 1/8 twist rate.

I have an AR-10 (.308) with an S-1 Brake. The follow up shot is incredible, I can basicly double tap at 100 yards placing the shots on top of each other less then one inch apart.

I also have an S-1 trigger, which helps.

All my .223s are getting brakes now also. Yeap, They work!!

The CT brakes I have smoke the miculek and the vias brakes I use to use.

The lack of recoil on my 7 ultra is just unbelievable. It has a counter torque brake. Are you trying to shoot really fast follow up shots or trying to watch your bullets hit?

I'd actually like to be able to do both. I think fast follow up shots takes priority though.

Have you got a lathe that will do 28 pitch threads?

Uh...no. Unfortunately I live in an apartment about 3,000 miles away from the majority of my tools and equipment (stored in my grandparents barn), and anything we need to touch with a lathe at work is usually under warranty and goes back to Boeing.

Why ya askin'?

I might also add that in just over a year, I'll be living in a state where it's legal to attach a supressor to a firearm, and will probably order one from Mike R.

Any ideas or recommendations, Sam?

I was thinking I could send you a counter torque brake and you could install it, when you had your suppressor made, I could send Mike R. the tap and or thread specs for your suppressor, then you would have the best of both worlds. You could ship me the upper, but I am curious, is your barrel aready threaded at the muzzle?

For an A2 Flash Hider, yes.

I am hearing rumors that the best of both worlds is about to become reality for the civilians.

quote:

Originally posted by MACSR175:
I am hearing rumors that the best of both worlds is about to become reality for the civilians.

heard somethin like that myself!