I will not fault anyone for chasing the perfect muzzle device. I spend a lot of time talking about and testing muzzle devices on this very page. In fact, you will see at least 2 new devices tested in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, in our rush to swap out parts for the latest and greatest, we can often miss a great muzzle device that is right under our noses (and practically free) – the lowly A2 flash suppressor.
The A2 flash suppressor is actually a very good muzzle device for a number of reasons. Certainly there are devices out there that do the same things as the A2. Many devices do some things better than the A2. However, I am not sure any device is as well rounded as the A2 for so little money.
Reason #1: The A2 is actually a very good flash suppressor. It isn’t as effective as the AAC Blackout or the White Sound Defense FOSSA-556 but it holds its own.
Reason #2: It is quiet. As compensators and muzzle brakes flood the market, people are spending more and more time talking about how noisy each device is. The A2 is not the quietest device on the market but it certainly quieter than just about any comp or brake. It won’t rattle the teeth of those shooting near you.
Reason #3: It is compact. Many of the best flash suppressors are fairly long. The A2 flash suppressor manages to be fairly effective but still very compact. It also has a closed end that prevents snagging which may be an issue with some pronged flash suppressors.
Reason #4: It is nearly free (kind of)! No one buys an A2 flash suppressor. They come installed already on a complete upper receiver group or complete AR-15 or you bum one off a buddy who just spent his allowance on a new muzzle device. Even if you did buy one, it wouldn’t cost much at all.
Other considerations: The A2’s closed bottom reduces muzzle rise slightly and reduces ground signature. There are sound suppressors available that mount directly to the A2. It works with muzzle caps.
I am not saying that the A2 is the ultimate muzzle device. I am saying that it is a very good one and that your money might be better spent on other things like training or additional amm0, rather than a more expensive muzzle device that you may or may not have the ability to get the most out of.
Don’t be in such a rush to throw away that A2 flash suppressor!
