Muzzle Devices Explained
So let’s start this off with the types of muzzle devices. We are just going to keep it simple on this thread and put them into two categories. The categories are flash suppressor and not flash Suppressor. As far as the not flash suppressor‘s category this could be anything from a compensator, a muzzle brake or any other name that that manufacturer/company is calling their muzzle device. We’re really going to focus on flash suppressors in this thread because that is the important part of this being able to identify what a flash suppressor is. By California law any type of muzzle device that is considered a flash Suppressor is illegal to put on your rifle. To define this better And have a better understanding on what a flash hider is in the eyes of California, let’s look at the law that is written in California.
“Current definition per the California Code of Regulations, Title 11, Division 5, Chapter 39 Assault Weapons and Large-Capacity Magazines, Article 2, § 5471, (r) “Flash suppressor” means any device attached to the end of the barrel, that is designed, intended, or functions to perceptibly reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter’s field of vision. A hybrid device that has either advertised flash suppressing properties or functionally has flash suppressing properties would be deemed a flash suppressor. A device labeled or identified by its manufacturer as a flash hider would be deemed a flash suppressor.”
This was the original broad stroke definition of a flash suppressor. However other muzzle devices such as muzzle brakes and compensators weren’t really defined in this statement. So basically at the time California looked at any muzzle device as a flash Suppressor. Fortunately, there was a public outcry about this and Basically how that law is written, Any muzzle device can be considered a flash suppressor, to include compensators and muzzle brakes. The California DOJ released A final reason of statement regarding flash Suppressors . See following:
978.20 (b) — Flash Suppressor This term was originally defined as “any device that reduces or conceals the visible light or flash created when a firearm is fired. This definition includes flash hiders, but does not include compensators and muzzle brakes (devices attached to or integral with the muzzle barrel to utilize propelling gasses for counter-recoil).” There were two primary problems with the definition when it was originally noticed to the public (December 31, 1999 through February 28, 2000). The most significant problem with the original definition was that it included and/or excluded particular devices by name (flash hider, muzzle brake, compensator) without consideration of whether the devices actually suppress flash. After further consideration prompted by public comments, the Department concluded that the absence of statutorily defined specific measurement standards or a statutory requirement to establish those standards demonstrates a legislative intent to identify any device that reduces or redirects flash from the shooter’s field of vision as a flash suppressor regardless of its name and intended/additional purpose. Thus, “flash hiders” are flash suppressors only if they reduce or redirect flash from the shooter’s field of vision. Conversely, “compensators” and “muzzle brakes” are not flash suppressors only if they do not reduce or redirect flash from the shooter’s field of vision. The revised definition is clearly consistent with the legislative intent of the statute as it neither includes nor excludes any particular device on the basis of its name only. Additionally, “conceals” in the original definition presented the possibility of an overly broad interpretation which could have included any device positioned between the shooter’s eye and the muzzle flash, such as the sights on a gun. To avoid such unintended interpretation, the word “conceals” was replaced with “redirects.” Accordingly, the original definition was changed to: “flash suppressor means any device that reduces or redirects muzzle flash from the shooter’s field of vision.” This revised definition was noticed to the public during the first 15-day comment period (May 10 through May 30, 2000). Comments addressing this version of the definition prompted further reconsideration and revision. As such, the definition was revised a second time by replacing “ . . . that reduces or redirects muzzle flash . . . ” with “ . . . designed, intended, or that functions to reduce or redirect muzzle flash . . . ” This change was necessary because it became clear that flash suppressors are typically attached by twisting or screwing the device onto the threaded barrel of a firearm. Therefore, by simply making a half turn (180 degrees), an otherwise fully operational flash suppressor would not function as prescribed in the prior definition. The revised definition eliminates this potential loophole. Accordingly, this final revision “flash suppressor means any device designed, intended, or that functions to reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter’s field of vision,” was noticed during the second 15-day comment period (July 12 through July 31, 2000). Although additional comments were received, no comments were received during the second 15-day comment period that resulted in substantial revision to the definition. However, the Department made a non-substantial revision by adding “perceptibly” to the phrase “reduce or redirect” to confirm that if a reduction or redirection of flash is so minuscule that it is imperceptible to the human eye, it could not reasonably be considered a reduction.
So now that we’ve read the California law we understand everything, right? Of course not, it’s never that simple is it. So let’s boil it down to the simplest form of this one, Using the law as a guiding light as it’s written. We’re going to take a few quotes from both of those lengthy laws.
- “Flash suppressor” means any device attached to the end of the barrel, that is designed, intended, or functions to perceptibly reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter’s field of vision.
- A device labeled or identified by its manufacturer as a flash hider would be deemed a flash suppressor.
- the definition was revised a second time by replacing “ . . . that reduces or redirects muzzle flash . . . ” with “ . . . designed, intended, or that functions to reduce or redirect muzzle flash . . . ”
- “conceals” in the original definition presented the possibility of an overly broad interpretation which could have included any device positioned between the shooter’s eye and the muzzle flash, such as the sights on a gun.
Now, let’s break this down a little bit more of those statements. Starting with 1. Flash suppressor” means any device attached to the end of the barrel, that is designed, intended, or functions to perceptibly reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter’s field of vision. And 4. “conceals” in the original definition presented the possibility of an overly broad interpretation which could have included any device positioned between the shooter’s eye and the muzzle flash, such as the sights on a gun.
Explanation: Understand that redirecting gasses, and redirecting flash are two very different things. All of this has to do with the rapid expansion of very hot propellant gas in the mix of cool oxygen in the air near the muzzle device as the bullet exits the muzzle device (and sometimes unburned gun powder in that gas). A flash hider is designed to disperse gases in a way that reduces the fireball effect by adding some turbulence of cool air and breaking up that “bubble” of expanding hot gas. Muzzle brakes do in fact redirect gasses, but there is still a very big flash because of the different geometry that allows those “bubbles” happen and not be broken up. Some have some port holes in the top that force some gasses upward to reduce muzzle rise… and because of the small bullet exit hole, some flash is forced out those top ports (into the shooters field of vision). In other words a muzzle break or compensator does not Suppress or hide the flash, It’s redirecting the gases expelled.
Let’s go with 2. A device labeled or identified by its manufacturer as a flash hider would be deemed a flash suppressor. And 3. the definition was revised a second time by replacing “ . . . that reduces or redirects muzzle flash . . . ” with “ . . . designed, intended, or that functions to reduce or redirect muzzle flash . . . ”
Explanation: these are both powerful statements that gives the manufacture control of their product that they’re putting out. In other words if the manufacturer puts out a muzzle device and it’s intended use is to be a compensator or a muzzle brake then it’s a compensator or muzzle brake. However if it’s put out as a flash hider or flash suppressor, then it’s a flash hider flash suppressor. What’s further defined in that as well on those statements is that you can’t use a play of words. In other words the Manufacture changing the name of the product from “flash hider” or “flash suppressor” to “flash hindered device” for example, Is still considered a flash hider or flash suppressor. At the end of the day it comes down to the manufacturer defining what that muzzle device is. So when you’re purchasing a muzzle device make sure the nomenclature or name from the manufacture has compensator or muzzle brake. If it says flash hider or flash suppressor or anything that is intended to suppress the flash it is not California compliant.
Let’s follow this up with an example from one of my previous threads, “are threaded barrels legal in California on rifles,”and talk about the Ruger mini 14. Now it seems the more I write of these Threads it seems Ruger is my favorite example to use. I have to say my hats off to them because they still continually put out a solid product to California. As stated before there are several variance of the Ruger mini 14. To include the California compliant mini 14, which when you look at it on the basic original model the big difference is on the California model is that there is no muzzle device or threaded barrel. Reason being for this is when Ruger put their muzzle device on they used a five prong flash hider or a birdcage flash hider. As we’ve learned reading this flash hider‘s flash suppressor‘s or any type of flash suppressing device is not California compliant. Ruger‘s answer to this was not to thread the barrel and not to put any type of muzzle device on the rifle. Again that muzzle device from the manufacturer what is defined as a flash suppressor.
Hopefully this defines a little bit more of what you’re allowed to do with your rifle as far as muzzle devices go. There are many compensators and muzzle brakes to put on your rifle. At the end of the day the easiest way to make an educated decision of if it’s a California compliant muzzle device, Is looking at the manufactures intent of The nomenclature or name of that product. If that muzzle device product says compensator or muzzle brake, Because that is the manufactures intended use of that muzzle device, then it is a legal California compliant Muzzle device, being a compensator or muzzle brake. If the manufactures intent of that product is to do any type of flash suppression and in the nomenclature or name of that product it says flash suppressor, flash hider, hybrid flash / Compensator device or anything to do with any type of flash suppression or hiding, more than likely it is not a California compliant device.