16" 5.56 AR: Flash hider or brake?

[Anangrypasta]

For 16" 5.56 carbines, for you guys prefer flash hiders or muzzle brakes? Is there enough muzzle flash to need a flash hider, or is there enough recoil that a brake really makes a difference? Do brakes really make 556 carbines that much louder to the point its annoying? Interested in opinions more experienced than mine! Currently running a 16" carbine gas with A1 bird cage. Considering switching it to a different device. Thanks!

 

[Fear21]

Flash hiders all day for me. 5.56 recoil is minimal and can be tuned in other ways if necessary - plus, it's already a loud round, even at 16".

Less concussion, noise, and flash = win.

 

[stage20]

Look into the epsilon vg6. I put one on an AK and have been pleased. I have one for 556 but have yet to try it. I have linear comps on my pistols. Haven't shot any 16 inch in a while.

 

[JWlineman]

I'll try to find an old YouTube video where a guy compares about a dozen different brakes/flash hiders. Like other have said, recoil is minimal on a 16" rifle especially if you have a quality stock, rail, trigger and some discipline.
That said, most modern brakes are to provide about the same results. I run hiders on most but a brake on my competition rifle.
Just run suppressors...haha
*edit*

 

[Anangrypasta]

Thanks for the replies guys. Yeah, based on what you guys have said, I'll just keep the A1 on there for now.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Linear comp. Who cares about the flash??? My 16 inch with a Linear comp is "almost" hearing safe. I have one on my RARR X39 and it helps. I kinda like them....lol. if ya do get one just make sure the exit hole is big enough!!

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Forgot one... lol. I have more...

 

[Anangrypasta]

My build started with good intentions, was gonna put together an early 90s M4, so I picked out an A1 birdcage with the ports all around. Then I stumbled a bunch of Vltor parts lol. Had I done it again and not tried to retro build something, a 14.5 with a pinned linear comp will probably be the way I go.