Thus, “flash hiders” are flash suppressors only if they reduce or redirect flash from the shooter’s field of vision. 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. 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. 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 (Decemthrough February 28, 2000).
The text is quoted below, but the link to the full document is here… ĩ78.20 (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. Or just skip down below the FSOR quote if you don’t like reading. Now to learn a bit more about how they ended up with this definition and why many believe muzzle brakes and compensators are “excluded” (as long as they don’t reduce/redirect flash or advertised to reduce flash), we need to read the SB-23 FSOR (Final Statement Of Reasons). A device labeled or identified by its manufacturer as a flash hider would be deemed a flash suppressor. A hybrid device that has either advertised flash suppressing properties or functionally has flash suppressing properties would be deemed a flash suppressor.
It is important that you carefully read the definition though so you understand what it says…Ĭurrent 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. Next, we crawl though the weeds with some legal information.īe aware that the California DOJ definition for a flash hider is not as straightforward as the definition for a pistol grip is. So, we fully believe this is compliant on a featureless rifle in California. It actually redirects some blast upward (into the shooters field of vision) to reduce muzzle rise (see the 4 small ports on top). So, that limits you to thread protectors, some muzzle brakes, and some compensators. It must also not advertise any flash hiding capability (more on that later). On a featureless rifle you can not use any muzzle device that perceptibly reduces flash or redirects it away from the shooters field of vision. This will be a lot of information below, but our goal is to educate gun owners so they can make the best informed decisions for themselves.
Sparrow Dynamics muzzle brakes come in 3 sizes and 2 colors.