I really like the SEI Vortex with a GLFSH set up. Especially on a 18.5" rifle. The OAL is nice.

 

I might be mistaken, but I think if you put a USGI Flash suppressor on an 18.5” BBL, the bayonet lug interferes with the removal of the gas cylinder plug. I know that you can buy a USGI style flash suppressor without the Bayonet lug. That might be an option.

 

I love the DC Vortex and hooded gas lock front sight on the 18.5 inch tubes, it is one heckuva combo!

 

I am looking for assistance in deciding if I should go with a standard flash hider and front sight or if I should use a Smith Ent direct connect with an HK style gas lock front sight.

I've read that the Vortex is more effective as a flash hider than the USGI FS is. Also, philjimpot is correct that if you've got a bayonet lug, you can't get the GC plug off. And with the Vortex, there's no worry about over or under-tightening the castle nut or getting the alignment correct; the Vortex just screws on straight and stays on because the gas passing over the prongs tends to torque it tight.

But here's something I've wondered about.

Most of us have seen the remarkable high speed videos of the M1A barrels flailing around on this forum. (http://www.m14firinglineforum.com/upload/showthread.php?t=54076). I haven't actually weighed them but the Vortex, which is pretty solid steel, feels noticeably heavier than a NM FS. I'd think that putting extra weight out at the end of the barrel would affect the amount of flailing. Of course, those videos also show that a Scout barrel moves less than a NM barrel does, probably because it's shorter.

 

Most of us have seen the remarkable high speed videos of the M1A barrels flailing around on this forum. (http://www.m14firinglineforum.com/upload/showthread.php?t=54076). I haven't actually weighed them but the Vortex, which is pretty solid steel, feels noticeably heavier than a NM FS. I'd think that putting extra weight out at the end of the barrel would affect the amount of flailing. Of course, those videos also show that a Scout barrel moves less than a NM barrel does, probably because it's shorter.

I suspect the Vortex would actually help the situation. It would add inertia to the end of the barrel, thus increasing the time it would take to start moving, and slowing lateral acceleration.

In layman's terms, it would give the bullet more time to exit the barrel before it started flailing around.

Just a guess. Someone would have to do some bench tests, and hopefully make another high-speed video (hint hint) to check.

 

I like the GLFS / Vortex.
The setup

Oal comparison 18"vs 16" bbl.

Sight Picture

Performance, this was filmed on a low light setting that amplifies light.

 

I have the CG break on mine, I like it. Smith had a vidieo up on how it worked.

 

My Scout rifle wears the SEI stuff. GREAT set up! I'm using the GLFS unit that takes the standard M14 type front sight. It works great, it looks "cool", and it is about 1/2 an inch or so shorter than the GI flash hider.

That being said, I'm having one of my Norincos modified into a 18.5" "Bush" rifle. It will wear a NM reamed GI flash hider w/o the bayonet lug. Just because I like the look of the bush rifle. Heck, I'll have one of each flash hider set up, so why not?

But if money is not an object, I'd go for the SEI stuff, it's reasonably priced, it's shorter, and it works! What's not to like?

Semper Fi
Tom Kelly

 

Another cool look is a USGI flash suppressor with both the Bayo lug machined off & the dovetail machined off.

Looks nice with the GLFS installed.