ALLEN GUN WORKS 5 PRONG FLASH HIDER (Part 1)

I’ve been asked a couple times about process to test kit and gear. Well, recently between our day jobs and everyday life we’ve had a few issues testing some of the kit we’ve purchased or graciously been given the chance to look at. Which has reduced our ability to dedicate as much time as we have in the past. That being said, it has only slowed us down a little because we need to ensure we dedicate the proper amount of "time" to a product. Someone took the time and dedication required to design, manufacture and test before they released a product. It’s only right that we offer the same time and dedication to put it through our tests and write about it based on fact and knowledge. The only way to truly test tactical gear is to train/work with it there is no other way to truly examine the ability of a product to do the job. There are no exceptions to this.

And, that brings me to one of the newest products we are looking at. I wanted to have all the range tests done photos taken, test film shot and the article written by last week but we have had some interruptions. The ALLEN GUN WORKS, (AGW) “5 PRONGED FLASH HIDER” which was designed and manufactured (in CANADA) using proven engineering by AGW. We received one about two weeks a go and installed it on a NORTH EAST ARMS GROUP (NEA), AR 15 with 12.5” barrel keeping with our “Canadian Made Theme.” What we noticed right away was the only product that even cam close was the VORTEX Flash Suppressor/Eliminator which we had previously run in conjunction with “BLACK IRON TACTICAL”. The AGW "5 PRONG" showed up in the standard packaging, which holds the Flash Hider and the compression/setting spacer. Right off the bat, we noticed the quality of craftsmanship and care in the design and manufacturing of the "5 PRONG". All the edges were clean and the threads were cut exactly with no mistakes or left over material. There were no signs of additional milling or tooling and the finish was flawless. It took us about 5 minutes to install the "5 PRONG" on the rifle.

Two days later we were at the range with vast amounts of surplus ammunition and time. Now, the only way to test gear or firearms parts is to run multiple grades of ammunition and use a part on a variety of platforms. So far we have run it on one rifle with low-grade ammo (vast amounts of surplus) known to produce large amounts of flash and result in lots of carbon in the rifle. This gave us mixed results unlike with some other brands, so we picked up some NOSLER and WINCHESTER Supreme, and some HORNADY to work with these variables (over the next few days). Additionally, we know similar flash hiders work constantly and effectively on 10.5” barrels so we will test it on a 16” barrel and see if it makes a difference as well.

One of the things we did notice with the AGW "5 PRONG", is the change in recoil, and a distinct ring each time the rifle was fired. Again, the only other time we’ve seen or rather heard these results was with the VORTEX. So far we need to do more functional testing but we are happy with the AGW "5 PRONG" so far.

If you haven't had the chance to take look at AGW yet, you should check out their web site and look at the products they manufacture. Keep in mind everything is designed, and manufactured in CANADA to a high standard.