M14 Forum

bigblock · February 8th, 2012, 11:10 AM

Can you guys post some pictures of USGI and fake flash suppressors with there lugs and side shot. This way we can learn what is real USGI and reproduction. There are several styles of USGI flash suppressors. It would be good for comparision. Some from the can or wrapper shots would be cool too.

Thanks

m14brian · February 21st, 2012, 05:22 PM

Here is my collection. They are all forged NOS USGI flash suppressors I saw come straight out of the can. Forged GI pieces have some cutting machine marks, fakes or cast that I've seen have a brushed finish or a visible casting seam. Forged pieces are generally very smooth finish wise, and have a distinct 'ting' if you flick it, like a tuning fork.
m14brian

Old Sarge · February 22nd, 2012, 03:16 AM

[QUOTE=m14brian;807749]Here is my collection. They are all forged NOS USGI flash suppressors I saw come straight out of the can. Forged GI pieces have some cutting machine marks, fakes or cast that I've seen have a brushed finish or a visible casting seam. Forged pieces are generally very smooth finish wise, and have a distinct 'ting' if you flick it, like a tuning fork.
m14brian

In your pics, the second from the left and the one on the far right are forged, the other three are cast. Notice the square base for the front sight dovetail, compared to the curved base.

nf1e@snet.net · February 22nd, 2012, 06:55 AM

[QUOTE=Old Sarge;807943]

Quote:

Originally Posted by m14brian

Here is my collection. They are all forged NOS USGI flash suppressors I saw come straight out of the can. Forged GI pieces have some cutting machine marks, fakes or cast that I've seen have a brushed finish or a visible casting seam. Forged pieces are generally very smooth finish wise, and have a distinct 'ting' if you flick it, like a tuning fork.
m14brian

In your pics, the second from the left and the one on the far right are forged, the other three are cast. Notice the square base for the front sight dovetail, compared to the curved base.

Just took a look see at a few flash supressors off of A kits from CMP. I find both the squared and curved sight bases. Looks like the curved bases are from Winchester kits.

tnw50cal · February 22nd, 2012, 07:00 AM

Old Sarge is correct,USGI flash suppressors were both forged and cast. All five pictured are USGI.

tonyben · February 22nd, 2012, 07:02 AM

IIRC, some GI flash suppressors were cast. Don't remember which ones though. Usually the telltale is in the bananna boat sized cuts the cast ones have and the spline shapes. Some are rounded, some are square. Unfortunately, I don't remember which has the square and rounded splines.

Tony.

m14brian · February 22nd, 2012, 09:02 PM

Huh...The ones that Old Sarge said are cast don't have the telltale cast marks and are of fantastic quality. They practically have the identical exterior finish. Is this typical? I have heard also the same thing that USGI pieces were produced in both cast and forged. So, is that the identifying feature of the forged pieces, the flat sight base pad?
m14brian