Editing Flash suppressor (section)

{{Short description|Firearm muzzle attachment that reduces the visibility of burning exhaust gas}}
[[File:AR15 flash suppressor.JPG|thumb|Bullet exiting an A2-style flash suppressor, photographed with a high-speed [[air-gap flash]] ]]
[[File:Schlieren Imaging Flash Suppressor.JPG|thumb|This image was taken from a high-speed Schlieren video of a flash suppressor. [[Schlieren imaging]] reveals the heat and pressure gradients invisible to standard imaging.]]
[[Image:Caroline-canon-degivrage-p1000523.jpg|thumb|Detail of the birdcage-type flash suppressor on a [[SIG SG 550]]]]
A '''flash suppressor''', also known as a '''flash guard''', '''flash eliminator''', '''flash hider''', or '''flash cone''', is a device attached to the [[muzzle (firearms)|muzzle]] of a [[rifle]] that reduces its [[Muzzle flash|visible signature while firing]] by cooling or dispersing the burning gases that exit the muzzle, a phenomenon typical of [[carbine]]-length weapons. Its primary intent is to reduce the chances that the shooter will be blinded in low-light shooting conditions. Contrary to popular belief, it is only a minor secondary benefit if a flash suppressor reduces the intensity of the flash visible to the enemy.{{Citation needed|reason=no reference to this in army FM 3-22|date=February 2020}}

A flash suppressor is different from a [[muzzle brake]], although they are typically mounted in the same position and sometimes confused with each other. While the former is intended to reduce visible flash, a muzzle brake is designed to reduce recoil inherent to large cartridges and typically does not reduce visible flash.<ref name=Maio>{{cite book|last=DiMaio|first=Vincent J.M.|title=Gunshot Wounds: Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques, SECOND EDITION|year=2002|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-8493-8163-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/gunshotwoundspra00dima/page/79 79]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/gunshotwoundspra00dima/page/79}}</ref>