Elevate Your Shooting Experience: The Patriot Ordnance Factory 00870 Flash Hider for AR-15 Platforms

For discerning firearms enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and tactical professionals, optimizing the performance of an AR-15 platform is a continuous pursuit. A critical component in this optimization journey is the muzzle device, and among the most sought-after enhancements is a high-quality flash hider. The Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF-USA) 00870 Flash Hider stands out as a premier choice, meticulously engineered to minimize muzzle flash, enhance shooter visibility, and contribute to a more controlled shooting experience.

Are you looking to reduce the bright flash that erupts from your rifle's muzzle, especially during low-light conditions? Do you want to preserve your night vision or simply make your shooting more comfortable for yourself and those around you? The POF-USA 00870 is designed precisely to address these common challenges, offering a superior solution for anyone using a .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO chambered rifle with a 1/2"-28 thread pitch barrel.

Why Is a Flash Hider Essential for Your AR-15?

A muzzle flash is more than just a visual spectacle; it can significantly impact a shooter's performance and safety. When a bullet exits the barrel, unburnt gunpowder ignites in the presence of atmospheric oxygen, creating a brilliant, often distracting, flash. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in shorter barrels and can lead to several undesirable outcomes:

• Temporary Night Blindness: In dim environments, the intense muzzle flash can momentarily impair your vision, making it difficult to reacquire targets or assess your surroundings. This is a crucial concern for tactical operations and nocturnal hunting.
• Reduced Concealment: For military personnel or law enforcement, a prominent muzzle flash can reveal your position to an adversary.
• Distraction for Other Shooters: At a firing range, a large muzzle flash can be distracting or even disorienting for adjacent shooters.
• Compromised Target Acquisition: The flash can obscure your view of the target, delaying follow-up shots and reducing accuracy, especially in rapid-fire scenarios.

A well-designed flash hider, like the POF-USA 00870, works by dissipating and cooling these hot gases as they exit the barrel. It does not eliminate the flash entirely but breaks it up into multiple, smaller, less noticeable plumes, effectively reducing the visible signature. This allows for quicker target reacquisition, improved situational awareness, and a more pleasant shooting experience for all involved.

Understanding the Patriot Ordnance Factory 00870 Flash Hider Design

Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF-USA) is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and precision engineering in firearms manufacturing. Their 00870 Flash Hider is a testament to this philosophy, built with the same rigorous standards found in their complete rifle systems.

Key Design Features and Specifications:

• Caliber Compatibility: Optimized for .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges, ensuring peak performance for the most popular AR-style rifles.
• Thread Pitch: Features the ubiquitous 1/2"-28 thread per inch (tpi) standard. This is the most common thread pitch for AR-15 barrels chambered in .223/5.56mm, ensuring broad compatibility with a vast majority of existing rifles.
• Material and Construction: Crafted from robust black steel. This material choice provides exceptional durability, resisting the extreme heat and pressure generated during firing. The black finish offers corrosion resistance and a sleek, integrated look with most rifle aesthetics. POF-USA's commitment to using high-grade materials means this flash hider is built to withstand rigorous use and provide long-lasting performance.
• Efficient Flash Suppression: The internal geometry and tine configuration of the 00870 are carefully designed to break up and disperse combustion gases, significantly reducing visible muzzle flash. While exact suppression percentages can vary based on ammunition type and barrel length, users consistently report a substantial reduction in flash signature, enhancing their ability to maintain sight picture.
• Subtle Recoil Management: While primarily a flash hider, the design can also offer a minor benefit in managing muzzle rise or felt recoil by redirecting gases. This is not its primary function, but it contributes to overall shooting comfort.
• Sleek Profile: The 00870 maintains a relatively compact and streamlined profile, adding minimal length or bulk to the rifle, which is crucial for maintaining maneuverability and balance.

Who Benefits from the POF-USA 00870 Flash Hider?

The Patriot Ordnance Factory 00870 Flash Hider is an ideal upgrade for a wide spectrum of AR-15 owners seeking to optimize their rifle's performance:

• Competitive Shooters: In multi-gun or tactical shooting competitions, reduced muzzle flash means less distraction, faster target acquisition, and quicker follow-up shots. Maintaining an uninterrupted sight picture is paramount for shaving off precious seconds.
• Hunters: Especially those who hunt at dawn, dusk, or night, mitigating muzzle flash is crucial for preserving night vision and preventing game spooking.
• Law Enforcement & Military Personnel: For professional applications, minimizing flash helps maintain situational awareness, conceals the shooter's position, and reduces the visual signature during critical operations.
• Casual Range Shooters: Even for recreational shooting, reducing flash makes the experience more enjoyable and less fatiguing on the eyes, particularly indoors or at dimly lit ranges. It also contributes to a more considerate shooting environment for others.
• AR-15 Builders & Enthusiasts: Those custom-building or upgrading their AR-15 will find the POF-USA 00870 to be a premium, reliable component that enhances both aesthetics and performance. It's an excellent way to complete a high-performance build.

Installation and Compatibility Considerations

Installing the Patriot Ordnance Factory 00870 Flash Hider is a straightforward process for anyone familiar with AR-15 maintenance, but proper technique is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety.

What You'll Need:

• Your AR-15 rifle (unloaded and safety checked)
• The POF-USA 00870 Flash Hider
• A crush washer or shims (often included with muzzle devices, or purchased separately)
• An armorers wrench or a suitable open-end wrench for the flash hider flats
• A vise block for your AR-15 upper receiver (highly recommended to prevent damage)
• Blue Loctite (optional, but recommended for securing threads)

Basic Installation Steps (Always consult your rifle's manual and seek professional gunsmithing if unsure):

1. Safety First: Ensure your firearm is completely unloaded and cleared. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber.
2. Secure the Upper: Secure your AR-15 upper receiver in a vise block. This prevents twisting or damaging the barrel extension or receiver threads during installation.
3. Remove Existing Muzzle Device (if applicable): If there's an existing muzzle device, use the appropriate wrench to remove it. Note its orientation if it's a timed device.
4. Clean Threads: Thoroughly clean the barrel threads to remove any carbon buildup or old thread locker.
5. Install Crush Washer/Shims: Place the crush washer or shims onto the barrel threads. A crush washer is designed to compress and allow for timing the muzzle device. Shims offer more precise timing.
6. Thread On the POF-USA 00870: Hand-thread the POF-USA 00870 Flash Hider onto the barrel until it's finger-tight.
7. Timing (If Applicable): While flash hiders typically don't require precise "timing" (orientation for gas ports like a compensator), ensuring it's tightened securely is key. If the design has a specific up/down orientation for aesthetic or minor performance reasons, use the crush washer/shims to achieve this.
8. Torque Down: Using your armorers wrench or open-end wrench, apply sufficient torque to fully seat the flash hider. Consult manufacturer specifications for torque values, but generally, tighten firmly without overtightening, which can damage threads. A good rule of thumb for crush washers is to tighten until it's about 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand tight, compressing the washer.
9. Final Check: Ensure the flash hider is securely attached and properly aligned.

Compatibility Note: The 1/2"-28 tpi thread pitch is standard for AR-15 barrels chambered in .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO. However, always verify your specific rifle's barrel thread pitch before purchasing any muzzle device. Using an incorrect thread pitch can lead to catastrophic failure.

The Patriot Ordnance Factory Advantage: Beyond the Flash Hider

Choosing a Patriot Ordnance Factory component means investing in a legacy of American manufacturing excellence and innovative firearm design. POF-USA has consistently pushed the boundaries of AR platform technology, focusing on reliability, durability, and user-centric features. Their products are not merely parts; they are solutions engineered for real-world performance. When you select the POF-USA 00870 Flash Hider, you're not just getting a piece of steel; you're gaining:

• Engineering Prowess: Benefit from POF-USA's extensive research and development in gas systems and recoil mitigation, even in a passive device like a flash hider.
• Robust Construction: Built to withstand the demands of heavy use, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
• Enhanced Shooting Control: A tangible improvement in how your rifle handles and how clearly you can see your target.
• Aesthetic Integration: The black steel finish and thoughtful design seamlessly complement most modern sporting rifles.

This high-performance flash hider is an excellent complement to other POF-USA enhancements, or a standalone upgrade that will immediately improve your shooting experience. For those seeking to optimize their rifle without compromising on quality or performance, the Patriot Ordnance Factory 00870 Flash Hider is an unequivocal choice. It represents a smart investment in your shooting prowess and enjoyment, readily available at reputable retailers like DEGuns.com. Ensure your AR-15 is equipped with the best to maximize its potential in any scenario.

Product Overview: Patriot Ordnance Factory 00870 Flash Hider

Feature	Specification	Benefit
Model	Patriot Ordnance Factory 00870	Trusted POF-USA Quality
Caliber Compatibility	.223 Rem, 5.56x45mm NATO	Ideal for Standard AR-15 Rifles
Thread Pitch	1/2"-28 tpi	Widely Compatible AR-15 Barrel Standard
Material	Black Steel	Durability & Corrosion Resistance
Function	Flash Hider	Reduces Muzzle Flash & Preserves Night Vision
UPC	847313008701	Easy Identification for Retailers (e.g., DEGuns)