KAK Industries XM177 Flash Hider - Moderator Clone Correct (1/2x28)

The XM177 Flash Hider is a historically accurate reproduction of the original Colt XM177E2 moderator, providing enthusiasts and collectors with an essential component to complete their military-correct XM177E2 clone builds. This precision-crafted moderator faithfully captures the distinct features that made the XM177E2 iconic during its service with U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam.

Product Features:

• Accurate XM177E2 Design: Faithfully replicates the 4.2-inch length and external dimensions.
• Integral Grenade Ring: Authentic grenade ring specifically for XM148 grenade launcher compatibility.
• 1/2x28 Thread Pitch: Compatible with standard AR-15 barrels.
• High-Quality Construction: Machined for durability and reliability, with flats for easy installation
• Enhanced Flash Suppression: Internal expansion chamber designed for effective flash reduction.

Introduced during the Vietnam War, the XM177E2 moderator solved critical problems for soldiers operating shorter-barreled carbines in jungle warfare. Its internal expansion chamber significantly reduced muzzle flash and moderately mitigated sound, offering operators enhanced stealth capabilities. Unlike simpler muzzle devices, this moderator featured an integral grenade ring, allowing attachment of the XM148 grenade launcher—a crucial advantage for Special Forces in dynamic combat environments.

Grenade Ring or No Grenade Ring: Which Should You Choose?

The primary distinction between moderators with and without grenade rings is historical accuracy and compatibility. Moderators featuring an integral grenade ring, like the KAK XM177 Flash Hider, specifically replicate the XM177E2 moderator and accommodate the XM148 grenade launcher. If historical authenticity and grenade launcher compatibility are your priorities, choose the grenade-ring version.

Note:  While clone purists will note that the actual XM177E2 moderator had a 4+ inch length, and a separate grenade ring.  KAK Industries has made this a little more simple, and integrated the grenade ring into the body of the moderator.

Moderators without a grenade ring represent earlier XM177E1 versions or other Air Force models (GAU-5/A), suitable if your goal is an XM177E1 or Air Force GAU-5/A clone build.

What about pin and weld for 16" legal compliance?

For legal compliance, if you wish to achieve a minimum 16-inch barrel length with a pinned and welded XM177 moderator, you should select an 12.5-inch barrel, however, some 12" will work just fine.  Note:  an 11.5" barrel will NOT work.

Rifles Utilizing the XM177E2 Moderator:

This moderator is historically correct for:

• Colt Model 629 (XM177E2 Carbine)

Overview of Other Military Moderators:

During the Vietnam era, several moderator variants appeared:

• XM177E1 (4-inch): Original version without grenade ring, used on XM177E1 Carbines.
• GAU-5/A (4.5-inch, USAF-specific): Air Force variant without grenade ring.
• 5" and 6" Experimental Versions: Tested but never widely issued, lacked grenade ring and offered varying degrees of flash and sound suppression.

The KAK XM177 Flash Hider specifically mirrors the XM177E2’s precise dimensions and grenade-ring feature, offering enthusiasts unmatched historical accuracy.

Technical Specifications:

• Length:  4.678 inches
• Thread Pitch: 1/2x28 (standard AR-15)
• Material: High-strength steel
• Finish: Matte Black (military correct finish)
• Compatibility: AR-15 barrels threaded 1/2x28

Note: Crush washer and safety wire not included with flash hider.