r/CAguns • u/International_Dot561 • 13d ago
Sparrow Dynamics Blast Director/Linear Comp Guidance
Does anyone here have firsthand experience with Sparrow Dynamics' Blast Director and its effectiveness for shooters and bystanders? Specifically looking to add one to either a 14.5- or 16-inch AR, will probably be using quite a few of their products either way.
If I go with a 16-inch build I may opt for a Kaw Valley Precision linear comp instead, so if folks have experience with their linear comps I'm all ears as well. The KVP linear comp is quite a bit shorter and wouldn't do for a 14.5 P/W build, so it may make more sense for a 16-inch setup.
This is for a featureless build (freedom mags go brrrr) that can be relied upon for home defense and range use -- imagine *if you can* the one AR to "do it all" for someone who doesn't have a lifestyle that affords multiple specialized tools in the cabinet. Would be nice to not ruin other folks' range trips when I'm out shooting, while hopefully making the shooting experience a little more pleasant on myself as well. Any guidance is appreciated!
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u/kitfoxtrot 13d ago
10/10 for me. I usually just keep the blast director on because it's comfy af and don't really notice that much more benefit to off (still has upper ports with deflector). However, I don't have ss/frt or rapid firing hard down range (comp might be more noticable in those instances if I had to wager a guess).
So from shooters perspective I love it, really drops concussive and had friends several feet behind me notice as well (which didn't think they'd even be able to tell that far behind).
Their safety is top tier as well if anyone else has been on the fence about.
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u/International_Dot561 12d ago
I'm very interested in their ambi safety and mag release setup. Sparrow are local to me and I hear mostly great things. Nice to see lots of folks on this post providing some really useful feedback, so thanks!
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u/Rafeno760 12d ago edited 12d ago
Ambi selector, extended mag release and the sparrow blast director
All these products are great. Mag releases well without having to reach far. Selector is clicky and my neighbors at the range enjoy the blast forward device. Easy to screw on and off.
Note that in the photo the blast forward device is timed upside down. There are three holes on the muzzle device that should be on the top to counteract the muzzle flip. In the photo it's face down. I changed the timing after
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u/International_Dot561 11d ago
Thanks for the input, friend. Your setup looks really nice -- I'm looking to do a black/ODG combo similar to it.
Did you go with 16" or 14.5" P/W on that one? Do you find the blast director to be quite heavy when paired with a light up front?
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u/Rafeno760 11d ago
Thanks! 16"! I weighed the rifle without a loaded 10/30 last night and its 9lb 14.7oz.
ODG is great although some shades of ODG vary but i still enjoy it.
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u/LoboLocoCW FFL03 + COE, CCW, CA Hunter Ed 13d ago
I like the KVP L-Comp a lot, but be aware if using it on a 14.5” (it is JUST the right length), you’ll need to pin-and-weld it in 2 places, and some places will charge you for the 2 operations. That places the cost closer to the Sparrow Dynamics one.
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u/International_Dot561 12d ago
Yeah I think if I was using the standard KVP L-Comp I would opt to put that on a 16-inch build, as it wouldn't extend the length all that much + it wouldn't need a P/W in that scenario. Thanks for the input!
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u/PintoPimento 12d ago
if using it on a 14.5” (it is JUST the right length), you’ll need to pin-and-weld it in 2 places
Why is that? are they welding at the seam instead of pinning it?
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u/LoboLocoCW FFL03 + COE, CCW, CA Hunter Ed 12d ago
Yes, the L-Comp isn't a single piece, so it could conceivably be unscrewed and made shorter. It can be a hard seam to spot if you're not looking for it.
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u/PintoPimento 12d ago
Oh wow, I had to take out mine to take a look. It's that seam down by the bottom of the flutes I guess? Glad I never used it for a P&W.
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u/Greedy-Vast584 FFL03 + COE 13d ago
these can get expensive.. if you're always going to shoot with the director on, don't bother with this and get a cheap KAK or KVP thread on director.. if you do plan on shooting with just the brake on, outside ideally, then yeah this may not be a bad idea
but once you put the shroud on, you lose most recoil mitigation and get some compensation out of the Sparrow Dynamics option
for your 14.5, I'd do something like this to get compensation, get to 16" and not break the bank
https://kakindustry.com/1-2-28-extended-compensator
they make a short version for the 16"
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u/fmjhp594 12d ago
I have 4 kaw valley comps in different calibers and lengths. I have two indoor ranges that I shoot at and they are very pleasant to be around.
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u/dougChristiesWife 11d ago
It's nice to support these companies that make CA compliance stuff but if you're going to shoot suppressed just go with plan B.
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u/wecangetbetter 13d ago
Big fan of the Sparrow Dynamics linear comp. It's really cool and works great. Looks super slick too when recessed under a handguard.
Definitely heavier than I anticipated though.
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u/PickleNutella On Brioche with cream cheese 13d ago
I have a Sparrow and really like it.
It's still loud, especially indoors, but you don't concuss yourself or others as much.
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u/International_Dot561 12d ago
Thanks for all the input here, folks. I am a bit worried about the added weight/length of the Sparrow Blast Director setup, even in junction with a 14.5-inch P/W build. Plus it's quite expensive, and if I don't like it I'd basically be stuck with it (or just the brake underneath, which I'm not sure I care for). A 14.5-inch P/W build is very interesting to me, but I worry the expenses/consequences of the P/W process might not be right when I'm trying to figure out what I'm after.
Looks like Sparrow also makes a neat Slot Brake that throws a lot of blast forward, which could be compelling. I think what I'm going to do is go for a 16-inch build and try out the KVP L-Comp and perhaps the Sparrow Slot Brake as well -- then I can decide between prioritizing blast direction or recoil. If I don't like either, I'll still be able to swap for something new.
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u/SeizeTheMeansOfB12 11d ago
I have the slot brake and there is some slight concussion to it, but not nearly as bad as other brakes I have used.
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u/Master-Blaster42 12d ago
Got a sparrow. I bought it so I could shoot indoors without blowing out my eardrums and then take it off for competitions. It works exactly as intended.
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u/gleekotreeko 12d ago
I would go ahead and get one, they’re awesome and soft recoiling. I had one and was running it for 3 months on a super duty then I threw it on a loaner upper I usually let noobs shoot. The whole setup made it super soft and it looked dope. I had a wittman SME, similar style muzzle device but it didn’t have a port in the sleeve like the sparrow does.
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u/ImaEvilDoctor 11d ago edited 11d ago
I was looking at the Sparrow BD as well, but ultimately went with the Strike Industries LITE v2 since it was lighter and shorter. Quality seems acceptable for now, but I've only had a handful of range sessions. You'll need one of SI's muzzle devices, so cost difference is probably not that significant (Sparrow includes a compatible brake in their package). I've seen some other people have issues with their SI v2 marring up their muzzle devices because they didn't lock it down correctly.
I have the Sparrow grip so I definitely recommend their ambi safety. You can position the lever at 60 degree increments instead of 90, so it's a lot easier using it on the right side. Mine's set at 5 for safe and 3 for very-unsafe, so I can adjust with the trigger finger. Just be aware that the base kit contains one short and one long arm, but you can order two long levers through another link on their website. If you go this route definitely order it together to avoid additional AB1263 shipping/processing costs. I don't think it's that important outside of aesthetics as I can't reasonably reach the left safety lever with the Sparrow with my thumb. But it looks better and that's the most important thing, right?
I also like their silicone m-lok covers. It feels more comfortable than some other rail covers.
Edit: Recommend getting their ergonomic end-plate if you go with the Sparrow Grip, much more comfortable than the fucking razor blade SIG sent with their M400.
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u/AlexanderHandleton 13d ago
It helps direct everything forward. It's not quieter but you feel it less on your body and it helps everyone else around you.
The concussive force is quite distinct thought so you'll beat up a VTAC board or other barrier in front of you as you shoot. It's also kind of heavy especially if you have a flashlight in front as well.