Muzzle flash

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USS Iowa (BB-61) fires a full broadside during a target exercise near Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, 1 July 1984.

Muzzle flash is a term used to describe the visible light emmited by superheated gases and flame produced by the burning gunpowder when a firearm is discharged. The size and shape of the muzzle flash is dependent on the type of ammunition being used and the individual characteristics of the muzzle of the gun being fired.

1 Flash components
2 Problems caused by muzzle flash
3 See also
4 References

[edit] Flash components

Muzzle flash of a revolver, note also the minor flash at the gap between cylinder and barrel

Muzzle flash can be broken down into five distinct components.^[1]

[edit] Muzzle glow

Muzzle glow is a reddish glow that is visible before the bullet leaves the barrel. Muzzle glow is created by superheated gases that have leaked past the projectile and have exited the barrel.

[edit] Primary, Intermediate, and Secondary flashes

The primary flash is caused by propellant gases exiting the firearm behind the bullet. Although amongst the brightest of the flashes, the heat of the primary flash dissipates quickly and thus is no longer visible.

The intermediate flash is caused by shock waves created by the high speeds of the escaping gases and projectile, and appears as a reddish disc shape in front of the muzzle.

Secondary flash appears farthest from the muzzle as a large white or yellow flame. Secondary flash is caused by the mixture of fuel-rich gases and oxygen in the atmosphere surrounding the muzzle. ^[2]

[edit] Sparks

Following the dissipation of the muzzle flash, partially unburnt powder or other heated materials can be ejected from the muzzle and appear as sparks.

[edit] Problems caused by muzzle flash

Muzzle flash is an inherent problem in most firearms. Due to its brightness, muzzle flash can temporarily blind the shooter, or give away the shooter's location, especially at night. Flash suppressors, commonly thought to be used to reduce visibility to the enemy, are in fact designed to reduce the muzzle flash from the shooter to preserve their night vision. Sound suppressors, in the process of reducing the sound of the muzzle blast, also reduce or eliminate the flash.

Muzzle flashes create distinct signatures that can be located using infrared imaging technology. ^[3] In fact, technology is being developed to detect enemy muzzle flashes before the projectile reaches its target. ^[4] A famous case of possible infrared imaging of muzzle flashes occurred during the Waco Siege when aircraft equipped with FLIR cameras filmed the standoff and may have captured footage of government agents firing at unarmed civilians. ^[5]