TFB Review: The Strike A2 Blast Shield

The Strike A2 Blast Shield is one of the newest clever add-ons for AR-15s or M4s, this time specifically for rifles sporting the classic A2 birdcage muzzle device. Built to tame the concussive muzzle blast that can make range time less fun, especially in tight spaces, it’s a quick, tool-free upgrade that draws on Strike’s experience with their Oppressor series, which we’ve featured on the blog previously. Perfect for training, competing, or for anyone with an A2-equipped rifle, including 9mm PCCs, it’s a budget-friendly way to cut noise without a suppressor. Strike Industries was kind enough to send along a copy for us to check out, and after testing it thoroughly, here’s how the A2 Blast Shield stacks up.

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TFB Review: The Strike A2 Blast Shield

The A2 Blast Shield arrived in Strike Industries’ familiar packaging, pre-oiled and in good-looking condition. Its sturdy construction matches the quality of their other gear, with a smooth ratcheting mechanism and fork-locking system that’s ready to go without tools. The design includes six ports to preserve the A2 birdcage’s flash suppression and recoil control, plus a wide bore to forgive minor alignment issues. Installation is a breeze: unlatch the fork, slide it over the birdcage, lock it, and ratchet it down in under 30 seconds. No tools or permanent mods needed.

The fork-locking system and internal detents keep it secure, even if the Blast Shield isn’t ratcheted down all the way. During testing, it stayed locked tight through rapid-fire strings and mag dumps, and even when deliberately under-tensioned, the lock held firm, with the bore size handling any alignment concerns. Compared to Strike’s original Oppressor, it offers similar performance with a sleeker look and easier setup for A2-equipped rifles. Other blast deflectors, like flash cans, often need more work to install, making the A2 Blast Shield’s plug-and-play design more appealing to those avoiding permanent modification or anything resembling gunsmithing work.

Range Performance and Experience

On the range, the A2 Blast Shield does what it promises: it cuts down muzzle blast for the shooter and shooters on the same line of fire as you. A 5.56 AR-15 with an A2 birdcage hits about 165–170 dB at the shooter’s ear in open settings, and indoor ranges make it feel louder due to echo. The A2 Blast Shield redirects blast forward, noticeably reducing the concussive effect on crowded firing lines, covered outdoor setups and to a limited extent, indoor ranges too. Testing showed it’s a courteous option for group shooting, easing the noise for those next to you as you can slap it on in an instant if more people join your firing line at the range.

In competitions, it can reduce dust and debris when shooting prone or from odd angles, a real plus for two- or three-gun matches. However, anyone downrange still gets nearly the full blast, so it’s not a suppressor substitute for carbine classes that utilize broken firing lines. The A2 Blast Shield didn’t mess with the A2 birdcage’s flash suppression or recoil control—muzzle flash and recoil felt the same as a bare birdcage. The only change was a slight muzzle weight increase (3–4 ounces), which might affect balance in fast-paced shooting. Mag dumps heated it up a lot, but the mounting system never failed, nor did it lock up the ratcheting mechanism, making it difficult to remove.

This incredibly simple yet handy device shines for range shooters wanting a quieter, more comfortable experience without a suppressor’s cost or paperwork. At roughly 1/10th the price of a suppressor, it’s ideal for indoor ranges, covered ranges, or carbine classes, where it adds courtesy next to suppressed rifles. However, this usefulness is much more limited in more confined spaces like completely enclosed ranges, especially short ones. The only real downsides are the added weight and heat buildup during rapid fire, but Strike’s solid design keeps these minor. It’s advertised for Military and Law Enforcement use, and agencies with A2-equipped armories might find it a cheap retrofit, but its tactical use is limited by the fact that most agencies and civilians, for that matter, have much easier access to genuine suppressors in this day and age for those types of shooting applications.

Final Thoughts

The Strike A2 Blast Shield isn’t a must-have for every rifle, but it’s a keeper for specific scenarios, in my case. I’d toss one in my range bag for indoor ranges, covered ranges, or two- and three-gun matches, where it cuts down the overall noise your rifle produces and I can’t emphasize enough how much this makes for a better shooting experience for you and others on the line with you at covered outdoor ranges. For carbine class shooters or anyone with an A2-equipped rifle looking to dial down noise affordably, it’s a smart pick and one that is only $100, so it's pretty easy to justify for the convenience. Easy to install, reliable, and budget-friendly, the A2 Blast Shield delivers exactly what it promises and nothing more.

Strike A2 Blast Shield Pros and Cons

• Solid blast reduction for the shooter and nearby shooters, easing perceived noise.
  
• Quick, tool-free install on any A2 birdcage muzzle device.
  
• Secure fork-locking system, stays tight even under heavy fire.
  
• Maintains A2 birdcage’s flash suppression and recoil control.
  
• Cuts dust and debris in prone or unconventional shooting positions.
  
• Tough build backed by Strike Industries’ design expertise.
  

• Adds slight muzzle weight, which may affect barrel harmonics.
  
• Gets hot during rapid fire, so handle it carefully.
  
• Not in any way, shape or form a suppressor.