We're back to writing about Muzzle Flash Devices today. It is just ironic that much research is being put into minimizing muzzle flash signatures in real steel guns; but for airsoft, we welcome such feature, no matter if these reveal positions of airsoft shooters. In our quest for the realism in our airsoft guns, we welcome recoil, muzzle climb, blowback, and muzzle flash. These are gun characteristics that gun designers want to eliminate.

Muzzle Flash Devices are now back in the airsoft market in electronic form. The more known one is the Venom MFG (Muzzle Flash Generator) made by UK-based Incentive Designs. We have reviewed this device and actually been impressed by it.  But soon, it will face competition from another Muzzle Flash Device designed in the birthplace of airsoft, Japan.

Called the "Quogar/Cougar" and made by Qaraqorum/Karakorum, it works on the same principle as the Venom MFG as it uses LED lights to simulate Muzzle Flash with a sensor that activates the lights when a BB is fired. The Cougar looks similar to the Noveske KX3 Fire Pig Sound Amplifier which in airsoft is being produced by MadBull Airsoft.

The LED lights in the Venom MFG  are more recessed as compared to the Cougar. When you fire the AEG with a Cougar installed, the Muzzle Flash effect also looks nice to see on camera under low light conditions. We wonder if this works well in daylight as the Venom MFG actually does work well under sunlight, the flash being visible.

An unintended effect of these Muzzle Flash Devices is the gun smoke effect when installed on Gas Blowback airsoft guns. This is an effect seen with the Venom MFG, and remains to be seen if the Cougar can do the same as it was designed with AEGs in mind.

For now, Incentive Designs do not have to worry about the competition as Cougar is not yet commercially available. Karakorum are expecting it to be available in Spring with no pricing announced yet and if they are going to sell it outside of Japan. Still, it’s nice to see options in Muzzle Flash Devices/Generators in the airsoft market, giving us airsoft players more choices.