Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one
embodiment, a suppressor apparatus includes an attachment portion adapted
to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the
attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore
therethrough that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of
the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass
therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface
having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion
groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor
bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another
embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a
plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a
circumference of the suppressor bore, each elongated member being
separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at
least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.