Shims vs. Timing Washers

When installing a muzzle brake, compensator, flash hider, or suppressor mount, simply threading the device onto the barrel may not leave it in the correct orientation. Depending on the design, the muzzle device may need to be rotated to a specific position before it is properly installed. This process is known as muzzle device timing.

Traditionally, shooters and gunsmiths have used individual shims or timing washers to make these small adjustments. While this method can work, it may require sorting through multiple pieces and experimenting with different combinations.

So, what is the difference between muzzle device timing shims and timing washers, and is there an easier option?

Heresy Design developed the S.T.D. Silencer Timing Device as an alternative to traditional multi-piece shim stacks, using three purpose-designed washers to simplify the timing process.

What Is Muzzle Device Timing?

Muzzle device timing is the process of adjusting the rotational position of a muzzle device so that it reaches the desired orientation when installed on a threaded barrel.

When a muzzle device is threaded onto a barrel, the threads determine where it naturally stops as it is tightened. That stopping point does not always correspond with the orientation the manufacturer intends.

For example, a muzzle brake may have ports that need to face a particular direction. A suppressor mount or other muzzle device may also have specific orientation requirements.

Timing components are installed between the barrel shoulder and muzzle device to make small adjustments to where the device stops.

The goal is to achieve the appropriate orientation while following the manufacturer’s installation and torque specifications.

Why Does Muzzle Device Timing Matter?

Proper timing is important when a muzzle device has an orientation-dependent design.

A muzzle brake, compensator, flash hider, or suppressor mount may be designed to function with specific features facing a particular direction. If the device stops short of or beyond the intended position, it may not be configured as designed.

Timing is also an important consideration for suppressor setups because the muzzle device and mounting system need to be properly installed and aligned.

Any suppressor installation should follow the suppressor and muzzle-device manufacturer’s instructions, and alignment should be verified before firing. Heresy Design specifically recommends verifying suppressor concentricity with an appropriate alignment rod.

What Are Muzzle Device Timing Shims?

Timing shims are thin pieces of material that fit between the barrel shoulder and muzzle device.

Different shim thicknesses allow the installer to adjust how far the muzzle device travels onto the barrel threads before reaching its final position.

Traditional shim kits may contain multiple individual shims in different thicknesses. The installer can combine different shims to achieve the desired timing.

Advantages of Traditional Shims

Traditional shims have been used for muzzle device installation for a long time and can provide a precise way to adjust timing.

Some advantages include:

• Multiple thickness options
• Fine adjustment capabilities
• Widely available
• Compatible with many muzzle devices
• Familiar installation method for gunsmiths

However, there is a tradeoff: more individual pieces can mean more trial and error.

What Are Timing Washers?

Timing washers perform a similar basic function but can be designed as a more integrated timing system.

Rather than relying on a collection of individually selected shims, a timing washer system can use purpose-designed washers with specific thicknesses and configurations to control the final position of the muzzle device.

The concept is straightforward: the washer system changes the spacing between the barrel shoulder and muzzle device, allowing the installer to control the final rotational position.

This is the approach used by the Heresy Design S.T.D.

Muzzle Device Timing Shims vs. Timing Washers

The biggest difference isn’t necessarily what the components accomplish. Both are designed to help control the final position of a muzzle device.

The difference is how the timing system is configured and used.

Traditional Shim Stack

A traditional timing setup may involve:

• Multiple individual shims
• Several thickness options
• Testing different combinations
• Removing and reinstalling the muzzle device
• Finding the combination that produces the desired orientation

This approach can work well, but it may take some trial and error.

Purpose-Built Timing Washers

A dedicated timing washer system can reduce the number of individual components involved.

The Heresy Design S.T.D., for example, uses a three-washer configuration designed specifically for muzzle device timing. The system provides different stack configurations to adjust the final position of the muzzle device.

The result is a more streamlined alternative to traditional 6–10-piece shim sets.

The Problem With Traditional Shim Stacks

Traditional shims aren’t inherently bad. They can be an effective way to time a muzzle device when used correctly.

The potential drawback is convenience.

If you’re working with a large collection of thin shims, finding the appropriate combination can involve:

1. Selecting a starting combination.
2. Installing the muzzle device.
3. Checking the orientation.
4. Removing the device if the timing isn’t correct.
5. Changing the shim combination.
6. Reinstalling the muzzle device.
7. Rechecking the orientation.

Depending on the specific setup, this process can become tedious.

That’s the problem Heresy Design set out to address with the S.T.D.

Meet the Heresy Design S.T.D. Silencer Timing Device

The Heresy Design S.T.D. Silencer Timing Device is a purpose-built alternative to traditional multi-piece timing shim sets.

Instead of sorting through a large assortment of individual shims, the S.T.D. uses three precision washers designed to work together as a timing system.

Heresy Design states that the system can be installed in under 60 seconds once the user is familiar with the process.

The S.T.D. is available in configurations for compatible 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch threaded barrels, giving shooters options for different setups.

Three Washers Instead of a Large Shim Stack

One of the biggest differences between the S.T.D. and a traditional shim kit is the number of components.

Traditional timing systems can use six to ten individual shims. The S.T.D. uses three purpose-designed washers.

The system’s washers can be configured to provide different stack heights, allowing the user to adjust the final orientation of a compatible muzzle device.

For the 5/8-inch version, Heresy Design lists two primary configurations:

• Approximately 0.2175-inch washer stack height
• Approximately 0.20-inch washer stack height

This gives the installer a straightforward way to make the necessary timing adjustment without sorting through numerous individual shims.

S.T.D. for 1/2-Inch and 5/8-Inch Threads

Thread compatibility is one of the most important considerations when selecting a muzzle device timing system.

Heresy Design offers the S.T.D. in both 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch configurations.

The 1/2-inch version is designed for compatible 1/2-inch threaded barrels and is manufactured from 12L14/4140 steel with a black oxide finish.

The 5/8-inch version is designed for compatible 5/8-inch threaded barrels and uses the same 12L14/4140 material and black oxide finish.

Always verify the exact thread specification of your barrel and the compatibility of the muzzle device before installation.

Can the S.T.D. Be Used With Direct-Thread Suppressors?

One feature that makes the S.T.D. different from a traditional timing shim set is that it can also be used in compatible direct-thread suppressor applications.

According to Heresy Design, the washer configuration can provide tension intended to help resist suppressor walk-off. For direct-thread applications, users should follow the suppressor manufacturer’s specific installation and torque requirements.

This gives the S.T.D. an application beyond simply timing muzzle brakes, compensators, flash hiders, and suppressor mounts.

Is a Timing Washer Better Than Shims?

There isn’t necessarily one universal answer.

Traditional shims can be an effective solution when properly selected and installed. They offer multiple thickness options and allow for very fine adjustments.

However, a purpose-built timing washer system can be more convenient for shooters who want fewer individual components and a more straightforward installation process.

The choice ultimately comes down to the specific muzzle device, barrel, installation requirements, and the installer’s preferred method.

For shooters who want an alternative to traditional shim stacks, the S.T.D. provides a purpose-built option.

Benefits of the Heresy Design S.T.D.

The S.T.D. is designed around simplifying the timing process.

Three-Washer Design

Instead of sorting through a large collection of individual shims, the S.T.D. uses three purpose-designed washers.

Faster Installation

Heresy Design states that the S.T.D. can be installed in under 60 seconds once the process is familiar.

1/2-Inch and 5/8-Inch Options

The S.T.D. is available for compatible 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch threaded barrels.

Durable Construction

The S.T.D. is manufactured from 12L14/4140 steel and finished with black oxide.

Multiple Applications

The system is designed for compatible muzzle devices and suppressor mounts and can also be used for retaining compatible direct-thread silencers.

What Should You Check Before Timing a Muzzle Device?

Before installing any timing system, verify the complete setup.

Check:

• Barrel thread specification
• Muzzle device compatibility
• Suppressor or suppressor-mount compatibility
• Barrel shoulder condition
• Thread condition
• Manufacturer torque specifications
• Required timing orientation
• Suppressor bore and muzzle-device alignment to avoid baffle strikes

Don’t assume that a timing device is universally compatible simply because the nominal thread size matches.

For suppressor applications, proper alignment is especially important. The barrel, muzzle device, mounting system, and suppressor need to be compatible, and alignment should be verified before firing.

S.T.D. vs. Traditional Timing Shims: Which Should You Choose?

If you already have a traditional shim kit and are comfortable using it, shims can remain a viable option for compatible muzzle-device installations.

However, if you want to simplify the process, the Heresy Design S.T.D. is worth considering for long term suppressor maintenance and use.

Its three-washer design reduces the number of individual components compared with traditional multi-piece shim sets while providing a dedicated system for controlling muzzle-device timing.

For gunsmiths, firearm builders, and shooters who regularly install muzzle devices, reducing the amount of trial and error can be particularly useful.

Simplify Muzzle Device Timing With the Heresy Design S.T.D.

Muzzle device timing doesn’t have to involve sorting through a pile of individual shims every time you install a muzzle brake, compensator, flash hider, or suppressor mount.

Traditional timing shims can work, but they may require multiple pieces and some trial and error to achieve the desired orientation.

The Heresy Design S.T.D. Silencer Timing Device takes a different approach with a three-washer system designed specifically to simplify muzzle device timing.

Available for compatible 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch threaded barrels, the S.T.D. provides a compact alternative to traditional shim stacks while also offering applications for compatible direct-thread suppressors.

If you’re looking for a simpler way to approach muzzle device timing, check out the Heresy Design S.T.D. Silencer Timing Device and find the configuration that matches your setup.

Always verify compatibility and follow the installation, torque, and alignment instructions provided by the manufacturers of your barrel, muzzle device, suppressor, and timing system.

Final Thoughts

The difference between muzzle device timing shims and timing washers comes down largely to how the timing system is configured.

Traditional shims use individual pieces of different thicknesses that can be combined to achieve the desired orientation. Timing washer systems can provide a more purpose-built approach with fewer components.

The Heresy Design S.T.D. combines three purpose-designed washers into a dedicated timing system intended to make the process faster and more straightforward.

For shooters who want an alternative to traditional 6–10-piece shim sets, the S.T.D. offers a simple, compact solution for compatible muzzle-device and suppressor setups.

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