The v comp comes with the comp, and a barrel shroud or non comp piece. A supplied allen wrench makes it easy to change between the two. The comp is longer, and does help some with recoil, but you get more blast and much, much more noise with it on. I found I leave the comp off, most of the time, as I take it hunting more than plinking, now. I do like the shroud, though, as it keeps the muzzle crown protected, and gives a little more weight out front, and keeps stuff from blowing up and back, versus the comp... I suppose you could shoot it without either one in place, but I prefer not to.