I was wondering about the orientation of the compensator/flash hiders on the PC 500 and 460 magnums.

These are the cylindrical units with slots all around.

At first glance, these are not compensators at all, because the gas shoots out in all directions. That is why I think they may be more flash hiders than compensators.

The correct orientation of the compensators also has me puzzled. I sent my new 500 PC back for a variety of problems, one of which was the compensator that I thought was incorrectly aligned with the barrel.

After looking closely at the 2010 S&W catalog, it looks like there is no consistency at all-the compensators on the guns pictured have their slots aligned seemingly at random.

What do you think?

Are these really compensators?

Should the slots be aligned in any consistent way with the barrel?


Thanks!

Bob

I am surprised that nobody has answered this.

here is a pic of the misaligment that I am talking about:

[IMG][/IMG]

Again, the guns in the S&W catalog have their slots aligned all over the place, so maybe this is "normal". It still bugs me.

This "compensator" is also the nut that holds on the barrel shroud, right?

Thanks again.

Bob

yes...they are true compensators. Since they are designed to release gases evenly over 360 degrees around the barrel I don't know how other than cosmetic, what difference their orientation matters. I assume when you get the gun back from S&W they will have answered your question.......if you cannot wait til then, I'm sure you could contact them for a clarification.

Bob, I noticed this same thing sometime ago after I removed my shroud and barrel from my P.C. 460.
Once I had set the barrel/cylinder gap at .0003 and loctited it into plece,
the shroud and nut/compensator went back on in a different position.

Aside from not lining up cosmetically I've seen no difference in
performance.
I personally don't care hpw it looks as long as it shoots. And boy-howdy
does it shoot.
I only use 460 ammunition in it as I do not like the ring left by
454 Casull ammo. And I have N frames in 45 Colt to shoot 45 Colt
rounds to my hearts content.

With the pressures generated by the 460 Magnum I have no doubt
that the compensator acts as just that, and stabilizes the
muzzle when firing these hand held howitzers.











Good luck with yours.
Regards
Allen Frame

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

That 460 with the MOP grips must be a real treat to shoot with full loads!!