huntsman22
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the only 'muzzle device' worth putting on, is a suppressor.....
Muzzle Device
- Thread starter Pubtym
- Start date
Kp321
Member
As far as the 41, pistols are a different animal and a brake will make a difference in muzzle rise.
Muzzle Brake Vs Compensator
Muzzle Brake vs Compensator: What’s the Difference?
One of the topics we see come up repeatedly on forums, and among firearms enthusiasts in general, is the difference between muzzle brakes and compensators (and flash hiders, to a lesser extent).
To help put this one to bed once and for all, we’re going to take a look at what makes these muzzle devices different and go over everything you need to know to decide which one belongs on your gun.
We’ll start with what exactly a muzzle brake and compensator are, how they’re different, and how to choose, and then we’ll touch briefly on some other types of muzzle devices to consider before we wrap up.
Let’s start with…
What Is a Muzzle Brake?
A muzzle brake is a device that is designed to be attached to the muzzle (barrel opening) of a firearm in order to redirect the expelled gasses when a round is fired. These hot gasses are directed sideways and slightly to the rear to improve recoil reduction and decrease muzzle movement.
Originally, these devices were most common on rifles firing large, heavy-hitting calibers like .50 BMG and others that would otherwise be a bit rough on a shooter’s shoulder. These days you can find them on a variety of firearms, including pistols, shotguns, and automatic weapons.
Less recoil allows for faster follow-up shots by the shooter, and even the hardiest and most experienced of shooters will appreciate less of a beating on their shoulder during long strings of fire or when firing a hefty round such as a magnum rifle cartridge or 3.5” shot shells.
Brakes are intended primarily to redirect the muzzle blast and propellant gases to the side, which also helps to eliminate or at least dissipate some of the downward escaping gases.
The downside of this more side blast, which can be very loud and even painful indoors.
We’ll talk more about dealing with this later on and how a compensator might compare, but just be aware that a muzzle brake might improve recoil control, but all that energy still has to go somewhere.
You won’t make many friends in an indoor range or in the prone position on a group firing line with a muzzle brake as the people next to you will bear the brunt of that blast in terms of noise and concussive force. That said, if you’re shooting in the open or by yourself, the reduction of felt recoil can definitely be worth it.
Lastly, some muzzle brakes are externally threaded or cut for a quick-detach system so that you can quickly and easily mount a compatible suppressor (which we’ll discuss later) to the brake. This keeps you from having to remove your brake in order to swap to a suppressor and allows you to quickly install or remove your suppressor with minimal tools.
What Is a Compensator?
A compensator works very similarly to a muzzle brake, except that it redirects the escaping gases to help eliminate the upward recoil impulse, which we call muzzle rise or muzzle climb.
This is especially beneficial under rapid semi-auto or fully automatic fire as it helps to keep the firearm on target and means less reticle movement. That’s why you see many pistol and rifle competition shooters utilizing compensators.
When you’re trying to send many rounds downrange quickly and accurately, a compensator is really what you’re looking for in most cases. By directing combustion gases upwards, the rifle is effectively controlling for vertical recoil on its own, as well as minimizing horizontal recoil as well.
Some compensators can even be tuned by the shooter in order to perfectly counteract the upward recoil impulse of a particular rifle and round combination. This is great for anyone who often shoots multiple types of ammo, such as one round for training and one for competition or self-defense.
Finally, like muzzle brakes, many compensators are also externally threaded or channeled so that you can attach a suppressor directly to them, giving you the option to quickly install or remove a suppressor in the field depending on your needs.
Muzzle Brake vs Compensator: What’s the Difference?
One of the topics we see come up repeatedly on forums, and among firearms enthusiasts in general, is the difference between muzzle brakes and compensators (and flash hiders, to a lesser extent).
To help put this one to bed once and for all, we’re going to take a look at what makes these muzzle devices different and go over everything you need to know to decide which one belongs on your gun.
We’ll start with what exactly a muzzle brake and compensator are, how they’re different, and how to choose, and then we’ll touch briefly on some other types of muzzle devices to consider before we wrap up.
Let’s start with…
What Is a Muzzle Brake?
A muzzle brake is a device that is designed to be attached to the muzzle (barrel opening) of a firearm in order to redirect the expelled gasses when a round is fired. These hot gasses are directed sideways and slightly to the rear to improve recoil reduction and decrease muzzle movement.
Originally, these devices were most common on rifles firing large, heavy-hitting calibers like .50 BMG and others that would otherwise be a bit rough on a shooter’s shoulder. These days you can find them on a variety of firearms, including pistols, shotguns, and automatic weapons.
Less recoil allows for faster follow-up shots by the shooter, and even the hardiest and most experienced of shooters will appreciate less of a beating on their shoulder during long strings of fire or when firing a hefty round such as a magnum rifle cartridge or 3.5” shot shells.
Brakes are intended primarily to redirect the muzzle blast and propellant gases to the side, which also helps to eliminate or at least dissipate some of the downward escaping gases.
The downside of this more side blast, which can be very loud and even painful indoors.
We’ll talk more about dealing with this later on and how a compensator might compare, but just be aware that a muzzle brake might improve recoil control, but all that energy still has to go somewhere.
You won’t make many friends in an indoor range or in the prone position on a group firing line with a muzzle brake as the people next to you will bear the brunt of that blast in terms of noise and concussive force. That said, if you’re shooting in the open or by yourself, the reduction of felt recoil can definitely be worth it.
Lastly, some muzzle brakes are externally threaded or cut for a quick-detach system so that you can quickly and easily mount a compatible suppressor (which we’ll discuss later) to the brake. This keeps you from having to remove your brake in order to swap to a suppressor and allows you to quickly install or remove your suppressor with minimal tools.
What Is a Compensator?
A compensator works very similarly to a muzzle brake, except that it redirects the escaping gases to help eliminate the upward recoil impulse, which we call muzzle rise or muzzle climb.
This is especially beneficial under rapid semi-auto or fully automatic fire as it helps to keep the firearm on target and means less reticle movement. That’s why you see many pistol and rifle competition shooters utilizing compensators.
When you’re trying to send many rounds downrange quickly and accurately, a compensator is really what you’re looking for in most cases. By directing combustion gases upwards, the rifle is effectively controlling for vertical recoil on its own, as well as minimizing horizontal recoil as well.
Some compensators can even be tuned by the shooter in order to perfectly counteract the upward recoil impulse of a particular rifle and round combination. This is great for anyone who often shoots multiple types of ammo, such as one round for training and one for competition or self-defense.
Finally, like muzzle brakes, many compensators are also externally threaded or channeled so that you can attach a suppressor directly to them, giving you the option to quickly install or remove a suppressor in the field depending on your needs.
Years ago, I had the opportunity to visit with a gentleman who made adjustable brakes specifically for 22 bench rest shooters. His list of clients spoke to the effectiveness of his product. Bench rest shooters go to great lengths to shrink group sizes, even if they can only gain a few .001 of an inch. The manufacturer of the device said it was used to tune the harmonics of the barrel and that was where accuracy was gained. As alluded to above, such small improvements are of very questionable value on a M&P 15-22. Having a pair of HK-417's, both rifle and pistol, I opted to put suppressors on both and they are a hoot to shoot! To borrow some lyrics from the Lovin' Spoonful, "it'll start with a smile that won't wipe off your face no matter how hard you try".
In full disclosure, a suppressor is far more expensive and trouble to procure than a muzzle brake, but can be easily swapped out with other threaded .22's and provides a 'cool' factor no brake can match.
Regarding the Model 41's muzzle brake, as I stated in another post, Gil Hebard did testing that proved that particular set up was NOT conducive to best accuracy, showing the gun shot better without the device than it did with it. Possibly because the device provided no manner of 'tuning' and was a simple brake. Serious shooters of the Model 41 must have agreed as it was quickly abandoned and S&W eventually discontinued the device.
In full disclosure, a suppressor is far more expensive and trouble to procure than a muzzle brake, but can be easily swapped out with other threaded .22's and provides a 'cool' factor no brake can match.
Regarding the Model 41's muzzle brake, as I stated in another post, Gil Hebard did testing that proved that particular set up was NOT conducive to best accuracy, showing the gun shot better without the device than it did with it. Possibly because the device provided no manner of 'tuning' and was a simple brake. Serious shooters of the Model 41 must have agreed as it was quickly abandoned and S&W eventually discontinued the device.
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I shoot mine "bench rest"...
I have compensators on three of my 22lr riles for target shooting an four compensators on the four of my 22Lr semi-auto pistols for target shooting. For me, they improve the shootability of the pistols and rifles. Until you try a compensator, you can't personally feel and see the improvements.
Dad had one on his early 41 when he shot on the Dept Pistol Team back in the 60s. All I can say is he shot "Master Class" >640 out of 700 out to 50 yds. He shot both centerfire .38, with his own reloads, and rimfire.
I still have his 41 w/ the muzzle break
I still have his 41 w/ the muzzle break
While I have little interest in, and less knowledge of muzzle brakes, I know of what is very likely the best---and if it isn't the best, it's still damned impressive!
On the one hand, I'm inclined to doubt they make one for this installation; but I have no doubt whatsoever they can do so.
Google HU-DU Muzzle Brakes. Watch their videos. Be amazed!!
Ralph Tremaine
Oh---and while I also don't know where S&W's new digs are in the Maryville area, Southern Precision (the HU-DU folks) are close by.
On the one hand, I'm inclined to doubt they make one for this installation; but I have no doubt whatsoever they can do so.
Google HU-DU Muzzle Brakes. Watch their videos. Be amazed!!
Ralph Tremaine
Oh---and while I also don't know where S&W's new digs are in the Maryville area, Southern Precision (the HU-DU folks) are close by.
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Having now gone back, and read all of this in an effort to get educated as respects the benefit of a muzzle brake on a .22 rifle (as opposed to a pistol used in timed and rapid fire---where I can see benefit), I'm struck by the similarity to fishing tackle.
I reckon most folks, if asked, will tell you fishing tackle is made to catch fish. Some, perhaps a bit more thoughtful, might tell you fishing tackle is made to sell to fishermen (and fisherwomen too).
That said, our colleague has ordered a muzzle brake; so we'll soon see what's what-----or not, as the case may be.
Ralph Tremaine
I reckon most folks, if asked, will tell you fishing tackle is made to catch fish. Some, perhaps a bit more thoughtful, might tell you fishing tackle is made to sell to fishermen (and fisherwomen too).
That said, our colleague has ordered a muzzle brake; so we'll soon see what's what-----or not, as the case may be.
Ralph Tremaine
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
Another question might be, "why a flash suppressor on a .22"?
Have never noticed much flash from .22LR. Now, .22MRF is another thing, at least from a handgun.
If you put a compensator/muzzle brake on a .22LR, make sure it's designed for the caliber. One made for something like a centerfire .22 probably has ports too large for the amount of gas developed.
Repeater
Member
Well, we're talking 15-22 here, aren't we?
Given the weight of the 15-22 a Muzzle Brake is purely aesthetic... the rifle weighs 5.5 pounds. It won't really do anything...the rifle weight alone is enough to negate muzzle rise in a .22LR weapon.
Flash hider? Also purely aesthetic... it has a 16" barrel. Flash is going to be minimal at best.
That being said...
Given the weight of the 15-22 a Muzzle Brake is purely aesthetic... the rifle weighs 5.5 pounds. It won't really do anything...the rifle weight alone is enough to negate muzzle rise in a .22LR weapon.
Flash hider? Also purely aesthetic... it has a 16" barrel. Flash is going to be minimal at best.
That being said...
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Compensator
Replace the OE Flash Hider with the Compensator. Shoot it. If you find it more fun to shoot...and maybe find if it slightly improves your shooting, you won!
If not package it up and return it for refund.
You can buy an inexpensive ($20) Compensator on Ebay.
Replace the OE Flash Hider with the Compensator. Shoot it. If you find it more fun to shoot...and maybe find if it slightly improves your shooting, you won! If not package it up and return it for refund.
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MWC2068
Member
I have noticed that not much mention of Steel Challenge competition, the standard flash hider on a 16 in. barrel is pretty quiet. By swapping out the factor flash hider with a compensator or muzzle break helps the shot timers pick up the sound better so you don't have as many reshoots because of not picking up the correct time. I know that there have been some advancements in the types of shot timers out there right now but they are pricey and a long wait time to get one. I have found that it has little effect on accuracy in this game as we are shooting minute of steel to go fast. so they have some different uses that all may not be participating in.
