AR Muzzle Brakes

[cjclemens]

I finally received the upper I ordered for my DCM rifle build that I started back in November.  This morning I started doing some research on muzzle devices, and I'm still undecided on what I want to use.  My first thought was to go with a Miculek style compensator to lower recoil and muzzle climb, but the more I read and the more I thought about it, the less sure I was of my decision.  First of all, AR's in 5.56 or .223 really dont kick that much, anyway.  Plus, those side-ported compensators really increase the bark of the rifle for the operator and all those around (especially the guy next to you on the bench or firing line).  Next, I came across a Levang Linear compensator.  Those seem to be popular, because they direct the muzzle blast forward.  For a hunting rifle, that would be great, because you can pop off a couple rounds without ringing your ears quite so badly.  On the other hand, it doesn't seem like it would have any recoil dampening effect.  So, my question is - What Brake/Compensator/Flash Hider do you use on your AR, and why?

[corbanzo]

Sounds like you need to avoid the norm and get a screw cap and call it good!


You are correct - .223 does not need dampening.  Anything you put on to do so is just going to increase percussion.  Flash hiders have no use in the civilian market - they just increase percussion.


The only reason people are so crazy about muzzle appointments on AR's in the first place is because they come threaded with a suppressor standard.  You don't see suppressed .223's on any other platform....


You mentioned hunting - get a cap.  That simple.  I have two AR's.  My regular carbine has the standard flash suppressor it came with.... for not one single reason except that it was already there, and I have no need to put anything else on it.  Just use it for plinking.  My other is my hunting rig that is set up with a non-threaded barrel.  You really don't notice the difference between the two.


We bought a buddy of mine a RRA with their compensating deal on it.... not a damn difference from my standard A2 flash hider.


Do what the kids do, get what looks coolest! 


But honestly... for anything hunting... get a screw cap. 


http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/muzzle-parts/thread-protectors/ar-15-m16-thread-protector-prod27073.aspx


http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/muzzle-parts/thread-protectors/ar-15-m16-thread-protector-prod27073.aspx

[mcwoodduck]

At first I did not like the break that came on my Armalite.  It was lound and often blew the hats off pople standing next to me on the firing line.
After shooting a few matches and others asking how come my rifle was so fast on second shots and trading around guns I realized it was very effective.  The loud and the back blast did not seem bad after that.
Later we mated my upper to a Full Auto M4 lower a Deputy had on the range and with his M4 we could get 3 to 5 rounds on a 20" square plate at 100 yards.  With my upper and the break we were getting whole mags on target. 

[drdougrx]

I'm with Corbanzo on this.  I have or will have 4 ARs, a couple 223s, a 6.8 and hopefully, a 458SOCOM.  All for hunting and not for games, so...I'm for using a cap.  If you are interesting in playing games with it...McWood is right on.

[cjclemens]

I was thinking about using this one for shooting an occasional CMP match. I'm not sure if that classifies as playing games. My other AR only gets used for coyote hunting, so I was thinking about putting the Levang Linear comp on it, or maybe a cap if they make one that doesn't look too bad...

[corbanzo]

Sounds like you need what you think looks coolest. 

[drdougrx]

Tacticool is completely acceptable!!!!  Do what makes you happy!

[SharonAnne]

for CMP the only "Brake" (not 'break') allowed is most likely the A1 or A2 military type muzzle devices. Check the CMP rule book before you put the money into something different only to show up at a CMP match and find out your rifle is not legal because of your muzzle device.

[cjclemens]

The only thing I could find in the CMP rule book says

"The flash suppressor and bayonet lug may be removed or the rifle may be manufactured without a flash suppressor or bayonet lug. A vented barrel extension may be attached. Barrel length may not exceed 20 inches, as measured to the end of the rifling in the barrel."

I'm not sure what they mean by "vented barrel extension."

[SharonAnne]

they mean the A1 and A2 flash suppressor/muzzle brake as used by the military.

[mcwoodduck]

they mean the A1 and A2 flash suppressor/muzzle brake as used by the military.

Is the A1 a flash supressor or is it a muzzle brake. 
Flash supressor, makes it easier not to loose your night vision when shooting,
A muzzle brake redirects the exiting gases to move the muzzle opposite that of physics.
Now I understand theyre are some combo units that do both but I thought they military one was primary a flash hider. 

[jmayton]

My Colt M4 wears an A2 flash hider 99% of the time.  There's really no need for a brake during any hunting or defensive (not that I've used it for that) situation.  But, if I'm competing (3-gun or carbine) I put a Miculek-style brake on there.  The difference is in speed of follow-up shots.  For double taps and especially Mozambiques I am much faster.  The is enough muzzle jump with an M4 to take you just off target enough to slow you down.  With the Miculek, all I see through the optic is a little jiggle with each shot.  It's basically a bit of vibration and I can simply pull the trigger twice once I'm on target.  For competition they're great, but I don't see a need otherwise.

[SharonAnne]

mcduck, the military considers the A1 to be a flash suppressor. The A2 has a closed bottom and the USMC manual refers to it a a muzzle brake. I shall defer to the USMC.

[mcwoodduck]

OK I have not shot one of the USMC style with the closed bottom.  Can not tell.  But I too will agree with them.  Thanks for the information. 
But as soon as the crazy buying is over and I can get some lower parts to build up a reciever I have I will be ordering another Armalite complete upper with the same noise maker on the end as my 20" only in 16" flat top and add flip up sights and a red dot,  But I digress with my dreams of finishing my project.   

[SharonAnne]

I too have dreams of finishing projects but for lack of parts.  I have 2 bare lowers and 2 bare flat tops just waiting to be completed.

The project that will eventually become my 3-gun AR will wear an EGW 4 chamber 8 side port comp.

[Graybeard]

Let's bring this one back up and see if folks might want to talk more about it.