Muzzle brake vs compensator – which is better for your AR-15 build? What you choose depends on what you want to eliminate between felt recoil or your rifle's vertical movement.
Here is a list of the top muzzle brakes and compensators in the market to narrow down your choices.
RELATED: What Does a Muzzle Brake Do?
Muzzle Brake vs Compensator
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Muzzle Brake vs Compensator: What Are These Muzzle Devices
Muzzle Brake
This muzzle device is designed to significantly reduce the felt recoil in AR-15. A muzzle brake does this by redirecting part of the gases propelled during firing to combat recoil. These propelled gases are then directed upward to the sides or backward to minimize recoil.
The brake is, however, extremely loud, requiring one to wear earplugs. Muzzle brakes come in all shapes and sizes, some of which allow you to adjust where the gases are redirected, giving you a personalized block to suit your needs.
Pros:
- May reduce the muzzle rise on your rifle
- Significantly lightens felt recoil impulse
Cons:
- Might be pricey
- Results in a loud concussive effect
Compensator
On the other hand, these are designed to redirect expelled hot gases to reduce the muzzle movement that occurs when you fire your AR-15 rifle. By doing this, a compensator significantly reduces muzzle rise and may help mitigate felt recoil.
Pros:
- May dull out recoil impulse
- Significantly reduces muzzle movement
- Allows quicker follow up shots
Cons:
- It is quite loud
- Might be highly-priced
Muzzle Brake vs Compensator
Muzzle brakes are used to dampen a gun’s recoil by using the released gas that propels the bullet out from firing to reduce the kickback. These devices essentially operate under Newton's third law.
This is done by rerouting the expelled gasses through its vents either sideways or upwards.
Compensators, on the other hand, reroute expelled hot gasses to achieve less linear movement.
This reduced jump or linear movement enables you to stay on target for accurate and fast follow-up shots.
Best AR 15 Muzzle Brake
1. Nero 556 Muzzle Brake
The Nero 556 is a compensating muzzle brake designed to transform the recoil impulse on an AR-15 into a soft backward push without any muzzle climb. Since it is a 3D print of the superalloy Inconel, you can count on this hybrid muzzle brake and compensator to offer you superior speed and controllability in a competition or combat situation.
This is in addition to minimizing muzzle climb, reducing recoil, and managing any felt concussions associated with traditional muzzle brakes. Due to the muzzle brake’s performance, it is advised to resist the urge to pull down your rifle in anticipation of muzzle rise. Go with a firm and neutral grip during firing.
Specifications:
- Compatible with IWI Tavor|AR-15 in 5.56mm
- 1/2×28 threads
- Calibers include .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm NATO, and .224 Valkyrie.
- Approximately 2.6 inches overall length
- Pre-drilled hole for welding and pinning to a 14.5-inch barrel
- Includes one crush washer
Note:
- The muzzle brake has a shot volume of 117.6dB
- Has a downward moving reticle
- Visible side blast
2. VG6 Gamma Muzzle Brake
The standard for recoil management doesn’t get better than the VG6 Gamma muzzle brake. This muzzle brake and compensator hybrid is designed to eliminate recoil while minimizing muzzle movement. This unique compensating and braking combination will inspire confidence in any shooter by allowing you to make quick follow-up shots.
This guarantees an extra soft feel to your shoulder, and it is also partly thanks to tested gas port dimensions for the ultimate muzzle control.
Specifications:
- Black Nitride finish
- The overall weight is 2.1 ounces
- 1.75-inches in length
- Compatible with 5.56mm/.223 Remington/.224 Valkyrie only
- 1/2×28 RH thread
Note:
- Has a 116dB shot volume
- Produces a downward reticle movement
3. Strike Industries J-Comp Gen2 Muzzle Brake
As the name suggests, the SI J-COMP Gen2 is a reinvention of the classic Type 89 to match the 21st century. Even so, this re-engineered version still retained most of your favorite features from the original. Some of the new modifications include availability in .308/7.62x51mm, 7.62x39mm, and 5.56×45/.223 in addition to increased muzzle rise compensation. What’s more, it is now compatible with blast reduction devices like FerFrans and Oppressor.
Specifications:
- Manganese Phosphate finish
- 1/2 X 28 thread pattern
- 3.6 ounces in weight
- 2.55-inches in length
- 0.26-inches inner diameter
Note:
- It produces an upward reticle movement
- Has a 118.8dB shot volume
- High side blast
RELATED: 3 Top Modern Muzzleloading Rifles
4. Battlecomp 1.0 Muzzle Brake
This multi-purpose compensator by BattleComp is designed to reduce muzzle climb and hence allows you to stay on target between shots, especially during rapid fire. You will also appreciate that it produces significantly less blast than most muzzle brakes and a smaller dust print when shooting prone. Lastly, the BC1.0 is designed to fit .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO chambered AR-15 rifles with 1/2 x 28 RH standard threads.
Specifications:
- Weights in at 1.7 ounces
- The overall length is 1 ¾ -inches
- Matte stainless finish
- Includes a crush washer
Note:
- Has a 117dB shot volume
- Minimal side blast
5. Ultradyne Apollo S 223 | 5.56 Muzzle Brake
The Apollo S by Ultradyne is your go-to if you are looking for a muzzle brake that offers competition standard recoil reduction and, of course, muzzle control. It has the perfect balance between maximum recoil reduction, practically minimized muzzle rise, and less venting gas blast.
The recoil event is evened out thanks to the muzzle brake’s five-port design, producing ultra smooth shots, unlike other muzzle brakes. Lastly, it comes with a timing nut for effortless installation.
Specifications:
- 2.94-inches long
- The muzzle brake weighs in at 4.4 ounces.
- 1/2-28 UNEF-2B thread
- Salt bath Nitride finish
Best AR 15 Compensator
6. Precision Armament M4-72 Severe Duty Compensator
The M4-72 Severe Duty Compensator by Precision Armament weighs in at lightweight 2.6 ounces despite being machined from heat-treated stainless steel. This, coupled with its compact and innovative triple baffle design and reverse venting mechanism, delivers an outstanding 75% recoil reduction.
What’s more, the compensator has a closed bottom construction which, when combined with the unit’s upward biased venting, satisfactorily eliminates dust signature and, of course, muzzle rise.
Besides guaranteeing superior durability, the heat-treated stainless steel of the M4-72 allows this muzzle device to withstand extreme combat heat without risking any rapid erosion. The M4-72 Severe Duty Compensator is available in a satin grey or matte black finish and requires an Accu-Washer alignment system for proper installation. It is available in two models:
The .223/5.56mm model comes with 1/2-28 threads and is designed for M4/AR15/M16/ style rifles. It delivers a maximum recoil reduction of between 73% and 75% with standard 223 Remington.
The .308/7.62mm model, on the other hand, comes with features 5/8-24 threads and is designed for any caliber from .243 Winchester up to and inclusive of the 338 Lapua Magnum. Unlike the .223/5.56mm model, this one offers a recoil reduction of 65 to 75% depending on the cartridge you’re using.
Note: The Reverse venting mechanism may lead to excessive blast on bullpup-style rifles or barrels shorter than 14.5-inches.
Specifications:
- Thread:
- 1/2×28 for the .223/5.56
- 5/8×24 for the .308/7.62
- Length:
2.250-inches or the .223/5.56 2.275-inches for the .308/7.62 - Diameter:
0.865-inches for the.223/5.56 and 0.985-inches for the .308/7.62 - Weight:
2.6ounces for the .223/5.56 and 3.1ounces for the .308/7.62
Note:
- Less than .5-inch reticle movement
- 120dB shot volume
- Sufficient side blast
7. DPMS Miculek Compensator
The DPMS Miculek Compensator comes highly recommended for obvious reasons. It is a unique muzzle device designed for .22 caliber and .223/5.56 modern rifles that feature 1/2-28 TPI thread pitch.
This AR-15 c ompensator is made from 4140 steel and weighs 3.6 ounces, including the lock nut, thanks to its two-inch overall length and ⅞-inch diameter. The unit features three large baffles paired with six side ports designed to direct muzzle gases sideways away from the shooter.
This effectively reduces muzzle rise or climb and recoil. You don’t need to stress about the venting gases throwing up when shooting prone due to a solid bottom. Lastly, this compensator comes with a lock nut for easy installation.
Specifications:
- Black finish
- 1/2 – 28 TPI muzzle thread
- 22 caliber (.223 to .224)
- 3.6ounces overall weight
- 2 inches overall length
Note:
- 117dB shot volume
- A lot of side blast
Here’s an instructographic guide. Don’t forget to download, save, or share this handy instructographic for reference:
Despite the striking resemblance, it is clear that muzzle brakes and compensators serve entirely different roles in AR-15 rifles. With that, it is essential to note that besides cost, each has its advantages and disadvantages, which you need to consider when settling for one. The best part is that hybrid models combine the best of both worlds in one, so you don't have to compromise.
Loading ...Have you tried muzzle devices on your AR-15 rifle before? What was your experience? Let us know in the comment section below!
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- How to Improve Your Shooting Experience With a Muzzle Brake
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- CZ 75 SP01 Tactical Gun Review
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