A muzzle device has been a common attachment for many AR-15 rifles. It is one of the most crucial attachments especially if your AR-15 is meant for target shooting or to be used in a competition.
The core functions of a muzzle device are to reduce recoil, improve accuracy and to eliminate flash or dust. However, not all muzzle devices do the same thing. Which is why there are three types of muzzle devices. A muzzle brake, flash hider and compensator. Each of these muzzle devices serves its own purposes and some are a hybrid of two.
To be able to choose the best muzzle device for your AR-15, let’s have a look at the differences between a muzzle brake, flash hider and a compensator
| Muzzle Devices | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator | Most Recommended Option 1. Compensator | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake | 1. Muzzle Brake | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider | 1. Flash Hider 2. Hybrid muzzle device 3. Durable | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider | 1. Flash Hider 2. Decent recoil reduction 3. Eliminates almost all muzzle flash | 8.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 | 1. Compensator 2. Hybrid muzzle device 3. Durable | 8.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator | 1. Muzzle Brake 2. Good recoil reduction 3. Eliminates muzzle rise | 7.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake | 1. Muzzle Brake 2. Hybrid muzzle device 3. No recoil | 7.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex G6-A3 Flash Eliminator | 1. Flash Hider 2. Arc Helix design 3. Durable | 7.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp | 1. Compensator 2. Low snag chance 3. Easy to install | 7.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
AR 15 Muzzle Brake Review: What Are The Types?
Muzzle Brake
A muzzle brake’s core function is to reduce recoil. It is usually done by redirecting the gas produced when firing to help counter the muzzle rise. This is why the design of a muzzle brake is often slotted, vented, ported or has baffles. Those openings on the muzzle brake are used to redirect the gas to help reduce recoil.
The science behind this is pretty simple. When you fire a shot, the barrel moves upward creating what we know as recoil. With gases directed upwards, it counters this movement by exerting a downward force and thus reducing recoil.
Flash Hider
Just as the name suggests, a flash hider is meant to conceal the flash produced when firing. It is a very crucial tactical advantage during combat to hide the position of yourself, especially under low light conditions.
A flash hider is usually needed for short barrel rifles since the powder cannot be fully burned off before leaving the barrel so using a flash hider can help to reduce the muzzle flash. If you usually shoot at night or under low light conditions, a flash hider can be helpful too.
Compensator
A compensator is primarily used to reduce muzzle rise. It is usually done by redirecting gases that are produced. If you direct the gas upwards, the muzzle stays down. A compensator is almost similar to a muzzle brake where their core function is to reduce recoil and improve accuracy and shooting speed.
The difference is that a compensator’s main function is not to reduce recoil but to minimize muzzle movement. It will allow the shooter to get on to the next target quicker and to improve accuracy for follow-up shots.
The 9 Best AR Device For Accuracy in 2022 – Muzzle Brakes, Flash Hider and Compensator
1. Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator
Precision Armament is a popular brand that focuses on manufacturing top-notch gun parts. Gun parts manufactured by Precision Armament are usually meant for high-performance competition rifles. Parts like the Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator is one of its proudest products that is made to be a high performance and reliable AR-15 muzzle device.
Features
The Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator is carefully made from HTSR 400-series stainless steel bar which is a high strength material. It is also corrosion and heat resistant to protect muzzle from damages caused by high heat caused by rapid firing.
Comparing the Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator to other muzzle devices in the market, this AR-15 muzzle is considered to be a compact and lightweight muzzle device. The length of this AR-15 muzzle is only 2.25” and it is weighed at 2.6 oz only.
This AR-15 muzzle is also available in two different finishings. You can choose to go for a matte black finish that is coated with an advanced Ionbond high-temperature CrCN coating or the normal stainless steel finishing. For installation of this AR-15 muzzle, an Accu-Washer Muzzle Alignment System will be required.
Performance
The main purpose of a muzzle device is to reduce recoil and the Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator has proven to reduce recoil by up to 75%. This recoil reduction result by this AR-15 muzzle device makes it a good muzzle to be used in competition where accuracy is crucial.
A recoil reduction of up to 75% is achieved by the design of the vents of this AR-15 muzzle device. The Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator have vents that are angled backwards resulting in a reduction of recoil. The vents are also slightly angled upwards to eliminate muzzle rise.
Besides the rear venting design, this AR-15 muzzle’s bottom is enclosed. This design has resulted in a low dust signature.
On the downside, using the Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator will require you to wear proper hearing protection if you do not plan to be deaf. The shots fired with this AR-15 muzzle is as loud as 119dB which is almost as loud as car honks.
Pros
- Durable – Constructed with high-strength material and prevent damages caused by high heat.
- Good recoil reduction – Has a recoil reduction of up to 75%.
- Eliminates muzzle rise – Upwards and backwards venting design to help eliminate muzzle rise.
- Compact design – Lightweight and short, reducing snagging chances.
Cons
- Loud – May require more hearing protection.
- Slight muzzle flash increase
2. Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake
As mentioned before, Precision Armament manufactures products that result in a remarkable performance. They also implement advanced technologies to ensure that customers get the best products possible.
The Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake is surely one of those precisely engineered muzzle devices that are meant for bringing out the best performance of your AR-15. It is the highest recoil reduction muzzle that Precision Armament has ever made and definitely the highest recoil reduction muzzle device in the market.
Features
Precision Armament has implemented the Hybrid Baffle Design and the Convergent-Divergent port geometry in the making of the Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake. This has shown a groundbreaking result of up to 84% reduction in recoil.
The Convergent-Divergent port geometry has also maintained a safe 35-degree baffle angle that eliminates the blowback that the shooter might encounter. It has also provided a good bore clearance that helps to improve accuracy.
Ports of the Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake are also tunable to direct the gas away from the shooter’s line of sight. This AR-15 muzzle device also includes an integral universal timing nut that allows you to install and remove it easily without the use of any extra tools.
The Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake is made with heat-treated stainless steel and then coated with an advanced Ionbond high-temperature CrCN coating. With that, you don’t have to worry about the muzzle breaking or getting scratched.
Performance
The Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake has been carefully designed with cutting edge technology to produce a recoil reduction of up to 84%. If compared with the Precision Armament AR-15 M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator, it is almost 10% more recoil reduction.
Besides the impressive recoil reduction, the Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake is also designed in a way that ensures the shooter’s safety and improves accuracy at the same time. It has been proven that with the use of this AR-15 muzzle device, accuracy has been drastically improved.
To top it off, the tunable gas biasing eliminates the gas from disrupting the shooter’s sight, allowing them to take the next shot quicker. For shooters that worry about an increased muzzle flash, using the Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake means you do not have to worry. This AR-15 muzzle device has shown no sign of increased flash.
Despite all the good performances, there is still a minor drawback with this AR-15 muzzle. The loud noise generated with the Precision Armament AR-15 Hypertap Muzzle Brake goes up to 154dB. Be sure to wear hearing protection when you are near the person shooting with this muzzle device.
Pros
- Durable – Heat-treated stainless steel construction and high-quality scratch-proof coating.
- Best recoil reduction – Up to 84% recoil reduction, highest recoil reduction in the market.
- Easy to install/remove – Integral universal timing nut to eliminate the use of shims for a quick installation.
- Easy to clean – Open muzzle crown and exposed baffles to prevent carbon deposits.
Cons
- Dangerously loud – Without proper hearing protection, may inflict serious ear damage.
3. VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake
VG6 Precision has been operating since 2013 with a goal of producing the best muzzle devices in the industry. Its core focus is to make quality muzzle devices through innovative and effective methods.
The team of VG6 Precision demonstrates their enthusiasm and determination to be the best muzzle devices producers by putting in extra efforts after normal work hours to master the design of their products and to test and critique it to produce the best possible muzzle device that one can own.
The VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake is a great representation of VG6 Precision’s innovative products. It is a hybrid of a muzzle brake and a compensator, in other words, the VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake kills two birds with one stone.
Features
VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake is designed with advanced engineering methods that utilize Computational Fluid Dynamics and Computer-Aided Engineering. Manufacturing with such technology optimizes the performance of this AR-15 muzzle device.
The VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake is made of 17-4ph heat-treated stainless steel. It ensures that this AR-15 muzzle device can last for a long time. On top of that, it also has a black nitride finish.
This AR-15 muzzle device is extremely lightweight and compact. It is only weighed at 2.1 oz and has a length of 1.75”. The VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake is a great muzzle device that doesn’t add much weight to the front of your barrel and short enough to reduce the chances of snagging to your gears.
Performance
While the VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake is mainly used as a muzzle brake to eliminate recoil, its design with ports at the top reduces the muzzle rise making it a good compensator as well. It makes this hybrid muzzle device perform really well for both of its roles.
Its hybrid function also allows the shooter to have smooth and steady shooting experience and at the same time getting on to the next target quicker. Besides that, it has one-of-a-kind chamber geometry that doesn’t give any hard feelings in the shoulder.
A common downside of a good muzzle brake is the felt concussion. The VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake is no exception. You will feel the concussion on your face and will take you a while to get used to that feeling.
Pros
- Durable – Constructed with long-lasting material, heat-treated stainless steel. Finished with black nitride to prolong its service life.
- No recoil – Does its job at eliminating recoil and reducing muzzle rise.
- Hybrid muzzle device – Do well as a muzzle brake and a compensator.
- Compact – Lightweight and short to avoid unnecessary weight and reduce chances of snagging.
Cons
- Loud concussion – Uncomfortably heavy concussion at your face.
4. Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider
As the industry-leading manufacturer for muzzle devices, Precision Armament has produced many modern muzzle devices. The Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider is one of its innovative products. EFAB stands for Enhanced Flash Arresting Brake.
Ever had the trouble deciding whether to go for a muzzle brake or a flash hider? The Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider is the ultimate solution to that question.
Features
The Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider is a hybrid muzzle device that works phenomenally as a muzzle brake and a flash hider. It provides marvellous control over your muzzle and is effective in concealing muzzle flashes. The Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider is compatible with AR-15 that has a barrel as short as 10 inches.
The innovative feature of the Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider lies within the diverging expansion nozzles. This feature diffuses and cools combustion gases that result in recoil reduction and minimal concussion to the shooter and anyone around the shooter.
This hybrid AR-15 muzzle device is made of heat-treated stainless steel to maintain the durability of the muzzle. It is also coated with an Ionbond high-temperature CrCN coating to further maximize the durability of this muzzle device. Dust signature of the Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider is also kept at a minimum with the closed bottom design.
To effectively install the Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider, an Accu-Washer Muzzle Alignment System will be needed. This hybrid muzzle device also has a pilot hole to bring 14.5” barrel to legal length by permanently pinning it to the barrel.
Performance
With innovatively designed features of the muzzle device, recoil reduction of the Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider can go up to 56%. As a result, the accuracy of your shots will also be improved. Besides the recoil reduction, muzzle flash suppression of this AR-15 muzzle device is high as well.
As compared to other top-notch products by Precision Armament like the M4-72 Severe-Duty Compensator and the Hypertap Muzzle Brake, concussion caused by the Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider is recorded at the lowest. You will barely feel any concussion when shooting or being around the shooter.
For shooters that prone when shooting, the Precision Armament AR-15 EFAB Hybrid Flash Hider also benefits them as there is minimal dust signature.
Pros
- Durable – Constructed and finished with durable materials and coating.
- Low concussion – Minimal felt concussion when shooting or around the shooter.
- Hybrid muzzle device – Works well to reduce recoil as well as flash suppression
Cons
- Moderate recoil reduction – Only a 56% recoil reduction which is lower than some other muzzle brakes in the market.
5. Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminator
Smith Enterprise, Inc. has been in the industry with over 40 years of experience providing products to the Armed Forces of the United States. They also have custom services and products to keep a close relationship with its customers.
When people talk about Smith Enterprise, it is commonly associated with their well-known product, the Vortex Flash Eliminator. The Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminator has been commonly used in the US and Canadian Armed Forces.
The Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminator is available in a few variants, the G6A2, G6A3 and G6A4. The latest version of the Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminator is the G6A4 with an Arc Helix design.
Features
All the variants of the Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminator are constructed with steel and heat-treated. With the steel construction, you do not have to worry about the durability of this muzzle device as it is going to last for a long time. It is finished with Mil-Spec Phospate to further maximize the durability.
The designs of the Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminators are simple yet very aesthetically rugged. It is cleverly designed to allow the Windtalker suppressor to be installed/removed easily. The pattern on this muzzle device is pitch and groove which reduces surface contact and carbon buildup.
Performance
The performance of the Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminators are exceptional and definitely above average compared to a typical A2-style birdcage flash hider. When used in low light conditions, muzzle flash is totally unnoticeable.
With the use of Arc Helix design, it has been shown that the Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminator is able to maintain the accuracy of your AR-15. It makes the Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminator the best flash hider in the market that is offered at a reasonable price.
After firing shots with the Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminator, you will realise that there is a mild ringing noise that follows each shot. This is something that shooters might find slightly uncomfortable and definitely a mild flaw that Smith Enterprise can look to improve.
Pros
- Arc Helix design – An upgraded and patented design that provides improved features and accuracy for your AR-15.
- Durable – All the Smith Enterprise AR-15 Vortex Flash Eliminators are heat-treated, made of steel and phosphate coated to withstand harsh conditions.
- Best flash hider – Unnoticeable muzzle flash under low light conditions making it the world’s best flash hider.
Cons
- Ringing noise with each shot – Emits a ringing noise after firing each shot which can be annoying for some shooters.
6. Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider
The Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider is also known as the world’s most shootable AR-15 flash hider. It is definitely a muzzle device that is worth having for your AR-15 especially if your AR-15 has a short barrel.
Shorter barrels generally creates more flash which is not ideal for tactical uses. With the Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider, you won’t have to worry about muzzle flash anymore. Besides being the best flash hider you can possibly get, it is also a decent muzzle brake.
Features
The Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider is known for the world’s most shootable AR-15 flash hider for several reasons. First of all, it performs exceptionally well as a flash hider that eliminates almost all of the muzzle flash. This is achieved from the patent-pending design by Surefire.
Secondly, the patent-pending design also virtually eliminates muzzle rise. Recoil reduction of the Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider is also decent considering that this is primarily a flash hider. Lastly, this patent-pending design of the Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider also makes it a good adaptor for the SureFire SOCOM Series suppressors.
The Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider is made of heat-treated stainless with a DLC coating to give this AR-15 muzzle device long service life. Apart from a long service life, the coating also allows the flash hider to be used under harsh conditions.
Performance
Now let’s have a look at how good of a flash hider is the Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider. As mentioned previously, the Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider can eliminate up to 98% of muzzle flash. In measurements, the muzzle flash only measures to about 1 Lux. In other words, you will barely see a thing even when your AR-15 is fired under low light conditions.
The Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider is also a decent muzzle brake because it reduces the recoil of your AR-15 by up to 35%. The readings might not seem like a lot but considering that the Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider is primarily used as a flash hider, it does have a decent muzzle brake. It will definitely help to improve your accuracy and get to your next shot faster but just not as much improvement as compared to using a dedicated muzzle brake.
This AR-15 muzzle device might look small but it definitely weighs heavier than it seems. The Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider is 3.85 oz which is a lot heavier than a typical muzzle brake. Considering how much muzzle flash is eliminated, the trade-off is definitely worth it.
Since the gases are not ventilated upwards, the Surefire Warcomp Flash Hider does create a dust signature. Another downside is that this AR-15 device can be slightly pricey if you are planning to use it just as a flash hider, but if you do plan to use a suppressor, this is definitely the AR-15 muzzle device you should be looking at.
Pros
- Eliminates almost all muzzle flash – Reduces muzzle flash to as low as 1 Lux only.
- Decent recoil reduction – A decent recoil reduction for a dedicated flash hider.
- Durable – High-quality material construction and coating allow the muzzle device to be used under harsh conditions.
- Good attachment for a suppressor – Has detach lugs for the use of a suppressor.
Cons
- A little pricey for a flash hider – There are other cheaper options for a dedicated flash hider if you do not plan on using a suppressor.
- Generates dust signature
7. ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator
The ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator is what brings out the innovative traits that ODIN Works possess. It also doesn’t look like your typical AR-15 muzzle brake and compensator. This is a sleek-looking muzzle device and will definitely stand out in a crowd.
Features
The innovative feature that is presented in the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator is the 3-piece construction. The 3-piece construction of this muzzle device allows it to be installed terrifically easy. The piece that is attached to the barrel can be attached easily just by tightening it down, saving you a lot of time and trouble.
The ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator has a core and a cap that is made out of 416R stainless steel with black nitride finishing. The material used is of high strength and made to withstand the pressure encountered during firing. Besides that 416R stainless steel also has corrosion-resistant features to make sure that this muzzle device lasts for a long time.
The sleeve of the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator is made of titanium. The titanium sleeve is also used to tune for the timing you desire with just simple motions of sliding and rotating. With the titanium sleeve, no additional tools are required for timing and tuning of the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator.
The tuning of timing to manage the gas exhausting direction can be done easily especially when the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator has a titanium sleeve for it. You will be able to adjust the timing according to your shooting hand to counter the natural muzzle rise.
If you ever have any trouble installing the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator, ODIN Works also has a video to help you install the muzzle device easier.
Performance
This AR-15 muzzle device is designed to reduce recoil and to counter the natural muzzle rise. It has been recorded that the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator can reduce the recoil of your AR-15 by up to 64%. With the use of the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator, you are expected to feel virtually no muzzle rise and no recoil either for your AR-15.
The reduced recoil and minimal muzzle rise of the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator allows you to get on to the next target quicker. You can also get a quicker follow-up shot. Using the ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator will definitely result in improved accuracy and performance of your AR-15.
The customizable timing is also great for directing the gas to any direction and to help you counter not only the natural muzzle rise but also the muzzle rise under different situation. No matter what position you are in and how muzzle rise changes, you will still be able to get the timing that you need to keep muzzle rise at a minimum.
Pros
- Durable – Constructed with materials that are meant for harsh conditions and withstanding high pressures.
- Easy to install – Three-piece construction that gives a simple installation and a video to help with installation as well. Do not require a crush washer for installation too.
- Adjustable – Customizable timing with the titanium sleeve to counter natural muzzle rise.
- Good recoil reduction – A 64% reduction in recoil.
Cons
- Slightly heavy – For a compensator of this size, it is slightly heavy weighing at 4.2 oz.
8. Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1
Bravo Company is a well-known company and has a good reputation for producing good-quality products. It should give you a sense of legitimacy when you see a muzzle device by Bravo Company. The Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 is intended for multiple serious uses.
The Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 will be an AR-15 muzzle device that you find useful in many situations and it will definitely be something that you would want to own for a long time.
Features
The Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 is a hybrid muzzle device that is made of stainless steel. A material that has high strength properties and definitely will be able to withstand the pressure from firing. It is also finished with black oxide to give a clean and aesthetic look and to resist heat and corrosion.
Many muzzle devices in the market often result in a big side blast and also create a very loud noise. The Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 is one those muzzle device that does just the opposite of that. It has shown to reduce side blast and does not sound as loud as other muzzle devices.
The Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 has a length of 1.7” and if you were to fit this on your AR-15 barrel that is 14.5” long, you can bring the AR-15 barrel to 16” in length. It is possible to do that because this AR-15 muzzle device is already drilled beforehand so that it can be installed permanently on your barrel.
This AR-15 muzzle device is also designed to fit a blank firing adapter or suppressors. So if you plan to use any of those, the Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 is a great pick for you.
Performance
The Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 is a hybrid muzzle device that reduces the muzzle rise and at the same time reduces muzzle flash too. You are expected to see immediate changes to your AR-15’s accuracy and performance after you installed this muzzle device. Take it out to the range and feel the difference.
As mentioned previously, the Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 has surprisingly lesser side blast and quieter than most compensators in the market. This is achieved from the design of the internal baffles that has six external exit ports in the muzzle device. It can be really beneficial for the people around the shooter with reduced side blast and lesser noise.
This muzzle device may be a flash suppressor and a compensator but if you were to compare the reduction in muzzle flash to dedicated flash hiders, the Bravo Company AR-15 Gunfighter Comp Mod 1 will definitely be worse. However, it is not such a bad thing as it is primarily a compensator that has flash suppressing features.
Pros
- Hybrid muzzle device – Works as a compensator as well as a flash suppressor.
- Durable – Durable material construction and finishing.
- Can fit a blank firing adapter and suppressors
- Low side blast and noise level – Designed with large internal baffles with six external exit ports.
Cons
- Moderate muzzle flash suppression -This muzzle device’s flash suppression does not outperform dedicated flash suppressors.
9. Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp
When a manufacturer makes a muzzle device dedicated to doing one to two things, there are usually trade-offs such as harsh muzzle blast and increased muzzle flash. But when a manufacturer decides to solve all the problems associated with a muzzle device and have a balanced muzzle device, something like the Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp will be made.
Features
The Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp is an AR-15 muzzle device that has another name which is The “Quiet” AR muzzle brake. This muzzle device is designed to be a compensator that at the same time reduces muzzle flash as well as side blast.
The design of Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp is slotted and has no prongs or tines which means there is virtually no chance to snag. This AR-15 muzzle device is made with super durable material, Melonite QPQ coated alloy steel which is also corrosion-resistant.
This also an easy-to-install muzzle device on your AR-15. The Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp comes with a crush washer to aid in the process of installation. This means you will not need a shim kit to install this muzzle device.
Performance
AR-15 muzzle brakes are commonly associated with a loud noise, bright muzzle flash and heavy concussion. The production of this muzzle device has solved all these problems. The Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp has been designed to reduce recoil which is its primary function. You will see a difference of performance in AR-15 with just this muzzle device.
Besides that, if you are shooting under low light conditions, you will also realise that the Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp does not produce those blinding muzzle flashes that you see in other muzzle brakes.
It is not only the low muzzle flash that the Wilson Combat AR-15 Muzzle Brake Q-Comp has, but there is also very minimal blast produced by this muzzle device. People around the shooter will barely feel the blast and can really improve the shooting experience of all parties.
Pros
- All rounded – Works decently as a muzzle brake, flash suppressor and has minimal common muzzle brake problems.
- Durable – Good-quality material construction and coating.
- Low snag chance – Features that are designed to reduce the chance of snagging.
- Easy to install – Comes with a crush washer so no shim kit needed for installation.
Cons
- Some people may find it below expectation – May not perform as well as some people might expect.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that the best recoil reduction muzzle for AR is Precision Armament M4-72 Severe Duty which would ensure high accuracy level of shooting which would come in handy for competitive shootings. It can achieve a recoil reduction up to 75% as stated above due to the sleek design of the AR vents that are backwards and simultaneously slightly upwards to reduce muzzle rise.
Besides that, the best AR brake/compensator hybrid goes to VG6 Gamma which is created with advanced engineering methods that utilize Computational Fluid Dynamics and Computer-Aided Engineering to give you top-notch shooting experience. VCG6 Gamma is significantly more affordable, lightweight and durable so please consider. However, of course, it all really depends on your usage, budget, personal preferences on the best muzzle brake to get.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Budget Muzzle Brake?
Well, you’d consider the Deadair DA101 5.56 Muzzle Brake for its magnificent quality and sleek design which allows you to double up as a sound suppressor which makes it more versatile. Plus, you’d achieve highest accuracy as the design of the brake allows you to keep the muzzle flat so it wouldn’t be a problem in rapid fires. Also, there will be minimal blowbacks as the vents will keep the gases aside. This versatile and functional piece is certainly worth every penny so do give it a try!
Is a flash hider the same as a muzzle brake?
No. A flash hider would try to restrict as much gas as possible while a muzzle brake redirects gases to reduce recoil.
Are muzzle brakes louder?
Yes. However, a muzzle brake doesn’t actually increase the volume of the shots. The loud sound that you will experience is because the blast is directed towards the shooter or anyone behind or at the side of the muzzle.
How much louder is a gun with a muzzle brake?
According to the “quietest” muzzle brake, the OPS muzzle brake, it has shown to be 41% louder which also means it is 1.41 times louder than what you will normally experience.
Do muzzle brakes really work?
Yes. There are muzzle brakes that are better than some but ultimately, you should feel a recoil reduction but there is just some muzzle brake that reduces recoil better than some.
Is muzzle devices necessary? How much do I spend on these items?
Yes, we find that these accessories will improve the overall user experience and we highly recommend everyone with an AR-15 to get them. As for the amount to be allocated for the upgrade, we would suggest you to understand your budget, types of device and try to get the one that’s of decent quality because it is relatively pointless to get a cheaply made muzzle device that requires replacement from time to time.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.