M1A, switching from flash suppressor to muzzle brake

[Vt.birdhunter]

Just picked up a SA M1A Loaded, and I would swear it kicks a lot harder than a SA Scout I had the pleasure to shoot a few weeks back.

Is the scouts muzzle brake that good??? Or is this a perception thing on my end. Im not worried about hiding flash from my rifle, just looking for an accurate, pleasurable day at the range.

Will changing from the installed, tuned flash hider to a home installed muzzle brake decrease accuracy significantly?
I see the SA muzzle brake for around $70, does it install simply? Should I look at a Smith Enterprise or other higher end brake?

I appreciate any advice you folks can offer.

[tINY]

The scout looses some Muzzle Velocity for the short barrel. But, it may have been the ammo.

The Cali-legal M1As have had brakes and ground-off bayonet lugs for quite a few years.



-tINY

[wayne in boca]

The Springfield Armory muzzle brake that comes on a Scout does a really good job controlling muzzle rise and perceived recoil.You are not imagining the difference between a flash suppressor and the brake,it is considerable.To swap it out,you will need castlenut pliers and high-end allen wrench for the set screw.If you strip it with a cheapo,you are doomed.Easy to do,takes about five minutes,but you need to read up on technique before you start.Remember though that the muzzle brake does not suppress flash much at all.If you plan to do much shooting in low light this is a big deal.

[Vt.birdhunter]

Good stuff, is the SA brake the one to get, or is there another that is known for better results?