Compensators on AR-15's: Questions

Ouroboros · May 19, 2013, 08:35 PM

Hello Y'all,

I like the idea of a great compensator on my AR, anything that can affect felt recoil is an absolute plus. My first question is this, how effective are they? For instance, the absolute best comp - how big a difference does it make?
Secondly, I'd appreciate it if y'all were to suggest some great compensators to me. Cost is always an issue, but if the effect is so great I wouldn't mind shelling out some dough. Well, like most everyone I can't make BIG purchases on my own initiative (whipcrack!) so something a good bit less than $200. Name brands mean diddly to me, looks however do. Function is of course #1 by miles, but style will play some role.
Thanks y'all. Lay 'em on me!

Ouroboros

sailskidrive · May 19, 2013, 09:01 PM

The AR really doesn't have any recoil so the goal of most folks is to reduce muzzle climb. I personally like the PWS comps, the Dynacomp is very popular.

If you're looking for inexpensive, I have a Troy Medieval on a 20" setup and it works well for only $50.

LED · May 19, 2013, 10:13 PM

I tried some compensators and found that they make little difference in a 5.56caliber semiautomatic rifle. The muzzle flip is probably not great enough to be effectively reduced. If the compensator weighs more than the flash hider, it will shift the rifle balance toward the muzzle. Also, your rifle will shoot louder for it.

The Levang compensator did not compensate much, but marginally reduced the noise. The company claims that it vents the blast forward, away from the shooter. (That does nothing to reduce the perceived recoil, which may be another reason why the overall benefit is small)

Metal god · May 19, 2013, 10:56 PM

I have not used one on a AR but I have one on a 308 and have shot a 223 TC pistol with a muzzle brake . The 308 is noticeable but the rifle is much heavier then my other . The TC pistol felt like I was shooting a 22lr . I was quite amazed how little recoil I felt . Because of these to things I will be putting them on all my ARs at some point .

HKFan9 · May 19, 2013, 11:48 PM

I have the new BCM comp on my Jack Carbine, coupled with the mid length gas system and a properly weighted buffer, it is a very soft shooting gun, definitely my flattest shooting AR at the moment. However I would give most of the credit to mid length gas systems. Recoil management is a system in my mind, every little piece helps.

mrvco · May 20, 2013, 12:13 AM

I tried a BattleComp on my 16" middie and it didn't change my life.

Theohazard · May 20, 2013, 12:35 AM

Like others have said; a mid-length gas system and a heavy buffer will often lower recoil and muzzle climb more than a compensator will. You could use them all together for maximum recoil reduction, but keep in mind that a compensator will make the rifle noticeably louder.

HKFan9 · May 20, 2013, 12:58 AM

Even beyond comps and gas systems and buffers... most shooters I see at the range, either plinking or there for instruction, do not know how to properly shoulder the AR for recoil management.

Not talking about your weekend warriors either, I see a lot of experienced shooters holding the buffer extension over the top of their shoulder, or chicken winging, or standing up straight / arching their back.

Not saying you yourself or anyone in this thread does these things, but its a good idea to work on muscle memory and technique of the shooter before spending money on parts. Your body is your foundation for shooting, with out a foundation, no matter what you add or "build" it will fall apart. People need to quit going for the quick fix of adding cool parts and work on solid foundation and fundamentals, only than will anyone actually notice and benefit from a compensator that will run them $50-$300.

sailskidrive · May 20, 2013, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Not talking about your weekend warriors either, I see a lot of experienced shooters holding the buffer extension over the top of their shoulder, or chicken winging, or standing up straight / arching their back.

Probably because they've seen an endless number of photos from the sandbox of our troops doing the same thing with the buffer tube.

Quote:

standing up straight / arching their back

I let some guy at the range shoot my Hk91 about a year ago.

"Uh... you're PROBABLY going to want to lean forward a tad.. or it's going to be a VERY memorable experience."

BillyJack3 · May 20, 2013, 07:09 AM

I think a couple of posts above nail it. It's not just the brake, it's the set up that goes along with it that allows you to really get the most out of it. I have a Dynacomp, FA BCG, ST-T2 buffer and a mid length gas system. This together gives me nearly zero muzzle rise. Big difference from my standard carbine.

HJ857 · May 20, 2013, 05:14 PM

I agree with the PWS FSC556 recommendation, I don't have much experience with any other brake but I feel that it's a very good piece of gear. Muzzle flip is almost completely eliminated. It doesn't change sound at the shooter's position but is notably louder to everyone to the side of you.

Just for comparison, I have a Stag comp that came on a 3G upper, it uses top mounted vent holes to keep the muzzle from rising. This is great for everything except when using a bipod. On a bipod I think this brake pushes down with enough force to "bounce" the bipod and so I think it's actually slower to use than if the rifle had no brake on it.

The FSC556 vents to the sides and does not bounce. When shooting longer distances I can stay on the target and see the impact, I rarely shoot with a partner or spotter so this is real useful for me.

Palmetto-Pride · May 20, 2013, 06:08 PM

Quote:

but keep in mind that a compensator will make the rifle noticeably louder.

I had the Jerry Miculek compensator on one of my ARs and while it did reduce recoil a little, it just wasn't worth the extra noise to the people to my right and left at the range.....maybe if I was shooting 3gun(not sure if they are allowed) it would be beneficial.

Mrgunsngear · May 20, 2013, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Hello Y'all,

I like the idea of a great compensator on my AR, anything that can affect felt recoil is an absolute plus. My first question is this, how effective are they? For instance, the absolute best comp - how big a difference does it make?
Secondly, I'd appreciate it if y'all were to suggest some great compensators to me. Cost is always an issue, but if the effect is so great I wouldn't mind shelling out some dough. Well, like most everyone I can't make BIG purchases on my own initiative (whipcrack!) so something a good bit less than $200. Name brands mean diddly to me, looks however do. Function is of course #1 by miles, but style will play some role.
Thanks y'all. Lay 'em on me!

Sure

Plouffedaddy's Battlecomp Test/Review link

Plouffedaddy's BCM Comp Mod 1 Review link

Plouffedaddy's Manticore NightBrake Review link

ronl · May 20, 2013, 09:24 PM

I have a BWA comp on a 20" AR set up for varmint hunting and the thing works extremely well. No muzzle flip, which makes a second shot much easier.

Ouroboros · May 20, 2013, 11:06 PM

Hello Everyone,

You would be praising and exagerating if you called me a novie shooter. lol Y'alls advice just left my head spinning. I don't know 3 out of 4 of the terms y'all use and so am rudderless in this sea of jargon and equipment. May I tell y'all the type of rifle I have and ask anyone who feels themselves best able, or reasonably able, to give me advice tell me what my best bets are?

Here goes...

It is a S&W M&P 15 OR (optics ready-no sights, just a rail over the upper assembly and a short one over gas block for a front sight).

HKFan9, what is a buffer extension? Once you've explained that, would you tell me the proper way to shoulder the weapon? It differs from the 'normal' way of firing a rifle, eh? So I'd have to learn TWO sets of muscle memory when now I'm just working out the kinks in having a good 'muscle memory' firing it in the 'regular' way. Seriously, I don't know jack.

A muzzel brake does exactly what? I looked up the Troy Medieval Brake, and it said "The Medieval Muzzle Brake improves performance of over-the-barrel sound suppressors." Say what? So install an "over-the-barrel sound suppressor" and then attach the brake? What is the over the barrell sound suppressor? Agh! My head'll explode! But seriously y'all, it's all of it appreciated.

Please remember, you all were once at the same point I am now. I'm ignorant but very far from stupid. Also, no one in my family is a shooter or hunter so I've not had a lifetime's resource/opportunity to mine for info-nuggets. All I know is almost entirely self taught. Started on my 7th b-day when I got my Daisy BB gun. Now here i am with just a bit of info on firearms, and just about zero on the AR platform. Till now I've been a bolt action rifle, pump & side by side shotgun and revolver shooter. I have owned a 1911 for quite some time but am not crazy about it. I recently (late March) got a CZ P07 duty (a hicap semi-auto pistol). As you can see, whatever relatively small knowledge of firearms I have relates to ones very much UNLIKE the AR.

I do Appreciate Y'all's Help - A LOT,
~Jeremy

Theohazard · May 21, 2013, 12:03 AM

Quote:

what is a buffer extension? Once you've explained that, would you tell me the proper way to shoulder the weapon?

Many people have been trained to shoulder the rifle with the stock very high on the shoulder. This puts the buffer extension, or buffer tube (the tube where the buffer and recoil spring are located), very high up. This can work well for precision marksmanship, but it increases muzzle rise and therefore is often a poor technique for tactical-style shooting.

Quote:

A muzzel brake does exactly what? I looked up the Troy Medieval Brake, and it said "The Medieval Muzzle Brake improves performance of over-the-barrel sound suppressors." Say what?

A muzzle brake shoots gasses to the side and rearward, countering some of the rearward recoil impulses. A compensator shoots gases generally upwards, countering muzzle rise. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably and many recoil-reducing muzzle devices do a little bit of both.

An over-the-barrel sound suppressor is a type of suppressor (silencer) that slips partway over the barrel. A muzzle brake can act as an extra first blast baffle on any type of silencer, improving performance and increasing the life of the silencer. Though generally silencers are attached to rifles with proprietary muzzle brakes or flash hiders that double as silencer quick-attach adapters.

BlackSheep6 · May 21, 2013, 09:15 AM

I have a bennie cooley on mine. I didn't think I needed one but it looks nice and it does help a bit. Down side is that it makes it loud as heck for anyone standing around you. Think of getting hit in the ear drum with a hammer, but that's with any break really.

Plus side is that they're not that expensive.

BlackSheep6

BillyJack3 · May 21, 2013, 10:06 AM

Compared to what you are shooting, the AR isn't going to have much recoil. The muzzle brake is there to assist with the limited recoil and muzzle rise so you can get back on target faster. If you have an OR and will be using a magnified optic for target shooting, then I would say it's not going to do much for you. Yes, it will be louder and those around you will feel the concussion. If you're shooting an an indoor range, you'll get some nasty looks and maybe even nasty comments. I don't even take my AR with the brake to the indoor range any more. The M&P OR is a great AR. I'd shoot it for a while and you'll get an idea of what you want to change. You might find that it's not really that much of a bother for you.

LED · May 21, 2013, 05:50 PM

The military is a fair editor of weapon design. It never felt necessary to equip even the M16 (a full auto AR) with a standard muzzle brake, if one doesn't count the asymmetrically slotted flash suppressor. The Soviet military which was even more committed to the bare necessities, nonetheless approved a standard muzzle brake in the AKM rifle. The utility of a muzzle brake/comp depends on the particular rifle, caliber, purpose, and in the civilian hands, the personal fun factor.

HKFan9 · May 21, 2013, 10:58 PM

I like my Mil-Spec rifles, but I will be the first to say the military also isn't a shining example as to what is "best" either.

I agree with you that it generally isn't needed, however that is a much much different thing then saying it doesn't in fact actually improve or help. The military is run like a business, they want a million rifles as cheap as they can possibly have them, generally they probably look at a muzzle brake in terms of cost vs benefit. For the small amount it does improve, it probably isn't worth it for them to modify all their rifles with them. Same goes for their charging handle, their trigger groups, grips, mags, and so on. You would be hard pressed even in the military to find a large amount of people who would tell you GI mags are better than Pmags.

YOUR AR-15 is just that, your rifle, set it up to YOUR spec sheet, there are better components than "mil-spec" these days, but a lot of people get caught up into that storm as well.

I will be the first to say don't go out and drop a large sum of cash on a muzzle brake and expect to be shooting like Travis Haley the day after installing it. However if your component building or upgrading, and you think your shooting fundamentals are at or around what they should be (remember there's always room for any of us to improve...) and you want just a hint more muzzle control, they certainly don't hurt, but as I stated, casual shooters with improper fundamentals probably wont notice the difference.

As to all these complaints on noise, really they all hurt when shot with out hearing protection, specially so if inside. I honestly don't care at all what the people at the range next to me think (generally where I shoot its all carbines anyways so getting hit with neighbors brass is to be expected.) I am at the range for me, not anyone else, sure I am polite, but its a firing line, they should invest in better hearing Pro if they scoff that much about it.

Ouroboros · May 21, 2013, 11:37 PM

I understand now and I thank you al for helping me to. I think I WILL hold off on a brake or comp until I've put the rifle through it's paces for quite a while. Then I can decide if I'd like one. I have fired exactly 60rnds through it so far and so am hardly familiar with the weapon. Others (brother and 2 friends) have fired it, but of course I ain't them. Perhaps after 1k or so fired by yours truly I'll be able to decide.

Thanks Again Y'all!

ouro

HKFan9 · May 22, 2013, 12:34 AM

Not trying to discourage you away from buying it, just feel like there are probably better things you can upgrade for the money, or most importantly when you can find it, buy ammo to practice.

SR420 · May 22, 2013, 07:48 AM

If you decide to get one, go with SEI's Good Iron muzzle brake.

I have the .308/7.62 version on one of my M14s. It works as advertised and it accepts my sound suppressor.

SEI offers the same thing that is not suppressor capable for a few dollars less.

Bacteriophage · May 22, 2013, 10:30 AM

I've read two professional and one amateur review that said the Stag 3G comp actually pushes the muzzle DOWN with most factory ammo.
http://www.stagarms.com/stag-3g-compensator/
The idea is supposed to be that you tune your load just right and you get zero muzzle flip for rapid-fire competition.
I think that's about as effective as you'll get in a .223 comp. If you're looking to reduce felt recoil, making the gun heavier or a stock with a broader or thicker pad will likely do more. I can't imagine you need actual recoil reduction on a .223, though, so if you're trying to reduce muzzle flip, this seems a good choice.

kostyanj · May 22, 2013, 10:39 AM

I'm looking into this as well. Kind of a harder decision for me due to the fact that whatever I choose has to be either welded or pinned on.

May 19, 2013, 09:01 PM	#2
sailskidrive Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Posts: 726	The AR really doesn't have any recoil so the goal of most folks is to reduce muzzle climb. I personally like the PWS comps, the Dynacomp is very popular. If you're looking for inexpensive, I have a Troy Medieval on a 20" setup and it works well for only $50. __________________ SailSkiDrive Hk USP 45 Expert, USP 40, USP 9, SIG P226, S&W M&P9, Hk 4, Makarov, Desert Eagle 40, Beretta FS92 Centurion, Kimber TLEII 1911A1, Glock 22, SIG P225, 1943 Rem Rand 1911A1, S&W mod 64, Walther PPQ, SIG P229, Browning BDA 45 (SIG P220), Hk45, SIG P230

May 19, 2013, 10:56 PM	#4
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 7,135	I have not used one on a AR but I have one on a 308 and have shot a 223 TC pistol with a muzzle brake . The 308 is noticeable but the rifle is much heavier then my other . The TC pistol felt like I was shooting a 22lr . I was quite amazed how little recoil I felt . Because of these to things I will be putting them on all my ARs at some point . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

May 20, 2013, 11:06 PM	#15
Ouroboros Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2011 Posts: 6	Thanks Y'all, but... Hello Everyone, You would be praising and exagerating if you called me a novie shooter. lol Y'alls advice just left my head spinning. I don't know 3 out of 4 of the terms y'all use and so am rudderless in this sea of jargon and equipment. May I tell y'all the type of rifle I have and ask anyone who feels themselves best able, or reasonably able, to give me advice tell me what my best bets are? Here goes... It is a S&W M&P 15 OR (optics ready-no sights, just a rail over the upper assembly and a short one over gas block for a front sight). HKFan9, what is a buffer extension? Once you've explained that, would you tell me the proper way to shoulder the weapon? It differs from the 'normal' way of firing a rifle, eh? So I'd have to learn TWO sets of muscle memory when now I'm just working out the kinks in having a good 'muscle memory' firing it in the 'regular' way. Seriously, I don't know jack. A muzzel brake does exactly what? I looked up the Troy Medieval Brake, and it said "The Medieval Muzzle Brake improves performance of over-the-barrel sound suppressors." Say what? So install an "over-the-barrel sound suppressor" and then attach the brake? What is the over the barrell sound suppressor? Agh! My head'll explode! But seriously y'all, it's all of it appreciated. Please remember, you all were once at the same point I am now. I'm ignorant but very far from stupid. Also, no one in my family is a shooter or hunter so I've not had a lifetime's resource/opportunity to mine for info-nuggets. All I know is almost entirely self taught. Started on my 7th b-day when I got my Daisy BB gun. Now here i am with just a bit of info on firearms, and just about zero on the AR platform. Till now I've been a bolt action rifle, pump & side by side shotgun and revolver shooter. I have owned a 1911 for quite some time but am not crazy about it. I recently (late March) got a CZ P07 duty (a hicap semi-auto pistol). As you can see, whatever relatively small knowledge of firearms I have relates to ones very much UNLIKE the AR. I do Appreciate Y'all's Help - A LOT, ~Jeremy Last edited by Ouroboros; May 20, 2013 at 11:22 PM.

May 21, 2013, 11:37 PM	#21
Ouroboros Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2011 Posts: 6	Once Again, THANKS! I understand now and I thank you al for helping me to. I think I WILL hold off on a brake or comp until I've put the rifle through it's paces for quite a while. Then I can decide if I'd like one. I have fired exactly 60rnds through it so far and so am hardly familiar with the weapon. Others (brother and 2 friends) have fired it, but of course I ain't them. Perhaps after 1k or so fired by yours truly I'll be able to decide. Thanks Again Y'all! ouro

May 22, 2013, 07:48 AM	#23
SR420 Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2005 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 3,343	If you decide to get one, go with SEI's Good Iron muzzle brake. I have the .308/7.62 version on one of my M14s. It works as advertised and it accepts my sound suppressor. SEI offers the same thing that is not suppressor capable for a few dollars less. __________________ https://athenswater.com/

May 19, 2013, 08:35 PM	#1
Ouroboros Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2011 Posts: 6	Compensators on AR-15's: Questions Hello Y'all, I like the idea of a great compensator on my AR, anything that can affect felt recoil is an absolute plus. My first question is this, how effective are they? For instance, the absolute best comp - how big a difference does it make? Secondly, I'd appreciate it if y'all were to suggest some great compensators to me. Cost is always an issue, but if the effect is so great I wouldn't mind shelling out some dough. Well, like most everyone I can't make BIG purchases on my own initiative (whipcrack!) so something a good bit less than $200. Name brands mean diddly to me, looks however do. Function is of course #1 by miles, but style will play some role. Thanks y'all. Lay 'em on me! Ouroboros

May 19, 2013, 10:13 PM	#3
LED Junior member Join Date: March 10, 2013 Location: The Heartland Posts: 174	I tried some compensators and found that they make little difference in a 5.56caliber semiautomatic rifle. The muzzle flip is probably not great enough to be effectively reduced. If the compensator weighs more than the flash hider, it will shift the rifle balance toward the muzzle. Also, your rifle will shoot louder for it. The Levang compensator did not compensate much, but marginally reduced the noise. The company claims that it vents the blast forward, away from the shooter. (That does nothing to reduce the perceived recoil, which may be another reason why the overall benefit is small)

May 19, 2013, 11:48 PM	#5
HKFan9 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2008 Posts: 3,057	I have the new BCM comp on my Jack Carbine, coupled with the mid length gas system and a properly weighted buffer, it is a very soft shooting gun, definitely my flattest shooting AR at the moment. However I would give most of the credit to mid length gas systems. Recoil management is a system in my mind, every little piece helps.

May 20, 2013, 12:13 AM	#6
mrvco Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2011 Posts: 214	I tried a BattleComp on my 16" middie and it didn't change my life.

May 20, 2013, 12:35 AM	#7
Theohazard Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2012 Location: Western PA Posts: 3,829	Like others have said; a mid-length gas system and a heavy buffer will often lower recoil and muzzle climb more than a compensator will. You could use them all together for maximum recoil reduction, but keep in mind that a compensator will make the rifle noticeably louder.

May 20, 2013, 12:58 AM	#8
HKFan9 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2008 Posts: 3,057	Even beyond comps and gas systems and buffers... most shooters I see at the range, either plinking or there for instruction, do not know how to properly shoulder the AR for recoil management. Not talking about your weekend warriors either, I see a lot of experienced shooters holding the buffer extension over the top of their shoulder, or chicken winging, or standing up straight / arching their back. Not saying you yourself or anyone in this thread does these things, but its a good idea to work on muscle memory and technique of the shooter before spending money on parts. Your body is your foundation for shooting, with out a foundation, no matter what you add or "build" it will fall apart. People need to quit going for the quick fix of adding cool parts and work on solid foundation and fundamentals, only than will anyone actually notice and benefit from a compensator that will run them $50-$300.

May 20, 2013, 07:09 AM	#10
BillyJack3 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Posts: 423	I think a couple of posts above nail it. It's not just the brake, it's the set up that goes along with it that allows you to really get the most out of it. I have a Dynacomp, FA BCG, ST-T2 buffer and a mid length gas system. This together gives me nearly zero muzzle rise. Big difference from my standard carbine.

May 20, 2013, 05:14 PM	#11
HJ857 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 448	I agree with the PWS FSC556 recommendation, I don't have much experience with any other brake but I feel that it's a very good piece of gear. Muzzle flip is almost completely eliminated. It doesn't change sound at the shooter's position but is notably louder to everyone to the side of you. Just for comparison, I have a Stag comp that came on a 3G upper, it uses top mounted vent holes to keep the muzzle from rising. This is great for everything except when using a bipod. On a bipod I think this brake pushes down with enough force to "bounce" the bipod and so I think it's actually slower to use than if the rifle had no brake on it. The FSC556 vents to the sides and does not bounce. When shooting longer distances I can stay on the target and see the impact, I rarely shoot with a partner or spotter so this is real useful for me.

May 20, 2013, 09:24 PM	#14
ronl Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Posts: 1,127	I have a BWA comp on a 20" AR set up for varmint hunting and the thing works extremely well. No muzzle flip, which makes a second shot much easier.

May 21, 2013, 09:15 AM	#17
BlackSheep6 Member Join Date: May 19, 2013 Posts: 15	I have a bennie cooley on mine. I didn't think I needed one but it looks nice and it does help a bit. Down side is that it makes it loud as heck for anyone standing around you. Think of getting hit in the ear drum with a hammer, but that's with any break really. Plus side is that they're not that expensive. BlackSheep6

May 21, 2013, 10:06 AM	#18
BillyJack3 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Posts: 423	Compared to what you are shooting, the AR isn't going to have much recoil. The muzzle brake is there to assist with the limited recoil and muzzle rise so you can get back on target faster. If you have an OR and will be using a magnified optic for target shooting, then I would say it's not going to do much for you. Yes, it will be louder and those around you will feel the concussion. If you're shooting an an indoor range, you'll get some nasty looks and maybe even nasty comments. I don't even take my AR with the brake to the indoor range any more. The M&P OR is a great AR. I'd shoot it for a while and you'll get an idea of what you want to change. You might find that it's not really that much of a bother for you.

May 21, 2013, 05:50 PM	#19
LED Junior member Join Date: March 10, 2013 Location: The Heartland Posts: 174	The military is a fair editor of weapon design. It never felt necessary to equip even the M16 (a full auto AR) with a standard muzzle brake, if one doesn't count the asymmetrically slotted flash suppressor. The Soviet military which was even more committed to the bare necessities, nonetheless approved a standard muzzle brake in the AKM rifle. The utility of a muzzle brake/comp depends on the particular rifle, caliber, purpose, and in the civilian hands, the personal fun factor.

May 21, 2013, 10:58 PM	#20
HKFan9 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2008 Posts: 3,057	I like my Mil-Spec rifles, but I will be the first to say the military also isn't a shining example as to what is "best" either. I agree with you that it generally isn't needed, however that is a much much different thing then saying it doesn't in fact actually improve or help. The military is run like a business, they want a million rifles as cheap as they can possibly have them, generally they probably look at a muzzle brake in terms of cost vs benefit. For the small amount it does improve, it probably isn't worth it for them to modify all their rifles with them. Same goes for their charging handle, their trigger groups, grips, mags, and so on. You would be hard pressed even in the military to find a large amount of people who would tell you GI mags are better than Pmags. YOUR AR-15 is just that, your rifle, set it up to YOUR spec sheet, there are better components than "mil-spec" these days, but a lot of people get caught up into that storm as well. I will be the first to say don't go out and drop a large sum of cash on a muzzle brake and expect to be shooting like Travis Haley the day after installing it. However if your component building or upgrading, and you think your shooting fundamentals are at or around what they should be (remember there's always room for any of us to improve...) and you want just a hint more muzzle control, they certainly don't hurt, but as I stated, casual shooters with improper fundamentals probably wont notice the difference. As to all these complaints on noise, really they all hurt when shot with out hearing protection, specially so if inside. I honestly don't care at all what the people at the range next to me think (generally where I shoot its all carbines anyways so getting hit with neighbors brass is to be expected.) I am at the range for me, not anyone else, sure I am polite, but its a firing line, they should invest in better hearing Pro if they scoff that much about it.

May 22, 2013, 12:34 AM	#22
HKFan9 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2008 Posts: 3,057	Not trying to discourage you away from buying it, just feel like there are probably better things you can upgrade for the money, or most importantly when you can find it, buy ammo to practice.

May 22, 2013, 10:30 AM	#24
Bacteriophage Member Join Date: May 9, 2013 Posts: 49	I've read two professional and one amateur review that said the Stag 3G comp actually pushes the muzzle DOWN with most factory ammo. http://www.stagarms.com/stag-3g-compensator/ The idea is supposed to be that you tune your load just right and you get zero muzzle flip for rapid-fire competition. I think that's about as effective as you'll get in a .223 comp. If you're looking to reduce felt recoil, making the gun heavier or a stock with a broader or thicker pad will likely do more. I can't imagine you need actual recoil reduction on a .223, though, so if you're trying to reduce muzzle flip, this seems a good choice.

May 22, 2013, 10:39 AM	#25
kostyanj Member Join Date: March 28, 2010 Posts: 52	Re: Compensators on AR-15's: Questions I'm looking into this as well. Kind of a harder decision for me due to the fact that whatever I choose has to be either welded or pinned on.