I’m curious as to whether or not the loss in velocity from compensating a firearm compromises an otherwise good duty load. Specifically I’m interested in 147 grain Remington Golden Saber out of a Glock 19c, though I’d be curious to discuss any load/firearm combo. Thanks in advance.
I’d seriously doubt there is enough velocity loss to make a difference.
I don’t believe there is any velocity loss.
I hear 10 to 15 percent velocity loss quoted as the common loss from compensation. Don’t know if there’s any truth to that or not.
There is no significant change in terminal performance.
On the other hand, the G19c has a long history of poor functional performance. A U.S. military unit purchased G19c’s by mistake a few years ago–the pistols were all gone within 6 months due to numerous failures related to carbon residue around the compensator cuts. Their replacement G19’s had none of these problems. Likewise, in LE training, I have seen numerous problems with compensated Glocks, especially when shooting from retention positions and shooting at night.
Question for you. Carbon residue around the compensator cuts doesn’t seem like it’s in a place to cause any sort of problems as far as I’ve seen, so what was causing malfunctions? Was it building up to the point to hinder the barrel thru the front end of the slide? Was it after a gun was shot, then sat there for a long time and hardened?
I’ve got a G32c and haven’t had a single issue with carbon build up. Granted, I’ve probably only ever shot around 300 rounds thru it before cleaning at any given time
Secondly, when shooting from retention, I’ve adapted it a bit and roll the pistol 60-70 degrees away from the body to avoid getting flashed. Seems to work well keeping it out of your face and is still stable enough and close enough to not compromise retention. Don’t know if that is acceptable for the pro’s, but it works fairly well so far. Thoughts?
How can a compensator shave velocity off of the bullet after it has exited the barrel? It doesn’t shorten the bore. What physical effect does a compensator create that would add drag to the bullet?
The Glock C models have the barrels and slide ported.
The loss, if any of velocity is not that big of an issue.
The gases escaping upward and potentially going into the face of the shooter if firing from a retention position, or if hunkered down behind cover and firing in an unconventional position is a huge issue.
I have never fired a compensated pistol in low light, but I would also have to wonder about the effect on the shooters night vision when firing a compensated pistol in low light.
Personally, I leave the compensated guns for the shooting sports/games. I have no use for them on a serious carry/defensive pistol.
Zhurdan–Try shooting 500+ rounds a day for several weeks…
No problem as long as the ammo’s on the .gov. I only asked because I wondered if that was indeed the problem, not because I don’t shoot a lot. I just don’t have the scratch to shoot 500+ of .357Sig at +$0.40/round all day long. I was more interested in why it was causing a problem, not because I’ve never seen it. My G32c has somewhere around 8k rounds thru it, with only having to replace a mainspring so far, but again, I usually don’t shoot more than 300 or so at any given time, mainly due to cost. Do they not clean their weapons during this time? I’m genuinely curious why there were failures, that’s why I asked you. You’re by far more knowledgeable than I am on this matter.
It doesn’t slow down the projectile by increasing drag 
, the velocity reduction is caused by reduced backpressure - gas is escaping thru the ports BEFORE the bullet leaves the muzzle.
Compensation reduces bullet velocity, has flash come from the ports, is louder, and lower slide mass. All around fail. If I had one I would replace the barrel.
just a guess off the top of my head, from a guy who’s never even fired a compensated pistol before- but wouldn’t there be some substantial fouling between barrel and slide? the holes have to go through both, which exposes a gap between the two. seems perfectly reasonable to me that if you fired several hundred rounds, you could end up with enough buildup between barrel and slide to affect RTB.