What are you using and why? What’s your favourite? What are your experiences with the various kit out there? What was the worst you had? The best? I’ve never used a brake, and it’s something I’m interested in. Do these things seriously mitigate recoil, or is it hype?
I’ve never used anything other than the Noveske KX3 and a standard A2, so I don’t have a wide field of reference. I have a Vortex laying around that buddy hooked me up with, that has never been mounted.
I’m highly interested in the Troy Medieval as a replacement for the AC-556 Flash-Suppressor.
I haven’t found a dedicated thread on the topic, so I figured it was a good time to start one.
I chose the PWS FSC556 because it does a good job as brake AND a flash suppressor. Other products that only do one of those jobs may be better at that job, but the PWS FSC556 is a good compromise on BOTH of those jobs.
Disclaimer: I’m cheap so I usually stick with what comes with the gun.
LMT SBR - A2 FH - it came that way - it does a decent job of keeping flash down - I have shot it in total darkness.
DD M4 - A2 FH - same reason as above.
SPR 18" assembled by moi - Vortex - since I had to supply a muzzle device, and I’ve seen some impressive flash suppressing ability of the Vortex (better than A2) and a buddy gave me a good deal.
I only have experience with the A2, Vortex, and KAC NT4 flashhider mount (on my M4 in the Army).
The A2 works well for what it is, and as was mentioned usually comes equipped standard on most ARs. You would be hard pressed to convince me it is really worth it to change it out unless you were mounting a suppressor and needed a QD mount, or needed a longer device for legal reasons.
I found the KAC to be virtually identical to the A2 in flash suppression, although all I fired through it was M855 which isn’t a bad “flasher” out of a 14.5" barrel anyway.
I run a Vortex on my 14.5" LMT to bring it to a non-NFA barrel length. It does to a better job of reducing flash, especially when firing XM193 at night, than the A2.
For shits and grins I was thinking of trying out the PWS but I just can’t convince myself it is worth it honestly. I think good form and practice would more than likely negate any perceived benefits from the recoil reduction it may offer. Similarly the KAC Triple Tap looks awesome, but unless it somehow imparts heat seeking capability to the projectiles which pass through it I am not shelling out $400 for a muzzle device any time in the near future.
I have a Surefire MB 556 brake w/ over 1500 rnds thru it. It’s wicked loud, but does an amazing job getting you back on target.Much better than factory A2. however being made of stainless, it’s also much heavier than an A2,and 2 me at least the weight is noticeable.
Really goes back to purpose and budget. I wish my budget would allow for a can.
But I have used an A2, and it’s a fine muzzle protector. There’s really nothing wrong with that.
I had a Phantom, which may have been slightly better than an A2 for comping, but too close to call. Plus, it just looks too fragile to me, so I’d pass on that.
I have an FSC30 on my 6.8spc. It probably does a fine job of comping, but I don’t do double taps, and the recoil is negligible anyhow. It does send blast to the sides and rear. I would not get a louder comp. I’ll swap it for an A2 when I get an AR-10.
Search a little more. There are at least 2 good threads on this, one with pics when the FSC556 came out a couple years back.
I’ve been shooting the PWS brake for a few thousand rounds and like it a lot. It is louder than a birdcage but the muzzle doesn’t move, it just vibrates on target during rapid fire. For what it’s worth if your rapid fireing a red dot out to 25 yards with say a vortex or even a birdcage you should stay on target pretty easily anyway, where comps shine in my book is with magnified optics. Having your acog vibrate on pepper poppers at 100 yards is plenty fun.
So far I’m looking at two positive responses for PWS’s brake.
Having never used a brake, what are some of the pros and cons?
Anyone have any experience with the Blackout? How does it perform on flash-dampening? What is the reason for the difference between the 18-tooth and 51-tooth versions, since it’s not explicitly stated.
ive been using the BWA x-comp and like it alot. i dont notice the recoil at all with this compaired to the a2. i double tap alot, and my groups have improved. but if you are behind and to the side of the shooter you can feel the pulse.
this is from there web. The X-Comp produces a light straight back recoil instead of producing muzzle rise. This design allows the shooter to fire the rifle and stay on target with minimal adjustment. Most compensators and flash hiders cause the muzzle to rise up and lengthen the time required for the shooter to get back on target. Double taps and hammers are faster and more accurate since the second shot will be closer to the original sight picture.
Agreed. It’s pretty long, but it definitely works better than anything else I’ve ever seen for flash supression. Due to length, I’m saving the one I have for an SBR.
I have a SF MB556K on my primary AR, and while I like the reduced recoil…A LOT…the blast is problematic for urban prone, shooting near others, etc. I’d like to try the PWS brake/supressor, at some point. It sounds like a good compromise.
