I went to the range today to function test my new rifle setups. I've tuned both rifles (See earlier posts) and I've added a few things that I've been gathering up for the last month or so.
I've taken the rifles and added the following, here are some pictures of the completed rifles.....
But first... heres a little intro to muzzle devices:
Note: This is "basic intro", you should understand that there are many, many, muzzle devices which will be exceptions to the definitions I have below, and there are more scientific explanations for those who want a little more indepth.
- Flash Hider: Used to prevent muzzle flash. This is the standard for what you will find on about 95% of all AR-15 type rifles currently on the market. Most commonly you'll see the trusted M-16 Style A2 Birdcage Flash Hider.
- What it does: Hides the flash. As hot gasses exit the muzzle of the rifle into the open atmosphere you get a burst of light/fire, this is problematic for shooting at night, as the flash will reduce your natural adapted night vision, and give away your position. The flash hider disperses these hot gasses so they don't ignite. This makes the flash hider excellent at preventing a large flash.... but very poor at controlling muzzle rise or perceived felt recoil.
- Compensator: Used to control muzzle rise.
- What it does: Directs escaping gasses upward, forcing the barrel downward when firing. This allows for a faster follow up shot by keeping your muzzle on target. As you can imagine, if you are channeling hot gasses upward, rather than diffusing the gasses (Flash hider), you will get a fireball (Big fireball) in your field of vision. This channeling of gasses also makes the rifle sound much louder, which you will notice in a covered range and may be prohibited from using in an indoor range.
- Muzzle Brake: Used to control perceived felt recoil.
- What it does: Directs escaping gasses back and to the side, controlling perceived recoil rearward. When using a brake, you will notice less recoil, (Think, the muzzle device on a shoulder fired .50 Cal BMG rifle) but you still have the large fireball, and if you were impressed by the loudness of the compensator, prepare to see that even more magnified with a brake. This is due to the gasses being directed back and to the sides.
Why not make a super Flash hider/compensator/muzzle brake? Because you only have a finite amount of gas from each round, and in order to maximize your effect (Recoil reduction, muzzle rise, or flash reduction) you can only do one or two of these effects well. Try to combine everything and you will end up with a muzzle device that excels at nothing and is mediocre at everything.
Battlecomp 1.0 - I removed the original M-16 A2 Birdcage Flash Hider, which is great at hiding the flash from your muzzle and preventing dust clouds while lying prone, but does little to nothing for muzzle rise or perceived recoil. I researched the Battlecomp Compensator, took a risk and ordered two... Well worth the coin. (I won't post what I paid, you can Google that on your own) From my first two range visits with them installed I noticed a huge improvement in controlling muzzle rise, not much change in perceived recoil, but the Battlecomp is a compensator, not a muzzle brake so i'm extremely happy with the results. As a side bonus the Battlecomp is also pretty good at reducing muzzle flash. (I can't explain how it does two things well, but I reckon that's why it costs so much...)
If you haven't fired a semi-auto rifle with a good compensator or muzzle brake, you are missing out. Follow up shots are faster and the rifle is more controllable, resulting in a better shooting experience. Don't fall prey to those who say you won't benefit from a compensator or muzzle brake on a .223/5.56 rifle, try it before you knock it (Shoot smarter, Not harder).
Note on Compensators and Muzzle Brakes: These devices can be very noisy and cause bystanders to feel what some people describe as a thump to the chest. In close proximity to someone shooting with a muzzle brake or compensator it can feel like every time the shooter takes a shot, you get thumped hard in the chest and face with the blast. Please be considerate when shooting at a range or in close proximity to others, it may be fun for you, but annoying and distracting for those around you. I re-iterate, the shooter will not feel the full effect of the thump, but those around you will. I would avoid using brakes and compensators at enclosed ranges, and refrain from ever using them at an indoor range with other shooters. (The Battlecomp is very "other shooters" friendly, and its only slightly louder than the original A2, other compensators/brakes I've tested are not so friendly)
Battlecomp 1.0, Still sooty from testing, with white paint from the range (Lil fella gets real hot)
Now the upgrades that I've made
- 2 new Battlecomp 1.0 Compensators (Buy extra crush washers... you've been warned)
- MAGPUL MOE Grip
- MAGPUL XTM Rail covers (Multi-colored, for a Camo-Tacticool look)
- MAGPUL MBUS (MAGPUL Back-up Sight)
- Aluminum Forward Hand Stop/QD Sling Mount
- Aluminum QD Flash Light Mount
- Lancer L-5 20rd Magazine
Enjoy... Until next time.
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