Want reduced recoil and minimal vertical movement?
Then you want an upgraded muzzle brake.
We hands-on test nine of the most popular and high-performing muzzle devices out there. Not only utilizing reduced recoil data…but looking at side blast, decibel readings, and reticle movement.
And of course…offer our suggestions based on your budget.
With the latest update, we also snuck in some of the best recoil tamers…suppressors!
But first, let’s start off with some quick terminology.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
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Difference Between Muzzle Brake, Compensator, and Flash Hider
Most muzzle devices are hybrids now. But it’s good to get the technicalities out of the way.
- Muzzle Brake: reduces felt recoil, mostly with side vents
- Compensator: reduces the vertical movement, mostly with holes on the top
- Flash Hider: ok, this one is easier to guess…it reduces the fireball when you pew pew
Now let’s talk about hole size.
What?
Brakes and compensators will have exit holes roughly the size of the round.
While flash hiders are larger, so there’s space for unburnt powder to…burn.
For states that don’t allow flash hiders…make sure the exit hole is about the size of the round and that nowhere in the literature does it mention flash-hiding abilities.
For some pure flash hiders, check out our Best AR-15 Flash Hiders article.
Now let’s get on with testing.
Testing Procedures
Basis
I try to stand on the shoulders of giants.
And Jeremy S. over at TTAG has done some amazing work on muzzle devices.
I humbly start with his info on reduced recoil distance from his Muzzle Brake Shootout #1, Shootout #2, and Shootout #3.
Side Blast
Then I amp it up with some side blast comparison…since sometimes it’s cool to think about your fellow shooters next to you — on the range or when clearing rooms (of course).
I had grandiose delusions of measuring the angle of floating balloons or using some cool powder that would disperse. But what worked best, in the end, was a windsock on its side.
It’s not super scientific, but I kept the same distance and position…and tried to keep the angle of blast the same.
Much movement = a really uncomfortable guy/gal next to you.
Decibel Readings
Now a little for your own pleasure.
When you reduce recoil and vertical movement…a lot of that energy is converted into that side blast and also sound.
I usually have to double-up ear protection when I shoot compensated AR-15s. So I got measurements at shoulder level to mimic what you might hear.
If you don’t want ringing ears…check out our Best Shooting Ear Protection for our tested favorites.
Note that decibels (dB) are on a logarithmic scale (thanks, math), so a 3 dB change is roughly 2x the loudness.
*Update* I’ve realized that the reader I had probably cuts off at the range of gun shots so that’s why the sounds are kind of low and roughly the same. We’ve gotten a new decibel reader system that is specifically for guns and will update soon!
Reticle Movement
And what might matter the most…what you see down your optic/scope. I’m using a Strike Eagle 1-6x at 1x at a ~25-yard target.
Check out Best AR-15 Optics or Best 1-6x Scopes for more details.
So I have video through the scope with a couple of shots downrange.
I shoot standing up with a c-clamp grip and try my best to let the shot move naturally before moving it back on target.
And also, my camera adapter flips the image, so my right hand is now on the left. And the “true” movement of the reticle is also flipped.
But since we’re looking at the absolute movement of the reticle…we’re still good because all the muzzle devices are timed to 12 o’clock (top of the device is matched with the top of the barrel).
Now let’s get on with it…in no particular order except how I set up my original picture…
Best Muzzle Brakes & Compensators
1. A2 Birdcage
The OG and what likely came on your stock AR-15.
The A2 Birdcage does a very effective job of reducing blinding flash (.48 Lux compared to >10K Lux for a bare muzzle, TTAG Flash Hider) but not so great at felt recoil or vertical movement.
A perfect control for our next candidates.
Not a lot of movement on the windsock and from personal experience…perfectly pleasant to shoot next to with doubling up on ear protection.
Average of 116.3 dB, although the last one might have been an error. Otherwise, around 118.8 dB.
But you can see the fairly large movement of the reticle.
It does the job and at a super reasonable price and weight (1.9-ounces) too.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Precision Armament M4-72 Severe Duty
The M4-72 Severe Duty was the winner of two shootouts with 74% reduced recoil…so I had to try it out for myself.
It has some pretty aggressive side cuts, which make it a pure compensator.
- Lots more side blast…I would not want to be next to this bad boy since almost all the energy is going to the sides
- Average sound of 119.4 dB
And really little reticle movement!
It’s definitely longer and heavier (2.6-ounces) than the A2 but really does its job in the reticle department.
Your buddies might hate you, and it’s a little louder for you.
But if recoil reduction and keeping your reticle on target is the name of the game…this one might be our winner if it is within your budget.
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What’s your take on the M4-72? Give it a rating below.
3. Strike Industries J-Comp V2
What I’ve been shooting the most recently since I started reviewing a lot more uppers.
And the main reason was cost. It adds up when I have to buy five comps at a time. The J-Comp V2 comes in around $30 to $40.
Oh…and also that it performed well across the board on TTAG’s tests…with 61% recoil reduction and also 1.44 Lux in flash hiding.
Note that they used the V1 of the comp…but the V2 is super similar but without literature that says it has flash-hiding capabilities. But the exit hole is larger than the caliber so…yea…
Now let’s see how it performs in our tests:
- Pretty extreme movement on the windsock…and I can attest that it sucks to be next to on the range
- Sound level of 118 dB which is a little higher than others
But pretty good in terms of low reticle movement.
However, it’s longer than normal and weighs in at a hefty 3.0-ounces.
My go-to choice if you want something that’s all around in terms of price, recoil reduction, flash hiding (possibly), and reticle movement.
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4. Nero 556
Now let’s get REAL exotic.
Looks different…doesn’t it?
That’s because the Nero 556 is 3D-printed from Inconel…the stuff they use in rocket engines.
And because it’s 3D-printed, they can do lots of cool stuff you can’t with milling steel.
- Windsock movement is pretty decent, although I found it to be more pleasant than the M4-72 and Miculek
- Sound rating is 117.6 dB which is pretty average
But did you see how the reticle moved?
It actually went down.
I’m glad I read somewhere that this happens to a lot of shooters that first try out the Nero.
We’re so used to an upward movement that a flatter shooting muzzle device makes us press down. Later on in the day, when I man-handled the Nero rifle less…I had even better results.
If you want bleeding-edge technology at whatever the cost…check out the Nero. The makers have hooked you up with coupon code “PewPew” for 10% off. The link here and below from Walkder Defense will auto-add it.
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5. VG6 Gamma
I’ve shot this A LOT on my go-to Aero Precision rifle (full review), and it shows.
The VG6 Gamma was a great upgrade from my A2 and had a very nice 66% recoil reduction in the TTAG article.
- Decent windsock movement
- Sound rating of 116.5 dB
It’s a little more movement than this, but I couldn’t get a good screen capture.
But you can see there are a lot of vertical vents on the Gamma, so it also pushed the reticle down for me.
It’s also pretty compact and light (2.1-ounces) for its great performance.
Plus, the price is coming down, which makes it a deal for something all-around that doesn’t destroy the people to your side.
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6. SureFire SOCOM + Warden
We’ve tested the SOCOM Muzzle Brake and Warden Blast Diffuser and really like it.
So…I’m throwing it into this list.
SureFire’s SOCOM pulls double duty as both a muzzle brake and an adapter for suppressors.
The brake comes in a few varieties to accommodate calibers like .223, .260, .277, .308, .338, .408, and .50-cal.
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Specs-wise, you can expect to see a 2.6-inch length and 3.9-ounce weight.
On the other hand, the Warden is a linear comp that measures 3.5-inches in length and easily attaches to the SOCOM SFMB Muzzle Brake Suppressor Adapter or 7.62 muzzle brake via a QD design.
The Warden does a great job of forcing gases forward and away from the shooter or whoever is hanging out nearby.
We tested out the SureFire SFMB and Warden together and found them an enjoyable pair. If you can find these…and it can be tricky…we recommend picking both up. You won’t regret it.
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Be sure to read the review on the SureFire set-up or watch the full video review below.
A Note About QD Suppressors
Though this article is about muzzle brakes, we would be remiss if we didn’t at least mention that QD suppressors.
We dig QD because you don’t have to go through the annoying process of switching everything around every time you want some quieter plinking.
These allow you to just toss your suppressor on whenever you want. Easy peasy.
What are some of our favorite QD suppressors?
Glad you asked…
We really like the Banish 30 Gold from Silencer Central.
A .30 caliber suppressor, it reduces that familiar bang down to 132.9 dB. Easy to disassemble and a great suppressor!
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Other models we like are the YHM Turbo 2 and Resonator K.
The Resonator K is another .30 caliber model that takes the bang of .308 Win down to 137 dB and 5.56 to 150 dB.
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YHM’s Turbo 2 is a 5.56 can that takes that sound down to 134 dB.
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Final Thoughts
Let’s summarize based on some scientific but mostly my subjective opinion.
Best Compensator goes to the Precision Armament M4-72 Severe Duty since it reduces the felt recoil the most. Plus had the least reticle movement. But the people next to you (and your own ears) will hate you.
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Best Brake/Compensator Hybrid goes to the VG6 Gamma since it’s got some great downward force on the reticle, and is annoying but not as annoying to others.
Plus…it’s more compact, lighter, and still affordable.
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Best Goldilocks Muzzle Device goes to Strike Industries J-Comp V2 since it’s got great recoil reduction, possibly flash-hiding capability, and decently little reticle movement.
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Most High Tech Muzzle Device goes to the Nero 556 with its 3D-printed Inconel design that will turn heads, not destroy eardrums, and give you tremendous downward force.
I’m keeping this on my primary tester rifle, so I get more used to the very different recoil/movement profile. Stay tuned for updates!
Remember to use the code “PewPew” for 10% off on the Nero direct from Walker.
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What’s your fave brake? Let us know in the comments below. Need a brake for a short-barreled rifle or rifle caliber pistol? Check out the Best Linear Brakes! And if you want to make your AR-15 run even better…check out the rest of our Best AR-15 Upgrades series.
56 Leave a Reply
Now do a review of Blast Shields that redirect all muzzle blast forward and it acts as a sound reduction device but only for the shooter. But a blast shield makes those on each side of you feel much more comfortable. Take one of your muzzle brakes and fire it with a sheet of notebook paper against one side then do it again with a blast shield. You’ll see what I mean.
Horizontal (side) ports make it a muzzle brake NOT a compensator! Vertical ports (holes) are for compensation. Having both sets of ports makes it a hybrid device. I've tried dozens of muzzle devices and settled on the Hera Competition Comp for my 5.56mm ARs, the best hybrid device available IMO.
Wow! I have to say to Eric to consider pulling this article and then putting his big boy pants on and doing his due diligence homework. I'm going to mention 4 that I own and can definitively say they are superior to the ones video taped. Here they are:
The Noveski Pig
Spikes Barking Spider 2
Maxim Hate Brake
Knights Armament MAMMS.
I won't go into a treatise on their virtues and uses, I'll leave that to Eric
Quick correction on the db to perceived sound.
Doubling the perceived sound (what the average person thinks is twice as loud) requires an increase of 10db.
This is a common error on the internet because a speaker takes twice as many watts to increase by 3db, which is noticeable but not huge.
The following page will show you each amount of change from -40db to +40db. Kind of neat info that shows the math but also gives a quick chart for reference.
Cntrl + F "Level change" on a site like this:
sengpielaudio
calculator
It would be interested to see a review of the 419 linear flash suppressor. I know you didn't deal much with linear comps here, but it would be interesting to see an article/comparison on those.
I like the Aero Precision v6 gamma. Great performance and made in USA.
I looked at the J-comp for my AR-10 but got their king comp instead. With that and a Superlative adjustable gas block my AR-10 shoots really comfortably. I shot my friend’s AR-10 with a birdcage and a plain gas block right after and my shoulder took a beating.
How are the DB’s of a can like YHM (135-150) higher than a comp (116-118)?
What about the Ultradyne Apollo LR Compensator? I used one on a 6.5CM bolt action and it gave great recoil reduction. They claim so much that you can spot your own shots through your scope. My targets weren't far enough out to validate that claim but shooting seemed less than 5.56 in felt recoil.
Also, what about Strike Industries' King Comp with oppressor? The two combined are almost less than just the Surefire SOCOM and claim to do what the Surefire SOCOM/Warden Blast Diffuser pair does, so why not evaluate the cheaper option for your readers?
These are the ones we've had hands-on experience with. But we'll definitely look into the ones you mentioned! Thanks for reading!
You mentioned the Mitulick brake, but didn't test it. I have several and really like them, especially for the price. I use it on my AR10 and 15 rifles in 5.56 and 224 Valkyrie. If they made them for a 6.8 SPC I'd have used it on it as well. I use linear comps on my AR pistols for indoor work and less upwards flash.
How about the Little Bastard from APA? Although not made for the 5.56 crowd, researching parts for a custom AR10 build, was pretty impressed with the published data found at precisionrifleblog dot com
I was able to score a Gen 2 for 25% off with a "scratch and dent" product which was flawless other than the outside packaging. Absolutely love the self-timing feature.
To be honest, I had wanted the Alamo 4 Star Cowl Induction brake but the inventor/manufacturer sold the rights a few years ago but the new owner hasn't done squat with it since then... ZERO production!?
I’d like to see some love thrown towards Sons of Liberty and their products. I’m curious to how their Nox would hold up to those on this list.
I'd like to see Griffin Armament comps and brakes tested. It's their bread and butter and I want to see if all their R&D paid off. I especially want to see how their micro carry comps (for pistols) stack up against full size comps.
You made a point when you shared that you might consider getting upgraded muzzle brake if you want reduced recoil and minimal vertical movement. My uncle just mentioned the other day that he is planning to improve his shooting skills, as well as his firearm so he can shoot better at his targets. I will suggest to him getting a good quality muzzle brake from a reliable supplier.
You guys need to test the Ultradyne Brakes, Their Apollo LR for PRS is tested as a compensator and a muzzle brake. Yes it's loud, but it's beat every single competitor so far in felt recoil and muzzle rise... get that thing to your test sight so we can see how legit they are.
I am surprised you guys didn't test the Surefire Warcomp. I have been seeing that one around the interwebs a lot, and it seems to be back-ordered for months on every site. I would've been curious to see how it stacks up against this lineup. Great hands-on post though, guys. Very informative.
I have the Venom Defense Compensator that reduces recoil by 78%. I also use it in conjunction with the Indian Creek Blast Forward Device when I'm at the range to direct all the blast and noise downrange,
Visit Venom Defense Dot Com
I thought the vg6 Epsilon was your favorite all around hybrid do it all it really is a nice looking unit I've got one for my AK and three for the 556
So these muzzle devices are 15 dB quieter than a suppressed rifle... or your measurements are WAY off!
115 dB is REALLY quiet for a gun shot.
YhM permanently affixed muzzle brake for 16+" barrel is a great setup too, highly efficient sacrificial baffle design.
+3 db is double the energy, but in teams of loudness perception +10 db is double .....
The DPMS Mucelek is discontinued by the manufacturer.
You can still buy them directly from his personal website.
Hello, I'm curious if you've had the opportunity to use the VG6 CAGE along with the GAMMA and what kind of improvements you have seen, if any?
Seem to be a wrong video for DPMS Miculek Compensator. It's the same video as for Battlecomp 1.0.
Again you left the lantac dragon
Fellow range shooters will be adjacent to and on the same firing line as the person shooting, not out in front of that person adjacent to the end of his muzzle.
Sort of. The concussive force comes out of the side holes in a cone-shaped blast, not a straight sideways line, so some of it comes back from the end of your muzzle toward the shooters next to you.
"Camera adaptor flipped, right hand becomes left hand". "9" "10"" 11" o'clock movement, "doesn't matter" because 12o'clock timed, just measuring "total movement". Was it 9, 10, 11 or was it 1, 2, and 3 0'clock directionally? Readers care about muzzle direction moment.
Windsock footage shows left side of rifle being shot (standing hip-fire) by left-handed stance shooter. Why not assume a real world natural shooting position whether prone, sitting, kneeling, bench or standing from a marked position?
Why wasnt the winner from the TTAG article tested? The SJC Titan? I believe it was roughly $90 and I absolutely love it.
Ditto on this comment! It seems remiss not to bring in the winner and makes me wonder if there’s some kind of bias going on in this article…
I also purchased the SJC Titan for two of my rifles and it’s amazing!!!
The best true comp is the Effin-A. It has ports that can be plugged to direct gas to get the muzzle to do what you want for any gun, left or right handed shooters. Most devices are setup for the same gas on each side. When I started with it I plugged all the bottom holes and some on the left since I shoot right handed. Gun recoiled down 3 inches when shot. Got it adjusted for my hold and can shoot as fast as I want and gun is always on target.
I've installed the VG6 Epsilon and C.A.G.E. device on my 5.56 Recce, 20" 5.55, AR 10 and 9mm PCC. Works great and for about $100 or less for the combo - pretty hard to beat. CAGE device is a nice device if you care about keeping friends. ;)
Have you tried daniel defense muzzle rise mitigator?
You guys should test out the SJC Titan Compensators line up
Great comparison,breaks my heart that for a 10.5 pistol length 5.56 the Nero looks to be the right choice,but my biggest concern is how tough is it,one drop and looks like it might turn it back into a piece of composite heartbreak,do you plan on doing a torture test,i'd really like to see how it would hold up to couple or three drop tests,as long as it's on somebody's dime
I have the nero on my 11.5" build. It's not fragile it's solid metal. They're good to go.
How valid is this test when resting on a moving platform? Is the play form absorbing or even creating an opposite force from absorption? Would suspending a rifle with a dynamic cord against a sold back stop against the but make it a more valid test? Appeared the rifles could not drop or go right since they were rested. Unless placed at the center of balence, the behavior could be less or greater than actual behavior. Just wondering, thats all
Hi Kleatus, great questions. If you meant the side blast test where it couldn't drop or move right...I think it probably doesn't affect the side pressure that much. But for the reticle test I wanted to replicate real-life...where most people will grip the rifle unevenly.
Damn, I just bought the Jcomp V2 to put on my featureless AR. Guess I gotta go a different route.
According to your videos, looked like the M4-72 had some of the highest reticle movement. The Ascend Armory looks much better in that regard compared to the M4-72 and the Miculek.
Based on the videos and price alone, I would go for the VG6 Gamma -- the reticle movement on there was minimal (looks much better than the M4-72 and Miculek), though apparently not as much recoil reduction as M4-72. Maybe you were just holding on tighter?
Overall, though, this is an awesome and consistent video review. Thanks!
Great article! Thank you so much for this comparison. I’m in the process of building a 12.5” AR pistol, and am seriously considering the J-Comp.
What do you think about this going on a barrel shorter than 16” ? Mostly I just want it because of looks & cost. But one thing you did point out is that it’s pretty loonngggg
You're so welcome! It will add about 2" to the length so keep that in mind.
Please test the Precision Armament EFAB!
Also the Wilson Combat Q-comp and the Bravo Company Gunfighter Comp Mod 1.
Thanks!
Always a learning experience for me to read articles like this. Thank you!
In the Marines they hand you a rifle, help you to become as proficient as they can in a shortened war time boot camp like I went through in San Diego, and next thing you know you're thousands of miles from home with a lot on your mind. (I actually set the range record beating the Colonel of the base, and they attributed that to my having never once in my life fired any firearm prior to boot camp, listened and learned it the right way the first time with no bad habits to break.)
These days I'm circling back around and actually learning the specifics, nuance and finer details of the AR and it's variants, accessories and best practices. Your articles are invaluable and so many are available all at one web site, and come from someone who clearly knows their business - making them trustable!
This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. :)
Thanks again!
Fantastic evaluation! And so begins the next generation of shooters that will spend thousands of dollars on trying out comps. Ever notice that you never see used comps at gun shows, or gun shops? I probably have 15, or 20 old comps in my garage! I think there's a whole underground market where unused comps flow from shooter to shooter, on a nod and a hand shake.
Lantech Dragon, Griffin flash comp, VG6 Precision EPSILON (different model than gamma), and Witt machine mre (Muzzle
Rise Eliminator)5.56 are some other muzzle devises I would like to see in the next testing. Thanks!
i second the Witt Machine MRE. that thing is a beast.
I'm very confused by this article. At the beginning, the various devices are defined:
1. Muzzle Brake: reduces felt recoil, mostly with side vents
2. Compensator: reduces the vertical movement, mostly with holes on the top
3. Flash Hider: reduces the fireball
However, the descriptions of other several devices seem to contradict the definitions. For example, the Precision Armament M4-72 Severe Duty is described as, "has some pretty aggressive side cuts which make it a pure compensator." I thought side cuts would make it more of a pure brake.
Likewise, the next device is under the heading "DPMS Miculek Compensator", yet the caption under the picture says "DPMS Miculek Brake" and you describe it as a, "relatively simple pure compensator", but the side cuts make it appear to be more of a brake. Under number 5, you refer to the previous 2 (M4-72 and Miculek) as pure compensators.
I'm a gun guy with plenty of experience with various rifles, handguns, and shotguns, but I'm a n00b when it comes to the AR-15 platform. I'm doing a lot of research before my first AR build and am trying to learn as much as possible about each component. This article did more to confuse me than to educate me.
Can you provide more insight into these seeming contradictions? I understand that most of these devices are hybrids in the way they function, but side cuts to reduce recoil and top cuts to compensate and reduce upward muzzle movement makes sense to me, but seem contradictory in the descriptions of each device.
Thanks,
Scott Benton
I have the m4-72, the article doesn't quite get it right. It has very aggressive side cuts, however, the way they are made, the floor of the brake is wider than the ceiling, such that gas can escape upwards as well as to the side, effectively making it both a brake and compensator. It's an excellent muzzle device, I highly recommend it.
You are correct, Scott. Even the A2 birdcage flash hider works slightly as a compensator since the holes are mostly on the top, thus reducing muzzle flip. The reason it is solid on the bottom is to reduce the amount of dust kicked up when shooting prone. Just pick an affordable one that has the features you need. These are simple devices and even a novice machinist or gunsmith can mod or tune these to suit your needs.
Hi, what about the Surefire WarComp MSRP $149 ??
Another excellent article. I really enjoy reading your work Brother, thank you. I’ve tried several of those also but decided to design my own to get exactly what I wanted. I machine one style of break/ comp only in different sizes based on caliber.
Great article on brakes, and compensators! And... there will always be ones you missed. Next chance you get, check out the Witt Machine, 3 piece compensator. It includes the best of all that you did test, plus the option to select the amount of back blast, side blast, and muzzle blast that you want for the days application. I have purchased over half of the comps in the big photo, over the years, plus many more, not pictured. The Witt 3 piece is my new favorite go to be all, do all, comp.
Thanks Jeff, I'll try to get my hands on one!