Ep-3: Which Muzzle Device Goes on Your Next AR-15? ... This Should Help.

AR-15 Muzzle Devices. There are a TON of options out there for AR-15 Muzzle Breaks, Muzzle Compensators, Flash Hiders, Linear Compensators. The tough question is how do muzzle devices work and who are they for? Let's help you answer that today.
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Ultimate AR-15 Beginner's Guide
• The Ultimate AR-15 Beg...
Complete AR-10 Builder's Guide
• The Ultimate AR-10 Bui...
00:00 - AR-15 Muzzle Devices
01:13 - What Are Muzzle Devices
01:35 - History Lesson
02:21 - Three Main Types
02:37 - Muzzle Threads
03:14 - Wrench Flats
03:56 - Chamber
04:27 - Tip
05:01 - Muzzle Brake
06:38 - Compensator
07:51 - Flash Hider
09:46 - Linear Compensator
11:21 - Crush Washer
11:48 - Jam Nut
12:14 - Peel Washer
12:34 - Shims
13:05 - What’s Next?
We strive to provide the growing AR-15 shooting community with helpful, fact-driven information about the AR-15 & AR-15 style firearms and accessories to do our part in bolstering a more well-informed community and safer when handling, building or shooting their personal firearm. Let's face it, we all have to start somewhere when it comes to becoming a firearms expert. Our goal is to help you get there one small step at a time.
**The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications on any/all related firearms that strictly comply with all federal, Minnesota state, and local laws. The viewer expressly agrees that AT3 Tactical LLC; its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products and information provided in this video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@Ruby_Sterling]

California’s ban on flash hiders only hurts neighbors at the range.

[@TheRes13cue]

Already got my rig built, I'm just here for Randy!

[@djosue_1125]

It blew my mind to see you doing this Randy. Glad the quality of this is just as good and passionate as your other stuff. Keep it up!

[@At3tactical]

Hahaha! Awesome, Thanks! You know I only hang out in the coolest hobbies!

[@rodneyobrien4624]

@@At3tactical what’s the best muzzle device to run on a 556 11.5 ar pistol??? For the shooter

[@BlackdogADV]

I don’t stress too much about muzzle devices and settled with A2 and 3 prong. I do have a brake on my AR10 but that’s about it. No need to spend a bunch.

[@msquared9605]

Me and you are the same, put the A2 on my 223 and a brake on my 308. Until suppressors become involved, that’s all I need and want for those 2 guns

[@chuckcochran8599]

In the process of assembling the parts for my next build. Thinking about muzzle devices, so this video hit my feed at the right time.

[@At3tactical]

Awesome! Hopefully we helped clear the air a bit!

[@lousmith5264]

24 is number of threads per inch.

[@theairwaybat1830]

I put a break on my 10.3 before I knew about the vast world of muzzle devices, and holy hell that thing was insanely loud. My ears were slightly ringing even with my muffs on.

[@TerminalM193]

I have 7 AR pattern rifles, 2 have surefire Warcomps which is essentially a flash hider with a tiny bit of comp worked in, the rest have a2 birdcage on them. As far as the 5.56 cartridge goes I feel like any kind of dedicated break or comp "outside of competition only" is absurd, nomatter the size of the barrel. Flash suppression has way more benefits in my opinion.... I will give exceptions to long range hunters using a break though so they can keep their eye on target immediately after the shot.

[@At3tactical]

Couldn't agree more and actually, we'll soon be "testing" the effectiveness of comps and flash hiders. ... (I predict comps to be nearly useless at their intended job, over brakes or the classic A2.) -Randy

[@capt.martin5169]

Great Job! Thanks!

[@At3tactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@Blueknight1960]

Unlike a shooting range where the rules they have in place takes away all the fun of shooting, I shoot in an open field. So noise, side blast, mag dump or type of ammo doesn't matter.

[@sammichmanjr]

I'm only 4 videos deep and I'm further loving everything about this company. They not only want to sell their product, but they want to inform those are interested. Pretty much had me hooked when I downloaded the US Army AR-15 guide PDF thing for free. Then this video series? I'm in. I'm sold. I'll be buying here.

[@sammichmanjr]

Also LOVING the video quality here. Thank you for that.

[@At3tactical]

Thanks so much for the shout out! Glad to have you aboard!

[@At3tactical]

*AT3 Tactical Available @ Amazon* amzn.to/46ot4am *New Monthly Giveaways & AT3 Tactical Videos* (No Firearms Sales) content.at3tactical.com/

[@tomwaits4205]

The Apollo S & Max are the best brakes ive used. I have one or the other on all my riffles.

[@djondavid]

Great video series, I am thoroughly enjoying them and will be watching all of them. One minor correction about thread pitch (1/2" x 28, or 5/8" x 24), the last number (28 or 24) is not the "total number of threads", but the number of threads PER inch. The length of the threaded portion of the barrel is usually proportional to, or about the same as the outside diameter of the threads. Thus if you actually counted the "total number of threads" on a given barrel (which you can do at 3:10) is going to be roughly half the thread pitch (about 14 or 12 threads respectively) because only about 1/2" to 5/8" of the (length of the) barrel is actually threaded. I am sure there much variability as to how long the threaded portion of any barrel is, but I just wanted to clarify the terminology to avoid confusion if someone were to count the "total number of threads" rather than the "threads per inch" on their particular barrel.

[@DerekNS74]

A keymo or key-micro on everything. Brake or flash hider, your preference.

[@alyte11]

Wow, this is the first video I’ve found that gave me a clear understanding on the differences. I enjoyed the presentation, thank you!

[@At3tactical]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoshuaDomoslai]

The 20 year old me used to throw a PWS556 on everything and blow the doors off everyone at the range. The almost 40 year old me goes for a flash hider, or linear comp, whatever is the most mild

[@shanejones4058]

It’s all about treating others the way you would like to be treated 😂. My 13.7 with a crazy comp/brake would only be fired at the public range sparingly. My mother flat out refuses to shoot it it’s so violent. 😂

[@ValadezReels]

Excellent info in a clear, easy-to- understand delivery.

[@seanlee2650]

The Ultradyne Apollo Max is great at recoil reduction, but it will leave you standing in a cloud of gun smoke.

[@philtorres3402]

Very educational. Impressive! Thanks!

[@At3tactical]

Glad you liked it!

[@ssnerd583]

Ive been a 'gun guy' since the 1970's and I spent(and wasted) a LOT of money on different compensating muzzle devices and my personal fav for a 5.56 is the VG6 Precision Epsilon. It stands WAY out from the rest of the crowd....it also acts as a flash hider to some extent, but it isnt intended as such. I have some old, weird, 4 prong flash hider on my 20" upper that works really well but cant remember what that one is as I have had it on that barrel for over 10 years

[@steverugerguy9606]

Just ordered an A1 bird cage for my ruger ranch 5.56.. 6 bucks

[@kevinhullinger8743]

I believe muzzle devices are needed for heavy weapons on small arms like the AR its very minimal for recoil. You can minimize the muzzle flash. Best way to minimize recoil is through ammunition choices

[@JamesCzerwinski-zk4qu]

Buy a strike 40$ brake then you'll see how smooth it gets...

[@kevinhullinger8743]

@@JamesCzerwinski-zk4qu you referring to the strike triple crown?

[@jk-guy4226]

I’m blown away how much movement there is from the barrel inside the hand guard when firing. I’m pretty sure my gas block is contacting my hand guard after watching this.

[@edwinmedina4338]

Just a downside from a free-float handguard.

[@VincitOmniaVeritas7]

@@edwinmedina4338 many would argue that’s an upside of the free floating handguard: it allows for the barrel’s harmonics to be undisturbed. Every competition shooter uses a free floated design, AR or not.

[@Hashdollars]

I’m blown away from those who think a rifle barrel wouldn’t be moving after ejecting bullets. Today 2023 we all have the capability of high definition and slowed video that allows us to see more easily what was felt by shooters for decades.

[@stevenminix]

too much is called barrel slap, thicker barrels do it less nonetheless they can be a little more weight.

[@kevinhullinger8743]

It’s called barrel whip and harmonics.

[@Viperjjr]

I’m glad I found this channel. I’m going to watch the other videos also. Thanks for the great information. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@At3tactical]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cornbread10378]

Good tooo seeeee ya brotherrrr!!!! Much luv ur way!!!

[@MrSabram07]

I prefer a forward compensator on my 10.5 in for any sort of home defense as it propels sound the gases and the dust forward and away from your ears and towards the target.

[@SamuelHenderson]

Great Info Randy👏👏

[@Mercedes740yev]

Best one is suppressor, I don’t like noise.

[@betweenthebars19]

Awesome. Thank you for this video!

[@At3tactical]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Pegasus209]

Another great video, Randy! When I mentioned a couple of components I used to build my rifle, and waiting to see if they made it into the list of components you were/are reviewing, I didn't think about muzzle devies. I'm glad to see the Ultradyne Athena compensator (which I really like) in your lineup. So far, I'm 2 for 2 in your series. I'm sure when you get to handguards, my AT3 Tacticle will naturally be in the list... or you might be out of a job! When it comes to stocks, will my Magpul CTR make the list? We shall see...

[@andrewnguyen4968]

yoo thats crazy this guy use to be on another youtube channel about saltwater fish and coral called Bulk Reef Supplies crazy to see him here

[@At3tactical]

After 16yrs in the Army, guns feel a bit more my speed... Haha! Good to see another crossover here. -Randy

[@beardedlanner]

hey man I found your channel from BRS!! Let's goooo

[@At3tactical]

Hey Hey! Welcome aboard!

[@Tony_elias37]

excellent information friend

[@a.joegevara3519]

Surefire on all mine!

[@jas8256]

I am at the get an upper, a BCG, A Lower, A Trigger, a Laser … No Brace AR Pistol .223

[@randomgamer-st1ie]

You had a blast can on the table, and showed it on a gun multiple times, but never said a word about it.

[@charlesd8760]

The linear comp will direct more sound down range/towards the target. These are some nice designs that combine the linear comp with a pretty robust brake so you can get the reduced recoil without blasting out your range buddies on either side of you at the shooting bench.

[@JamesCzerwinski-zk4qu]

Kicks more though

[@JSJTOUTDOORS]

I can’t find a true 6.5 creedmoor flash hider. Is it ok to use a 308 FH on 6.5? Will it cause issues with the barrels crown?

[@JeromeBrownell]

Great show. Thank you

[@At3tactical]

Thanks for checking us out!

[@fog8969]

Just now found your channel. Very good, instructive videos. Subscribing, and hope your channel goes a long way.

[@At3tactical]

Thanks for the comment and subscribing! We've got a MOUNTAIN of topics to cover, so we're just getting started. Glad to have you aboard this early in the game!

[@p47rr]

Next Level Armory and Wilson Combat have the two best hybrids. (In my humble option.) Wilson producing less sound. No teeth to snag on things. Reduce flash and recoil. Next level makes one with and with out teeth on the end.

[@At3tactical]

Nice recommendation! I think we're on a path to working out some sort of "test" and measurements to show off each muzzle device we can get our hands on... It might be a while before we get there, but when we do (and I assure you we will), it's going to really open some eyes on some of these muzzle devices. ;)

[@hiwayhighway9925]

​@@At3tactical would love to see that. Even the adapters for suppressors, like cherry bomb etc.

[@jeffreymichael1154]

Muzzle rise ACTUALLY CAN be 100% mitigated and even overcome by tipping the barrel end downward with the use of a compensator!!! Just a little edit* there for ya bud!

[@At3tactical]

💪 Steel sharpening Steel! Thanks!

[@fireyourrocketts]

I need to find muzzle devices that can be installed and removed easy to be able to use direct thread suppressors, where can I find those? I saw one from a company called "without warning" perfect name as without warning I was slapped with the outrageous price of $375 per device!!!

[@GtcoUC]

If you are the jerk at the range with a muzzle device angled backwards at an angle. You’re a jerk cuz it hits the guys sitting next to you in their lane.

[@charlesd8760]

Yeah, the brakes that provide the greatest reduction in recoil also cause the greatest discomfort for those next to you. The percussion coming from the brake can blow everything off the table on either side of you. One reason I prefer ranges with solid dividers between shooting stations.

[@charlesd8760]

@@carryeveryday910 I think we, at least I, am talking about outdoor ranges with multiple shooting positions on one long bench. The two local 100 yd ranges I use at least have separate shooting stands with a solid barrier that extend from about where the butt of the gun typically rests on the bench to several feet past the muzzle. They go from the floor to the roof of the shooting structure and it’s still irritating when someone has something like a Precision Armament M4-72 on their AR-10. Don’t get me wrong, a great muzzle brake, just don’t want to be next to one at the range. Can’t even imagine being next to one at an indoor range that allowed full power rifles.

[@carboncollapse8435]

​@@charlesd8760i like when i git hit with muzzle break blast cause it reminds me that im a man not a whiney woman that complains about invisble gas hitting me lol😅

[@charlesd8760]

@@carboncollapse8435 right…

[@cityofbricks]

Awesme video!

[@At3tactical]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikeskis7887]

I think the SJC Titan is still the best invented for sports shooting/ competitions

[@AnxiicLife]

What is the name of the muzzle device in the B Roll at 1:10 , the one that's fluted?

[@At3tactical]

Ohhh, that's the linear comp that comes factory on the Springfield Saint Victor 5.56 AR Pistol. Proprietary to them, but might be available on the open market?

[@E85_STI]

I’m on the AT3 site but which brake is the one you are shooting at 5:37 I kinda like how the flame shoots out.

[@At3tactical]

That is the Saint Victor Muzzle Brake. We don't carry it but you can find it on Springfield Armory's website.

[@gordonadams4793]

Your content is very good. My only negative, audio needs improving

[@At3tactical]

Great feedback, thank you for chiming in! Steel sharpens steel around here and you are not the first to mention that. It was a bit rough on some of these earlier videos, but hopefully our stuff of recent is much better. Thanks again, truly! - Randy

[@JamesHindsW5ATJ]

Hey Randy, Great video. What muzzle wrench are you using in the video. I would like to order one. Thanks

[@bradoshaholmes2867]

There’s prob 150 variations of the same tool on the market. I believe Magpul offers one of the more reasonably priced versions, believe it or not…

[@epsilon61926]

Which type is best for a 22. AR?

[@At3tactical]

kzbin.infoiBbWBOhqBiM

[@jeffbetts4254]

Why do you really need a muzzle device on M15's if you are using it for sport?. Seems like you may get better accuracy without it.

[@jjw5165]

Just use a a2, proven not to mess w I th accuracy. But linnier comp will help with your hearing.

[@FishHuntFreedom]

Is there a muzzle break that also works as a flash hider

[@BadBrad46]

VG6.

[@coppertopv365]

On a 16" barrel.. what's a real good muzzle device?

[@At3tactical]

Honestly, it's hard to not say the tried-&-true A2 Birdcage. But a couple of us here in the office run a VG6 Gamma or Epsilon.

[@senpai_sake3276]

So I’m a newbie, my muzzle has an S design in it and I have no clue what it does. The guy at the range said I could throw a suppressor on it but I don’t understand how that works when no video on suppressors has my muzzle… can anyone elaborate what I might have?

[@thatoneguy454c]

Warcomp is the answer, especially now that they make one that is priced for poors. It just doesn't have the built in mount for their shus toobs, but if you cant afford a warcomp you probably shouldnt be dropping 1200 bucks on a can. Not attacking anyone, just being realistic.

[@OldSolidSnake]

@2:23 what flash hider is that?

[@At3tactical]

AT3 Tactical Combat Flash Hider

[@marshassassin9583]

Whats the quietest ?

[@At3tactical]

"Quietest" gets pretty tough to measure when they all are EXTREMELY loud to begin with. If you're worried about your neighbors on the range, you DON'T want to look at muzzle brakes. They are typically known as the loudest, only because of how the gas exits through the muzzle device. Outside of that, it's pretty much a wash for "quietest"...until you start talking about the QUIETEST of them all.... the suppressors! :)

[@marshassassin9583]

@@At3tactical yes I definitely had an indoor range in mind so sounds like I'll be looking into a comp

[@dilorenzopiero5162]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@brettmccafferty465]

28 threads per inch lol.

[@At3tactical]

😅 Haha! Yeah, little slip of the tongue there. Nice Catch!

[@mikemancini6276]

Aren’t you on bulk reef supply too lol

[@At3tactical]

I am here now.

[@Mooseboy240]

Dude I thought you just did reefing videos!

[@At3tactical]

Nah, ditched the salty world for guns a little over a year now. I don't have to do water changes on my AR's or hire a babysitter for them when I'm gone! 🤣🤣🤣. Glad you found me though, THANKS! -Randy

[@Mooseboy240]

@@At3tactical awesome videos either way man. I still do both maybe that’s why I’m always broke. Good luck with the new gig!

[@MrSabram07]

Do you really need a device, why not shoot right out the end of the barrel?

[@TheStoryof6strings]

*eSSSSScape.. not "eXcape"

[@At3tactical]

🤣

[@saltyarmysoldier2602]

* STOP * please DO NOT tighten any muzzle device before installing a barrel vise block rod/ reaction rod. You could deform your upper receiver or barrel!

[@mdlassel]

a2 birdcage. next