Quick Tip: What's the Right Muzzle Device for Your Gun?

Muzzle brake? Flash hider? Compensator? Firearm muzzle devices come in a bewildering array of shapes and sizes designed to perform specific functions. Brownells Gun Techs Steve Ostrem and Caleb Savant are here to help you figure out which muzzle device is right for you and your gun. FLASH HIDERS (aka "flash suppressors") do exactly what their name suggests: they mitigate the fireball emitting from the muzzle when you fire a shot. Originally developed for the military, they help reduce the risk of your muzzle flash telling the enemy where you are. COMPENSATORS direct combustion gas upward to counteract the natural tendency of the muzzle to rise when a shot is fired. Due to its closed bottom, a compensator also kicks up less dust when you're on the ground shooting prone.
MUZZLE BRAKES reduce felt recoil by redirecting the gas outward, to the sides. The faster the bullet velocity, the better a muzzle brake works. For AR-15 shooters, Caleb answers this old question: Does it make sense to put a muzzle brake on a rifle chambered in .223 / 5.56? Because it reduces or at least slows the amount of gas coming out of the muzzle, a SOUND SUPPRESSOR also serves as an effective muzzle brake. Finally, some muzzle devices are designed to perform two - or even all three of these functions - but the results tend to illustrate the old saw, "Jack of all trades, master of none."
More wisdom & insight from Caleb and Steve (and other Brownells experts) on tap 24/7/365: www.brownellsvi...

[@MrCantStopTheRobot]

This has an "alright son, show me what you learned" feel to it.

[@alexc9624]

I'm pretty convinced the guy in the right is actually centuries older than the guy on the left. Just can't go out in the sun for some reason.

[@brownells]

🧛

[@jackelinemeter8914]

I choose D All of the above

[@joemoment-o1275]

@@brownells haircut gave you away. Lucky you mirrors aren't made with silver anymore

[@amanarif2283]

@@brownells you can deliver in India?

[@Izzy235634]

Flash hiders also help keep the shooter from being blinded by his own muzzle flash in low light conditions, and to help keep the shooter's natural night vision that the eyes adjust to.

[@kenvsnow]

You would think Brownells would know this but many so called experts leave this out.

[@airframer120]

No wonder they banned in California featureless rifle 😂

[@Izzy235634]

@John Beige Three prong flash hiders are best for flash mitigation. Find one that doesn't have a ringing tone when fired.

[@An2oine]

@@Izzy235634 The LMT three prong is a good one. The tines are each different. It removes that ping.

[@lcastro6499]

@@Izzy235634 what about the Surefire War comp ?

[@tedbirthchild2986]

Johnny Cash teaching me about muzzle breaks is the highlight of my night.

[@brownells]

Hahaha well played.

[@CalebSavant]

Ha! Thanks!

[@justinofboulder]

brakes

[@indulger]

Of course, he's the expert on rings of fire

[@hexedyou4321]

@prelude to a funeral ll

[@javabean215]

Don't forget that with a muzzle brake, if you're shooting in lanes or at an organized range, the guys next to you won't like you. The brake redirects the sound and gas pressure to the shooter's rear and left and right sides, so the guys in the lanes next to you get the full Monty from that.

[@TUKByV1]

I enjoy it. It's like firecrackers, but someone else is buying!

[@Theraceagainstmyhealth]

I didn't realize they were attachments that did that. I remember being at an indoor range and feeling this huge thump from several lanes down. I also went to an outdoor range and the person next to me had one and the pop I felt in the face was unreal.

[@AtrociousAK47]

i got the same feeling when I went to an outdoor shooting competition with my brother. some guy was shooting a pistol with a red dot and break on it, but it was only .22, and I was like "why is that so loud and concussive". my brother explained that it seemed louder because the break redirected the sound and energy toward us, instead of down range where it would normally go.

[@Big6Duke]

Welcome to "Son explain to me what Muzzle devices are" lol

[@henrikparsgaard9648]

😂

[@thelonepainter4760]

Fucking love doom!! Also this hobby!

[@thelonepainter4760]

@Josh Jones I wish, one day California becomes a red state, down here in orange county, we are all conservatives.👍

[@salsalvio821]

@@thelonepainter4760 it’s such a beautiful state, with so much to offer. Definitely a bummer that it’s run by idiots. If it were a pro gun conservative state I could see moving there in a heartbeat

[@IllusionOF-Freedom]

@@thelonepainter4760 fuckkkk that. Move to GA, cost of living is cheap AF so dont spend all your CAL money. Shit jobs but at least flordia is about a hour and a half for me.

[@DLN-ix6vf]

these Brownells videos are my favourite. These two get to the point asap , videos are usually around 4 - 5 min. long and they share the talking almost 50 / 50. Thanks guys !

[@Primer595]

I designed the Anti-blast Muzzle Brake from 1987 till 1992 .It was tested at Liverpool University in 1994 and gave 60% momentum reduction and 84% energy reduction in recoil on a Parker Hale rifle in 30 06 caliber. They stretched the test load up to 3150 fps with a 150 grain bullet and it still worked ie did not burst the rifle or damage the brake. Target Gun Magazine did the review in the May Issue. I sold 30 units but did not have the funding to go into full production. Guns Review, an english magazine also did a test. Colin Greenwood fitted it to his .308 rifle. Nice overview guys and you are so right, there is so much depth to this subject from engineering and physics to practical application.

[@Sokofeather]

Could you send a few to these kinds of review youtubers?

[@Primer595]

@@Sokofeather My understanding of "flash hiders" is that they protect the shooter from the flash created by the bloom at the muzzle when the unburnt powder particles hit the air. These produce light energy instead of pressure ie a very bright flash. The old FN used by the UK directed the flash as spikes through the elongated ports. The ports were not quite set North South East and West, but turned through 45 degrees so that the shooter could see clearly through to the target between the top two flashes using open sights.Ball powder is particularly bad for bloom or excessive flash but it is very clean burning for continuous fire required in combat. The diagonally set lower ports only balanced the "recoil impulse" of the top exit ports. These are closed as you noted to compensate muzzle lift shown in your second example. A large US company looked at my brake and tuning device . said no then promptly manufactured it. I have not trusted big manufactures since.

[@whatstheproblem6606]

Rod Mac you should've sued if you had the patent

[@Primer595]

@@whatstheproblem6606 I couldn't afford to do that. They sold out to another company and it would have been a nightmare to pursue because of that alone. I am pursuing better things now anyway and in a less trusting way. Their loss really as I had many more designs they could have used to our mutual benefit.

[@briankeevan8134]

@@Primer595 Sadly, this happens more often than many folks may realize. …& as you also stated, usually, it’s to their loss as the inventor of a great product more than likely has multiple great ideas, not just the one, yet the others may never be discovered due to the initial violation of trust. Everyone loses, nobody wins.

[@Tainomontana]

The one with “jet propulsion” sounds neat.

[@AOMartialArts]

Lol.

[@truthseeker8123]

HennessyVirus VSOP precision armament m4-72 severe duty. Amazing performance. The truth about guns youtube Chanel did vids comparing 100 different devices. Pretty cool

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

Called Rocket effect

[@thermionicemission6355]

I love the standard AK-74 muzzle device, it's a really well-engineered piece, doing everything you want quite effectively, reducing overall recoil with side ports as a muzzle brake, compensating with the few methodically-placed holes and also serving as a flash hider of course. The side ports are also asymmetrical horizontally, venting sideways and slightly up. Probably pretty advanced for the time, at least for such a mass-produced rifle, it was later used in 7.62 AKs of the AK-100 series too.

[@faceless2302]

ah yes the un-circumcised muzzle brake

[@jamessonger3]

I personally have the one on the far far left as your watching this video... it makes a hell of a fireball and makes the gun SUPER SUPER loud lol... I love it!!!

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

I put a generic muzzle brake on my AR and took the bird cage flash hider off the AR and put it on my 10/22. They both "look" bad ass ... !

[@gnarnrawsteezem5894]

Elvis and Clint Eastwood talk about attachments

[@fuckheinschitt239]

😂

[@fuckheinschitt239]

😂

[@kiasax2]

I was searching for a muzzle brake for my ancient FN Herstal Mauser, which I have placed into an Archangel stock. I watched your muzzle brake recoil test where the recoil was reduced from 30", down to 12". That sold me along with your company's stand on backing up your products. Thank you for your integrity in a market that reeks of pretenders.

[@SteveWood_Commando_at_large]

I put a muzzle brake on a 5.56 bull barrel prs build and there is absolutely no felt recoil. While recoil in a .223/5.56 AR style rifle is light to begin with, it is still there. The beauty of this build is since there is no noticeable recoil, the following shot on the same target is stacked, if not in the same spot.

[@ergosum5260]

everyone else on the firing line feels your gun

[@SteveWood_Commando_at_large]

@@ergosum5260 It was especially brutal at the indoor range for test firing!

[@CALVINLNIKONT]

I have an AR-15 Colt Match heavy barrel sporter (H-BAR) and, in order to test the effectiveness of an AK-74 muzzle brake, I used a scope set on 9x. I fired with and without the muzzle brake and there was a tremendous difference in the time it took to get back on the target. The Jerry Miculek muzzle is even better than the AK-74 muzzle brake.

[@rodglen7071]

With a 7.5" barrel, I immediately replaced the A2 hider with a flash can. Huge fireball, but I wanted the blast and sound projecting away as best as possible. Not sure if those classify as something else, but it works.

[@largelarry2126]

I only use full on comps for rifles with higher powered scopes intended for longer ranges. They help to keep the subject within your viewing window during recoil for much faster follow up shots. On already light recoiling calibers for longer ranges say 250 - 500 they can keep the rifle so steady, that with small quick adjustments you can hammer away at a pretty fast pace with very good accuracy. For rifles used under 200 yards the flash hider is a must.

[@dhm8286]

We're just going to ignore the catgirl mug huh

[@Pyreleaf]

Dhm mother of God, and it's the old man's!

[@inquisitorkryptman7893]

Nice attention to details

[@keaganhicks5467]

God damnit lmao

[@Terabit3]

I see he's a man of culture

[@vernonialiving9087]

Not everyone is man enough to drink out a a cat mug and not give a crap what any one else thinks.

[@snlconner]

The Smith vortex is by far my favorite. A true flash eliminate! Second from the right. 👍

[@chuckmcdiscs4586]

I have the same, can confirm it is a great flash hider. Pretty happy with it.

[@mikeyeyes7]

I have one also Works great

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I have saw them tested on TV in total darkness and just by that I’d have to agree that it’s probably the best on the market when it comes to hiding the flash.

[@1Deejay7]

Not a 100% though, only a suppressor can hide it that well in the pitch black of night. especially the sbrs

[@Danefrak]

Yup

[@bencrawford6859]

Steven has a great story telling voice, like I’d love to hear some old western gunslinger stories, or old hunting stories told by him

[@CalebSavant]

We keep asking him...

[@Kitchen_Sink]

@@CalebSavant Get him to read one of Jack O’Connor’s hunting books

[@kennethbailey2616]

I really enjoy your videos. You’re both very knowledgeable and give us some great scoop. I’m an old Marine and my first T/O weapon was an M14. I loved that rifle so much I bought an M1A years later for the nostalgia of it.

[@freedustin]

According to KZbin ads...an "oil filter."

[@superpilotdude]

Oil filter suppressor?

[@christophercordasco1739]

Those are tracked

[@coolbreeze2.0-mortemadfasc13]

@@christophercordasco1739 Oil filters are tracked? Wow.

[@alexander74758]

@@coolbreeze2.0-mortemadfasc13 it’s an ATF honeypot

[@cantsneedgaming4591]

Oh no😂😂

[@scubaguy007]

I have the VG6 EPSILON on 3 of my rifles and they are very nice. He stopped short of saying it, but it is best of all three traits. Compensation, flash reduction, and a muzzle break.

[@airbomb34]

I have a VG6 on an AR15. Thing is great.

[@MrKlein83]

Yes, Epsilon VG6 on my AR

[@altonkriel]

@@MrKlein83 good to hear its the one i bought for mine as well

[@Riggrip504]

I have a vg6 on a Vepr 7.62x39, very sweet but very concussive

[@CTCRZ]

I have the VG6 on a Grendel AR. Love it!

[@SuperGiantGeckosLLC]

Surefire WarComp on my ADM mod2

[@gregawallace]

Lots of advantages to muzzle devices my skinny 9 year old needs a small very light rifle he can carry but a round powerful enough to take large game at distance without excessive recoil. I set up my ruger gunsight scout for him. it’s got a at one stock that’s very light and adjustable to his small stature, i added a precision armament break that removes 64% felt recoil and a forward mounted “scout scope” because it’s faster to pick up for him and he prefers it to standard eye relief. It total it’s a very small light .308 he can comfortably shoot and accurately hit at 200 yards with. Without the break he would have to shoot something either to heavy for him to carry or to underpowered to take larger game with.

[@rickypitman1035]

If you have a grinder &80 grit disc Packmer Decelerator Recoil pad try 1 I have 4 shotgun dream. Mark it and grind that rubber to fit.

[@steveunknown8407]

Using a muzzle device to mitigate muzzle flip on a .204 would be extremely helpful because of the velocity thanks appreciate your video

[@gordoncouger9648]

Brownells tech support is awesome. I don't do much business with you but I've been doing it since 1955. I was buying through McHugh Sporting Goods then. I needed the frame screw that retained the yoke on S&W 649-2 and the lady that answered to take my order at Brownells immediately said they were out of stock with no expectation of resupply but she gave me a phone number of a gunsmith that had some in stock and he had one. There are many businesses that have great service but, none have ever delivered that kind of service that fast. Thinking about it now I expect the gunsmith's information was tied to the part number on Brownells' computer system. Tying all their years of knowledge to parts, guns, and items on a computer would be a daunting task but, boy, would it pay off.

[@roykiefer7713]

Gentlemen - Quite possibly, for me this was your most valuable technically-oriented KZbin. It made great sense (and I spent a 40+ year career in tactical aviation program management, so the gas and acoustic concepts are somewhat familiar) and the presentation was flawless. THANK YOU. I’m doubtful that this technique is something Brownells’ uses, but a conceptual fluid (gases are fluids) dynamics analysis of gas dispersion (by velocity and temperature) with various muzzle divides would be really interesting.

[@davidgreen5099]

@mr sir you are a loser.

[@ryanjohnson1265]

Roy Kiefer there are plenty of videos out there that show and explain exactly what you are wanting. 👍

[@dibbi3237]

Interesting to think of gases as super light fluid, idk why but that makes it a lot easier to comprehend for me. Thanks

[@markparker7778]

Just wanted to thank you for all the concise tutorials that you put out. Your knowledge and dedication is paramount and a pleasure to absorb.

[@texasheat16]

Excellent explanation of muzzle devices, thank you!

[@brownells]

Thanks for watching!

[@valiant545]

Brakes on very large calibers. Flash hiders on intermediate calibers and smaller. A brake on an intermediate cartridge is just adding several downsides to the rifle to compensate for your own inability to control recoil (except competition).

[@69CamaroSS]

VG6 Epsilon is BY FAR the best one on the table....and the market! I have one and LOVE IT....although a bit loud. There’s tons of research and comparisons done and it DOES offer the best balance of doing all three (brake, comp, flash) exceptionally well....just have to make sure to get it “clocked” correctly. Worth every penny!!!

[@desertdwellintom]

They just need to add Suppressor QD functionality.

[@69CamaroSS]

The Midgardener Amen!!!!!

[@Ghost17110]

@@desertdwellintom The full sized VG6 Epsilons/Gammas are compatible with Griffin Armament GATE-LOK suppressors fyi as they share the same standard A2 rear collar.

[@lzoy171]

ultradyne Apollo s hands down the best. I've used them all. Trust me.

[@artsmith103]

Strongly recommend the design of 4:20. Most vent out the side with a little vent on the top to prevent muzzle climb, Really helps prevent jumping up off the bipod.

[@shaquilleoatmeal119]

Where can I get it. I can’t find it

[@artsmith103]

Mine is on a 7mm Rem Mag. Custom made via machine shop equipped gunsmith. Good time for trigger work if you're thinking about it.

[@marktwo3160]

Vg6 epsilon

[@christophergrillo410]

1:32 he mentions best of both worlds. That would be the Surefire Closed Tine Warcomp hands down. I've bought a looooot of muzzle devices and that's the winner

[@Eastwood007x]

I always thought about the warcomp, though I hadn’t considered much of a difference between open and closed. Definitely considering the closed, now!

[@christophergrillo410]

@@Eastwood007x they are both suppressor mounts, which is cool, but the open tine ones (I have some in .308 and .223) kind of make this harmonic, had to notice tuning fork sound, but once you notice it its 1. annoying and 2. in a combat situation without a silencer a pretty bad thing. I personally like the closed tine, the design kicks ass

[@Reniconix]

@@christophergrillo410 I don't buy it. The harmonic ringing on an open tine flash hider/comp has nowhere near the intensity of a gunshot. If you're worried about your muzzle device ringing in combat, you have seriously and fatally misplaced your priorities. This argument is akin to the M1 Garand ping myth. If the enemy is close enough to hear the ringing they already know where you are, and if you are in a situation where being annoyed at the ringing even matters, you're most likely firing fast enough that you never notice the ring anyway. Plus, modern military equipment includes hearing protection that would entirely deaden that sound to you because it is so faint to begin with. I know they switched from a 3-prong to the birdcage flash hider with the M16A1, but they did it entirely because the 3-prong flash hiders were prone to snagging and breaking in the Vietnamese jungle, not any silly made up problem people come up with like "it rings too loud and is distracting".

[@christophergrillo410]

@@Reniconix I'm not "worried" about anything with my muzzle devices keyboard commando sir.

[@christophergrillo410]

@Charles Valenzuela right, I'm not saying you and the other dude don't have a point, but you presuppose to know way too much. I ring steel. I'm not sure why everyone assumes everyone watching brownells videos on their phone uses their AR's to shoot people. In fact I would assume most people who shop at brownells do NOT engage in combat. So the concerns/assumptions/presuppositions that my distaste for the sound are somehow "alerting my position" are far-fetched. I'm running shooting drills, ringing steel, and the sound is annoying. That's all. No disrespect intended.

[@bills6946]

I added a Fortis RED muzzle brake on my AR 15 recently. I am amazed how much it has improved accuracy for me. I am shooting buttonholes consistently now.

[@danno1800]

You both did a terrific job explaining the purposes of various openings in the muzzle. Thanks - much appreciated!

[@davidshockey7649]

Smith Ent. 4 Prong 15 degree RH twist; are the best ones I've used, the US Army adopted them in 2005-2009 M4's, M14's, M240's, and even M2 50Cal MG

[@plaidomelette4358]

I swear by the VG6 Epsilon on my AR. Loud boom and mitigates the already minimal recoil.

[@flawless1up]

i purchased a cheap flash hider on my first upper build. there is a huge difference between a cheap one and the surefire warcomp. huge

[@pgeorg01]

Great video! However I would add one type you guys did not talk about: Linear Compensators. Yes I know it has the word _compensator_ in the name but it directs gases, and subsequently noise, downrange. It does nothing to keep the barrel in any particular position as a standard compensator would. Instead it makes for a more pleasant experience by reducing concussion/sound for the shooter. Having tried some serious muzzle brakes I can honestly say they are not for me. The extra concussion is just not worth it, but then again some folks love them. As always thats one of the great things about the sport! For those looking into muzzle devices I will say learn from my mistake and try an inexpensive one first before springing for something that is top of the line. You will get +80% of the experience. Then when you decide what form you like best, you can go for something pricier (and hopefully better).

[@ratagris21]

Most if the name brands are overrated and you are correct. I've used a few inexpensive ones say less than $40 range to a few that were much more expensive. They all work, but the question is what are you looking for.

[@pgeorg01]

@@ratagris21 Totally agree! Nowadays the only expensive muzzle devices I can see me buying are those made for quick detach suppressors...even then it feels like such a ripoff...90 bucks for a flash hider sucks.

[@ratagris21]

@@pgeorg01 thank you for your agreement.

[@ValhallaKnight2]

That coffee mug on the right is badass.

[@illiniarmory3142]

I could listen to Steve’s voice all day. He needs his own radio show

[@pisacenere]

Very interesting as I'm unable to have a suppressor this is the next best thing

[@ptemi]

There’s a couple items on the table you didn’t touch on. Specifically the ones that have a lot of small holes. What are the purpose of those?

[@lasoga2125]

Those are the ones that do everything but dont do any of the 3 functions particularly well.

[@cameronanderson1670]

I suspect they'll touch on them in the future. One of them looks like a quick coupler for a Q suppressor. I'm sure some of the others are also quick adapters

[@Shamrockjason]

@@lasoga2125 😁

[@chuckclark6162]

They are tunable. The come with set screws that you install to tune it to your liking. They suck.

[@Matthew-uc7he]

They make a whistling noise.

[@drubradley8821]

Thank you... I have waiting for this video, as per the I.D. on a brake for a long time... I keep seeing the (0.2780" to 0.2870") pending the brand of brake.... but to hear you guys mention: (typical to see 0.0200" clearance over the diameter of the projectile).... this points me in the right direction... Thank you.

[@MrSergio608]

Coolest part of the video. Suppressor pulled out of thin air lol

[@sidviscous5959]

you mean that "solvent trap"?

[@hookeaires6637]

They should do a video on the arcane arts of doing just that but the ATF would want to regulate and tax it for sure.

[@a1ibddd]

Thank you Gentlemen. I always enjoy your videos and learning things new to me through them.

[@InGratitudeIam]

Depending on who I want to piss off or not, I'll switch between a comp and a MB.

[@john-paulsilke893]

I do have an upper I like to put on with a very short barrel and large brake. It’ll clear out a range real fast. However all the young guys come over and ask questions and often want to shoot it so it’s a double edge sword. (It’s just a cheap 7.62x39 but it gets way more attention then either of my purpose built competition guns but hey, sometimes $400 worth of fun can be worth more then $4,000 spent.

[@joemoment-o1275]

@@john-paulsilke893 My favorite flavor is shorty 556 ahhaha

[@dashifter]

Thanks guys , entertainment and educational at the same time

[@DesertTactical]

Have several on my carbines. From A2’s, to linear comps and brakes. Its definitely noticeable how each works. Great video.

[@douglasj2254]

I was recently shooting a carbine indoors and the muzzle flash was really distracting. At the same range, shooting a carbine with the A2 flash hider I barely noticed the flash. That bugger does its job very well!

[@stephenlacher587]

Was thinking, "which ones do I use as King and Queen on my chess board"?

[@Sparks68]

My favorite now is the Smith Enterprises Vortex. It has the greatest flash suppression and is used by SOCOM operators on their rifles. Next best for flash suppression and close on its heels is the lowly A2 and lowly A1. The downside of the Vortex is its exposed tines to which the military added a ring on the M16A1 to prevent snagging on gear and foliage. I don't worry about that. In addition, the Vortex screws on by hand, without a crush washer, and is firmly hand tightened. It's self-tightening with its spiral tines. Removing one after the barrel has had 500 - 1000 rounds through it requires a wrench and an action rod. That's how much it gets tightened onto the barrel with use.

[@PeachTreesHOA]

Not gonna lie, didn’t even realize there were muzzle devices in this video until about 4 minutes in. Caleb’s hair was too amazing to turn away from. 👍🏻

[@illestmortal]

@Finn McCool 😂

[@alexmaurice4274]

These videos r supppper good and informative as someone who doesnt know a ton on firearms truly thank you for these

[@mfetto]

always keep in mind what are you using you gun for.. so if you're going CQB .. u don't wanna ave a muzzle break directing the gas to your buddy next to you if it's for your home protection, don't go for a suppressor .. ig someone breaks in .and you shoot . u want all the neighbors to know and call the police .. perhaps you will get wounded and you won't have time to call'them yourself very useful video..

[@mfetto]

Bill Myers unfortunately not

[@Hidden_Destinations]

I enjoy your videos but I must say the delivery and enthusiasm of the Lucky Gunner videos are much better.

[@duncanfranklin9462]

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Compensator ftw, also there is a moderator they forgot to cover.

[@rushyahr7423]

You videos are very informative. Also weird because you are talking about cool stuff, but in such a mellow way that... between the speakers voice and the music... man, good asmr sleep back ground sound!

[@TrainerDude51]

Very useful information. I'm having/assisting with my first AR 15 build and this video answered questions I did not even have. Thanks.

[@dawglog8940]

If you're doind a 223/223 Wylde/556 build you might consider a Kaw Vallet linear compensator EXCELLENT construction and relatively inexpensive ($59). ☺

[@sydurgraham7760]

IMO, compensators are the way to go for the average shooter. You get advantages of the other 2 types, and IMO most importantly, reducing muzzle climb which could be life or death in a home-defense situation. So slightly-reduced flash and recoil, and greatly reduced climb. It's the best **bang** for your buck for the average shooter.

[@DFox-ud3gx]

I use the Lantic Dragon muzzle brake and boy it's loud .

[@johnathondavis5208]

Have one on one of my 15s, loud for sure. Great stability but heats you up fast :)

[@derekhall7610]

I got an upper that had a break on it. Loved how it shot very smooth infact I put one on my other ARs. They make 5.56 such a smooth shooting rifle. I love them

[@donaldhollingsworth3875]

All of our Colt M16-A2 rifles when I was in the Marine Corps had compensators on them. Even my Pre-Ban 1986 Colt AR-A2 rifle has a compensator on it. I prefer the A2 style of compensator. It would be interesting to know if there are A2 compensators made for a AR9, AR45, AR10, 6.5mm, & other calibers that a person can build an AR-15 style rifle to.

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

I change the A2 flash hider out on everything but truth is it's a highly effective flash hider with some muzzle rise compensation as well.

[@povertypowerranger3684]

That old guy sounds like the old ghost rider 😂

[@alexmaurice4274]

Omg😂😂😂😂

[@hoffmiermp]

Can't go wrong with a typical A2 style birdcage, but the VG6 muzzle device is simply amazing. I run the epsilon muzzle devices on my AKMs and ARs, awesome kit.

[@If-I-Knew-better]

Epsilon 4 life. I have them on my 10.5” all the way to my 18”

[@cwatson42785]

I noticed there is different model vg6 muzzle breaks? Could you tell me the one you guys are talking about? Thanks

[@kylecarpenter3900]

For me I got lucky, and by that I bought the geissele urgi upper. Came with surefire 4 prong warcomp. Try buying that any where else, and it has no flash...

[@exothermal.sprocket]

These ported muzzle brakes work by directing gasses in equal and opposite directions. Plenty of gas pressure is released from the muzzle even before the projectile has exited the brake itself. In the ported brakes, the bullet leaves the seal of the barrel, passes through the opening in the most rearward chamber. At this point the bullet base acts to block forward-jetting gasses directing them sideways, equal pressure in opposite directions. Bullet moves forward opening up the second chamber in the brake, more gasses exiting the bore get directed out the first and second ports sideways. And so on, and so fort until the bullet exits the end of the brake. When the bullet exits, there's a clear path from the barrel straight forward out the end of the brake, but the brake still strips off some of that jetting gas and throws it laterally until the pressures from the barrel equalize with atmosphere. The brake simply works like barrel porting, but it is removable.

[@schrodingersgat4344]

Flash suppression is ,more, for the shooter. It lessens the flash signature to aid in target acquisition.

[@AOMartialArts]

Especially with night vision

[@schrodingersgat4344]

As for 'position disclosure' ...they make the gun louder. That's...kinda, a giveaway.

[@foxsquirrel3038]

Schrodinger's GAT 👍

[@schrodingersgat4344]

@@foxsquirrel3038 oddly enough; a half mile from me is a Fox Squirell Ridge rd.

[@robertf6523]

What's the easiest way to find someone shooting at you or shooting anywhere near your general direction... Sound which can bounce off virtually everything? Or a flash of light from muzzle blast? I wouldn't disagree with it being more for the user, but for different reasons like not having a fireball telling the enemy exactly where you are. And yes it's a military thing.

[@VickiWisnewski]

I feel connected to you through this video.

[@trashcompactorYT]

answer: whichever one pisses off everyone else at the indoor range the most

[@ChargerusPrime]

I have an A2 flash hider on my Ruger AR-556 and it works very well. Have yet to get into suppressors as inert haze has yet to make a .300 blackout specific can. Lightest weight can on the market and best in my opinion.

[@musicman1eanda]

Can you do a video on suppressor options?

[@joec7384]

Um actually... ...the A2 flash suppresor was designed, as Steve stated, to mitigate kickup. I believe he called it "dust signature," I like that. The original M16 flash supressor had three "prongs" and used to get grass and brush caught in it. The A1 "birdcage" flash supressor elimintated that issue but when used in the prone or foxhole positions kicked up debirs into the shooter's face. The A2 design fixed that issue. Any compensator properties it may have would be purely incidental. The Yankee Hill that Caleb showed next to the A2 is similar in design the A2 but has better supression and the end is intended to be used as a breach device. They are both just flash supressors though, not compensators. By the way, the designations are the rifle designations (M16, M16A1, M16A2) but it's an easy way to identify the specifc muzzle device too. I know this video is 3 years old and I sound like one of those know-it-all guys in the gun shop, but I couldn't let this one go. I remember when the M16A2 hit our armory and how the new flash supressor desing was an importnat feature.

[@codygarvin652]

You can tell this was Steve's first cup of coffee

[@ecleveland1]

The coffee cups were empty, just props.

[@fisher1972]

I'm sure the cups are full of vodka,the old guy always looked smashed

[@dash7828]

What is the art on the cup he's holding?

[@youtubeisdead1858]

@@dash7828 Catgirls

[@Buddha23Fett]

The VG6 Gamma and Epsilon will work with the Griffin Armament M4SD2, M4SDK and the Gemtech Halo.

[@thelonepainter4760]

Coffee and my favorite channel. Just dropped $400 on you guys today! Love this hobby, but my girlfriend hates it.👍🇺🇸

[@brownells]

Thank you!

[@darrenanderson4921]

Great video! Great discussion. Thank you

[@skylinefever]

I have wanted to see that coffee cup closer up.

[@wildcatindustries8030]

I bought a muzzle break for a Mosin Nagant a while back. It was such a mean break it would very strongly pull the rifle down and almost take the rifle off your shoulder when you shot from a bench. Weird impulse but great once you get used to it

[@COPPERMOUNTAINCOINS.]

The kind that makes it whisper in the dark.

[@olinharris34]

Hey thanks guys that was some good info and did not realize the specific functionality of each one. Appreciated

[@cw5865]

Hey I love your stuff. But the flash hider is for the shooter (night vision), not for the “engaged party” as they get a pretty star. As for the rest of the video is very informative. Had a Russian compensator that removed alot of the recoil and rise, but the flash looked like a Howitzer and destroyed night vision on a AR-15...

[@Makemydayoutdoors]

Thank you guys! You helped me a lot, very well made content.

[@Gottaculat]

As a range safety officer at an outdoor range (thank God not indoor), I can safely say there's a special place in Hell for people who run muzzle brakes on AR-15 rifles chambered in .223/5.56... you know who you are.

[@hookeaires6637]

My tinnitus flares just thinking about that.

[@FriendM2010]

Being stuck in the big city rat race, this cup of coffee fireside chat kind of video is very calming. Content was helpful. 👍

[@sirarthurfiggis]

Brownells videos: We're just two dudes drinking coffee telling how you stuff works MidwayUSA videos: HI! I'M LARRY POTTERFIELD AND IN THIS 4 MINUTE VIDEO WITH JUNGLE MUSIC, I'M GOING tO TEACH YOU HOW TO ETCH A STOCK USING ONLY $1,900 IN TOOLS

[@drengillespie]

But it is cheaper to build your own 😏

[@CalebSavant]

Haha!

[@MustangGuru]

At 2:00 that is the one I have on my 16” barrel AR except I added 3 holes on the top half. Works perfect for this short barrel.

[@G2niverse]

Threaded barrel nut all day...bring the pain.

[@robertbogan225]

Ultra lite build

[@jakemunoze7430]

My builds are so lite I don't even use a barrel

[@dinosaur6106]

I have an ATI Shark muzzle break on my AR and it does reduce recoil a lot it pushes the gases back and out rather than straight out so your vertical and horizontal push isn’t as bad

[@sanchezable]

I want a set of each so I can make a chess set with breaks

[@theairwaybat1830]

Patent it, you could have a million dollar idea

[@Cheek_Buster]

This gave me a good laugh

[@mikecavell5350]

The best thing to do with anything gun is to make chess sets, save lives, play chess!

[@44hawk28]

Number one, the purpose of a flash suppressor is to reduce the flash seen by the operator of a firearm, not the person downrange. I learned to shoot 5.56 on the original M16 at five and a half lb. I had no problem whatsoever firing it in full auto and still putting all the bullets into 3in group. The inline aspect of the operation of that firearm eliminates muzzle rise.

[@emwhyte]

That was informative despite my being pretty dang knowledgeable on the subject. Thank you!

[@saxmusicmail]

The old Vietnam era 3-prong flash hider is actually a pretty good performer.

[@ryanthorne5432]

I noticed that you did not address blast can muzzle devices.

[@danney777]

I think it would fall into the comp category. Flash cans direct flash and the energy forward so it's some of both.

[@project86xero]

@@danney777 Correct. The proper term is linear compensator.

[@danney777]

@@project86xero didn't know that flash cans fell into that group.

[@LuigiLong]

Really good information, and all in one place too!

[@stoneyswolf]

I always look for the gold suppressor... You get zero recoil and flash with no lose in hp damage at long distance.

[@hookeaires6637]

Helps to glue semi-precious gems to the muzzle device too.

[@joed3264]

I have the Miculek muzzle brake on all of AR15s. Best one out there. Also one of the least expensive.

[@mdolchok]

Steve is like Obi Wan Kenobi using Jedi Mind tricks on Caleb.

[@RA-xl8si]

The enthusiasm is amazing! That is sarcarsm. WAKE UP!!!!