
Depending on the brake design, it may use a combination of any or all of these features.
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The gasses then follow the bullet through the hole in the center, continue to expand and contact the second baffle, and sometimes even a third baffle. The baffles-or front plates-will have a hole for the bullet to pass through, but as the gases expand they will contact it and push forward. Rather than a top port, some brakes use a bottom shelf acted on by the gas to push down on the brake. Some of the ports are built to trap the brake between opposing forces, which helps reduce movement and dampen barrel vibration. So, there are top ports, single ports, multiple ports, side ports and even ports out the front of the brake, depending on brand and design. Of course, brakes are a bit more complex, as the gas needs a path to escape and the physics can get complicated. Combine the two, and it provides a huge advantage when shooting the rifle. Also, if some of the gas were to slam into a wall or plate it would push the gun forward and reduce the felt recoil. In theory, if the gas is directed up, the jet forces would push down on the muzzle and counteract muzzle flip. The concept is simple: These devices redirect some of the escaping gas as it exits the muzzle, harnessing the energy to counter motion that is created by recoil. Both terms seem to apply to these devices and they are used interchangeably here and in the marketplace. There is some argument a compensator helps reduce muzzle rise and a brake reduces recoil. Action shooting is designed to simulate combat or self-defense situations, and the reason winning shooters all use muzzle brakes is they provide a huge advantage. Perhaps it's time to take the approach of every serious action-shooting competitor and add a muzzle brake or compensator to your rifle. So, why not pick performance over style and replace that flash hider on your rifle with something that will give you a tactical advantage for civilian use? If there is a simple-to-install product that will enhance the performance of your rifle-while still looking very cool-don't you think it is a good idea? Something that will make you faster in a fight, boost your scores in competition and help you beat your buddies like a rented mule in friendly weekend shoot-offs would be a welcome addition to your AR-15, right? Most of the civilian self-defense shootings are over in a few seconds and with few shots, so a flash hider really serves no purpose for those of us not wearing a uniform and fighting for the good of mankind. We don't fight long battles with armed bad guys. They also help when using night-vision equipment because they reduce the chances of the flash temporarily compromising a soldier's vision.īut civilians don't use rifles that way. If you stay hidden, you have the advantage.

If the bad guys can see the flash, they can direct fire at the good guys. They are also useless.Ī flash hider makes sense for military personnel because they are designed to help hide muzzle flash from the enemy during a firefight.

They are inexpensive compared to a lot of other accessories that fit a threaded muzzle. Have you ever wondered why most AR-15-style carbines shipped with an attachment on the barrel use a birdcage-type flash hider? They do look very cool, which is a big marketing factor since flash hiders are used by the military, and a lot of AR buyers are trying to emulate the military's choice in firearms.
