quieter muzzle brake options

[RNE228]

Had Stag model-2 with the Stag comp out at the range yesterday. Every time I have it out, I think the thing is really loud.

Any recommendations for a quieter brake? It is just a stock model-2 Stag. Got the basic Stag compensator when I ordered the upper originally.

https://www.stagarms.com/stag-compensator/

Shoots nice, but it is loud on the bench...

[AreWeFree]

What type of facilities are you shooting at, and what hearing protection do you use?

[kel-tec-innovations]

When I shoot at a range with a ceiling or people I put on the sleeve to direct sound forward. Helps a ton.


Using any brake that directs gas up and to the side is very loud.

[bellwilliam]

Anything with big side holes will be obnoxiously loud to others.

Quietest I've found are Dynacomp, effin-a.

Obviously Linear comp is quietest by far. But they really are not comp.

[atolax25]

Unfortunately, quiet and comps do not go together. As mentioned above, linear comps are the quietest but it doesn't really have the same effect in recoil reduction. I know a few companies are coming out with attachments to their brakes that essentially turn them into linear comps so you might look into that. I think Lantac is one of them.

[RNE228]

This weekend was shooting at Sac Valley public range. It's a covered range. I was using ear muffs.

It shoots really nice. Just loud.

[supertrooper]

No such thing as a quiet muzzle brake. Double up earpro or get an airsoft gun.

[k1dude]

For a brake/comp to be effective, it has to direct gasses to the sides (and sometimes rearward) and upward. So it's going to be loud if it's going to be effective. If it isn't loud, I'll guarantee it isn't effective. It's simply the nature of the beast.

kel-tec-innovations showed you the only solution. Those 2 piece brakes are effective and loud without the shroud. With the shroud screwed on, they are comparatively quiet but not effective. You decide which is more important to you at the moment.

When you don't want loud, screw the shroud on. When you want effective, remove the shroud. But you can't have both.

[bellwilliam]

I don't agree all compensators needs to be loud. louder yes, but many are just obnoxious.

total of ~ 65 223 comps in these 2 reviews

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/11/jeremy-s/556-muzzle-device-shootout/

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/04/jeremy-s/ar-15-muzzle-brake-shootout-2/

read up the part on Dynacomp, Gamma 556 and Precision Armament AFAB. comp with bunch of tiny holes all the way around are quieter, lower concussion in general.

here is a review of ~20 308 comps, with sound test

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/08/07/muzzle-brakes-sound-test/

[Sheperd80]

Depends on your rifles purpose. Typically those brakes are more suited for sport/competition imho. Excellent recoil mitigation for speed shooting or seeing your POI in long range competition, at the cost of alot of noise and giant fireballs.

Im not saying this describes OP... but alot of new shooters buy these crazy brakes because theyre what the cool kids have, not realizing what theyre really good for, and what they are HORRIBLE for.

BCM Mod 0, is a hybrid comp. Offers some muzzle control and some flash hiding with considerably less noise/blast. Not as effective against recoil/flip as others but i think its a good balance for a fighting or defensive rifle.

Precision Armament AFAB is another hybrid with great reviews. That will probably be on my next build, but i like the BCM. Muzzle flip is noticeably less than with A2 birdcage.

If youre doing action/precision/bench style shooting then i think the noise is just something u gotta accept.

If youre shooting just for fun and to get better for defensive purposes, get a hybrid or flash hider and get off the bench :-)

[DrewTheBrave]

I've been going through the same search, albeit with the intention of going featureless on my new build. I currently have a featureless rifle with the YHM Phantom Comp, and it is GREAT for keeping the muzzle on target for follow up shots, but the noise is a bit obnoxious.

What I'm looking for is a middle-ground: something that keeps the noise & concussion somewhere in the range of an A2 flash hider (or more mild), but is still considered a compensator/brake, with no flash-hiding capability (legally speaking).

The linear comps such as Kaw Valley Precision, Kies Blast Master, and DPMS Levang Linear seem to be the best at noise redirection, but have little to no recoil compensation. At that point, I figure I might as well just save my cash, put a thread protector on it & call it a day.

Ultimately, I'm tempted to go with the Griffin M4SD II because I've heard that it's no louder than an A2, has excellent recoil management, is NOT considered a flash hider, and advertises "low concussion".

[RNE228]

I shoot a mix. Some target work from the bench, some informal 2-gun on the action ranges at Sac Valley. It is noticeably louder on the bench under the roof for sure.

Just asking what options are out there.

[NapalmCheese]

reevaluate why you need a muzzle device at all.

If you decide that you don't have to mitigate muzzle rise or recoil, then you can simply screw on a thread protector, flash hider, or linear compensator and enjoy a perceived sound reduction compared to using a brake.

If mitigating muzzle rise and recoil is more important to you then find any of the 'db' charts showcasing various muzzle brakes and choose the quietist one.

Or, convince your local range to build foam lined/filled baffles/tubes/whatever for each shooting station.

[Sheperd80]

I shoot a mix. Some target work from the bench, some informal 2-gun on the action ranges at Sac Valley. It is noticeably louder on the bench under the roof for sure.

Just asking what options are out there.

Sounds to me like a hybrid flash/comp or plain old a2 would suit your needs well. Basically youre trading less for less with these. Imho theyre better than a straight comp for any gun thats not competition specific.

BCM Gunfighter Mod 0
Precision Armament AFAB
Griffin M4SD 2

Ive heard great things about afab and m4sd, and so far i like the bcm. Coupled with an h2 buffer it has made a noticable difference in felt recoil and muzzle flip. And it has a pretty modest increase in noise and flash over the a2. Doesnt bother me or people right next to me at the range.

Just depends whats important to you. Just know that a straight comp is typically gonna be loud and bright and is a big tradeoff for just a little more control. And If u really want a flat shooter then the comp is only 1 piece of the puzzle anyway.

[RNE228]

It came with the upper. AR has so little recoil I really don't need it. I like the thread protector idea.

reevaluate why you need a muzzle device at all.

If you decide that you don't have to mitigate muzzle rise or recoil, then you can simply screw on a thread protector, flash hider, or linear compensator and enjoy a perceived sound reduction compared to using a brake.

If mitigating muzzle rise and recoil is more important to you then find any of the 'db' charts showcasing various muzzle brakes and choose the quietist one.

Or, convince your local range to build foam lined/filled baffles/tubes/whatever for each shooting station.