AK Muzzle Devices - need feedback

[penguinofsleep]

Don't have much experience with muzzle devices and a little while back I made a Saiga set up thread and got some good info there so here we go again - the last thing I'd like on my AK is a muzzle device. Here is what I'm looking for, in order of importance:

- Not obnoxiously loud or concussion inducing as I shoot indoors occasionally and with friends quite often (yes I double up on hearing). in before "guns r loud"
- Under $50 if possible, definitely not over $90.
- Looking for a compensator (keeps the muzzle from rising/moving) instead of a brake (keeps the muzzle from pushing back). No negative recoil comps though (soo compensated the gun actually goes down after each shot), I find that harder to work with than a little flip upwards.
- Hide some flash if possible.
- Smaller and Lighter is better, ie no KX3

I realize not every device will do all of the above but the more the better. So far I've seen/considered the following:
- RATworx manticore - I'm leaning towards this one as the design looks promising for the right price but I have never heard of these guys before. That and their website leave me with a little nugget of doubt...

http://www.ratworxusa.com/pagDetail.aspx?SKU=MA-1214-Night-Brake

- standard A2 - it works and it's cheap, small, light, but doesn't compensate
- Spike's Dynacomp - $90 but looks good
- ak 74 brake, any suggested manufacturers? - I hear they work well but they look loud.
- pws jtac - looks similar in concept to the 74 brake w/ different execution.

http://primaryweapons.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=15

- troy claymore brake - looks like the "quietest" option but it seems more like a brake than a comp, a bit too long, and unfortunately it looks quite...

https://www.primaryarms.com/Troy_Claymore_Muzzle_Brake_7_62_5_8x24Multi_p/sbra-clm-06bt-00.htm

edit: haven't cut off the barrel sleeve at the end yet but from what i understand, most are unthreaded, so i will thread depending on what device i have. if it's already threaded, it looks like many devices are already made for that.

[jpm804]

Here is a review on the Manticore Muzzle Devices:

[Freagan]

I have the PWS Jtac on my AK. It definitely helps mitigate muzzle climb, but I can't tell you how it compares to other designs when it comes to noise. It doesn't feel too bad, but I have only shot it outdoors.

[nothinghere2c]

I personally like the AK 74 style muzzle brake. I have one that came on my Arsenal SGL and one from an original bulgy ak74 kit I built. I can't tell the diff in recoil between the Arsenal made and the import but they definitely make the AK easy to shoot.

[89 Vision]

^Ya, I use mostly AK74 style brakes. They're cheap and work well.

[BradleyAbrams]

Yup - One more vote for the AK74 Brake.

I got an East German Manufactured AK74 Muzzle Brake from RTG in Arizona.

It is the Zig-Zag type and is chromed inside. This is a TOP Quality Muzzle Device. Cost was around $40.00.

The RTG Muzzle Brake:

https://www.robertrtg.com

BTW, It also features ports positioned strategically so as to minimize Muzzle Rise and Movement to the Right.

I think that this porting becomes much more important during sustained Full Auto Fire than it does in our more pedestrian Semi-Auto fire only mode, but Hey, the side-holes are free..






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[janus408]

Here is a comparison some guys did. It is by no means scientific, or should it be considered a be all end all, but it is a good starting place.

I say just go for the AK 74 or whatever you like the look of. Recoil isn't that big of an issue on these guns anyway. Well comparatively.

[Quiet]

I use the standard AK74 style muzzle device.

However, I would like to try out the PWS FSC47, PWS J-Tac47 and BattleComp AKBC.

[Rekrab]

74 style brakes are fantastic. I would also give a nod to the AMD brake but they're very, very loud in my experience.

[Dinosaur Jr]

+1 on the PWS Jtac!

[penguinofsleep]

looks like everyone likes the 74 style or jtac brake. guess that is a good testament to the design. i'll definitely be considering them for future builds if i don't go with one this time around.

I use the standard AK74 style muzzle device.

However, I would like to try out the PWS FSC47, PWS J-Tac47 and BattleComp AKBC.

Really like my battlecomp2 (although ive only tried a handful of devices on the ar before) but i have no idea why the AK one goes for $200 when it is pretty much the exact same thing with different threads on the back and a slightly larger exit hole up front... manticore caught my eye b/c it is somewhat similar in concept and execution for ~$50.

also thanks for the video jpm it was pretty helpful.

is the 74 style east german brake from rtg caliber specific? it doesn't say anything on the website. looks like a great option otherwise as it's chrome lined which will help with the corrosive stuff.

[ChaneRZ]

I vote for the PWS Jtac! I had one and I liked it.

[penguinofsleep]

also for those of you with saigas (no locking pin in front sight block), im guessing crush washers are sufficient?

[Bug Splat]

I am a big fan of the linear style brakes. I used an adapter to change my AK 14x1L to take AR-10 5/8x24 brakes. All the sound is directed forward away from the shooter and his buddies. Helps with muzzle rise to but the real benifit is not going deaf from the muzzle blast. Adapter and brake cost me $50.

http://subterfugedesignworks.com/dev/halcyon/AK_47.php

[CSACANNONEER]

Out of the dozen or so I've tried on my pistol build, the 74 style is the best followed closely by a little no descript one from KVAR and then the Romy slant brake. Most others seem to be more about looks than function. The slant brake keeps the muzzle from rising just like you're looking for. If you don't have one, I can probably dig up an imported one for you but, at $8 for a US made one, you'ld be better off buying a Tapco one to try.