Linear compensators

[nrandell]

I want to get a linear compensator for my 16" AR carbine, mainly for the redirection of sound away from the shooter. I'm looking at the Steel Brake from Kineti-Tech and the Claymore from Troy Industies. Does anyone know how well these work?

[ScottsBad]

Really, what are you trying to accomplish exactly. Generally, brake/compensators (not linear) direct the blast to the sides not directly back to the shooter. So a linear brake will provide a small amount of relief, but this comes at considerable cost in loss of performance.

Sometimes when there is excessive blast back to the shooter it may be caused by the location you are shooting from. For instance if you are shooting from a covered range or one with stalls. The blast may be directed further back because it is enclosed. Whereas shooting in the open might not create the blast pressure back toward the shooter.

If shooting under a cover or in a stall is the concern, I would just buy better hearing protection or use a pair of foam plugs under your standard ear protection muffs.

If you use the linear you will probably experience a less desirable recoil impulse and perhaps more muzzle rise. My understanding is that linear brakes are really designed for LEOs or Military doing CQB entry in close proximity to each other.

[THEJAPINO]

Google Simple Threaded Devices. Forward blast properties, same size as an A2 flash hider.

http://www.atomictactical.com/brands/Simple-Threaded-Devices.html

[nrandell]

I went with the Kineti-tech:

http://www.kineti-tech.com/muzzle-brake-compensator-front-concave-ports/

It didn't come with a crush washer though, am I good to just screw it on until it's tight? It doesn't need to be clocked.

[bohoki]

i figure if its not really going to do anything useful just put on a muzzle nut and save the inch

[StrikeIndustries]

In my experience, it helps a lot when shooting indoors and prevents you from concussing your partner if you are in close proximity.

However, if your head is even a foot or so past the muzzle, the concussion and blast is significant and has caused my ears to ring with 22NRR earpro on. Granted, my friend was about 3 feet away and I want just a little too far in front of the firing line, but it wouldn't be too different in a CQB scenario.

[Jimi Jah]

I use the Troy Claymore, the Levang and the Kineti-tech aluminum with the sound sleeve. The Kineti-tech is the lightest, get the extra locking washer as it's a softer metal to mount. That one allows you to remove the sleeve making it a standard 3 slot brake. It's also longer than the others.

The Levang is the quietest but adds more muzzle weight as it's solid steel. It requires a leather strap to mount. The Claymore is lighter as it's hollow inside.

With the Levang I shoot .22LR outdoors without needing ear plugs, it's very effective. Don't try that with .223.

[glock_this]

Hera Arms Compensator - it is a true linear compensator, baffles and all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY4-fmql19w

I have one on my 10.5" pistol and I have been pleasantly surprised. I can get more accurate second shots - which is tough on a short barrel even though you don't have a short barrel - and it blows the blast down range and saves the shooters next to you. It is a little heavier than some others listed here, I looked at those, but decided on this and a little extra weight helps with the muzzle flip.

[deckhandmike]

I really like my levang. I use it for coyote hunting and it really helps take the blast away from your ears.

[saki302]

The levang is cheap and does what you want it to do. The HERA is nicer if you want to pay more for looks.

These do nothing besides redirect some blast noise forwards. They are not compensators at all.

-Dave

[LBDamned]

The levang is cheap and does what you want it to do. The HERA is nicer if you want to pay more for looks.

These do nothing besides redirect some blast noise forwards. They are not compensators at all.

-Dave

For featureless while prone in the dirt, do any of the mentioned help keep dust clouds down?...

I use Griffin and Spikes... Both work well as comps but suck in the dirt... I'm considering trying a linear comp to see if it helps...

[boltstop]

Seems that many of these manufacturers don't have a 7.62/.308 version.

Can anyone suggest a linear compensator for that round?

[glock_this]

The levang is cheap and does what you want it to do. The HERA is nicer if you want to pay more for looks.

These do nothing besides redirect some blast noise forwards. They are not compensators at all.

-Dave

I'd say the Hera is more than just looks - it has 12 separate expansion chambers to help better direct the gas and this advanced baffle design purportedly counters muzzle flip better (which is does better than my Noveske KX3 I can say), but is heavier and yes, a damn sight better looking, materials, fit and finish. So you pay more yes. The Levang directs gases forward, through basic holes, for sound aid and is lighter - it is cheaper for a reason.

Both will be quieter for the shooter and those beside them given no ports to the sides.

According to this test http://www.multigunmedia.com/ar15-comps-pt-2.pdf the Levang had 0 effect on recoil reduction. The Hera was not tested.

I believe Hera attempts to do more with their baffle design and structure than the basic holes Levang has that only push gasses downrange & do nothing to truly reduce recoil and/or muzzle flip.

[deckhandmike]

Levang works pretty good prone. Blast goes only forward. Worth the price to see if you like a linear comp. I can't justify the price of some of these comps despite how nice they look. I don't use the levang to "tame" the mighty recoil of the 5.56. It's just to redirect sound and dust forward while shooting featureless.

[razorduc]

Seems that many of these manufacturers don't have a 7.62/.308 version.

Can anyone suggest a linear compensator for that round?

Troy Claymore