Compensator vs Flash Supressor

[SDDAVE56]

Might be a dumb question, but here goes.

I bought a Colt HBAR Match Target Rifle back in 2004 - 2005 after the Chief approved them for Patrol. It came with a Compensator. Its a RAW. Can I legally switch the Comp for a FS? If so, are there any advantages to be gained? Or should I just leave it as is?

[waveslayer]

Might be a dumb question, but here goes.



I bought a Colt HBAR Match Target Rifle back in 2004 - 2005 after the Chief approved them for Patrol. It came with a Compensator. Its a RAW. Can I legally switch the Comp for a FS? If so, are there any advantages to be gained? Or should I just leave it as is?

Compensator is a muzzle break, it reduces recoil adds noise. Flash Suppressor reduces the flame signature of the unburnt gun powder.

Leave the compensator on, FS if it's a combo compensator. Or get a suppressor since you're LEO

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[mej16489]

Might be a dumb question, but here goes.

I bought a Colt HBAR Match Target Rifle back in 2004 - 2005 after the Chief approved them for Patrol. It came with a Compensator. Its a RAW. Can I legally switch the Comp for a FS? If so, are there any advantages to be gained? Or should I just leave it as is?

As a RAW, its perfectly legal to have a Flash Suppressor installed. There are pros and cons to each, only you can decide which is the best tool for your use-case.

Personally, on a patrol rifle, I would prefer a flash suppressor. If I'm posted up for cover of others on a warrant service or attempting to engage and active shooter somewhere, there is at least a theoretical edge to not having return fire as a result of muzzle flash...of course there is still flash...but not nearly as much.

[Jimi Jah]

The compensator might save your hearing.

[SDDAVE56]

Compensator is a muzzle break, it reduces recoil adds noise. Flash Suppressor reduces the flame signature of the unburnt gun powder.

Leave the compensator on, FS if it's a combo compensator. Or get a suppressor since you're LEO

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

Retired now. Just a target rifle for me now.

[SDDAVE56]

The compensator might save your hearing.

Funny you should mention that. Too late though. Chemo Therapy did a number on my hearing. In the process of getting hearing aids. But absolutely do want to preserve what hearing I still have.

Thank for the information. I think Ill keep the Comp.

[teflondog]

The compensator might save your hearing.

Isn't a compensator with side ports louder than a flash hider?

[yacko]

Isn't a compensator with side ports louder than a flash hider?

Yes.

Previous poster messed up the 2 items.

Flash suppressor much quieter than a brake/compensator that redirects gas and noise closer to the shooter.

[SDDAVE56]

Yes.

Previous poster messed up the 2 items.

Flash suppressor much quieter than a brake/compensator that redirects gas and noise closer to the shooter.

Oh ok then, Ill shop around for a FS. Any suggestions?? I think I have seen mentioned here someone that does this kind of work. Im just bringing my upper.

[hermosabeach]

They are easy enough to swap with basic tools.... if in LA - Randall with AR15 barrels

[Jimi Jah]

Isn't a compensator with side ports louder than a flash hider?

Yes, but a linear compensator has no side ports as all the blast is sent down range. The guy next to you will also notice the difference.

[B.J.F.]

I have a couple different accessories. I’ve used the A2 birdcage FH, the birdcage comp (closed end), larger 3 port brake and a bushmaster brake with triple angled ports and a couple small gas ports on top.

With muzzle the brakes, no one would shoot to either side as the got blasted by the gas and sound. Felt recoil was almost eliminated. Target acquisition was rapid because it didn’t move off target at all. Grouping was outstanding.

The A2 style comp, reduced recoil slightly. Had no affect on anything else out than sending more sound and gas through the slits

I prefer the A2 birdcage overall