1911 bushing-type compensator

[patrolman]

I was flipping through the newest Brownell’s 1911 catalog and came across a few of these “devices” called “bushing-type compensators”. Apparently, this compensator attaches to the slide in lieu of a barrel bushing, instead of attaching to a threaded barrel. As I pondered the utility of this device, I began to wonder the following:

-Would these things actually work as intended? It would seem to me that by attaching this thing to a slide, it would add slide mass, which would in turn decrease recoil to a degree. However, based on my experience in shooting 1911s, that slide seems to be moving pretty quick during recoil. Would the bushing-type compensator still be able to redirect escaping gas out of the barrel before it cleared the end of the barrel during recoil? I figure if the bushing-type compensator cleared the end of the barrel before the gas escaped the barrel, it wouldn’t do a darn thing to reduce recoil in the way that a compensator is intended to work. By the way, the length of these compensators are too short to remain in front of the end of the barrel during the recoil cycle, so.....

-Would the increased slide mass created by the bushing-type compensator accelerate wear on the link, lug, frame bed, and slide stop? Seems that the increased mass would also lead to battering…

-Is this, in fact, the ultimate mall ninja accessory?

I am not interested in purchasing one of these, just curious....

So, what do y’all think?

 

[Code3GT]

Granted they LOOK good, but I think its a gimmick and my 1911 will never wear one

 

[Riss]

They will all work to some degree. More so if they actually have more than one chamber and have a tight bullet passage. I have seen some that are actually no more that a straight passage, way too large, and no baffles to redirect the gasses up or out.

 

[rcmodel]

I just think they are mostly Mall-Ninja stuff.

The .45 ACP is a relatively low pressure round in the grand scheme of things, and a comp or brake will do nothing unless, as Riss said, the bullet passage is very close fitting, and multiple chambers.

Comps work best on high-pressure rounds that generate enough jet effect to do something.
The .45 ACP doesn't.

Most of the bushing comps I have seen over the years are often wide open on the front end and much larger then bullet diameter.

And many have GI bushing tolerances.
That means they are rattly loose in the slide and barrel fit.

There may be some made to match bushing tolerances that require fitting to slide & barrel, and they may work to some extent.
I just haven't seen any that do.

rcmodel

 

[Jim Watson]

The bushing compensators are not much use except as they add weight.

Since the hole has to be large enough for the device to come back over the barrel as tilted to unlock, there is not much baffle and gas redirection effect. A real barrel mounted compensator will have exit holes only a few thousandths over caliber, reamed with the comp installed to insure alignment.

I have to disagree with rcmodel on .45 compensators in general, though. I had several, before I got into IDPA, and they made a significant difference in recoil and muzzle rise. The Marvel comp on an OACP REALLY tamed that little gun down; wish I had kept it.

 

[rcmodel]

Never seen a Marvel bushing comp, but no doubt it was very good if they made it.

rcmodel

 

[Riss]

If you load right its like shooting a 22. A 152gr lead, with a good load of Red Dot works the comp well. IIRC it was around 5gr. Enough to get that little bit of lead moving and create lots of gas for the comp.

 

[Lookn4Brass]

Some of them work pretty good, but beware of anything very inexpensive. For a compensator to work well, it has to have a good close tolerance just a bit larger than bullet diameter. Most of the ones I have seen or tried were too light weight, and not very effective. The ones worth having are definitely going to be threaded to the barrel and have some significant weight involved IMO. A good compensator is worth the money for increased shot recovery speed for competition. A quality one works great, and can easily double your speed on target. I used the Wilson Combat Accu-Dot Tracker on a Colt 1991A1 back in the early 1990's with great success. The barrel that came with that unit was incredibly accurate too.

I've used alot of .45 accessories over the years, and for most uses I ended up just going back to a basic 1911 with some custom, tight fitting parts and heavier recoil springs. The 16lb factory spring that comes factory standard will allow the gun to flip alot more in recoil rather than , say an 18.5 lb spring. Also adding the Shok-Buff washer to your guide rod is a smart idea too.

If you're going to do the compensator thing and plan to use it alot, go ahead and spend the money and have it done right. Be aware that the gun will forever be VERY LOUD from then on, though. That's OK for on the range with some ear protection, but in the woods or on the street it will literally hurt you, and also tell everyone within a quarter mile where you are! Not kidding. Compensators increase the noise report alot. If you shoot a compensator at an indoor range, you will want to wear earplugs AND earmuffs over that. Otherwise the noise pressure will really wear you down. Ask some other competitive shooters, they'll back me up on this. Hope this info helps. Good shooting, and have fun in the journey.

 

[Jim Watson]

rcmodel,

My Marvel compensators were not bushing comps, they were the real thing. And worked quite well on the "low pressure" .45 ACP.

 

[XDKingslayer]

Would these things actually work as intended?

Their sole intention is to seperate a gun owner from his money.

They seem to do this very well.

So, yes, they do work.