556/.223 "Forward Blast" comps. Do they work?

[js8588]

Just ordered one of these this afternoon. I'll let ya'll know how it works when I get some time.
https://www.cobaltkinetics.com/product/linear-compensator-5-56

 

[94045]

Want to clear out the firing line?

.50 BMG with a normal brake....

 

[Orion8472]

The reason why I ask is because, in my older age, my hearing has become sensitive. Even with ear plugs and ear muffs on, I don't even like the blast of a 38 Special. I've been considering going all 22lr. So when I think of the possibility of selling my nice AR build, I tend to hesitate in lue of possible fixes. Right now, I use a Smith Vortex flash hider. As a shooter, would something like the Levang or the Flaming Pig make much of a difference for me?

I no longer care about the "flash hiding", or even any "compensation of muzzle",....just hearing effects.

 

[doubleh]

Look at it like this: It directs all the muzzle blast forward, exactly like a plain rifle barrel that is just cut off and crowned. It's still just as loud but none of the loud leaks out to the sides like a muzzle brake or flash hider. From my experience with one it's not going to make enough difference to even come close to what you want.

 

[Orion8472]

Okay. Thank you all for the replies. It is appreciated.

 

[Orion8472]

I thought of another question. If the forward brake comps don't really do much if any decibel reduction to the shooter, why not just run a barrel without any devices on it? Would it be the same decibel for the shooter, regardless of whether the barrel is running clean or with a Flaming Pig [for example]?

 

[RecoilRob]

How well a linear comp works is dependent on how long the barrel is. A 9" pistol firing .223 has a wicked muzzle flash/blast that you'll absolutely notice is tamed down (at least from the shooters prospective) while a decibel meter might not record much of a difference compared to bare muzzle. A 24" varmint rig won't see much change for the shooter with comp or bare muzzle as the exit pressure is greatly reduced and they normally don't need a muzzle device.

The real comparison is with a brake-type device vs the linear comp....in which case there is no question that the latter is much more pleasant for anyone behind or near the gun being fired. I'm not sure if a decibel meter will actually measure the concussion pulse generated which is directed more downrange with the linear device vs bare muzzle or conventional designed brake. Plus you do get some flash suppression with the expansion chamber and forward venting hole design.

 

[mavracer]

I am thinking about something like this. Any thoughts on it, pros or cons? View attachment 809744

I've had a couple of those still have the 30 Cal on my M1a, that style works good to knock a few decibels off from the shooters perspective. I've got several that are similar love them on a 22 rifle.

 

[Varminterror]

I shot my buck last year with a KVP linear comp, a 20” 6.5 Grendel. My ears were ringing more after shooting my buck this year with an Omega 300 with the Anchor brake out front on a mild charge 6 creed.

If you run the fluid dynamics on the letdown ratio of a linear comp vs. bare muzzle, the science is all there. It’s not uncommon to not notice much when you’re sitting at a bench with plugs and muffs anyway, when you might have 35+ net NRR protecting you, but the human ear isn’t very well calibrated. The difference is real.

 

[Constant Velocity]

I purchased a Swedish built Lakelander 375 in 6.5x55 and it had attached to the muzzle what the Swede's call from Google translate ..... an audio director. It is supposed to direct 60% of the noise away from the shooter. I really couldn't tell you how well it works as I always use electronic hearing protection but as you can see from the picture, all the ports are cut only on the top of the device and are forward facing. What I can tell you is it works very well in controlling muzzle jump.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I have 2 ARs. One is an 8.5" pistol the other is a 16" w/ midlength gas system. After about 200 rounds through the pistol I decided I had to at least try a linear compensator on it until I can afford a suppressor and get the tax stamp. I ended up getting one for each AR. The 16" wasn't too bad to start with but I think the comp did help a little, definitely not as obnoxious as some of the muzzle brakes I've been subjected to. As far as the pistol, there's a big, good, difference. I almost couldn't tolerate shooting it outdoors when it had an A2 style flash hinder. Its still loud, but the comp has helped enough that I can actually enjoy it shooting it at the range. The linear comps I have are both Ultradyne Athena models.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/3...nut-ar-15-223-rem-1-2-28-thread-steel-nitride

 

[bikemutt]

I bought one from Gentry Custom, LLC fitted for my Steyr Scout .308 rifle, they did a beautiful job turning the brake to match the muzzle O.D. considering they didn't have the benefit of having the barrel in-hand. I've run everything on this rifle from bare muzzle to a 30 cal suppressor, it pretty much shoots the same accuracy-wise no matter what.

There is no doubt the rifle is more quiet for the shooter with this sort of brake, as it is with most linear compensators.

I guess it all depends on what a shooter expects from a brake. If linear comps were the ultimate in recoil management and muzzle rise we probably wouldn't be sitting around the kitchen table talking about this