Linear compensators, comments?

[bikemutt]

I fired up a PWS Diablo 7" AR15 upper today, 7.62x39, what a blast!

I managed a few 1.5" groups at 50 yards with a 4x ACOG on top. But it's an unruly gun, kinda wants to jump around a bit, and isn't without recoil. It does have an adjustable gas block to accommodate different ammo and supposedly a suppressor.

I'm not so sure I want to expose my suppressor to this fire breather so I got to thinking about replacing the flash hider with a brake. That's when I ran across linear compensators. From what I've read, these direct the gases (and flame) downrange thereby reducing noise to the shooter, and fellow shooters. Also read they tend reduce muzzle rise by causing a more direct push back.

Wondering if any THR members have experience with linear comps they might share?

Thanks

 

[Jim Watson]

A friend had a Levang on a regular AR.
It didn't do much of anything.
It directs the gases down range WHICH IS WHERE THEY WERE ALREADY GOING.

 

[LocoGringo]

I have used a Troy Claymore, a Noveske KX3 and a Black River Tactical on AR type rifles. The Noveske is probably the most effective for reducing muzzle climb and sending noise and flame down range. It's the most effective for muzzle climb because it's heavy. Linear comps don't really help with muzzle climb. They seem quieter because, unlike other compensators, they don't redirect gases towards the shooter or bystanders with side or top ports which is what makes other compensators so effective, but louder. With a 7" barrel, there is no taming the blast without a suppressor. The linear compensators will only be marginally better than other compensators for something that short.

 

[ugaarguy]

I've used a KX3 on a 10 ish inch bbl 5.56 AR pistol. Going from without to with makes a huge difference. Nothing is as good as a supressor, but a KX3 is far better than anything else on short bbls.

 

[bikemutt]

Thanks all, I'll give the Noveske KX3 a shot

From what I've read, YHM does not recommend such a short barrel in 7.62x39 be used with their suppressor, I believe they call for at least 12" for proper bullet stabilization. I think they are more concerned with baffle strikes than torching. In any event, I'm not really interested in taming the beast's flame or having it be quiet, more wanting to manage the recoil behavior. If that can be accomplished without sending the blast back to my comrades and I, bonus.

 

[Sam1911]

Yeah, I'll second the KX3! If you're used to using a suppressor it won't shock and amaze you, but it does make quite a difference, especially for a shorty.