Muzzle Brake for AR-15

Status
Not open for further replies.
zdc1775

zdc1775

Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2011
Messages
961
Location
Alabama
I just ordered the barrel for my AR build and now need to decide on a muzzle brake. I'm building the rifle in 223 to be a pseudo SPR that will also get used for 3 gun.

I ordered this 18" barrel from AR Performance. Only problem is it has 5/8x24 threads instead of 1/2x28. I want a brake that will help reduce rise but that does blow too much of the gasses back toward me causing it to be even louder and requiring doubling up on hearing protection.

I know that those things usually come together but was hoping that some here had some experience that might help. If I can't get both I would prefer not having the sound issue over the minuscule reduction in recoil.
 
Most of the effective comps produce quite a bit of concussion.

Carbon Arms makes one called a Gas Hog that is supposed to offer a very good balance of muzzle rise reduction, recoil reduction, without a lot of concussion. I don't know if they make one that will fit your barrel threads.


That website you linked to offers a comp of their own design that will fit that thread pattern, you could give that one a shot. Call them and ask about concussion.
 
Ditto on IndianaBoy's comment. Anything good is going to remind you (but mostly others) that it's attached to the end of your gun.

As far as 5/8x24 options go, I don't know of too many. SOTA Arms sells a 5/8x24 threaded brake, but by the looks of it here it is intended for 30 cal rifles. Maybe if you contacted them they could make you a .223 version.

The other option I am aware of is from AR15 Performance. From what I have heard online, they are known for making some pretty nice stuff (even if their website isn't super flashy). They sell 5/8x24 .223 brakes in two configurations, one for competition (very loud, according to their note) and one for general use. Check out their page right here.

I hope that is helpful. Maybe Rainier Arms has something for you as well, but I'm out of break-time so you'll have to check for yourself. Good luck!
 
I own the unfluted version of that barrel with his competition compensator. Get his compensator. It's MUCH better with respect to noise than the SJC Titan I used to own and just as effective at combating muzzle rise without adding unnecessary length or weight to the end of the barrel. I shoot 3-gun a lot and am so happy with this setup, I'm not going to change it.

To give you an idea about how fast and accurate that combo is, I shot a rifle only match on Feb 14. One stage had 7 targets with a minimum of 13 rounds to be expended. It was a close set of targets with 2 to the left approximately 5 yards, 2 to the right at the same distance, 2 in front at about 15 yards and a clay pigeon hanging inbetween them. The stage was to shoot the 2 to both sides, shoot the 2 straight ahead and the clay pigeon last. I did it in a little over 4 seconds.

For accuracy, I shot 5 rounds after figuring out my aiming point at 300 yards and using PMC Bronze ammo (nothing special) was able to put 3 of 5 rounds in an almost perfectly straight horizontal line at 1.1 inches. One of the other shots was at 3 o'clock about 3 inches away from the group and the other was about 6 o'clock 3 inches away from a front shooting rest. This was also using a 6x scope.

You've got a great barrel coming, use his compensator and you'll be happy for 3-gun. However, since you're more concerned about sound, maybe get 2...his compensator for 3-gun and a linear muzzle device for shooting any other time. The 5/8x24 is common .30 caliber threading, so it'll be for .30 caliber, but that won't hurt anything.
 
If I can't get both I would prefer not having the sound issue over the minuscule reduction in recoil.
Click to expand...


I will be the first to admit that it is obnoxiously loud... but....

It is more than a miniscule reduction. Yes I know that the 223 cartridge doesn't create recoil in the way that a 300 Win mag does.... BUT!! It is significant if you are on the clock and need either fast splits on paper or the ability to watch your own long range hits on steel.

My 3-gun rifle recoils about like a 22lr...... It makes fast splits on paper very easy and I can watch my bullets impact steel through the scope.

http://youtu.be/WMYTdsc3FUQ

Sorry for the poor video quality. The guy holding my phone turned it vertical for some reason.....
 
I use ARP's shorty brake on one of my rifles. It is an excellent compromise between noise and effectiveness as comp and doesn't look god awful like most on the market. You can't go wrong with ARP barrels and products, they are some of the best out there. You're lucky you have one of his 5/8x24 5.56 barrels as that threading is better suited to accuracy than the standard 1/2x28.
 
Last edited:
I really only run comps on my game guns and use either custom fit ear plugs or double plug.

For recoil reduction without added noise I use suppressors.
 
Believe the A2 style or the "Linear" brake would work well.

Any other flavors, with side discharge vents, are considered to be "loudeners"....even though some are actually good brakes.
 
I don't see why you think you need a muzzle brake at all. Honestly, the recoil of a 5.56/.223 is so miniscule that muzzle rise in a semi auto is hardly a factor. I personally like the stock A2 birdcage flashhider over any of the multitude of brakes that are out there.

The old three prong FH that came on the AR's back in the early sixties worked pretty good too.
 
highpower, its not necessarily to reduce recoil for the sake of pain. Its more to be able to get back on target that much faster. The OP notes that he will be using the rifle for 3gun competition, where a brake can certainly help. Shooting smaller plates accurately at 200 or even 100 yards can be done much faster if a muzzle brake/comp is installed. I don't compete, but on occasions that I shoot my AR15 beyond 500 yards I really appreciate being able to watch the impact so I can adjust if necessary. With my old A2, finding the 8" target in time to see the impact would be really difficult.

Of course, A2 flashhiders have their own advantages. Flash reduction (obviously) and their weight are two big factors in my eye. Not only that, but they can be had pretty cheap. $6-$8 is cheaper than anything else out there by far.
 
^^^
Wrong thread pattern and I don't see it offered in the correct thread pattern. He'd have to get an adapter also and that is very similar to the design offered by the barrel manufacturer, ARP.
 
I will probably go with the brake that ARP offers after hearing that it is a good compromise of recoil reduction and increased sound.

As far as the recoil reduction being necessary I don't think that it is but would like to be able to experience the difference first hand on the clock. I doubt that I will ever be as quick as I was while I was a member of my unit's CQB team but I would like to see how close I can get.
 
Without exaggeration, that barrel/muzzle device combo is the smoothest shooting AR I've ever shot. I could probably get it even better if I went with an adjustable gas block and a low mass bolt carrier (recommended to me by a professional 3-gunner), but right now, I can't justify the cost for the gains I may get. The rifle just doesn't move when I shoot it. I can do a legitimate 50 yard double tap on a full size silhouette target with the combo I have.
 
The FSC556 really is great. They don't make it in 5/8x24, but I checked and they do actually make their CQB30 for that thread pattern. The CQB30 sounds like exactly what you want... compensator, and directs the sound forward of the shooter.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

bikemutt
  • Locked
9mm AR15 muzzle brake
Replies
5
Views
817
JDGray
J
M
  • Locked
Looking for a 5.56 muzzle brake
Replies
16
Views
639
someguy2800
someguy2800
J
  • Locked
.308 AR compensator/muzzle brake
Replies
5
Views
774
stubbicatt
S
T
  • Locked
Looking for a muzzle brake for AR-15
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Griffin Armament
G
M
  • Locked
.22LR: Benefits from a .223 Muzzle Brake?
Replies
11
Views
8K
benEzra
benEzra
Back
Top