I guess I better respond, since mi amigo
@Skylerbone called me out on it!
I’ve been using linear compensators for a long time - before the Noveske Firepig even. There are different types with and without baffles. Baffled versions do more for recoil reduction and sound mitigation at the shooter than the baffleless “blast cans” like the KAK or Nov Firepig. I only tried the KVP the first time (probably 10yrs ago?) because I knew I wanted a linear compensators, and they were located only about an hour from where I was living at the time. As Skyler pointed out, and his pictures reflect, the Kaw Valley Precision (“KVP,” not KAW, just sayin...) is a rather stylish option in the field of unassuming “blast cans”. Blast Cans, or the cylindrical Levang do have that chunky look some guys want, especially when nested into the forend. I expect the Levang reduces recoil and noise slightly better than the smaller diameter KVP, but I know I can’t tell the difference at my earplug or my shoulder.
One anecdote which stands out for me (probably because it was so recent, and was a rare instance where I shot without hearing protection): I took two shots on my buck last year with a 20” Grendel using a KVP, my ears weren’t ringing at all. Not as quiet as a suppressor, naturally, but quiet enough I was very happy for my hearing, and of course, only costs $55 and can get shipped to my door TODAY, instead of $1500 plus a 200day wait time. Comparatively, if I shoot my 6 Creeds with Impact, SiCo, or Fat Bastard brakes, even with my electronic muffs, but not plugs, my ears will ring. So anecdotally and not-so-scientifically, the KVP in front of a Grendel must be quieter at my unprotected ear than my 6 Creeds even with muffs.
I threw one on my Seekins rifle for a week, really meant as a thread protector when the Omega was removed, it’s notably quieter than bare muzzle, and certainly quieter than my SiCo brake, with NEARLY the recoil reduction of the SiCo 3 port compensator.
I’m sure there are larger diameter baffled linear compensators which are more effective, but the dead cylinder profile of most of these just turns me off.
I do greatly wish the KVP XL were available in all steel, bored for 6mm. I’d REALLY love it if they were fully welded so I could pin and weld one on my son’s 22 instead of going SBR with it.
