Compensator vs Muzzle brake

[Greener Jim]

So I know the difference between the two in that muzzle brakes reduce recoil (and sometimes muzzle flip to an extent) and compensators just reduce muzzle flip.
However, is the noise to the shooter/people next to shooter less with a comp than a brake? A comp only vents up so nothing out to the sides, I would imagine it's still louder than a bare muzzle mind.

 

[levigsp]

So a muzzle break is deathening to bystanders and user alike, I have waitressed someone knocked unconscious by firing his own gun with no ear protection! but the reduce recoil and muzzle flip to a degree, in my experience they reduce both to a lesser degree than a moderator.
Moderators make the rifle sound a lot quieter than a standard rifle to both user and bystander.

 

[goathunter1]

Well I've had a muzzle brake on the 30.06 and the 416 and I have never been knocked unconscious! I'd like a brake on the 404 but I want to keep it "au naturel." As far as I'm concerned brakes on these big rifles make a huge difference to manageability and felt recoil - maybe the same thing? They are uncomfortable to the bystanders though!! I have moderators on the 308 and the 22.250 and the are just so comfy - if a bit unwieldy in the field as I can't afford a titanium one.
I don't know what a compensator is on a rifle but many of the Remington 1100's had a Cutts compensator fitted. Whether they made shooting tha autoloader more comfortable, I can't recall.
Good hunting anyway.

 

[Muir]

I use brakes on my 6.5CM and 308. Reduces recoil and muzzle rise to about zero. On a couple of other rifles I use a linear compensator. These units direct gasses straight down range. These also reduce flip and are considerably quieter at the line.

Knocked unconscious? He should see a neurologist.~Muir

 

[Greener Jim]

I have a moderator for the rifle already, I'm just thinking of other options.

I'm not recoil averse so the reduction properties of a muzzle brake don't appeal to me. If, and only if, a compensator is less unpleasant to the shooter/guide the muzzle flip reduction of one does appeal. If it's no quieter than a brake I may as well just get a brake instead.
Of course ear protection would be worn at all times but if a comp is quieter that's definitely a plus point.

 

[levigsp]

I use brakes on my 6.5CM and 308. Reduces recoil and muzzle rise to about zero. On a couple of other rifles I use a linear compensator. These units direct gasses straight down range. These also reduce flip and are considerably quieter at the line.

Knocked unconscious? He should see a neurologist.~Muir

I was stood on his right about a metre behind and I couldn't here properly for the rest of the day! with some types and calibres its very loud with a distinct shock wave.
He was taken straight to A&E and was told it was NOT uncommon.

 

[big ears]

Why use anything? I shoot a 30-06 unmoderated. When I take the shot I can see the strike before the flip hits. Bullets travel very fast and if you concentrate they get there before the recoil hits. I get it for big calibre but up to 30cal non magnum cannot see the point.

BE

 

[Greener Jim]

I don't think I will need anything, as I said recoil doesn't seem to bother me. It's more something I like the idea of than need. The noise of a brake is not something I want though, so if a compensator is quieter even if it's louder than a bare muzzle I'd be tempted.

Also my rifle should be around a 300 Win Mag recoil wise.

 

[deeangeo]

I have mag na ports on my K95 muzzle & it's loud.
Definitely much worse for anyone behind & to one or other side.
But, muzzle flip is significantly reduced and I clearly see bullet strike.

 

[Red Dragon 2]

All I know is that a couple of guys used muzzle brakes on their shotguns and it did affect people to the side or slightly behind, uncomfortably loud. As for rifles, suppose it depends on where they are used, in the field I would imagine no problem but on the range might affect people either side?

 

[NigelM]

I wonder if it's possible to design a "mini moderator"? Size wise somewhere between a Brake and a small Mod, not as effective at noise reduction as a Mod (say half as good as the current ones available) but just as effective as reducing muzzle flip and recoil as a Brake.

There's something for the engineers amongst us to think about.

 

[big ears]

Like a DPT mod with only one or two baffles?

 

[big ears]

I don't think I will need anything, as I said recoil doesn't seem to bother me. It's more something I like the idea of than need. The noise of a brake is not something I want though, so if a compensator is quieter even if it's louder than a bare muzzle I'd be tempted.

Also my rifle should be around a 300 Win Mag recoil wise.

Ok I get that. Think anything that uses the exhaust fumes to control the muzzle will be louder than a bare barrel shot to those standing by. Containing that in a can will reduce it but that is not what you want I guess.

 

[NigelM]

Like a DPT mod with only one or two baffles?

I was thinking of something half the size of that. It doesn't have to do as good a job on the sound moderation as the DPT, but it must be as good on the recoil and flip reduction. In effect a large Brake that is no louder than a bare muzzle.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

Brakes don't increase noise
that would be impossible
they do deflect it and it is perceived more behind the muzzle than a bare barrel
they don't increase the need for hearing protection, that is still necessary
most muzzle brakes and mods for that matter are not bore matched to calibre

any effect is dramatically increased with a close bore to calibre match
i ran a 8mm bore brake on a 300wm and the effect was remarkable.
not to be fired in an enclosed indoor range firing point I would add!
i managed to blow an aerosol cap off the bench that was behind my right elbow with the redirected muzzle blast!

 

[jthyttin]

Look at the design, not whether the product is named brake or compensator.

Probably you want something that has the holes angled downrange. Or nothing at all.

Trying to control muzzle flip by only venting gas upwards is kind of counterproductive if you want to maintain the sight picture. Even if successful, it would only work good for single load and shooting position (assuming lightish rifle and magnum recoil/amount of powder).

 

[Sinistral]

Also my rifle should be around a 300 Win Mag recoil wise.

You've been reading the wrong comics.

 

[Greener Jim]

You've been reading the wrong comics.

Dont get me wrong I don't view that as a bad thing but going off calculated recoil it should be around 25 ft-lbs. which isn't much and also is around what 300 Win Mag gets.

 

[big ears]

I was thinking of something half the size of that. It doesn't have to do as good a job on the sound moderation as the DPT, but it must be as good on the recoil and flip reduction. In effect a large Brake that is no louder than a bare muzzle.

that would be interesting. The fact that there isn't one makes me wonder if it is possible without it being too heavy to upset the balance. Will be interested in the engineers in this sites view

 

[Greener Jim]

I had thought about a 'can' that has a centre tube that has lots of holes in, wrapped in sound deadening, with an outer tube and then a radial brake on the end of that. The first section should slow some of the gases down a little and the brake deals with what's left. Should still be louder than a bare muzzle so not a moderator but I don't know how law is on that. Would be lighter than a mod but heavier than a brake I'd imagine.