Linear Compensators — How They Work & Advantages vs. Brakes
In this interesting video, Brownells Gun Tech Caleb Savant covers the topic of linear compensators, aka “blast diffusers” or “linear blast devices”. These are quite different in function from a typical muzzle brake and they are NOT a sound suppressor. Unlike a traditional muzzle brake, a linear compensator directs the muzzle blast forward, AWAY from the shooter. This is not only good for the shooter but also for folks next to the shooter, either at the range or in a CQB law enforcement or military situation.
A “Linear Compensator”, also known as “blast diffuser”, my look similar to a muzzle brake. But it works differently. A typical muzzle brake shoots blast out the side, and can be pretty annoying for someone positioned next to the shooter. By contract, the Linear Compensator direct blast force more forward. This helps reduce perceived recoil, and importantly doesn’t send hot gasses left and ring to nearby shooters or observes. Muzzle brake output can be very annoying. This Editor once was shooting next to a .338 Lapua Magnum with a brake, just a couple feet away. With each .338 LM shot I could feel heat on arms/hands and actually feel the bones in my forearm vibrate.
Attachment Methods — Direct Thread Mounting vs. Quick-Attach Mounting
Linear compensators have become much more popular in recent years as AR-15 pistols and SBRs have proliferated. Some linear comps, such as popular models from Midwest Industries and the Troy Claymore, attach directly to the muzzle, just like a traditional flash hider or muzzle brake.
Other Linear Compensators are slip-on, quick-attach components that mount OVER another muzzle device. For example, the VG6 Precision CAGE Device (Concussion Altering Gas Expansion) attaches directly over one of their standard muzzle devices. Almost every company that makes a sound suppressor also offers a linear compensator, which typically attaches to the muzzle the same way as the silencer.
Video find by Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.Similar Posts:
- The Modern Linear Compensator — Design and Function
- See How Muzzle Brakes Really Work with Blast Trace Tests
- Precision Rifle Blog Reveals Muzzle Brake Blast Patterns
- See Blast Patterns of 20+ Muzzle Brakes as Tested by PRB
- Muzzle Brake Blast Pattern Comparison Test
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Tags: Brownells Video, Linear Compensator, Muzzle Blast, Muzzle Brake, Suppressor
How does directing the blast forward reduce recoil? Sounds like marketing versus physics.
It doesn’t but it will keep the guy on your right and left from being upset with you.
Even though it’s forward it’s letting pressure off through many holes not one so there’s going be reduction just not as much as a standard brake
As stated by Hogan and mentioned in the earlier these are linear blast diffusers. They provide additional channels or ports to diffuse the blast. These ports serve to reduce the pressure of the gas exiting the barrel.
Will a linear compensator reduce muzzle rise?
In addition to redirecting the blast forward, does a linear compensator reduce muzzle flash as well? It seems like it might help.
Used to have a Weatherby .338-378 Mag with a muzzle brake (my wife nicknamed it “the dinosaur gun”), and if I stood maybe five feet off to the side when she fired it, it felt as if someone slapped me in the chest with every round. It would have been a serious PITA to surrounding shooters if we hadn’t had the range to ourselves.