How do Linear Compensators "Compensate"?

Bojangles

Bojangles

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Hi Guys,

I have been tring to understand the operation of "Linear Compensators" that are becoming popular for short barreled carbines.

I don't want to get get confused with flash hidders discussions, because that is a different beast.

I was always led to believe that "Compensators" on the end of a barrel can compensate for both recoil and muzzle rise by venting a portion of the gasses to the rear (recoil compensation) and upward (muzzle rise compensation). This is done at the expense of increased noise to the shooter and bystanders.

Short barreled rifles have an increased muzzle blast due to the higher pressures when the bullet exits the barrel. Adding a conventional compensator to the barrel only magnifies the blast problem to the shooter and bystanders.

So now we have "Linear Compensators" which as the name suggests, directs the muzzle blast in a linear direction (down range from the shooter). That means less muzzle blast, but how does directing all the gases down range compensate for recoil or muzzle climb?

Or is a Linear Compensator only a "Noise Compensator"

Cheers,

B
 
In reality, linear compensatory are only good for two things:

1) Redirecting, in some small measure, blast down range. This can be particularly good on sbr type rifles. So I guess, in that respect they compensate for blast.

2) The second thing they can do is help to redirect effluent gas away from the path of the bullet which can help with accuracy. But be warned: this is only if the device is designed correctly. Not all are, especially some of the newer ones I've seen on the market as of late.

In my opinion, most linear type compensatory are best suited to rimfire or centerfire guns with longer barrels. Even with longer barrels on centerfire guns, you may burn the "comp" fast. If you are buying it to help with accuracy do some research, what you buy may actually degrade accuracy.

In your other assessments you are correct; they don't do sweet f@$k all to mitigate recoil of muzzle climb, at least not in my experience.
 
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It compensates too much noise blast going in all directions by forcing it forward.

So yes, they use the word compensator, but not the way 99% of people think of it. More of a marketing term on their part.

People like them. I want to try one.
 
I have one on a 10/22 with 16" barrel. Accuracy with or without was identical. No change in POI and it's a 22 so I couldn't realy say if there was any help with recoil since there is so little with a 22 anyways. It looks really cool and completed the look of the rifle. It did however seem to help with sound direction. The firearm sounds quieter to the shooter.
 
Epoxy7 said:
I have one on a 10/22 with 16" barrel. Accuracy with or without was identical. No change in POI and it's a 22 so I couldn't realy say if there was any help with recoil since there is so little with a 22 anyways. It looks really cool and completed the look of the rifle. It did however seem to help with sound direction. The firearm sounds quieter to the shooter.
Click to expand...

Should try it with some of that quiet cci .22 ammo.
 
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