Is the NEA Crusader brake loud?

[themikea]

I've searched and read a few reviews of the NEA Crusader muzzle brake, mostly about its performance. Just wondering if anyone has any experience standing beside one firing .223/5.56?

I picked one up for my AR build and didn't really think much about it at the time, but I will be shooting indoors quite a bit, so wondering how loud it is to the sides?

Also, what is up with the finish on them? Looks a little rough.

 

[tactical_tech]

I don't have a crusader brake, but my Spikes 14.5 came with a brake that is similar. It is definitely louder than a non braked AR, also people beside you get to feel every shot as well in their chest. But on the plus side there is a fairly noticeable reduction in recoil. This is the brake on mine.

 

[themikea]

That's nice.

 

[tactical_tech]

Forgot to add, I might be wrong but if your indoor range has barriers between each shooting position, wouldn't the barriers help block some if the noise and percussion? I rarely shoot indoors so just thinking out loud.

 

[themikea]

The barriers help a bit, but I've shot next to people with different AR brakes before and it is loud! I double up on ear protection but that crack really cuts through all of it when you are to the sides.

 

[jono_619]

I've got one and according to the RO it's pretty loud. He always jokes around about wanting to double up when it's my turn to shoot a stage.

 

[tactical_tech]

Ya I was quite surprised as well how loud my AR was with a brake. Had a buddy shoot it while I stood beside, I can definitely see how it might upset some people, especially indoors. That's just gotta make it even worse.

 

[Runningfool]

Mine is louder than the birdcage it replaced, not so much for the user as for those on either side of you. I have a buddy who picked up a S&W M&P15 that isn't threaded for any muzzle device and that is much louder on the line.

 

[supernova]

The Crusader is about as loud as it gets. Don't even consider it for an indoor range. Its also not much of a compensator and offers no flash suppression. I wouldn't buy another one myself.

 

[themikea]

I guess it probably isn't going to help that it is a 10.5" barrel either, that should make things even louder.

 

[kombayotch]

The guy in the CADPAT in post #12 is running one:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...3-Stats-and-AAR-2012-Championship-Match/page2

 

[CV32]

The Crusader is about as loud as it gets. Don't even consider it for an indoor range. Its also not much of a compensator and offers no flash suppression. I wouldn't buy another one myself.

Good to know.

The guy in the CADPAT in post #12 is running one:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...3-Stats-and-AAR-2012-Championship-Match/page2

The pics are telling.

 

[kombayotch]

It was more impressive in person. Standing behind him, there was about an 18" diameter fireball on both sides every time he fired.

 

[sup_nawh]

VERY loud. Sends people running the other direction.
Anyone around 25ft feels the concussion bigtime.

 

[b_w.]

Have one on my 10.5 3 gun rifle and it is very loud. Works awesome and keeps the rifle on target. I would buy another one.

 

[themikea]

VERY loud. Sends people running the other direction.
Anyone around 25ft feels the concussion bigtime.

I'm not sure if that encourages or discourages me for using it at an indoor range.

 

[sup_nawh]

I'm not sure if that encourages or discourages me for using it at an indoor range.

Try it out, see how it is. You can always take it off or change it.