muzzle brake/flash hider effectiveness question(A2 birdcage on it now)

[JR Hartman]

so, mostly I have no issues with the stock A2 birdcage.

However, I do have a couple of issues.

1 I'd like to do more CQB stuff with this, and I have noticed that muzzle climb makes me have to re-acquire the target after each shot.

2 My wife is not into recoil. Yes, its only a .223 AR, and its not much, but if I can even give her the illusion that its not as bad, I am convinced I can get her into shooting it. I know she will like it once she shoots it as she really enjoys shooting .22, but doesn't like working the bolt as much.

so, is there a lower cost brake/hider that actually really works? I don't care about loud as much, as its only .223/5.56 in a longer barrel. I don't really want to go with one of those really large "flaming pig" style devices as they look a bit odd on a long rifle. I also want to stay away from the ones that are more designed to look "bad ass" just for the looks. I don't need any door breaching forward serrations etc.

thanx!

 

[BCShooterGuy]

I have used a flash hider, effin A compensator, and now the birdcage. I haven't noticed any difference in recoil between any of them. The most pleasant to shoot shoot we're the flash hider and birdcage. I now put the birdcage on all the rifles I build for people, best all round and cheap.

Muzzle breaks don't do much for a 223 AR except make fireballs, noise, and a concussive blast that annoys your RO running beside you in the course.

 

[BCShooterGuy]

Putting your thumb over the bore does more for muzzle climb than a large break will.

 

[novan3]

KAC MAMS brake 5.56.

 

[A.T.R.]

I use a Troy Claymore for my CQB rifle.

Recoil is not an issue, and no rise I am aware of.

The fireball is an added bonus.

 

[Hitzy]

Yankee Hill make some decent low cost devices.

 

[Spearhunter]

I don't care about loud as much, as its only .223/5.56 in a longer barrel.

I thought so too but when I installed a brake on mine, I was surprised at how loud my .223 suddenly became. One can almost feel the concussion of the blast.

 

[adriel]

You can cut some recoil with a brake, but it makes them a lot more concussive. If your wife doesn't really like the AR, consider that it might be a combination of the noise and the recoil impulse. You might have luck testing heavier buffers to smooth out the recoil on it.

Otherwise, Stag has a cheap 3 slot brake that won't break the bank. http://www.armseast.com/store/barrels_barrel_parts/stag_muzzle_brake/

 

[blaxsun]

KAC triple tap is pretty effective. And yes, while they do the trick - brakes do tend to be a bit louder.

 

[sendmorebrains]

Totally agree with blaxsun...

Triple Tap Flash Suppressor/Comp from Knights Armaments : Well its not cheep BUT this will turn a factory loaded .223 recoil into litterly a non issue.

If you reload .223 its even more effective.

The transition from target to target is effortless.

Try it you'll like it ..lol. I sure like it.

 

[BCShooterGuy]

I thought so too but when I installed a brake on mine, I was surprised at how loud my .223 suddenly became. One can almost feel the concussion of the blast.

Almost? LOL...

I've run guys with longer barrels and brakes, I can definitely feel the concussion when they fire.

Honestly, the A2 birdcage and a proper support hand grip will do the trick for muzzle flip.

Edit: will do the job for a 223 at least.

 

[MauroUlisse]

I use SureFire on my AR's which I believe they are the best brakes out there hands down.

 

[JR Hartman]

thanx guys, some good stuff!

 

[Ganderite]

I use this one. made in Canada by S&J Hardware. About $50.

Available as a 1.5" and a 2". This one is 2". Same diameter as a birdcage.

It vents only out the front. No recoil and no concussion.

 

[sunray]

"...muzzle brake/flash hider..." Two very different things, designed to do two very different jobs.
"...muzzle climb makes me have to..." That will happen with a flash hider. A muzzle brake is designed to eliminate it.
"...wife is not into recoil..." Any semi-auto will do nicely for her. Even a .308/7.62 battle rifle. Felt recoil is next to nothing. The weight of the rifle will be more of an issue, but not much.

 

[JR Hartman]

any semi will not do ok for her, right now she is scared of the recoil even tho I have told her its not bad at all.

plus she has seen me shoot a friends Garand in 30-06, and it was obviously kicking pretty good, and its semi. that's whats in her head I think. Plus with the much louder report vs a .22lr out of a rifle, she assumes it will be that much more recoil too

 

[BCShooterGuy]

any semi will not do ok for her, right now she is scared of the recoil even tho I have told her its not bad at all.

plus she has seen me shoot a friends Garand in 30-06, and it was obviously kicking pretty good, and its semi. that's whats in her head I think. Plus with the much louder report vs a .22lr out of a rifle, she assumes it will be that much more recoil too

Then do not put a brake on it, it will be very loud and quite concussive. She will not like it if she is near when you are shooting it...

 

[adriel]

Maybe get her blazing away with a 22 then. If she's expressed discomfort with a semi 223, a semi 22 would let her get more comfortable with shooting. A couple thousand rounds of .22 downrange and she might be more comfortable with the 223.