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- Alfred Mendoza
- June 1, 2023
With a muzzle brake, you can easily control recoil without worrying about having any shoulder injuries when firing. Weapon control, better accuracy, and more power are just a few things that the best AR-15 muzzle brake could give you. Well, if you want to know which one best suits your AR build, keep on reading this ultimate guide.
- Significant recoil reduction
- Works with variable calibers
- Hybrid design
- Can reduce muzzle climb
- Minimizes dust signature
- Easy to install
- Adjustable gas redirection
- Affordable muzzle brake
- Three-piece modular design
- Lifetime Warranty
- Aids in precision accuracy
- Three vertical vents
- Reduces recoil effectively
- Fits on quickly and tightly
- Keeps rifle muzzle flat
Table of Contents
Top 7 Muzzle Brakes for AR-15 Rifles
1. Precision Armament M4-72
Why We Picked It:
One of the best muzzle brakes for AR-15 we have ever reviewed thus far is the Precision Armament M4-72. It wasn’t just because trusted Shooting Community members highly recommended it, but because we were extremely impressed with how it effectively reduced recoil by up to 75%.
This muzzle brake Precision Armament M4-72 compensator hybrid utilized a triple-baffle design that cut felt recoil, giving us the ultimate weapon control. This AR-15 muzzle brake was also extremely lightweight, so it never became a hassle bringing it along with our hunting game.
Being a hybrid muzzle device, it was able to expel gas on both sides. In addition, it featured upward ventilation that reduced recoil and muzzle climb. This M4-72 muzzle device is also extremely durable since it was constructed with stainless steel. Hence, it could withstand rugged combat conditions and extreme heat when we tested it in the shooting range.
Who Should Use It:
We recommend this to people who love big game hunting and tactical shooting. Also, if you are a precision hunter, this muzzle brake may be an ideal choice for you.
Summary:
The Precision Armament M4-72 muzzle brake is an extremely effective muzzle brake in recoil reduction and limiting muzzle climb. It is a lightweight muzzle device that can be attached to AR-15 rifles. Furthermore, it is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and severe heat.
PROS
- Significant recoil reduction
- Works with variable calibers
- Hybrid design
- Can reduce muzzle climb
- Minimizes dust signature
CONS
- Significantly loud noise
2. ODIN Works ATLAS
Why We Picked It:
ODIN Works ATLAS is an adjustable compensator that allows custom tuning to reduce muzzle rise and recoil based on how our firearm performed during the test. We particularly liked how its titanium sleeve gave it a sleek look.
Furthermore, this muzzle brake also impressed us because its core and cap machined were 416R stainless steel with a black nitride finish. We also liked its three-piece modular design that made its proper installation simple and fast.
Who Should Use It:
This muzzle brake is perfect for any rifle short-barreled rifle, especially AR-15 builds. This versatile muzzle brake for almost any rifle use, such as hunting, target shooting, or plinking.
Summary:
This muzzle brake is easy to install. It also comes with an adjustable gas direction and a three-piece modular design at an affordable price. It effectively reduces recoil and can be easily timed and tuned with a sleeve. Its core and cap are made of high-quality materials such as the isonited 416R stainless steel. And lastly, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Adjustable gas redirection
- Affordable muzzle brake
- Three-piece modular design
- Lifetime Warranty
CONS
- Minimal drawback mitigation
- Requires some Loctite
3. DEADAIR DA101
Why We Picked It:
Next on our list is the DEADAIR DA101 5.56 muzzle brake. This AR-15 muzzle brake works at mitigating drawbacks. Again, our team was impressed at how this reliable muzzle brake was designed to keep our rifle’s muzzle flat even when we fired rounds rapidly.
And because this muzzle brake expels gas to the side, we experienced minimal blowback during our target shooting. Another thing that we liked about this muzzle brake because it doesn’t project the gases too violently, aiding us in achieving a more precise shot. And because it doubles up as a sound suppressor, you will have a more accurate shot.
Who Should Use It:
We highly recommend this muzzle brake to tactical shooters and hunters. This special tool shall fit onto your rifles quickly and tightly with little to almost no hassle. If you are into precision shooting, this may also work best for you.
Summary:
This device is well-designed to keep muzzles flat even when used during rapid shooting. It helps mitigate muzzle rise and mitigate recoil by venting the gases to the side, aiding precision accuracy. It doesn’t project the gases too violently, so getting this baby down at the shooting range shouldn’t be a problem.
PROS
- Aids in precision accuracy
- Three vertical vents
- Reduces recoil effectively
- Fits on quickly and tightly
- Keeps rifle muzzle flat
CONS
- This doesn’t work as a flash hider
- Lugs may get turned and won’t detach
4. V Seven Furion
Why We Picked It:
The V Seven Furion muzzle brake is another AR-15 muzzle brake. This is specifically designed to cater to 5.56x45mm NATO rounds and AR-15 rifles. We liked how V Seven designed this muzzle brake to be highly durable, fit for precision shooting and hunting.
In addition, we were impressed that the company used long-lasting materials to make the muzzle brake last amidst extreme heat and harsh weather conditions. Not many muzzle brakes are constructed with grade-five titanium, which is notable for its durability, strength, and lightweight properties.
Who Should Use It:
This titanium muzzle brake is tuned to deliver efficient recoil reduction for 14.5 to 20-inch barrels. Furthermore, this muzzle brake provides maximum recoil performance at standard rifles. However, we highly recommend this to competition shooters who are into rapid-fire shooting.
We would also want to reiterate that since this muzzle brake isn’t a flash hider. So, please defer from using this muzzle brake if you wish to shoot in a tactical environment or out hunting.
Summary:
The V Seven Furion muzzle brake is a lightweight muzzle brake designed for AR-15 rifles with 14.5 to 12-inch barrels. It is a durable option that competition shooters could try to achieve efficient rapid-shooting in automatic fire. Furthermore, it is constructed with high-quality titanium, providing strength and durability.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Reduces muzzle rise
- Minimizes muzzle blast and dust signature
- Also tuned for carbine-length barrels
- Constructed with high-quality materials
CONS
- Overall performance is just average
- Doesn’t work as a great flash hider
5. Wilson Combat
Why We Picked It:
The Wilson Combat Q-Comp muzzle brake is also one of the best AR-15 muzzle brakes we have tested. This is an ideal option in reducing recoil during rapid-fire shooting without the harsh muzzle blast and flash.
While using this hybrid AR-15 brake/compensator, we noticed how it was perfectly tuned to minimize side-blast and concussion. We were thrilled that this muzzle brake displayed almost zero flashes. Yet retained excellent rearward and vertical movement recoil reduction with all the calibers we tried to use.
Another thing about this muzzle brake/flash hider that thrilled us is its slotted expansion chamber design. This particular design had no prongs or tines to break off. This muzzle brake was also constructed with Melonite QPQ coated alloy steel, providing maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
Who Should Use It:
This muzzle device would thrill hunters, tactical shooters, and precision shooters. Its ability to reduce recoil during rapid-fire shooting would greatly help shooters have faster follow-up shots and take more accurate shots.
Summary:
This muzzle device is tuned to mitigate side-blast and concussion. It also comes with a slotted expansion chamber design that has no prongs or tines to break off. This compensator also displays zero flashes while retaining rearward and vertical recoil reduction at various calibers.
PROS
- Recommended for budget-conscious shooters
- High-quality construction
- Eliminates drawback
- Super easy and fast to install
- Doesn’t give off a loud noise
CONS
- Somewhat challenging to break-in
- Some fitting may be required
6. Precision Armament AFAB
Why We Picked It:
The Precision Armament AFAB Hybrid muzzle brake provides better features than its successor AFAB-Mini. We liked how this tool worked as both a compensator and flash hider. While using this muzzle brake, we noticed an effective suppression of side concussion and flash.
This muzzle brake/flash hider was also helpful when used during rapid-fire shooting. It slowly diffused and cooled combustion gases to keep us on target and gave us faster and accurate follow-up shots. We also liked its closed bottom design because it significantly reduced dust kick-up when used in shooting from a prone position.
Who Should Use It:
This hybrid device is recommended to almost every shooter out there. It can effectively reduce recoil and drawback, so it would help in keeping your rifles steady even when used during rapid-fire scenarios. However, we do not recommend this muzzle device to short-barreled rifles with shorter than 14.5 inches barrels.
Summary:
This muzzle brake/flash hider is precision machined from heat-treated stainless steel and coated to withstand extremely hot temperatures. This reliable muzzle device also reduces muzzle flash, so you are expected to land more accurate shots. It is also not recommended to use a crush washer in installing this muzzle brake to your rifle barrels.
PROS
- Reduces drawback
- Has excellent flash hiding capabilities
- Minimal concussion
- Reliable
- Beneficial for rapid-fire shooting
CONS
- Recoil reduction maybe a little less
- Somewhat heavy
7. SureFire Warcomp
Why We Picked It:
The SureFire Warcomp muzzle brake made it into our list. We liked how this muzzle brake provided us with almost 99% flash elimination when shooting. Because of this, we had better control of our shots, ensuring more precise shots when fired.
We also liked its extreme durability at the shooting range, as it was machined from heat-treated stainless steel bar stock. Its ionbond DLC coating became a bonus because it made the muzzle brake more protection against harsh elements. This muzzle brake/flash suppressor was also easy to clean even after rigorous use.
Who Should Use It:
If you are into big game hunting or target shooting, this muzzle device/flash hider is ideal. It gives better weapon control while giving you more accurate shots.
Summary:
The SureFire Warcomp muzzle brake offers 99% flash elimination and natural muzzle rise reduction. It also provides better control of our shots, ensuring more precise shots when fired. It is precision machined from heat-treated stainless steel bar stock, providing extreme durability and better performance. This flash hider is also ionbond DLC coated, providing corrosion protection.
PROS
- First-rate muzzle flash reduction
- No added concussion
- Effective in eliminating muzzle rise
- Ionbond DLC coated
- Has suppressor lugs
CONS
- Creates a significant dust signature
- Has a ting sound
Our Exclusive Buying Guide
Durability
Durability should always be considered when buying the best muzzle brakes/muzzle devices. This tool is usually faced with harsh impact due to expelled gas, so it must always withstand harsh conditions.
Always make sure to find a muzzle device that could still function amidst extreme weather conditions, harsh impact, and wear and tear. We recommend searching for muzzle brakes/muzzle devices made with durable materials such as titanium, carbon steel, or bead-blasted stainless steel. They are typically resistant to rust and corrosion.
Resistance to Rust & Corrosion
The resistance of muzzle brakes/flash hiders to rust and corrosion doesn’t solely lie on the material used to construct it. One vital factor that protects this device against rust and corrosion is its coating and finish.
It is common for high-performance structural components and process equipment to experience corrosion regardless of material type. Corrosion-resistant coatings can increase the lifespan of a part, as well as reduce maintenance and replacement costs. [1]
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Length & Weight
Its length and weight always affect the performance and reliability of your AR-15 rifle. As these AR-15 muzzle brakes/flash suppressors add length to the barrels, they also add weight.
If an added tool is heavy, chances are, it may cause hassle and discomfort to the gun owner, especially when he plans to use his AR-15 rifle for a long time when target locking or hunting. Therefore, it is always recommended to find lightweight muzzle brakes/flash hiders.
Easy Attachment
Always aim to search for AR-15 muzzle brakes that are easy to install. However, you have to note that the installation of other muzzle brakes varies. Some may require a professional gunsmith’s skills to install it.
Some muzzle brakes may require Loctite, special tools, or a crush washer. And fortunately, some muzzle brakes/flash hiders are too easy to use. Just attach the bare muzzle onto the barrel, and it is ready to be used.
Flash Suppression
Flash mitigation is also an essential factor to consider when buying the best budget muzzle brake. Some barrels provide flash mitigation features while other brands don’t. Although this feature isn’t totally necessary, having an excellent bonus feature like this is still better than just buying a standard muzzle brake.
Design
It may not be too necessary for some buyers, but the design of muzzle brakes is also important. It is still better to attach an aesthetically pleasing standard muzzle brake to provide your AR-15 build a better look. However, some designs aren’t for aesthetics only. Therefore, we suggest that you look for muzzle brakes that offer a rockstar design that isn’t only cool to look at and beneficial.
Read: AR-15 vs M4
Climb Reduction
You must buy muzzle brakes for one main reason—and that is to find a reliable tool that would help your AR-15 rifle reduce muzzle rise and recoil. Often, high-powered ammo creates a severe drawback when fired. Hence, this drawback may greatly affect your shot’s accuracy.
So, we recommend that you look for muzzle brakes that offer a great deal when it comes to recoil reduction, especially when your top priority is your shot’s accuracy and precision.
Our Team's Selection Process
Overall Performance
Our team selects the best muzzle brake by testing the products out into the shooting range, whether in a hunting game or a target shooting range. For this test, we had a thorough discussion about the features of each product.
We also created two teams to test out the products. At the end of the test, both teams are required to compare their results. We did this strategy to ensure the reliability of the test results.
Weapon Compatibility
We have a designated base where we put various rifles, AR pistols, and guns. Whenever we have to test certain products, we always try to check out if these muzzle brakes would work for multiple weapons. For shooters like us that own a massive collection of weapons, weapon compatibility is always a careful consideration in our selection process.
Product Quality
The quality of the product may be divided into three details: the company’s claims, our claims, and other customer’s feedback. In some instances, our claims vary. Therefore, we always have to thoroughly discuss these claims to develop a reliable and first-hand tested claim that would make our verdict reliable. We also have a special team that verifies everything just to make the results more trustworthy.
And the #1 Muzzle Brake for AR-15 is...
After thorough consideration, our team chose the Precision Armament M4-72 as the #1 muzzle brake for AR-15 rifles. We were impressed with how this muzzle device utilizes a triple-baffle design that reduces recoil by up to 75%. And since this tool also works as a compensator hybrid, it is easier to have weapon and muzzle control and recoil management.
This extremely lightweight Precision Armament muzzle device also expels gas on both gas ports on each side. In addition, it features upward ventilation that reduces recoil and muzzle rise. Furthermore, it is constructed with high-quality stainless steel to withstand rugged combat conditions and heat.
Our #1 Recommendation
Precision Armament M4-72
- Significant recoil reduction
- Hybrid design
- Combats muzzle rise
- Can reduce dust signature