How effective are linear compensators ... really?

[LoonWulf]

I have one for my 7mm Mag, and it does what i need it to. It still sucks to fire a shot without hearing installed, but for the guy next to me its sucks a lot less than with the bare muzzle, or its brake.

 

[Skylerbone]

Now I’m curious as to why a flash can is not nearly as effectual. I understand the comp’s “face” effectively closes off the a portion of the escape route for gas, but does a can not work at all for noise reduction? I’ve heard 3-4 dB is what to expect which sounds good to me, and I was considering an extended slimline version (5”) of the KAK. That’s approx. 2.7 cu in of volume for expanding gases. That stretches to roughly 4.2 cu in for the standard diameter (don’t know the actual wall thickness, only the external diameter, thus approximating).

I want to believe this should be more effective than the linear comps I’ve run across, again based on length and overall volume. Not to hijack but any thoughts? Maybe adding a front plate like a comp or would that be dangerously close to manufacturing a suppressor?

 

[taraquian]

I have a Midwest Industries blast diverter on my AR pistol, it doesn't make it quieter, but it does move the sound away from the shooter. It also makes a pretty fireball out the front instead of seeing it in the sights.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

I built an 11.5" 5.56 AR pistol (with a Sig SB15 brace and a Law Tactical folding stock adapter). The first muzzle device I installed, a Smith Enterprises Vortex flash suppressor, produced pronounced muzzle blast when sighting-in on the shooting bench. The blast was obnoxious. I replaced the Vortex with a Hera Arms Gen II linear compensator and the muzzle blast was substantially reduced. The report is more like "bonk" than "BOOM!". So in my experience a linear compensator works in directing the muzzle blast forward.

 

[Gordon]

The Smith Vortex is the most effective flash suppressor tho, I believe.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

Yes, that's why I originally chose it.

 

[303 hunter]

My 7.62x39 AR has a JAL linear brake, made by AR Performance. It definitely throws sound down range. I hunt from wooden box blinds, and the difference is very noticeable. My daughter shot a deer with her 20” .243 last year, and my ears paid the price. The muzzle blast from that short barrel is terrible! Dead deer made it a bit better though!

 

[Legionnaire]

Well, I decided to put a Kaw Valley on my Ruger PCC. I'll have to report back when I've had a chance to try it out.

 

[BigEd63]

I have a Midwest Industries blast diverter on my AR pistol, it doesn't make it quieter, but it does move the sound away from the shooter. It also makes a pretty fireball out the front instead of seeing it in the sights.

I have one also. I'd say in shooting mine from the covered firing line at the public range it's more like a 16" carbine.