A muzzle brake is a device that is affixed to the barrel of a gun in order to re-direct propellant gas and reduce recoil. Muzzle brakes are commonly used on rifles, but can also be found on other firearms such as pistols and shotguns.
Muzzle brakes work by trapping some of the expanding gases from the fired round. These gases are then redirected rearward and down, which helps to reduce both recoil and muzzle rise. Muzzle brakes can also help to improve accuracy by keeping the barrel more stable during firing.
Mike Seeklander Answered question September 14, 2022