A muzzle brake reduces recoil and muzzle rise (the tendency of the gun barrel to move upwards after firing) on a gun.
The recoil from a gun can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous for the shooter. Muzzle brake help to reduce this recoil by redirecting the gas released from the bullet as it exits the barrel. This redirected gas creates a counterforce that helps to push the barrel downwards, reducing the amount of recoil felt by the shooter. Muzzle brakes also help to reduce muzzle rise, which keeps the barrel pointed in the same direction after firing and allows for faster follow-up shots.
Muzzle brakes that are used with suppressors can act as a sacrificial blast baffle. Unlike sound baffles, which only reduce the noise coming from the firearm, muzzle brakes take the brunt of the muzzle blast and fire gases so that the suppressor’s internal baffles don’t get damaged as quickly.
There are two main types of muzzle brake:
- The first type, which is more common, uses vent slots to redirect the propellant gases.
- The second type, known as a ‘compensator‘, employs baffles or chambers within the brake to achieve a similar effect.
Here you can find out how it will affect your rifle: