A muzzle brake is a device attached to the muzzle of a firearm that redirects propellant gases to counter recoil and unwanted rising of the barrel during firing.
The principle of operation is that the brake causes the bullet to depart from the barrel sooner so that the recoil pulse is reduced in magnitude.
Muzzle brakes are very useful on pistols and rifles, where the recoil impulse can be quite severe. They are also commonly used on shotguns, as they reduce both recoil and muzzle rise.
Some muzzle brakes can also function as compensators, which function to reduce barrel rise during firing but do not redirect propellant gases.
Martin Mapa Changed status to publish September 18, 2022