Strike Industries recently released a compensator for Glock style pistols. It is called the “Mass Driver”. The compensator system is 50 state legal and available for Gen3 or Gen 4 style G19’s and G17’s. The Mass Driver comp I received is for a Gen 3 17. I installed it on a custom Polymer 80 PF940V2 (G17 size) pistol. The Mass Driver system is pretty unique in its application.
Strike Industries did everyone a favor by offering the Mass Driver comp as 50 state legal. To do this, it does not use a threaded barrel. Instead the Mass Driver uses a special guide rod assembly and springs. I won’t go into installation, but Strike Industries does have a nice video of it. The guide rod assembly is what ties the whole compensator and springs together. It also keeps the compensator from twisting side to side too much. On my particular sample, the Mass Driver rests against the muzzle end of the slide. It does wear the finish a little on the slide where the compensator meets the front edge. The inside of the Mass Driver is beveled, I am assuming this is to square it up with whatever slide you use it with. For instance, I am not using it with a factory Glock slide and it functions and looks just fine. This system also allows for these modifications to not be permanent.
A unique feature of the Mass Driver comp comes from the dual spring system. Part of the reason the compensator is called the Mass Driver, is because it actually drives the compensator forward under firing. As the bullet exits through the compensator, it “drives” the compensator forward. Then the recoil causes the slide to move backwards. Of course the Mass Driver also has ports to let muzzle gasses escape upwards and sideways, thus helping to reduce even more recoil. Because of the “counter recoil” system, it feels different when shooting the pistol, definitely not a bad thing. It is really hard to explain the recoil impulse. It is less than a non compensated pistol, of course. But it is different then a standard compensated pistol also. For me, it feels really soft, akin to shooting a 22 magnum pistol. The Mass Driver comp really does make the gun shoot more comfortably.
The Mass Driver comp performed well for me. I had a 30-50% reduction in recoil, according to the Mantis X10. It is a definite reduction in recoil for me. Split times for me were about 0.10 seconds faster with the Mass Driver installed. This data was with 115 grain FMJ’s, so shooting hotter loads may actually help with even more recoil reduction. I did notice that every once in a while, the first shot would not always shoot to point of aim. I am guessing that the Mass Driver comp didn’t seat against the muzzle correctly when hand cycling the pistol. Causing the recoil gases to be expended at a different angle. It wasn’t enough to prevent me from ringing 10” steel plates at 15 yards, but was noticeable on paper. I did run some 124 grain FMJ’s through it also without any problems. In all the rounds through the comp, I have had very few malfunctions. Actually, I have only had 2 failure to eject’s with my least favorite 9mm. There were more when other people shot it, but in my opinion, they didn’t have a good enough grip on the handgun, so not a Mass Driver fault, more of a public service announcement.
I do believe that Strike Industries made the Mass Driver comp for post apocalyptic movies. This compensator looks like it should come straight out of a Mad Max movie. It is that sexy. But along with sex appeal, it has function. The Mass Driver is the same width as a standard Glock slide, it does add about 1 ⅝” in length to the pistol. Meaning it does have the ability to fit in most open bottom holsters. I tried it in 3 different open bottom holsters, and it fits in all 3. The comp just sticks out the end.
I am really glad that Strike Industries came out with an effective 50 state legal compensator. It really does do everything a compensator should do, at a price that is even far less than some screw on comps. It performed better than I expected for a non-threaded compensator. If you live in one of those not-so-free states, or just want a decent compensator, definitely go give the Mass Driver a look.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
50 state legal Glock compensator
Target Market:
Those wanting a compensator without needing a threaded barrel
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
No threaded barrel needed
Counter recoil design, as the slide moves back the comp moves forward to reduce felt recoil
50 State Legal
CNC machined
No permanent modification of weapon required
Compatible with most open-bottom holsters
1.675”L x 1.030” W x 1.430” H
All installation hardware included
Manganese Phosphate finish
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
What others are saying?:
James @ Primary Arms 5/5 stars
AMAZING COMP
This Comp is AMAZING! Works way better than comps that cost twice as much. I have about 700 rounds through it so far and no issues yet. Shoots incredibly flat, and looks awesome. Only issue is that its corners are slightly larger than the glock slide frame, so it makes it a tight fit into and particularly out of holsters where the comp gets pulled forward as you draw the pistol. No functional problem, but slightly annoying
Link to other reviews:
Price point:
MSRP = $89.95
Retail = $79.99 at Primary Arms
I need it now! Availability:
Strike Industries or Primary Arms
Our Rating:
Pros:
Recoil reduction
Inexpensive
Fits in many holsters
No permanent modifications to firearm
50 state legal
Cons:
First shot is off
Slide wear
Score: 8.00 Great
Favorite Link: Gun and Gear Cult