compensator

Faxon 10.5" lightweight barrel, gas block, and comp

  I was looking at building a lightweight AR pistol, using off the shelf parts, that wouldn’t break the bank. Part of what I needed was a lightweight barrel. Faxon Firearms had exactly what I was looking for with their 10.5” pencil profile barrel. As a bonus, Faxon threw in their slim profile muzzle brake. So off to assembly I went.

  When the Faxon barrel first arrived, I weighed it on my scale. There’s a few reasons for this. First, I wanted to know the actual weight. The barrel alone weighed in at 14.53 ounces, so not even a pound. The same barrel in a 16” weighs about 20 ounces. Second, this Faxon barrel comes with a gas block, but no gas tube. Because I figured I wanted a total weight, I weighed it with a gas tube and the supplied gas block. Total usable weight was 16.26 ounces, so essentially a hair over a pound. Speaking of the gas block, a really cool thing about it is the pre-drilled hole so you can pin the gas block on with the supplied pin. The gas block also has set screws on the bottom to tighten it up. Having a pinned gas block is especially nice if you are expecting any type of hard use situations.

  The Faxon pencil barrel specifications are pretty standard. This one has a pencil profile. It is made from 4150 CMV steel, has a 5.56 NATO caliber and is 1:8 twist button rifled. Faxon QPQ Nitrides the whole barrel for corrosion and wear resistance. Because it’s a pencil profile, Faxon uses a 0.625 gas block diameter. Being a 10.5” length, it uses the carbine length gas system. To quality control their barrels, Faxon magnetic particle inspects them so that good barrels get sent out to the user and bad ones don’t. Lastly, the barrel is threaded the standard ½-28 and has a recessed target crown.

  Faxon also sent me one of their Slim 3-port muzzle brakes. This particular muzzle brake has an outside diameter of 0.620”. It screws directly onto the barrel threads and comes with a crush washer. The small outside diameter of this brake makes it possible to remove the gas block without removing the muzzle brake. This can be especially nice if you have to pin and weld a muzzle device on to meet a legal length. It is 2.125”’ long, so it will bring a 13.9” barrel to the legal 16” length. I however am using this on a pistol, so no need to pin and weld. When installing the 3 port muzzle brake, be extremely careful as the metal is softer than I realized. I rounded the corners of it with an open end wrench trying to time it properly with the supplied crush washer. Make sure your wrench is on the solid portion, not over a port. That crush washer is stronger than any I have seen. Besides my error in installation, the 3 port design actually works very well. I was a little hesitant due to the smaller size, but it performs as well as other 3 port comps I have used. It actually tamed the little 10.5”’s recoil down some. Now it is loud, but all compensators like this are. The slim brake also only weighs 1.12 ounces.

  The Faxon Lightweight barrel combo serves its purpose. I put it through some use during a “range day.” This is a training style match that the local club has. The barrel and comp both performed well with zero hiccups. Now that can’t be said about the shooter. I also did some accuracy testing at 100yds. The barrel averaged about 2-3” groups with normal ammunition. As expected, as the barrel heated up a little, the groups would string some, but I included it in the group sizes, so you can tell it’s not terrible. For a 10.5” barrel, the accuracy is fine for me because I don’t expect to use this pistol past 100 yds anyhow. 

  If you are looking into a super lightweight barrel, definitely check out the Faxon line of barrels. They are one of the few that come with a pinned on style gas block. The 10.5” barrel and gas block were just the lightweight stuff I was looking for. While you are over at Faxon, don’t forget to look at the slimline comp too.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Short lightweight barrel with a pinned gas block

Target Market:

Builders wanting a super lightweight barrel/gas block combo

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Barrel:

  • 4150 CMV

  • Button Rifled 

  • 5.56 - 1:8 twist rifling

  • 10.5" Pencil profile

  • Carbine length gas system

  • QPQ Salt Bath Nitride finish

  • 1/2-28 threaded muzzle

  • .625" gas block diameter

  • Gas Block Journal Length: 1.1"

  • M4 barrel extension

  • Magnetic Particle Inspected

  • 11-degree Target Crown

  • Barrel weighs 14.53 oz

  • Weight with gas block and gas tube is 16.26 oz

  • Pin on gas block

Comp:

  • QPQ Salt Bath Nitride

  • Thread: 1/2"-28 TPI

  • Weight: 1.12 Ounces 

  • Length: 2.125 Inches

  • Outer Diameter: .620”

  • Caliber: .223/5.56

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different lengths and calibers 

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at FaxonFirearms.com

Top shelf quality. As a toolmaker I can pin a gas block but for the money it's not worth me setting up to do it. Beautiful work

Link to other reviews:

Closes I could find was for the 16” pencil barrel - HERE 

Price point:

MSRP:

Barrel - $195.00

Muzzle Brake - $59.99

Retail: Probably a little cheaper if you can find the same combo

I need it now! Availability:

Faxon Firearms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super light

  • Pinned gas block

  • Optional muzzle brake that matches barrel

  • QPQ Nitride finish

Cons:

  • Accuracy 

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Gun Guys Garage

Tactical Kinetics G17 Threaded Barrel

  Tactical Kinetics, commonly called “The Barrel Guys”, makes rifle and pistol barrels. These barrels are 100 percent made in the USA. I was in need of a Glock 17 threaded barrel, so I asked if they would send one for review. Here we are, G17 barrel in hand, with many rounds down range.

  Since I had previous experience with a Tactical Kinetics’ rifle barrel, I expected the same quality. I was not disappointed. The threaded G17 barrel was beautifully made, inside and out. It came in a Black Nitride finish, giving it a smooth dark finish. Plain stainless steel and titanium nitride (TiN) are also available. This particular barrel was engraved with the “TK” logo on the hood, and the model/caliber (17 - 9x19) on the exterior side of the chamber. Amazing to me, was the ability to get a non-logoed version, with no markings at all for the same price. It made me think, “they are in it for the barrel”, not just to show off. 

  The specifications on this 9mm barrel are pretty standard for replacement barrels. It starts out with pre-hardened 416R stainless steel. Pre-hardening the barrel makes it less susceptible to becoming flawed during the hardening process, thus making a more accurate barrel. It does use a SAAMI spec chamber. The barrel is button rifled with 6 grooves in a 1 in 10 twist ratio. The button rifling lets the shooter shoot every type of bullet, from cast lead to copper jackets. A feature that a polygonal rifled barrel will not let you do. On a side note, the rifling is just beautiful. The 1 in 10 twist rate will let the barrel shoot heavier bullets, better. Bullet weight didn’t seem to matter much, in the way of accuracy, for me. Lastly, it is immaculately threaded the standard ½-28 for compensator or suppressor mounting.

  I installed the barrel in a Freedom Flag Products G17 slide. I proceeded to then install that slide on a Lone Wolf TWF-C frame. Everything fit together great. The barrel had a very good lock up with the slide. Better than a factory Glock barrel, for sure. So, I took it to the range, many times. As expected, it worked like a champ. All different types of ammunition cycled. I don’t remember ever having a failure to feed or extract from this barrel. The polished feed ramp probably helped this, as it is really smooth. 

  What would a barrel review be without some sort of accuracy testing? Probably not a review. So off to the range I went with a handful of different 9mm ammunition types and manufacturers. I measured out 15 yards from the shooting bench, and posted up some targets. I then proceeded to rest the pistol on my shooting bag. I know, not the best rest, but suitable for real world accuracy testing. Here are some of the 5 round groups I shot. They are all good representations of the specific loads tested. My best group was Sig Elite performance 115gr at 1.10”’s.

  • Freedom Munitions Hush 165gr - 2.26”

  • Corbon +P 115gr JHP - 2.18”

  • Federal Champion Brass 115gr - 3.22”

  • Blazer Brass 124gr - 2.21”

  • CCI Lawman 124gr - 1.68”

  • Sig Elite 115gr - 1.80”

  I would have no problem putting the Tactical Kinetics barrel up against other manufacturers barrels. You can’t beat the price at $105 plus $18 for a thread protector. It shoots well, has good lock up, and is completely manufactured in the USA. What more could anyone want in an aftermarket Glock barrel. If you’re in the market for a barrel, go check out the Barrel Guys at Tactical Kinetics.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Glock replacement threaded barrel

Target Market:

Anyone wanting or needing a threaded barrel that fits “Glock” style slides

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Completely made in house by Tactical Kinetics

  • 6 groove Button Rifling

  • 1 in 10 twist ratio

  • SAAMI 9mm chamber

  • 416R Stainless Steel

  • Polished feed ramp (before coating)

  • Target crown

  • Black Nitride coated

  • With or without TK logo

  • Threaded ½-28

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Stainless or TiN

What others are saying?:

Tom at RainierArms.com

Excellent drop in threaded barrel

Machining, fit, and finish are excellent. Drop fit nice and tight in a Swenson slide w/Burris Fastfire cut. Shot 100 rounds each of Rem and Win 115gn, and Armscorp and Browning 147gn, largest group at 25 yds was just larger than my palm. Groups better than my Glock factory barrel. Threading for an Omega 9K was excellent, cycled with no issues. Cleaned up with just a few patches after 400 rounds

Link to other reviews:

None found

Price point:

MSRP = $105.00 and $18 for the thread protector

I need it now! Availability:

Tactical Kinetics or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Less expensive than competitor’s barrels

  • Quality

  • Made completely in house

  • Made in USA

  • Polished feed ramp

  • Black Nitride finish

Cons:

  • Lack of options (fluted, colors, etc)

  • Thread protector is extra

Score: 8.00 Great

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Favorite Link:   Gun and Gear Cult

Matador Arms "The Regulator"

  Matador Arms has been making various aftermarket firearm parts since 2015. They have made products from an SKS chassis to a folding stock adapter. In the range of accessories they manufacture is “The Regulator.” The Regulator is a fully adjustable muzzle brake available in 4 different calibers. I installed the .223/5.56 one on a 16” AR-15.

  The first noticeable attribute of The Regulator is its length. It is notably longer than what you may be used to. It measures in at 3.6” long. This is partly due to its adjustability. One probably won’t be able to use this in 3 gun competition, due to a 3” muzzle device rule, but that wasn’t a concern to me. The outside diameter comes in just over an inch at 1.08”. This is also partially due to the adjustability of the Regulator.

  The Regulator is essentially a 3 port compensator. Meaning it has 3 large ports on each side, somewhat facing rearward, and 3 holes in the top. The 3 top holes force the muzzle down upon firing. While the 3 side ports help to pull the rifle forward to aid in felt recoil. Of course, the Regulator has the advantage of being adjustable. 

  Yes, I did mention adjustability, and this is where The Regulator shines. With the Regulator, you can adjust the compensation from all the way off (closed) to fully on (open). In between off and on, are roughly 60 different adjustment points. Best of all, no tools are needed to adjust it. Just turn the adjuster nut at the front of the Regulator. Every 1 of the 60 “clicks” is an adjustment toward closed or open. If you are at an indoor range, for instance, you might want to close the Regulator so you don’t blast the shooters next to you. However, if you want the full compensation effect, open the comp all the way up. If you want to tune your specific ammunition to the firearm, start with the Regulator fully open or closed, and start adjusting until you get the desired amount of compensation. I found that with my rifle there was too much compensation when the Regulator was opened up the whole way. I ended up adjusting it 9 clicks away from full open. This gave me zero muzzle rise and a decent reduction in felt recoil. When I used the Regulator fully closed off, it was exactly like shooting a rifle without a muzzle attachment of any sort.  

Full Open

Halfway Open/Closed

Full Closed

  Installation is pretty straight forward. In order to install the Regulator, one must first disassemble the muzzle brake. To do this, unscrew the adjuster knob until it comes off. There may be a little spring pressure on the knob, so be careful. Then slide the outer portion of the Regulator off, and the short spring, leaving behind the inner compensator. Install the inner compensator with the 3 holes facing up. Matador Arms includes a crush washer and shims for the install. The inner comp has wrench flats to aid in properly torquing down the compensator. Then reinstall the outer components and hit the range. The inner compensator would also work as a stand alone brake, but I don’t know why one would want to do this. 

  I tested the Regulator quit a bit. I even measured the muzzle rise, shot times, etcetera with my Mantis X10. I really do like shooting with the Regulator adjusted to my rifle. It definitely reduces muzzle rise to nothing, or even negative muzzle rise if adjusted all the way open. I was able to get faster, accurately placed, follow up shots. From 0.3’s to 0.15-0.20 second split times. I did notice that if adjusting the Regulator between strings of fire, it is hot, so wear a glove, or use some sort of thick cloth. Since the Regulator is adjustable, it will work well on shorter barrels. Shorter barrels usually produce more escaping gases, causing standard muzzle brakes to over compensate. With the Regulator, just adjust the gas output down and this problem is solved. When shooting the Regulator closed, I could definitely notice that it was much quieter to my ear. When fully open, it is loud to the shooter and those near the shooter, but that is just the drawbacks to any compensator. Oh, and sometimes with the Regulator closed, it produces a very large muzzle flash, quite exciting for someone if they aren’t expecting it.

  I can say that I am very impressed with the Regulator. Matador Arms did a great job in designing adjustability into a good 3 chamber compensator. It does everything they told me it would do. Go check out Matador Arms, if nothing else, Canadian gun companies could probably use some of our help right now.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Easily adjustable muzzle brake

Target Market:

Those wanting to tune a muzzle brake or be able to completely close the brake off

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 60+ adjustable settings - full open to full closed

  • No tools needed to adjust

  • Triple chamber brake, when not closed

  • Black Nitride coating

  • 4140 steel

  • 3.6” long

  • 1.08” Outside Diameter

  • 6.8 ounces

  • Shims and Crush washer included

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

7.62/308, 9mm, 6.5mm

Link to other reviews:

Alloutdoor.com

Price point:

MSRP = $149.00

I need it now! Availability:

Matador Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super Adjustable

  • Reduces recoil and muzzle rise

  • Nitride coated

  • No tools needed for adjustment

Cons:

  • Long

  • Heavy

  • Not legal for most action rifle competitions (3” long x 1”diameter)

Score: 8.50 Great

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Favorite Link:   Gun & Gear Cult


Strike Industries Mass Driver Comp

  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.

Looking Through Comp

  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?

Gen 4

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:

TFB TV

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

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Favorite Link:   Gun and Gear Cult


Walker Defense NERO 556 muzzle brake

  Walker Defense has come on the market with some truly innovative products. One of those is the NERO 556, a 3D printed hybrid muzzle brake/compensator manufactured from Inconel.. By using state of the art 3D manufacturing, Walker Defense was able to design the NERO without the constraints of normal machining. I had watched one of their videos on the NERO and needed to see if it was really that good, so I reached out to them for a review sample.

  3D manufacturing brings a whole new level to muzzle brakes. Walker Defense uses an additive manufacturing process called DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering). Basically this process uses a laser to melt powdered metal together. By using this process, Walker Defense was able to design a muzzle brake that doesn’t have to use standard machining processes. Instead, they designed it using fluid dynamics for the best possible reduction in muzzle rise and recoil.

nero8.jpg

  The NERO 556 is manufactured using inconel. Inconel is a superalloy known for its resistance to heat, pressure, and corrosion. You may have heard about inconel because some suppressor companies use it for the initial blast baffle. Inconel is not the easiest metal to machine and thus can add a huge cost. By laser sintering the inconel, costs can be kept down some. 

  Walker designed the NERO for zero muzzle rise. It is optimized for a 14.5” or 16” 5.56 (.223) barrel length. If you run it on a shorter barrel, it definitely pushes the muzzle down. I know this because I tried it on a 11.5” and a 7.5”. It does this because the pressure going through the NERO is much larger on the shorter barrels. Walker Defense actually sent me a cutaway diagram (see picture). The diagram helps to understand what is going on with the NERO, and why it looks the way it does. As Walker Defense mentioned:

“It (nero) was designed using fluid dynamics to force the gases to take a different trajectory than the bullet. Upon entering the muzzle device, the vectored flow nozzle (#1) acts as an inverted ramp, and along the dimpled compression ramp (#2), focuses a jet of gas into the curved blast surface (#3) directly below the bore. This focused gas striking the curved blast surface is intended to create a balanced counter-recoil force that directly counteracts the rearward and upward recoil with a downward and forward counter force.”

  Now that we know the technical description, here is my take. The NERO 556 works like nothing else I have ever used before! Like I mentioned earlier, I did try it on a 11.5” and 7.5”, but most of the use was on a 16” barrel. Running the NERO on the 16” did exactly as stated. Recoil was reduced extremely. Most importantly, muzzle rise was effectively eliminated. The recoil impulse almost felt as if it was slightly pulling away from my shoulder. When I tried it on the short barrels, results varied. On the 11.5”, recoil was reduced and the muzzle dipped a little during recoil. On the 7.5”, recoil was reduced also, but more importantly was the huge downward force pushing the muzzle down. I would recommend also running it on a 14.5” or 16”, as it was designed for that. With the shorter barrels, there was also more concussion from the blast. With the 16”, I didn’t really notice it, as it is less than other muzzle brakes I own. While shooting a standard USPSA target, at ranges from 5-25 yards, A-zone hits were really easy. Even when I shot really fast, the muzzle stayed on target and the hits were all on the target. FYI, the AR15 that the NERO resides on weighs in at 6 pounds empty.

  Walker Defense also noted about handling the rifle differently. When shooters use the NERO for the first time, some have a tendency to pull the muzzle down during recoil. With the NERO, this is definitely not needed. Since I was warned about this, I literally shot the rifle with the handguard resting on a flat hand, after first installing the NERO. Yes, it shot very flat with no support. However, I did go back to my standard grip without any problems. 

  I was trying to measure recoil and give a comparison, but the data wasn’t there. I did get a few decent readings on muzzle rise (see attached screenshots). The last one in the group is always off because I moved the rifle after the last round was fired. All of the ones I have are in the standing, off hand, position. The average muzzle rise is near zero. This is consistent with what Walker Defense say about the NERO.

  The NERO 556 may not be for everyone, but it should be. If you are a competitive shooter, you need this. If you just want reduced muzzle climb, you need this. If you want faster follow up shots, this will definitely help. The NERO may seem pricey at first, but after shooting with it, you will probably change your mind. The videos put out by Walker Defense really are how the NERO shoots.

  The NERO is definitely innovative. Just by looking at it, the NERO 556 doesn’t look like your normal compensator/muzzle brake. Well, it isn’t, thanks to the 3D design and sintering. If you want an awesome, recoil and muzzle rise reducing, muzzle brake, look no further than the NERO from Walker Defense Research.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

3D printed muzzle brake with soft recoil and ZERO muzzle rise

Target Market:

Those wanting the best technology in a muzzle brake

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Reduced Recoil

  • Minimal muzzle climb

  • Standard ½-28 thread pitch

  • Use on .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .224 Valkyrie

  • Inconel 718

  • PVD coated

  • Pre-drilled hole for pinning and welding on 14.5” barrel

  • Direct Metal Laser Sintered

  • Weight: 3 ⅝ ounces

  • Length: 2.6 inches

  • Individual Serial Numbers

  • Optimized for 14.5”-16” barrels

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

NERO 9 and NERO 762

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars  Carl @ Walker Defense Research

Incredible Upgrade

There are lots of ways to spend money on AR-15’s these days... The Nero 556 is one modification that made an immediate, substantial improvement to performance of my AR. Muzzle rise was virtually eliminated allowing for faster and more accurate follow up shots. My buddy’s girlfriend had never shot a rifle and handled it with ease. It is well made and installed easily. I will be buying more!

Link to other reviews:

Jerking the Trigger

Price point:

MSRP = $179.99

I need it now! Availability:

Walker Defense

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Zero muzzle rise

  • Reduced recoil

  • Faster follow up shots

  • PVD coating

  • 3D printed Inconel 

Cons:

  • Price

Score: 9.00 Amazing

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Favorite Link:   Gun & Gear Cult

Official Qube Compensator

  If you haven’t heard about CGS Group, well now is the time. CGS has been making custom rifle and suppressors for a few years. They recently ventured into the pistol compensator market. The “Qube” compensator is touted as the first pistol comp that doesn’t need set screws, more on that later. Because of the “no set screw” design, I asked if I could get one for review, and here we are.

  The CGS Group Qube compensator is called that for a good reason. The Qube looks essentially square, like a cube. It really isn’t square, as one can see in the FNB’s below. It has been designed for 9mm pistols. The squarish look makes it ideal for square slided pistols, like a Glock, but is at home on other pistol designs also.

  I really wanted to try the Qube out because of it’s set-screwless design. I was not disappointed either. Lots of other compensators use set screws to keep the thing on and indexed. These screws press against the threads on the barrel and can damage them. The Qube uses a 2 part system, with tapers and a nut, to mount it. Those 2 parts consist of an inner round piece and the outer square part. The inner piece has a bunch of tiny holes in it. This is what screw onto the threads of the barrel. It has 2 flats also, so you can snug it up tight. Then you slide the outer piece on. The outer cube sits on a taper at the rear, and has a taper on the front. A special tapered nut then screws on to tighten everything together. The instructions have you put your slide in a vice, with the Qube, to tighten it on. Please use leather or some other non damaging jaws. The vice then squares up the Qube to the slide. Then you can tighten the nut. Tighten it tight, I had it loosen up the first time I did it. 

  If you have ever shot a pistol with a compensator, then you know what a difference they make. The Qube is no different, possibly even better. I put the Qube on a Polymer 80 compact framed pistol. I immediately noticed the reduction in recoil. No, I don’t have any factual recoil data, but it was definitely noticeable. The Qube also lets the pistol shoot flatter, meaning the muzzle does not rise as much under recoil. All of this makes for a much faster follow up shot or shots. I definitely can shoot much faster on steel targets with the compensator on the pistol. When the Qube came loose, completely my fault, I did shoot it with just the inner part. It even helped reduce recoil without the cube part on. Of course, this didn’t surprise me, as the inner piece has all those holes. It just doesn’t direct the gases up.

  The Qube’s design is very well thought out. From the taper design to the ease of use. Once you install the comp, you’ll notice it has a large top port, and two side ports. The side ports are also angled upward. The gases escape from the inner small ports and then are directed around and out the large ports. Whatever they did with the design allowed me to shoot all but very light 9mm loads. Light reloads and some light factory 115 grain were the only loads that didn’t always want to cycle the slide. Compensators are pretty well known for this. All other factory ammo worked flawlessly. This is from 115-165 grain bullet weights. You could always install a lighter recoil spring if wanting to shoot light loads, but I didn’t find a need for this. About the only problem you’ll find with the Qube, is not having a holster that fits it. The Qube does add 1.25” to the front of the pistol. If your holster is open at the bottom, it might fit. If not, I guess you’ll need a new holster. On a Glock 19, it makes it about the same length as a Glock 34.

  If you are one who likes compensators on pistols, go check out CGS Group. The Qube is an awesome little compensator. It would work great on a carry gun. Plus the hotter self-defense loads will make the comp work even better. You also get to choose from a vast color pallet to match your gun, or not. I really like the Qube.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Pistol compensator that doesn’t use set screws for mounting

Target Market:

Anyone wanting the added benefits of a compensator

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Comes in 1/2 x 28 or M13.5 x 1LH threads to match the host firearm.

  • OUNCES: 2.4

  • LENGTH: 1.25″

  • HEIGHT: 0.825”

  • WIDTH: 1″

  • MATERIAL: 17-4 Stainless Steel

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

13.5x1LH, also in Black, FDE, Gold, & Rainbow

What others are saying?:

None found

Link to other reviews:

NFA Review Channel

Price point:

MSRP = $159.00

I need it now! Availability:

CGS Group

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Reduced recoil

  • Reduced muzzle flip

  • Uses standard ammunition

  • Looks awesome

  • Tapered locking nut

Cons:

  • May not fit in some holsters

  • Makes firearm longer

  • Lighter loaded ammo may not function properly

Score: 8.00 Great

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Favorite Link:  Thor Targets and gun shop











Guntec 9mm Micro-Comp

 The Guntec USA crew has introduced a new little micro-comp for 9mm rifles. I personally like mini compensators on PCC style rifles. As I mentioned in the 9mm bolt review, Guntec sent this out for review at the same time as the bolt.

 One of the reasons I went with the micro-comp is the small size. It is 2 ⅝” long and has an outside diameter of 0.95”. On a rifle length 9mm carbine, almost all of the powder, or all of it, is burned up before the bullet leaves the barrel. This makes a large compensator not as efficient. Plus I like the mini look.

 Even though it is called a comp, it is actually more. I would call it a hybrid brake/compensator. The compensator portion of the micro-comp comes from the 3 holes the face upward. This vents gas up to push the barrel down. The next part is the brake, which is meant to reduce recoil. A huge single rectangular cut, from side to side, facilitates the brake function. One disadvantage to the micro-comp, as in almost all hybrid comps, is the increase in muzzle blast sound.

 I could definitely tell a big difference in this micro-comp over the 9mm A1 flash hider. Muzzle control from target to target is way faster. Felt recoil seems about the same, at least on my shoulder. I have a red dot on my PCC. Finding the target after recoil is also faster. Sometimes the dot stays on target, depending on the target size and distance. So the compensator portion works well.

 The Micro-comp is threaded ½-36. The thread pitch is part of the reason I chose the micro-comp. My 16” barrel is threaded ½-36, not ½-28 used on many of today’s barrels. Most of Guntec’s 9mm muzzle accessories are threaded the ½-36, but they do have some in ½-28 also..

 Do I like this micro-comp? Yes. Do I think there might be a more efficient one on the market? Yes, but Guntec does a good job in their micro-comp. It works well for what it is and at $39.95, the price is good also. Go take a look at Guntec USA and all of their AR accessories. I have been pleased with most of their products.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Micro compensator for 9mm carbines

Target Market:

Those wanting a smaller effective compensator/muzzle brake for a 9mm carbine

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Multi Port Compensator

  • Micro Design, Very Compact

  • 3 Top Porting Holes To Reduce Muzzle Climb

  • Side Slot Cut Reduces Pressure During Rapid Fire

  • All Steel Construction

  • 1/2 x 36 Thread Pitch

  • 2 ⅝” long

  • 0.94” Diameter

  • Comes with crush washer

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Too new at this time

Link to other reviews:

Too new at this time

Price point:

MSRP = $39.95

Retail = same

I need it now! Availability:

Guntec USA

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Small size

  • Effective

  • Price

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Loud

  • Not available in ½-28 for 9mm

Score: 7.50 Good

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Favorite Link:   AR 15 podcast




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