muzzle brake

Expo Arms / Forward Controls extended Keymo single chamber brake

  Expo Arms, in collaboration with Forward Controls, introduced an extended muzzle brake for use with certain Dead Air silencers. This brake uses the “Keymo” mounting option and is for use on .223/5.56 suppressors, but it will also work on any .223/5.56 AR style rifle as just a normal muzzle brake.

  The extended Keymo muzzle brake has 1 port or chamber. Don’t let the 1 port fool you, as the muzzle brake works very well at reducing recoil. Because it’s for use with .223/5.56, it is threaded for the standard ½-28 found on those rifles. Expo/FC’s gave the brake a .30 caliber bore to reduce some noise. They also gave the ports a flat profile. The flat profile directs gasses straight to the side, so that people behind, and to the side of the shooter get less noise and concussion. Being that it is a muzzle brake, it is still fairly loud. 

Top view

  Having the Keymo mounting surface makes it useful for those with certain Dead Air suppressors. The Keymo system mounts the suppressor on a quick on/off taper system. The taper helps repeat a consistent bore to suppressor mount, along with making a tight seal. An advantage to using this type of muzzle brake, with a suppressor, is that the muzzle brake will reduce the forces against the blast baffle inside the suppressor. I however, do not have a Keymo suppressor, so I didn’t get to try this part out.

Bottom view

  Even if you don’t have a suppressor, the Keymo muzzle brake is useful for other reasons. Since this is an “extended” muzzle brake, it is long enough to take a 13.9” barrel and make it 16”. Of course for legal reasons, the muzzle brake must be pinned and welded, unless it is going on a pistol or SBR. Expo/FC already machined in a hole for the pin, if one chooses this route. 

  I have been using the single chamber brake on a 16” AR. Yes, it adds a little bit of length, but it didn’t seem to bother me any. I was really surprised at how well the single port did it’s job. The brake made the rifle shoot flat. I can shoot the AR quite fast with this Keymo muzzle brake. If they made this brake without the Keymo mounting, I would consider using it on a 13.9” barrel that needed a pinned and welded brake. 

  The Expo Arms Keymo brake is only available at Primary Arms. Not that this is a problem, as Primary Arms has a lot of quality gear. The Expo Arms/FCD Keymo brake is top notch, even if you don’t have the Dead Air suppressor to use it with. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Extended length muzzle brake for use with the Dead Air Keymo mounting system

Target Market:

Those wanting a Keymo brake that when pinned will make a 13.9” barrel extend to a legal 16”

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 2.7" Overall length

  • Single chamber design

  • Pin and weld to 13.9" barrels to meet 16" requirements

  • 1/2x28 threaded for 5.56/.223

  • .30 cal bore to reduce blast

  • Dead Air Keymo mount

  • 4140 steel

  • Properly heat treated

  • Salt bath nitride finish

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

none

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Primary Arms

QUALITY PIECE OF KIT

Just received this Expo Arms / FCD muzzle device and installed it today. First I would like to note that when torqued to spec on my barrel, no shims we’re needed as the device properly indexed off the bat! Second, the quality of materials and finish seem to be on par with Dead Air’s own devices. Third I’d like to state that the overall length of this device makes it cross-compatible with both Dead Air’s KeyMo and KeyMicro mounting systems! Will be putting a lot of rounds through this device in the future to see how it will hold up.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $110.00

Retail = $89.99

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Extremely effective

  • Extended to make a legal 16” from a 13.9” barrel, when pinned and welded

  • Keymo mounting

Cons:

  • Loud

  • Price

Score:  8.50 Great

Favorite Link: Walker Defense Research

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


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

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




"The Grater GenII" Muzzle Brake

 Trojan Firearms sent me one of their “Gen II, The Grater” muzzle brakes when they sent the straight trigger that was reviewed earlier. Trojan is probably more noticeable for their pistol caliber carbines and California compliant rifles. This muzzle brake is the same one that they install on their “1776” rifle. This muzzle brake was supplied for review.

 The Grater is a nice looking muzzle brake. It has a Black Nitride finish, so it should hold up for a long time. Trojan manufactures the brake out of 4140 steel and it is threaded ½-28. It has 3 chambers to help mitigate the recoil impulse, in which it does a wonderful job. It also comes with an aluminum anodized jam nut, so you can index the brake wherever you like without having to use a crush washer. The jam nut concept is not new, but it does work, and since it is aluminum, you won’t have to worry about messing the threads up.

 More important, is the fact that it has 10 tuneable ports. 2 on top, 2 on each side at 90°, and 2 on each side at 45°. These ports are threaded 6-32 and have set screws that can be installed or taken out. The screws bottom out so that you can’t screw them into the bullets path. With these screws, one cane tune the brake for particular ammo or if they primarily shoot right or left handed. It does take some patience to get it dialed in, but the results are worth it. Say your recoil impulse moves the gun up and right. Just remove one of the 45° screws, on the side of the movement, and shoot it again. If it moves a bit left, start by removing one of the left side 90° screws. Hopefully you get the picture.

 As I mentioned earlier, The Grater does a wonderful job mitigating recoil. Even before “tuning” it to my ammo, I could tell a difference over the previous brake that I had on the rifle. I set up some targets at around 25yds to do some double taps on. At first the rifle moved a little bit up and right. After a little time spent messing with the screws, I think I pulled out a 45° and a 90° screw, it now shoots super flat. Double taps can be done as fast as I can pull the trigger and the sight picture barely moves. As with all true muzzle brakes, it does have the flaw of being extremely loud.

 I think Trojan Firearms did an overall good job when making the Grater GenII. It does what a muzzle brake should, and has the added benefit of being “tuneable.” Yes it is not some fancy titanium, or have some space age looks, but it also won’t break the bank at $79.99. Go take a look at Trojan Firearms, they make an effective brake, if not other stuff one might like.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Tuneable muzzle brake

Target Market:

3 Gunners, shooters, or anyone wanting to reduce recoil

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 1/2-28 thread.

  • BLACKNITRIDE™ protective finish.

  • 4140 Carbon Steel.

  • Ten position 6-32 tapped gas ports for fine tuning.

  • Three Baffle chambered system engineered for optimal recoil reduction and muzzle control.

  • 3/4 wrench required for muzzle brake, 11/16 wrench for jam nut.

  • included jam nut 6061-T6 aluminum with black hard coat anodize

  • 0.860” outside diameter

  • 2.75” length.

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $79.99

I need it now! Availability:

Trojan Firearms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Tuneable

  • Effectively reduces recoil

  • Jam nut

  • USA made

Cons:

  • Loud

  • Takes some time to tune

Score: 8.00 Great

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Favorite Link:   Freedom Flag Products





 

PHNX-MBS Muzzle Brake System by VDC Armory

  For some reason, I always seem to stumble across muzzle brakes. It's not that I am recoil sensitive, they are just neat. Plus, any recoil reduction helps to keep the muzzle on target. So today I bring you the PHNX-MBS muzzle brake system, from the fine folks at VDC Armory. Notice it says system, well that's because it is. The system makes it possible to install a threaded muzzle brake onto a smooth, or unthreaded, barrel.

  When first looking at the PHNX, you notice it has 2 basic parts. The first is the mounting portion. This is the part that VDC cuts to your barrel profile. When ordering, you must measure your barrel at the muzzle, and 1.5" back from the muzzle. This mounting portion is then clamped to your smooth barrel with 10 allen head screws. The supplied instructions are very thorough, so I'll just briefly go over them. When installing the PHNX, VDC says to put loctite on the barrel, and then slide the brake onto the barrel. This acts as a lubricant and sealant. Then tighten the screws evenly. Now wait at least 30 minutes until you progress to the next part.

  Now on to the second part of the PHNX, which is the muzzle brake part. Now that the adapter has been mounted, slide on the crush washer and then thread the muzzle brake on. Tighten it down with the top holes up, and the line even with the line on the adapter. Now we get to try it out.

Top with center grooves lined up and holes facing up

  The PHNX muzzle brake works very well. I shot it with and without the brake to see the difference. I mounted it on a .243 Winchester rifle. You might not think a .243 has much recoil, but this brake tamed the felt recoil by a ton. When shooting offhand, I can see hits through the scope, something I couldn't do without the brake. The brake also wasn't as loud as I expected, it didn't even make other range goers question it. Now to the PHNX's benefit and my junk science, it came in at a 56% recoil reduction. My junk science consists of measuring the distance the rifle moved during recoil, with and without the brake.

  As with most muzzle devices, it does affect some aspects of the rifle. For one, the point of impact moved down about 3". My rifle is using a lightweight barrel profile, a heavier barrel may not change as much. The other noticeable effect, at least in my case, was the change in barrel harmonics. One of my pet loads didn't shoot near as good after installing the brake. I guess it's back to the old reloading bench. However, some of my other loads were not effected. 

Measuring distance w/muzzle brake

  Some side notes. The PHNX-MBS system is NOT to be used with a suppressor. I'll take VDC Armory's word for that, as I wouldn't want to damage anything or myself. They also scribe in your provided dimensions on the bottom of the adapter. The adapter is threaded 5/8-24, so any other brake of that size can be screwed onto it also. The coating used to make the supplied PHNX black, looks pretty thick but seems to wear fine.

  This PHNX muzzle brake system might not be what everyone is looking for. But as an option for not threading the barrel, it works great. The install is very easy and comes with great instructions. VDC even sent a couple extra screws. It exceeded my expectations for a clamp on system. The PHNX is well engineered and is a good muzzle brake. If this type of system interests you, give VDC Armory a look.

 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Clamp on Muzzle Brake System

Target Market:

Those wanting a changeable muzzle brake system without having to thread their barrel

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Clamp on system
  • Effectively threads barrel for muzzle brakes
  • No gunsmith installation
  • Threaded 5/8-24
  • Stainless Steel
  • Custom made to your barrel
  • Made in U.S.A.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Smooth Stainless, Tumbled Stainless, or Flat Dark Earth

What others are saying?:

Couldn't find any

Link to other reviews:

AmmoLand Review

Price point:

MSRP = $114.00 as tested

Retail = $99.00 - 114.00

I need it now! Availability:

VDC Armory

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Very Effective muzzle brake

  • Easy Installation

  • Threaded for 5/8-24

  • Takes standard muzzle brakes

  • Dimension markings on bottom of clamping system

  • Made in U.S.A.

Cons:

  • POI Shift

  • Thick coating

  • Only sold as system

  • No suppressor use (I was hoping)

Score: 7.50 Good

 

Chad’s Favorite Link: AR15 Podcast

 

Axelson Tactical TALON muzzle brake

  The AxeTac TALON muzzle brake is made by Axelson Tactical out of Nevada. If you recognize the name it might be because the company was started by the brother of Matt "Axe" Axelson of Lone Survivor Fame.  They have brought out a number of products for AR-15 type rifles, along with their AXE series complete rifles.

  I have put quit a few rounds through the TALON brake they sent me. I also have shot a couple of the AXE rifles with them installed. The brake does an excellent job of reducing felt recoil, not that a 5.56 AR has much recoil. But what I was most impressed with was its ability to keep muzzle rise to almost nothing. It was easy to get accurate double taps, shooting off hand, at a 24" steel target at 200yds. This was with a 16" barrel and a red dot optic.

  The AxeTac TALON is sold as a muzzle brake, but it really is more. It is noticeably louder than a standard A2 flash hider, but not as loud as my 3 port comps that direct the blast out the sides. The TALON also does a great job as a flash hider, keeping the flash contained within it. And as a compensator it also does an excellent job. It will still allow some of the blast to go forward, but it doesn't seem to hurt its effectiveness as a comp. I ran the TALON on a 16" and an 11.5" AR. Yes, it worked better on the 16", but it worked quite well on the 11.5" also.

  Now onto the technical stuff. The TALON has 3 small slots, 1 facing up, and the other 2 facing the sides but slightly lower than 90 degrees. It also 2 large ports between the small slots. And 3 open ports at the end spaced evenly. The bottom is mainly closed except for the port at the end of the muzzle. Also on the bottom is the Axelson Tactical logo. The brake is 0.940" in diameter, and 2.5" long, not counting the crush washer (which is included). There are also flats to fit your standard muzzle device tools or a 3/4" wrench. It is made from stainless steel, heat treated, and then black Melonite coated. It is threaded the standard 1/2"-28.

  I would not hesitate to install one of these on another rifle. The finish is excellent. It does a good job at being a comp, brake, and flash hider. It's made in the USA. If you are looking for a good all around muzzle device, check into the Axelson Tactical TALON muzzle brake.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

AR-15 Muzzle Brake, Compensator, and Flash Hider all in one.

Target Market:

Shooters looking to mitigate recoil.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Reduces felt recoil

  • Reduces muzzle rise

  • Reduces flash

  • Made from stainless steel

  • Melonite coated

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

Link to other reviews:

Google was not my friend and I could not locate any

Price point:

MSRP = $94.99

Retail = $94.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Axleson Tactical or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Reduced recoil

  • Almost no muzzle rise

  • Melonite coated

  • Stainless Steel

  • Made in USA

  • Includes crush washer

Cons:

  • Price

  • Longer than a standard birdcage flash hider

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Score: 8.5 Great

 

 


Chad's Favorite: Patriot Patch Co.

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