What is a 5.56 muzzle brake?🧐
It is a firearm accessory designed to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when firing their weapon. It works by redirecting some of the high-pressure gas expelled from the muzzle to offset the muzzle’s natural tendency to rise after each shot.
Features💥
Muzzle brakes are a great addition to any rifle that utilizes the 5.56 round, as they help reduce felt recoil, have minimal impact on accuracy, and can help the shooter stay on target for quicker follow-up shots. Here are some of the features:
- ✅ Port Configuration: Different brakes feature different port configurations that can direct gas differently, allowing for better recoil management and less felt muzzle rise. Types of port configurations include radial, linear, single-chamber, and multi-chamber, among others.
- ✅ Muzzle Flash: These brakes can also help reduce muzzle flash, allowing for better visibility when shooting at night. Look for brakes that feature long ports or gas expansion chambers to reduce muzzle flash more effectively.
- ✅ Barrier Performance: If you plan on using your rifle in situations where you may have to shoot through barriers like cars and walls, look for a brake with extra-long ports that won’t let any gas escape in front of the muzzle. This will ensure better accuracy and less felt recoil when engaging targets behind the cover.
- ✅ Weight: Finally, weight is something to consider in terms of balance and comfort while carrying your rifle. Some brakes are quite large and heavy, so make sure to choose one that still allows for comfortable handling without compromising performance.
Benefits⭐️
When it comes to improving the performance of your firearm, the 5.56 muzzle brake is a great choice. This device is designed to reduce recoil, muzzle rise, and flash from rifles chambered in 5.56mm or .223 caliber ammunition. Here are some of the benefits:
- ✴️ Reduced Recoil: The primary purpose is to reduce felt recoil by redirecting gasses away from the shooter’s shoulder. By dispersing these gasses outwards instead of backward, you’re eliminating much of the kickback that would normally be experienced with each shot fired from a rifle chambered in 5.56mm or .223 caliber ammunition.
- ✴️ Improved Accuracy: Since a reduction in felt recoil means there’s less movement going on when firing your rifle, there should be an improvement in accuracy due to reduced muzzle jump as well as increased stability during follow-up shots. Many experienced shooters will tell you that accuracy is king, so having an accessory like this one installed on your firearm could go a long way toward improving your aiming ability with every pull of the trigger.
- ✴️ Less Flash & Noise: Another benefit you get from adding a brake is a reduction in both flash and sound produced by each round fired from your weapon. Flash suppressors are available separately but they won’t necessarily do anything for noise reduction; however, by redirecting gases away from the shooter’s ear, muzzle brakes can significantly limit how loud it gets when firing off rounds at targets or even just practicing on the range!
Should I use a crush washer?🤔
Adding a crush washer when installing a muzzle brake can be beneficial in several ways.
- ➡️ First, it applies even pressure on the brake as it is tightened to the barrel. This ensures that the brake will be securely mounted and prevents unnecessary stress from being placed on the barrel itself. It also allows for a more precise alignment of the brake with the bore or gas system of your firearm.
- ➡️ In addition to providing greater control over how the brake is installed, crush washers also serve as a built-in timing mechanism for when multiple brakes are used. When used in combination with shims, they allow you to precisely adjust the orientation of each brake on the barrel to ensure that all ports are properly aligned and functioning correctly. Without these washers, you would need to carefully hand-time each brake during installation and could potentially end up with an unbalanced setup that could cause performance issues.
- ➡️ Finally, using crush washers can help reduce wear and tear on other components such as threads or locking lugs due to their ability to absorb some of the shock generated during firing. While not necessary for every install, using crush washers can be an easy way to provide additional support and protection for your muzzle device while ensuring proper installation and optimal performance.
Best 556 Muzzle Brake | 5.56 Muzzle Brake Review
| Image | Product | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SureFire SFR ProComp 5.56 Muzzle Brake | SureFire |  |
 | Strike Industries JCOMP V2 Barrel 5.56 Muzzle Brake | Strike Industries | |
 | Precision Armament Hyper Tap 5.56 Muzzle Brakes | Precision Armament | |
 | LANTAC Dragon SilencerCo ASR .223/5.56 Muzzle Brake | LANTAC | |
 | Faxon Firearms 5.56 3-Port Muzzle Brake | Faxon Firearms | |
 | Fortis Manufacturing 5.56MM R.E.D. Barrel Muzzle Brake | Fortis Manufacturing | |
 | TacFire 5.56 1/2X28 Flash Can Muzzle Brake | TacFire | |
 | Troy Medieval Muzzle Brake 5.56mm 1/2x28 TPI Black | Troy Medieval | |
 | Yankee Hill 26-MB-A Slant Muzzle Brake 5.56mm | Yankee Hill | |
 | Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5.56 Aggressive Compensator/Muzzle Brake | Yankee Hill | |
 | JL Billet V.P.R. Muzzle Brake 5.56/223 | JL Billet | |
 | TacFire 5.56 1/2X28 6-Prong Muzzle Brake | TacFire | |
 | Ruger 90486 Radial Port Muzzle Brake 5.56 NATO | Ruger | |
 | Midwest Industries AR-15 5.56/.223 Muzzle Brake | Midwest Industries | |
1# SureFire SFR ProComp 5.56 Muzzle Brake
SureFire designed the muzzle brakes with blind pilot holes, which allow adjusting the device: for recoil characteristics, fine-tuning put at the 3 and 9 o’clock position; for the adapter indexing at bottom dead center and to pin-and-weld on short-barreled rifles place at the 6 o’clock position. These compensators are crafted from US mill-certified machined heat-treated stainless steel, covered with Black Melonite. The muzzle device is outfitted with a rigid mounting adapter, fitting SureFire SOCOM Series 5.56 mm Fast-Attach suppressors. The rifle length with the muzzle device will be 16.2 in.
2# Strike Industries JComp V2 Barrel 5.56 Muzzle Brake
The Strike Industries offers a two-in-one muzzle device: brake and compensator with a two-chamber construction that allows diminishing recoil for faster follow-up shots. These Hybrid Muzzle Brakes, featuring stunning performance, are appropriate for competition, small game hunting, or any shooting when it’s necessary to keep the target in the sights.
3# Precision Armament Hyper Tap 5.56 Muzzle Brakes
Proprietary Hybrid Baffle construction of lightweight and compact muzzle brake is outfitted with innovative Convergent-Divergent port geometry to ensure great performance. These muzzle devices are equipped with a strong skeletonized crown; the bore features great clearance, symmetric aperture, and precision alignment. No need for shims due to an inbuilt multipurpose timing nut, which allows fast field mounting-dismounting with a lightweight spanner wrench (included) or an adjustable one. Completely tunable gas offsetting helps diminish, or exclude sight picture movement while shooting. The heat-treated stainless steel (17-4) device construction, is covered with durable Ionbond CrCN.
4# Lantac Dragon SilencerCo ASR .223/5.56 Muzzle Brake
The Muzzle Brakes are outfitted with Quick Mount Suppressor Adapter, they are not regarded as flash hiders, they are legal in California. These Lantac devices deliver the blast and muzzle rise decrease and do not work with the BMD. The muzzle brakes are manufactured from precision machined steel (hardened to 48Rc), covered with Nitride. The Rocksett thread locker is recommended to be utilized with these compensators, but it isn’t included in the kit, meanwhile, shims for due timing come with it. Silencers can be attached to these brakes.
5# Faxon Firearms 5.56 3-Port Muzzle Brake
The three-port construction allows for successively capturing the propellant gasses and redirecting them to the sides for notable recoil reduction. Gunner three-port Muzzle Brakes with MUZZLOK Nut are made from steel, and covered with Salt Bath Nitride. The Faxon engineered the inMuzzlokin function, especially for muzzle device MUZZLOK to make timing and installation simple without the usage of shims or a crush washer even in the field, if necessary. Both device length and rotational timing can be regulated with the extension nut. These muzzle brakes should be fastened by 20-25 foot pounds (according to the torque specification).
6# Fortis Manufacturing 5.56mm R.E.D. Barrel Muzzle Brake
These muzzle brakes, attached to the barrel, add general rifle length and improve speed and accuracy. The Rapid Engagement Device, known as the Fortis RED, developed military-grade brakes with stylish design and high-quality performance. The devices are manufactured from stainless steel (4140) with Nitride coating, quality machined with black or stainless-steel finish.
7# TacFire 5.56 Flash Can Muzzle Brake
These compensators come with a crush washer, and a 1/2×28 thread pitch, which is appropriate for AR-15-style rifles. The Krinkov-style muzzle brake is crafted of steel one-piece construction, precision CNC machined, and covered with a heat-treated Black oxide finish. Properly installed, the TacFire muzzle device allows forward blast deflection.
8# Troy Medieval 5.56mm Muzzle Brake
The Troy developed effective compressors, which distribute muzzle blast and sound forward away from the shooters. These devices feature an aggressive look due to the serrated crown. These durable muzzle brakes deliver minimal dust signature. The Troy made the brakes from hardened steel (4140) with a Parkerized finish. Don’t miss the opportunity to get an excellent performance – order the Troy Medieval 5.56mm Muzzle Brake just now!
9# Yankee Hill 26-MB-A Slant Muzzle Brake
The Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) developed the hybrid unit (Muzzle Brake and Compensator), which moves gases away from the shooter, and mitigates both recoil and muzzle rise for a faster follow-up shot. These muzzle devices are crafted from heat-treated steel, covered with a matte black finish, Melonite QPQ. Don’t wait – order the Yankee Hill 26-MB-A Slant Muzzle Brake just now!
10# Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5.56 Aggressive Compensator/Muzzle Brake
The YHM developed a combined five-port unit of muzzle brake and compensator with an aggressive Front End, which is not a flash hider. These muzzle devices don’t feature a downward-facing port to exclude dust signature while shooting in the prone position. Say goodbye to complicated jobs and hello to the simplicity and quality of the Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5.56 Aggressive Compensator/Muzzle Brake!
11# Midwest Industries AR-15 5.56/.223 Muzzle Brake
The Midwest Industries engineered a combined device, consisting of a muzzle brake and compensator with three chambers to reduce unwished recoil and muzzle rise. These units are made of tool steel (4140), covered with Phosphate. This quality-made Midwest Industries AR-15 5.56/.223 Muzzle Brake is an awesome choice for your needs!
12# JL Billet V.P.R. Muzzle Brake
There are two available models: one is manufactured from Titanium (6AL-4V) in Titanium color, and the second one is made of Stainless Steel (303) in Black color. The V.P.R. developed the muzzle brakes with the ports of a 15-degree back angle to minimize the gas’s spread moving forward. Try this quality JL Billet V.P.R. Muzzle Brake!
13# TacFire 5.56 6-Prong Muzzle Brake
The TacFire 5.56 6-Prong Muzzle Brake features a flash hider function as well. The six-prong muzzle device is made of heat-treated steel, covered with Black oxide, and comes with a crush washer. Don’t miss the opportunity to get an excellent performance – order the TacFire 5.56 6-Prong Muzzle Brake just now!
14# Ruger Radial Port Muzzle Brake
Radial Port muzzle devices can be mounted without crush washers with an 11/16″ open-end wrench or crescent one and should be torqued to 15-20 ft-lbs. The Ruger Radial Port Muzzle Brake is made in the USA. So, say goodbye to complicated jobs and hello to the simplicity and quality of the Ruger Radial Port Muzzle Brake!
How to install it?🛠️
Installing a muzzle brake is an important step in properly preparing your firearm for use. While the process may seem daunting, it can be completed quickly and safely with the proper tools and safety precautions.
- 🧩 First, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials available before beginning installation. You’ll need a wrench or an adjustable spanner, as well as some type of thread-locking compound. You’ll also need some cotton cleaning patches and gun oil to lubricate the muzzle brake once it’s installed.
- 🧩 Next, remove your rifle’s barrel nut using the wrench or spanner. Once the barrel nut has been removed, place your brake on the rifle barrel making sure that the holes line up correctly so that when secured they will align correctly with those on the rifle barrel. Apply thread-locking compound to each of the screws used for attaching the brake, then begin screwing them into place until they are securely fastened.
- 🧩 Once secured in place, spin a cleaning patch around the inside of the new device to ensure that no debris has become lodged inside during installation. Then apply a couple of drops of gun oil to each side of the muzzle brake to help reduce friction during operation and prevent rusting over time.
- 🧩 Finally, replace your rifle’s barrel nut and tighten it in place with your wrench or spanner. After double-checking all connections for tightness and verifying that everything looks secure, you are now ready to go out shooting!
FAQ🤠
Conclusion😊
Choosing the best 5.56 muzzle brake for your rifle can be a daunting task, but with some research and knowledge of what to look for, you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs perfectly. We hope this guide has provided all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether it’s recoil reduction or sound suppression that is important to you, we are confident there is an option out there that will meet those requirements while also staying within budget!😎👍
Tags: 5.56 muzzle brake, fortis muzzle brake 5.56, surefire muzzle brake 5.56, ar 15 5.56 muzzle brake, best muzzle brake for 5.56, lantac dragon muzzle brake 5.56
Tactical accessories are another passion of mine that I could write about endlessly - my house and garage are full of tactical gadgets, luckily my family shares my interests.
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I’m in search of a good and affordable muzzle brake for my 5.56 rifle. Could you recommend any options?
I recommend the Midwest Industries AR-15 5.56/.223 Muzzle Brake. They provide effective recoil reduction and muzzle control. If you have plans to use a suppressor in the future, I suggest considering a muzzle brake with a Quick Detach (QD) suppressor mount. Brands like Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5.56 Aggressive Compensator/Muzzle Brake offer options that work well with various suppressors, allowing for easy compatibility when you’re ready to add a suppressor to your setup.
I’m in the process of searching for a replacement, specifically looking for a muzzle brake or compensator. Are there any options you would recommend? Thank you in advance.
Currently, my go-to choices are the Faxon Firearms 5.56 3-Port Muzzle Brake. It is easy to install and do rotational timing – try it! I highly recommended it!
As a newcomer to the AR building, I’m currently in the process of buying a new upper from Aero Precision. However, I’m unsure about which muzzle device to choose. Since I won’t be engaging in any nighttime activities with my rifle and I’m primarily focused on 5.56/.223 caliber, I’m open to suggestions. What muzzle device would you recommend?
I’ve found that Midwest Industries AR-15 5.56/.223 Muzzle Brake is an excellent option. They work well and are also effective. However, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. It’s important to keep in mind that any muzzle device will involve a trade-off in terms of sound, recoil, or flash mitigation. There isn’t a device that can give you everything simultaneously.
I recommend considering the TacFire 5.56 1/2×28 6-Prong Muzzle Brake. These options provide effective muzzle rise mitigation while also controlling flash and reducing blast. If your goal is to manage rearwards recoil, I suggest adjusting your buffer system first.
Which 5.56 muzzle brake/compensator is considered the best?
I use the SureFire SFR ProComp 5.56 Muzzle Brake on my AR10, and I must say it’s truly impressive. The combination of this brake, along with my tuned adjustable gas block and reciprocating mass, makes a significant difference in performance.
I have a BCM rifle, and I’ve equipped it with a Precision Armament Hyper Tap 5.56 Muzzle Brakes. This device effectively mitigates muzzle rise, allowing me to stay on target more easily.
If I plan on suppressing my rifle, I prefer the Fortis Manufacturing 5.56mm R.E.D. Barrel Muzzle Brake due to its compatibility with suppressors. Another option I like is the Yankee Hill 26-MB-A Slant Muzzle Brake, which offers the benefit of a flash hider along with compensating features for vertical and even right-to-left compensation.