Thread: Muzzle brakes, Suppressors, and Accuracy

Originally Posted by Puffin

Deviating off-topic somewhat I know, but these are interesting comments: could you please explain to me the physics of any enhancement in recoil reduction from having a "muzzle brake" internal to a suppressor beyond the spreading in time of the gas generated impulse with an associated reduction in intensity that is inherent to a suppressor function in standard configuration?

The basic principle of operation in any muzzle brake (whether or not it is in a suppressor) is that a series of faces at right angles to the bore are impacted by the rapidly expanding muzzle gases, tending to push the rifle forward which counteracts the recoil to some degree. In some semi-auto actions, this forward pushing force (combined with a different gas pressure curve) can short-cycle the action and the rifle needs to tuned to function properly after suppressor installation.

Originally Posted by gundoc

The basic principle of operation in any muzzle brake (whether or not it is in a suppressor) is that a series of faces at right angles to the bore are impacted by the rapidly expanding muzzle gases, tending to push the rifle forward which counteracts the recoil to some degree.

As soon as the gas exits the muzzle brake ports it is pushed back into the suppressor or cover mitigating any forward thrust.

I tried muzzle brake covers years ago to try to reduce noise & blast, miserable fail, so I canned the idea.

There are a number of videos on the net showing this using muzzle brakes with a suppressor or cover placed over them before & after recoil comparisons on an AR 15.

I have done a couple using bigger calibres.