Linear compensator vs. no muzzle device... any experience?

[Guest mechanically]

I have a VZ58 pistol with 12" barrel chambered in 5.56. I love it! But, as with many shorter barrel ARs, it tends to make a racket!

I have no muzzle device currently.

I wouldn't mind if a linear compensator would help direct noise downrange. But, all the comparisons I find are folks going from a brake of some sort, to the linear compensator. A brake inherently works by redirecting gasses sideways, so of course it's louder than just a plain muzzle crown.

Can anyone compare a plain muzzle and linear comp? Preferably on a barrel under 16"?

If it helped a little with the flash, that would be nice... in case of some low-light shooting.

Please note, I have no need to reduce recoil. If recoil even increases slightly, it wouldn't bother me. I'm only considering redirecting some noise, and flash suppression. Thanks for any feedback! Edited September 29, 2014 by mechanically

[Guest mechanically]

Just so it's clear, this is what I mean regarding a linear compensator. Something that is only ported directly forward. The DPMS Levang is a well-known example.


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/524840/dpms-muzzle-brake-levang-linear-1-2-28-thread-ar-15-steel-matte

[atlas3025]

Doesn't a barrel direct the gas and noise forward in the absence of a break?  I have been contemplating something like this for a short barrel 300blk...but wonder if it does anything beyond the absence of a muzzle device.  I have also looked at the KAK Flash Can, which is just an Aluminum version of the Noveske KX3.  After reading reviews, it seems to be pretty durable.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191258171864?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=490386433546&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[JT59]

I have one on a 22lr pistol and a Ruger 1022 with 18in barrel. It does make the sound less for the shooter and it adds weight to the end of the barrel. With subsonic ammo it would make hunting more pleasant if you are not wearing ear protection.

[TrickyNicky]

Doesn't a barrel direct the gas and noise forward in the absence of a break?  I have been contemplating something like this for a short barrel 300blk...but wonder if it does anything beyond the absence of a muzzle device.  I have also looked at the KAK Flash Can, which is just an Aluminum version of the Noveske KX3.  After reading reviews, it seems to be pretty durable.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191258171864?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=490386433546&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The KAK is not a copy of the KX3 in anything but looks. The KAK is basically just got a funnel shape inside while the Noveske apparently has an interior chamber or baffle. The KAK is friggin heavy, but I understand the noveske is too.

I have the KAK and Levang on 2 different ARs and like them each so far. They do seem to make a noti inlet difference when I used them on a 22lr pistol loaded with subsonics shot almost right into the ground. No fancy measurements, and a poor test really but it convinced me. :shrug:

[polecat]

I have this on my AR and it works great. Not any louder than a conventional flash hider design and makes a real difference in muzzle rise.  Haven't used it at night so I can't tell you about the amount of flash. But it performs better for me than a conventional "birdcage type ". 

 

http://www.surplusammo.com/saa-5-56mm-dragons-head-muzzle-brake-linear-compensator/

[Smith]

I used the Levang on the MSAR's I had because they were so loud. Really helped get the sound down range. Kinda worked like a reverse suppressor :). Made the recoil a little more pronounced but it was linear and had very little muzzle rise or twist. Really liked them in that application. That being said I tried a knockoff on an AR and didn't like it at all. However, I think that had more to do with the poor design of the knockoff than the principle of a linear comp. The KX3 is an expensive version of the Krink booster and those do work well. They aren't so much linear comps as they are mini cans.