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Best AR-15 Muzzle Devices for 2024: Compensators, Brakes, & More
If you’re looking for the best muzzle device for your AR-15, this is the article for you.
I’ve been shooting for a long time and have encountered countless AR-15 builds with many different types of muzzle devices. Some of them have impressed me, while others left me wondering why they were even available on the market.
Let’s take a look at some of those that have impressed me and have a solid reputation in the industry.
What Does A Muzzle Device Do?
Muzzle devices originally started to eliminate the massive flash of bright light that comes out the front of an AR-15 when each shot goes off. That gave birth to the flash hider.
Since then, multiple flash hiders have offered different performance enhancements—mostly recoil mitigation, a massive benefit of a muzzle device.
Ultimately, a muzzle device is the part that sits on the end of your barrel to improve your shooting in one way or another. We’ll go over all of the different types later, so stick with us.
Best Muzzle Devices
1. SureFire Socom 3 Prong Flash Hider
The Surefire Socom 3 Prong Flash Hider has been the choice for shooters who want superior flash suppression and a device to mount a suppressor.
The Socom 3 Prong typically provides 99% flash suppression, and the bearing surfaces help achieve optimal suppressor alignment. This removes the suppressing ring, or when the tines inside the suppressor make a ringing noise.
Surefire Socom 3 Prong Flash Hider. Source.
It’s constructed from heat-treated stainless steel and has a DLC coating, so you will not have to worry about its durability through serious use. If you plan on running a Surefire suppressor, the Socom 3 Prong is the best way to get a solid lockup and have excellent flash suppression when it’s off.
Surefire Socom 3 Prong Flash Hider. Source: surefire
2. Bravo Company Manufacturing Mod 2 Comp
The BCM Mod 2 Comp comes standard on most of BCM’s rifles and was the muzzle device pinned and welded on my 14.5 MCMR.
It looks similar to the A2 Birdcage but has porting between the slots that direct gasses upwards, thus keeping the rifle’s front end down. You can’t mount anything on this comp, but that won’t be a problem if you aren’t planning on running a suppressor.
It’s nitride treated for maximum corrosion resistance and it even comes with a crush washer.
While it’s not the most cost-effective option, it performs very well and helps you keep your muzzle flat and on target.
BCM Mod 2 Comp. Source: bravocompanyusa
3. A2 Birdcage
It’s hardly the best muzzle device on the market, but if you don’t plan on suppressing your AR-15 and just want something on the end to protect the threads and limit flash at a low cost, then the A2 Birdcage is a good choice.
The birdcage dates back to the original days of the M16 in Vietnam and has been standard equipment on AR-15s for as long as I can remember.
Even nowadays, if you buy an AR-15, you can expect an A2 or similar device.
They do a great job of limiting flash and are durable all day long; just make sure you don’t pin and weld one if you are unsure about suppressing it later since no suppressor works well with the A2.
A2 Flash Hider. Source: midwayusa
4. Surefire WARCOMP
The WARCOMP is similar to the 3 Prong I mentioned before and can mount a suppressor, but it also has porting on top to act as a compensator.
Not only do you get the best flash suppression, but you also have porting that pushes gasses upward and keeps the barrel flat. And you can add a QD suppressor if you ever decide to go that route.
Almost all of Surefire’s muzzle devices work with its suppressors, so you don’t have to worry about a bad fit if you choose one of its hush cans.
Surefire WARCOMP. Source: surefire
5. Sons of Liberty Gun Works Nox
Maybe the Surefire is too expensive, or you don’t plan on using one of its suppressors. In that case, the Nox from Sons of Liberty Gun Works might be a better choice.
Like the WARCOMP, the Nox features a three-prong flash hider design with compensator-style porting (on the top).
You’ll have more suppressor options as well. The Nox can directly mount a Nomad or Dead Air suppressor, which are typically cheaper than your Surefire suppressors.
SOLGW Nox. Source: roscomanufacturing
Comp vs. Brake vs. Flash Hider
Compensators
The quickest way to determine if a muzzle device is a compensator is to look for porting on the top. If you see porting on the top, then you have a compensator.
If there is also porting on the sides, it’s a hybrid.
Compensators push gasses out the top to limit the amount of vertical recoil you get when shooting an AR-15.
Muzzle Brake
The quickest way to determine if you’re looking at a muzzle brake is to look for porting on the sides. If there is, then it’s a brake.
Again, if there is porting on the top, then it’s a hybrid.
Muzzle brakes push gasses out the sides and limit side-to-side recoil. In my opinion, a brake isn’t needed since AR-15s don’t typically suffer from this sort of recoil.
Flash Hider
A flash hider will have no porting at all. They are merely for limiting the flash coming from the front of the barrel when shooting. Without one, you’ll be found relatively quickly.
Conclusion
Dozens of muzzle devices deserve a spot on this list. The above ones work well, are easy to find, and provide a baseline to compare others to. You can’t go wrong with any of them, which is why I, and many others, consider them the best.
Before buying yours, make sure to decide whether or not you want to add a suppressor later on. This way, you don’t pin and weld one on and end up stuck.
Be good and take care.
