SSL
Gold $$ Contributor
Finally making up my mind see post https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/muzzle-brakes-worth-the-effort.4042411/ , I ordered one after a lot of online research and reviews. The one I settled on based on those reviews, videos and perceived value/price point is the VG Gamma .556 made by Aero Precision. Rather than for an AR, I had ordered this to hopefully hold down muzzle rise in an attempt to keep my scope picture when firing my bolt-action Ruger American Predator (.223). It arrived today and I set to work.
Installation was quick and easy (remember that the printed logo goes DOWN and the domed side of the crush washer goes towards the barrel) and I was ready to try it out in a matter of minutes. Initial firing was an eye opener. Recoil (not really an issue with the .223 anyway) felt more like shooting a .22 LR. Muzzle blast was considerably louder of course (wear serious ear protection when shooting any muzzle device), but gas and concussion was directed at 90 degrees to the sides. rather than angled back towards the shooter. The generous ported slots on the top directed a portion of the gas upward and effectively reduced muzzle rise to a minimum. The twelve much smaller ports, more small holes placed at an angle to the bore, on the bottom did blow a little dust, but it wasn't terrible. I have read that earlier models did not have these bottom ports and people complained that the muzzle actually was forced DOWNWARD to the point of taking the sights off target. The twelve bottom pin-hole ports are to balance this all out.
The results? My cross-hairs, set at 18X, barely twitched. No, they didn't stay rock steady, but I never lost sight of the target. The added weight, an advertised 2.1 ounces wasn't apparent and the device blended fairly well into the barrel without looking stupid. Though the manufacturer states it is tuned for barrels up to 18.5", it certainly didn't change the point of impact on my 22" barrel by more than a couple clicks at 100 yards and group size did not appear to change. I'll be trying this with different loads and do quite a bit more shooting before I completely lock it down and worry about scope settings. Initial impression is that this is an excellent product from an excellent manufacturer.
Installation was quick and easy (remember that the printed logo goes DOWN and the domed side of the crush washer goes towards the barrel) and I was ready to try it out in a matter of minutes. Initial firing was an eye opener. Recoil (not really an issue with the .223 anyway) felt more like shooting a .22 LR. Muzzle blast was considerably louder of course (wear serious ear protection when shooting any muzzle device), but gas and concussion was directed at 90 degrees to the sides. rather than angled back towards the shooter. The generous ported slots on the top directed a portion of the gas upward and effectively reduced muzzle rise to a minimum. The twelve much smaller ports, more small holes placed at an angle to the bore, on the bottom did blow a little dust, but it wasn't terrible. I have read that earlier models did not have these bottom ports and people complained that the muzzle actually was forced DOWNWARD to the point of taking the sights off target. The twelve bottom pin-hole ports are to balance this all out.
The results? My cross-hairs, set at 18X, barely twitched. No, they didn't stay rock steady, but I never lost sight of the target. The added weight, an advertised 2.1 ounces wasn't apparent and the device blended fairly well into the barrel without looking stupid. Though the manufacturer states it is tuned for barrels up to 18.5", it certainly didn't change the point of impact on my 22" barrel by more than a couple clicks at 100 yards and group size did not appear to change. I'll be trying this with different loads and do quite a bit more shooting before I completely lock it down and worry about scope settings. Initial impression is that this is an excellent product from an excellent manufacturer.
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