Hey all, I'm curious does a flash can (one big hole) act any different than a linear compensator (with multiple forward facing holes)? Is there any appreciable difference? Does either of them act as a break? What do they actually do?
Flash can vs linear comp
- Thread starter snowplow
- Start date
@snowplow
I tinkered with both a long time ago. Host was a short barrel 5.56 that is obnoxiously loud. Both the linear comp and flash can reduced concussion at the ear somewhat, but not dramatically. Both profoundly increased visible muzzle flash, and that isn’t a good thing.
They work exactly opposite of a brake by directing gas forward. That increases back pressure toward the stock. Many compensators and brakes redirect gas to reduce recoil and control muzzle rise.
My bottom line is that linear comps and flash can type devices aren’t very useful. A proper brake can mitigate recoil and muzzle rise. A suppressor is better in all regards for reducing concussion and flash. YMMV depending on your use case.
I tinkered with both a long time ago. Host was a short barrel 5.56 that is obnoxiously loud. Both the linear comp and flash can reduced concussion at the ear somewhat, but not dramatically. Both profoundly increased visible muzzle flash, and that isn’t a good thing.
They work exactly opposite of a brake by directing gas forward. That increases back pressure toward the stock. Many compensators and brakes redirect gas to reduce recoil and control muzzle rise.
My bottom line is that linear comps and flash can type devices aren’t very useful. A proper brake can mitigate recoil and muzzle rise. A suppressor is better in all regards for reducing concussion and flash. YMMV depending on your use case.
In cases where you're just looking to throw the gasses forward, either will do the job, but I find linear comps to have more effect on the behavior of the rifle. They do not decrease recoil. If anything, I'd say that they increase rearward felt recoil, but it has more of a tendency to come straight back, rather than back, up and to the right.
I think either is nice for a short barrel. Nothing you put on a short barrel is going to do much for muzzle flash, except a suppressor.
I think either is nice for a short barrel. Nothing you put on a short barrel is going to do much for muzzle flash, except a suppressor.
I've never used a blast can but a compensator blows the concussion and a noticable amount of the sound forward rather than in your face.
