Gun muzzle devices can take the performance of your pistol and your effectiveness as a shooter to a new level. They'll give you excellent control and significantly improve your accuracy, whether in a self-defense scenario or shooting at the range. Browse Wing Tactical’s inventory of pistol compensators, muzzle brakes, and more.
Pistol Muzzle Devices: Improved Control, Accuracy, and Function
Gun muzzle devices have become increasingly popular not just for rifles but also for pistols. Accessories like pistol muzzle brakes and compensators provide shooters with many advantages, including improved pistol performance, enhanced accuracy, and customization options.
The primary function of a muzzle device is to manipulate or change the expanding gasses that exit the muzzle of a pistol when a shot is discharged. Some muzzle devices redirect these gasses to achieve certain benefits, whereas some may suppress them.
What kind of muzzle devices can you use with pistols? There are various types of muzzle devices commonly utilized on pistols: let’s explore some examples.
Recoil Compensators and Muzzle Brakes
Pistol compensators are some of the most common handgun muzzle devices. Recoil compensators redirect the expanding muzzle gasses against the muzzle rise, resulting in lower perceived recoil. Pistol muzzle brakes also serve the same purpose. However, they work by redirecting gasses against the recoil impulse. Installing a compensator or muzzle brake on your pistol can make it easier to control and keep on target when firing in succession.
Wing Tactical’s Quality-First Inventory
Firearm parts must function adequately every time you fire a shot — that’s why we’re passionate about connecting today’s shooters with reliable components. At Wing Tactical, quality is at the heart of everything we do: from our inventory of top-tier aftermarket parts to our customer support.
If you’re a law enforcement officer or active duty military personnel, don’t forget to take advantage of our discounts. Thank you for your service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a difference does a pistol compensator make?
Since pistols are generally small, compensators and other muzzle devices can have a significant impact on performance and accuracy. Muzzle devices’ two key purposes (reducing felt recoil and preventing muzzle climb) can help shooters hone their skills, improve accuracy, and more comfortably shoot multiple rounds in succession.
Are pistol compensators loud?
Since muzzle devices redirect gasses, they can change the sound profile of weapon discharge. While it won’t change the level of sound leaving the end of the muzzle, a muzzle device can direct gasses around the muzzle instead of in front of it, potentially directing more sound toward the shooter. If you’re used to shooting without one, it might take time to adjust to how your muzzle device changes your gun’s sound profile.
What are the pros and cons of a pistol muzzle brake?
Pistol muzzle brakes can help reduce felt recoil while shooting, which can improve your control and accuracy during multi-shot firing — these are muzzle brakes’ two main advantages.
But, as we noted above, muzzle devices can change your pistol’s sound profile (from the shooter’s perspective). To retain situational awareness and protect your ears, make sure that you’re wearing robust ear protection if you’re shooting a pistol with a muzzle device.
Can you use rifle muzzle devices on pistols?
In theory, as long as a muzzle device matches the threads and caliber of your firearm, you can use it. But in practice, rifle and pistol accessories should be used with their respective firearm types. Why?
- Size – Rifle muzzle devices are often longer than those made for pistols. In short-barreled firearms, even an extra inch of barrel length (technically extended by muzzle devices) can impact ballistic performance.
- Projectile profile – Even if you use the same caliber in your pistol and rifle, you might use bullets with different characteristics for each firearm. For instance, you might use a copper, frangible round in your pistol for self-defense purposes and a high-grain, dense round in your rifle for increased hunting lethality (even if these rounds are the same caliber). Consider how your typical projectile profile might pose compatibility concerns for your muzzle device.
Can suppressors be used in conjunction with all muzzle devices?
No. If you plan to add a suppressor to your build, make sure to choose a companion muzzle device that:
- Has matching threads – Your muzzle device and suppressor of choice must be able to screw together.
- Was intended for suppressor pairing – Not every muzzle device is designed to complement a suppressor — choose a device that is to ensure compatibility, performance, and function.
- Meets local regulations – Firearm regulations are complex, and they can change quickly. Before purchasing any muzzle device, make sure that it’s compliant with local laws.