When investing in upgrades for your rifle, 90% of the time the highest priced option is the most effective. Any research into muzzle brakes will support that claim. The highest price points carry the research and quality of materials to back up the value. The highest user reviews and praise will naturally go to the most effective component, whether or not we can all afford that specific example is a whole other matter.
In looking for an upgrade to the A2 "birdcage" flash hider on my AR-15 rifle, I looked at all the different brakes and comps on the marketplace. There are ALOT to choose from. First of all you need to determine whether you want Flash Suppression (reduced fireball at muzzle) or Recoil Compensation through either a compensator or whats more commonly called a muzzle brake. I wanted reduced recoil impulses for faster shooting. The top contender I found was the BattleComp, which goes between $150-$200 depending on caliber desired. I for one wasn't planning on investing that much into a 5.56mm rifle as the recoil is negligible to begin with when firing from a rested position. The particular build I was working on was for competitive shooting, thus moving and maneuvering. I wanted a muzzle device that wouldn't add too much bulk or length to the rifle. So I found the nearest alternative to the BattleComp in form and in function, at nearly half the price.
Enter the Griffin Armament M4SDII Tactical Compensator. It's a pretty simple brake, with small circular ports that encircle nearly the entire circumference except for the 6'oclock position, which prevents gases from kicking up dirt, dust, or blowing whatever you had laying on the bench. The ports divert gasses upward and outward and that translates to a reduction in shift for your point of aim. Sounds pretty minor, but when trying to put 2-3 rounds in a tight pattern while you are moving with your rifle, it becomes pretty important. Griffin has a couple videos showing different brakes being used in single, burst, and full auto fire as well as night time flash signature tests. If you check other reviews, you'll find most users found that for under $100 the M4SDII is hard to beat, keeping pace with its higher priced competitors.
The M4SDII is also compatible with several suppressor models that will attach right over the top of it. This is great for those who want to swap between unsuppressed and suppressed quicker, and the device will also serve as a blast baffle and increase the service life of your "can." I probably won't get to appreciate this feature but it may benefit others reading this review. If you are still running an A2 flash hider or similar device and are interested in a better performing part, I challenge you to try this or one of Griffin's other models and see the difference.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: Delivers premium low concussion muzzle control and extreme durability for a fraction of the cost of the competition
Target Market: Police, Military, Private security and civilian AR-15 operators.
FNBs: (Features and Benefits of this product)
- .863″ Diameter, 1.75” OAL, & 2.4 ounces with a 1/2×28 Thread
- Minimal dust signature
- FEA (Finite Element Analysis) optimized, CNC machined, heat treated, 17-4PH Stainless Steel
- Interfaces with 7 sound suppressor models from 6 manufacturers
- National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) approved
- Only muzzle device Griffin offers that is compatible with first generation M4-SD sound suppressors
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black Oxide
What others are saying?: "This is by far the best compensator on the market. I have used the standard A2 flash hider, BCM, and Battlecomp compensators. None of the others help with staying on target like this. It is EXTREMELY loud though, just want to make that clear. I would say it's 2 or 3 times louder than a standard A2 flash hider. I wear ear buds under my muffs for extra protection." SKD Customer Review
Price Point:
I need it now! Availability: Online Dealers or Direct thru Griffin.
Our Rating:
+ Shorter profile than most brakes / compensators keeps a barrel from getting too long. + Very good at mitigating recoil, especially with rapid shots. + Easily indexed with shims/peel washers (included). + Includes a Griffin patch, wear it proudly.
- Loudens report much more than an A2 birdcage (that means its working)
Score: 8.0 Great
