AR15 Muzzle Devices
Does an AR15 need a muzzle device?
Technically, no... but you'd be selling yourself short of a more optimized shooting experience. First, you'll need to decide what kind of muzzle device you want. There are flash hiders, compensators, and muzzle brakes. Of these muzzle devices some are designed to be able to host suppressors so you'll want to do your research to make sure you know what can you plan on buying to be able to buy an appropriate muzzle device for it as well.
As an example, if you planned on running a SureFire suppressor, then you better buy a SureFire muzzle device. If planned on running a DeadAir suppressor, then you can use any brand's muzzle devices as long as they use the keymo design.
What is the best muzzle device for an AR15?
It depends on what your AR15 is for. If it's strictly for competition then get the biggest and fattest muzzle brake you can find to delete as much muzzle flip or recoil as you can. If it's for duty use you may want to consider a flash hider. If it's for suppressor use, there are some schools of thought that say muzzle brakes can act as a sacrificial first baffle to reduce wear on your suppressor's internals.
Is a muzzle the same thing as a suppressor?
No, the muzzle simply refers to the end of the barrel where a bullet exits when fired. A suppressor a sound reduction device designed to reduce your sound signature when using a firearm.
What is the difference between a muzzle device and a compensator?
There are three types of muzzle devices of which we mentioned above and compensators are one of those types. Compensators tend to focus on reducing perceived felt recoil. Muzzle brakes are usually geared towards reducing or completely eliminating muzzle flip. Flash hiders' goal is to reduce your flash signature when firing.