Whats the difference between compensators and muzzle brakes? Are compensators legal in nj? I wanna finish a build but not quite sure on legality

In general, Muzzle Brakes reduce felt recoil, while Compensators help fight muzzle flip/rise. However, the terms are generally interchanged. Some brakes do help compensate and vice versa.

So comps would be legal then?

Yes - Brakes & Comps are legal - just nothing that will suppress the muzzle flash.

Spelling.

 

Compensator = recoil compensator.

Muzzle brake is brake, like the brakes on a car.

 

You will also see the terms recoil check and recoil brake, but it is much less common.

 

They all mean something to counteract the effects of recoil which includes rearward motion as well as muzzle rise.

 

I wouldn't count on the name meaning much of anything. The only thing that seems to have near universal meaning is ported, magna-ported, and popple holes. The former two mean a hole or holes cut in the top half of the barrel to jet compressed gases from behind the traveling bullet to reduce muzzle rise, but not really do anything about rearward motion other than by reducing muzzle velocity and the amount of gas jetting effect you get with slower burning powders. Popple holes are more specific and mean larger holes cut into the top dead center of the barrel.

Yes - Brakes & Comps are legal - just nothing that will suppress the muzzle flash.

 

Kind of. If the ATF classifies it as a flash suppressor, it's not legal in NJ. If it's a brake or a comp by ATF definition it is legal in NJ, even if one of the benefits is reduced muzzle flash.

 

I was going to suggest that the flash suppressor ban has to be the dumbest part of the NJAWB, but then I compared it to the other banned features and they are just as stupid.

Only problem is the ATF doesn't bother determining if something is a flash suppressor since there is no federal awb.

 

Anything new is a crap shoot if it reduces flash much regardless of its ability to act as a compensator.

My point is that it's all about the name. If it's called a comp or a brake, it's NJ-OK. If it's called a flash suppressor, then it's 2nd degree possession of an assault firearm.

Boils down to what the manufacturer decides to call it.

 

 

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I don't believe NJ law defines brakes/comps or flash suppressors, so were back to the same usual NJ gun law dilemma - it's open to various interpretations until (if ever) a judge interprets the law through a ruling. I think your more likely to see SCOTUS overturn the AWB than get a NJ judge to rule on definitions of muzzle devices. More legal limbo.

My point is that it's all about the name. If it's called a comp or a brake, it's NJ-OK. If it's called a flash suppressor, then it's 2nd degree possession of an assault firearm.

 

Cant go by that either, If you did then this "compensator" would be legal by your definition. http://www.dpmsinc.com/A2-Compensator_p_600.html

And IIRC the military refers to the A2 a compensator as well.

I'm not so sure, Raz. I'm pretty sure they DO test for stuff like that. (But MAYBE only if the manufacturer submits it for testing. This I don't know.)

 

But... PWS has a letter on their site FROM the BATFE (http://primaryweapon.../ATF_FSC556.pdf) stating that their FSC556 compensator has, in fact, been tested and determined to NOT be a flash-supressor and therefore legal in states like NJ. And they even tell you how they determined it.

 

(I keep a printed copy in my rifle case with the AR that sports the FSC556. Just in case.)

 

 

Only problem is the ATF doesn't bother determining if something is a flash suppressor since there is no federal awb.

 

Anything new is a crap shoot if it reduces flash much regardless of its ability to act as a compensator.

The rule of thumb is that if the exit hole in the device is close to bullet diameter, it is a comp/brake. If it is open ended, it is a flash hider.

 

In the absence of a "legal" definition, that's about as good as it gets.

Cant go by that either, If you did then this "compensator" would be legal by your definition. http://www.dpmsinc.c...ator_p_600.html

And IIRC the military refers to the A2 a compensator as well.

 

So is it your position that all muzzle devices are prohibited in NJ? If it's not, then how do you define it as NJ legal?

 

As a slight aside, our guns laws have been proclaimed as "effective" and "common sense", but the people who eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff can't even agree on when something is prohibited or not under the law. How is that "common sense"?

So... a slight twist to the discussion. I would imagine that this would be considered a compensator since the intent is to reduce recoil and muzzle rise.

 

 

Remington® Tactical Choke Tube

Remington 19791 Black Tactical Ported Choke Tube - 12 Gauge

 

 

 

The Remington Extended Tactical Choke Tube for 12 Gauge shotguns is designed for optimum performance and recoil reduction and also aids in reducing muzzle rise for consistent shot placement. Matte black finish. Ported with jagged teeth.

http://www.remington.com/products/accessories/gun-parts/choke-tubes/remington-tac-choke-tube.aspx

Doesn't matter. It is for a shotgun.

<p>

I'm not so sure, Raz. I'm pretty sure they DO test for stuff like that. (But MAYBE only if the manufacturer submits it for testing. This I don't know.)But... PWS has a letter on their site FROM the BATFE (http://primaryweapon.../ATF_FSC556.pdf) stating that their FSC556 compensator has, in fact, been tested and determined to NOT be a flash-supressor and therefore legal in states like NJ. And they even tell you how they determined it.(I keep a printed copy in my rifle case with the AR that sports the FSC556. Just in case.)

Yes, because the pws comp came out during the federal awb. No idea why that version of the letter is dated 2007. Maybe a resubmission for the .308 version. Guess they still test if you submit. Who submits though.

<p>Guess they still test if you submit. Who submits though.

 

After reading a whole bunch of stuff... that's exactly the question I'm still asking. Ah... seems we're back in that lovely "grey area" place again.

 

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and none of this is legal advice.

 

But my two cents for OP: Avoid anything called a flash suppressor/hider and you should be a-okay. Do some research... see if there's anything regarding classification by the ATF for any comp/brake you're considering. Or buy it from an NJ dealer (any of our great local shops can help, I'm sure).

 

They either have one, or will order you one. (If they have one already, it should be NJ legal, or if they have to order one, they'll get one or know of one that is NJ legal.)

 

And... generally you're going to have to pay someone to pin/weld that brake on for you anyway. Talk to whoever is going to do that job for you.

Some designs, it's easy to tell if it would pass the batfe test outlined in the pws letter, which is at least a reasonable defense.

 

A miculeck brake will pass, the Nordic comps will pass, the Benny cooley comps, Jp tank brake, Troy medieval, a2 style comp, rainier mini comp, f-2 comp, sure fire comp, AAC mini comp, firebird comp, Titan, rolling thunder, etc. pretty much anything with at least one large baffle chamber with sizable ports to the sides will, or anything with a capped end and large slots on the top half.

 

Things like the levang linear are less obvious, but it was a comp during the awb. I'd assume then that the Troy claymore and other similar ones are good to go.

 

The battlecomp and the like are less obvious, but YouTube videos would lead me to believe they'd pass the test.