Best .308 Muzzle Brake And Compensators – Reviews & Buyers Guide

With the popularity of rifle builds on the rise, the last decade has seen a huge increase in barrels threaded directly from the factory to provide you with options. Muzzle brakes, compensators, and flash suppressors are all common modifications, and for good reason. 

Larger caliber rifles, such as the .308, have quite a strong recoil, and many shooters like the ability to lessen that force when they plan on shooting more than just a few rounds. Especially when shooting from a lightweight option, such as an AR-10. Take a look at the difference between a muzzle brake and compensator, and learn the difference between the two to decide which is best for you. 

Quick Comparisons of the 6 Best .308 Muzzle Brake And Compensators

What is a Muzzle Brake?

A muzzle brake threads onto the end of a rifle’s barrel and provide the means to direct the muzzle blast and burning gases away from the shooter. Typically done through a series of cuts via various designs, this is usually directed to the side or at a 180-degree angle from the muzzle. What this results in is a reduction of felt recoil, and can work to aid in a more accurate shot and faster acquisition of a target. 

This recoil reduction is why they are more commonly used with larger caliber rifles intended for larger game, or competitive shooting. It’s more comfortable overall, and provides the ability to improve accuracy. It also is quite helpful when shooting a large round from a lightweight rifle, which creates more felt recoil due to the design not having as much weight to help counteract the force. Plus, competitive long-range shooters can keep a clearer sight on the target with the redirected gas kept from their field of vision. Three gun match shooters also like the faster follow-up due to the ability to recenter back on target more quickly. 

However, the drawback is the amount of noise produced as the sound of the round is redirected and can be quite deafening to anyone in close proximity. Many hunting outfitters prefer muzzle brakes not be used due to this issue, and you might find yourself getting some dirty looks on the gun range from time to time.

The .308 Explained

The use of either of these devices is more common with your heavier-hitting caliber shells, but it is seriously important to pay attention to what you are looking at before your purchase. You’ll see a lot of chatter surrounding the .308 and 7.62 NATO (7.62 x 51mm) round and it being the same. This is often further confused by the fact that the muzzle devices you are considering will be labeled for use with either since from outward appearances they measure almost exactly the same and can be shot through the device without issue. But you need to take care concerning your barrel capabilities- and more than anything the age of the gun you are shooting. 

These rounds are not the same, and it is important to understand you shouldn’t be intermixing the two rounds despite their similarities without first having a bit of knowledge on the topic. The devil is in the details and concerns the case wall thickness of the 7.62 NATO in relation to the .308, headspacing, and pressure- and although you can chamber a 7.62 NATO through a .308 without issue, it isn’t suggested that you do it regularly. And chambering a .308 through a 7.62 NATO can result in a blown-out case depending on the age of your firearm. 

While many modern rifles are spec’d for multi-caliber use, especially an AR-10 type carbine, you want to specifically check with the manufacturing details before committing to doing so.  

Shopping for a Quality Muzzle Brake Devices

When looking for a solution to help with recoil or lift, you want to closely take a look at what these products were engineered to do. Based on what you pick, you can get dramatically different results, and paying close attention to the details and design can help you get exactly what you want. 

Many offer secondary mounting solutions as well, such as securing a suppressor, mitigating flash, and – of course, reducing recoil. Some may fit only on specific rifle builds, while others provide a more universal fit. Be sure to consider your rifle’s use with the performance characteristics of the options you are considering. Otherwise, all you end up with is something cosmetic- or even counter-productive. 

Best .308 Muzzle Brake and Compensators

The addition of an effective muzzle brake or compensator to your .308 cal rifle is a great way to enhance your shooting experience for competition and to help alleviate the strong recoil and muzzle movement that such a large cartridge offers. Since decreasing recoil and avoiding barrel lift are reasons most people search for such a product, we’ve highlighted the following top picks as high-quality material options to help you begin narrowing down your choices.  These offer dual-use (2-in-1 muzzle brake) devices as well as hybrid options, and all are ⅝ – 14 threaded muzzles. 

Known for their quality firearm parts and durable designs, Precision Armament is a go-to for tactical rifle modifications and their .308 muzzle brake helps to alleviate both recoil and muzzle rise through their integrated channels to direct escaping gasses through two small, and one large port located on both sides. This canted venting technique is a preference for competitive shooters. 

This design helps create an equal release to help stabilize the barrel and allow you to hold on target. This works to improve accuracy, allow for quick follow-up shots and provides a more comfortable shooting experience. Made from a heavy-duty HT3R stainless steel resists heat, won’t rust, and is durable for consistent use. 

Compatible for all .308/7.62 NATO rifles, the VG6 Precision muzzle brake is created primarily for semi-auto options and provides a hybrid design that serves as a muzzle brake, compensator, and flash hider. These multi-use muzzle devices are more and more popular to provide the results you desire all in one package. 

A unique internal chamber applies six-hole vent design on the underside to quickly release fast-moving gases. These minimize muzzle jump and reduce felt recoil to help keep you on target. It also boasts a three-prong design to reduce flash signature and keep you from being distracted when keeping your eye on the target. Machined with stainless steel that is heat-hardened, this is a tough, durable product that will handle the rounds you put through it. It also comes with a pre-drilled hole for pinning and is considered a good all-around muzzle device.

The series of varying degree port angles for gas redirection is designed to reduce felt recoil and to help reduce the flash signature. Made from stainless steel, the durability of the device has been machined for proper port design angles that start with a 15 degree back angle that decreases as the gases dissipate moving forward for a more smooth feeling recoil reduction. 

Popular with both hunters and competition shooters alike, this brake works with .308 Win rifles that are threaded to ⅝ – 24 threads and is popular for its ability to stabilize the barrel and avoid muzzle jump. It comes with a crush washer and all you need to do is install it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. 

Created for use on a short-barreled rifle, the inside design of the HERA Arms 308 Win Compensator has 12 separate expansion chambers to focus the blast and noise forward. This creates a more comfortable and accurate shooting experience and reduces noise to both the shooter and anyone standing to the sides and back. 

This lightweight device has a black finish and a durable steel construction. Made specifically to help you keep a steady target shot after shot, it does its job well, and also works to help block muzzle flash.

The Lancer Systems .308 Win Tunable Brake and Compensator is a 2 in 1 device that allows for adjustable muzzle rise compensation that provides you the ability to ‘tune’ your device through the ability to change the combination of jets until the effect you need is acquired. Made with a blast chamber and tunable jets, the design is effective in reducing muzzle climb and works with angled blast baffles to reduce recoil and provide further stability. 

Made from heat-treated steel, this is a durable and long-lasting choice created specifically for the shooter who wants a bit more control over their shooting experience. The ability to customize the forces created when fired allows you to have more accurate ability when on the range, and hunting. 

Created for a semi-auto AR-style .308 rifle, this Miculek brake Compensator made by Bang manufacturing will fit all standard AR .308 rifles. Created specifically for reducing muzzle climb and support of a more accurate, on-target focus for faster follow-up shots, it also provides a lessened felt recoil for a more comfortable shot. Modeled after the shooter, Jerry Miculek’s accuracy in shooting, it helps reduce vertical movement when you take a shot. 

Machined from 4140 steel, the manganese-phosphate finish makes it durable and long-lasting. Created with six gas ports, three on each size, you can be assured that muzzle gasses are directed away from the shooter and sound won’t be an issue. It fits all ⅝ – 24 threaded muzzles and only weighs 3.7 ounces. 

Conclusion

When you want to help reduce recoil or create a more steady shooting experience, a muzzle brake for shooters,  or a compensator might be the device you are looking for. These are all a solid choice to consider and offer you the ability to have more control over your firearm, especially when dealing with a higher caliber cartridge that can create quite a kick. Reduce muzzle lift, help create a more accurate target acquisition, and provide constant shot after shot with any of these choices. 

Our options provide quality choices- most of which are multifunctional, and allow you to see how they might work for your existing .308 or AR-style rifle. We are interested to hear which you’ve used and why you prefer them, as well as have the opportunity to answer any question you might have. As always, please share!