Best M1A Muzzle Brake – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

The M1A is Springfield Armory’s answer to the public’s desire for an M14 upgrade. Popular and dependable, their M1A series offers a model for everything from competitive shooting to tactical training. 

The power behind the cartridges they take offers awesome energy, but that also means they provide a decent kick to the shooter. This is easily offset with the addition of a dependable muzzle device, and we have some of the best M1A muzzle brake choices for you to consider listed below. 

Comparison Table of The 5 Best M1A Muzzle Brake

Explaining the M1A

The M14, the parent design for the M1A, was initially a Springfield Armory creation during the 1950s as a hard-hitting, US military go-to weapon. However, the overall design proved to be disappointing and undependable – even after quality control improvements. However, the idea behind the design didn’t die, and by the 1990s had influenced new military variants that provided the long-range striking power and heavy-hitting energy the initial idea influenced. 

But, in the 1970s Springfield Armory released the M1A, a semi-auto civilian option that mimics the classic M14 design – but with a much more user-friendly and dependable series of models. Chambered in either the .308 Win (similar to the original 7.62NATO round of the original M14), or a Creedmoor 6.5, this is an iconic series of firearms that are highly sought after for rifle enthusiasts and the competitive shooter. It also is a great option for hunting. 

Although there are other manufacturers of semi-automatic M14 -type rifles, a true M1A is solely a Springfield Armory creation. 

Calibers

As mentioned, the M1A is available in both a .308 WIn and the 6.5 Creedmoor, which means you can easily pursue out top muzzle brake options for either cartridge. Be aware that with use with an M1A, you may need a muzzle device adaptor, but any brake or compensator designed for either caliber has the potential to work well. 

Muzzle Brake Use

Muzzle brakes are designed to reduce felt recoil via a series of carefully vented ports to release gasses in a controlled manner. The directed gasses also work against muzzle lift and offer barrel control. This is a great way to provide quick follow-up with a consecutive shot when hunting and offers incredible firearms control during competitive shooting matches. 

Since the M1A is modeled after a US Military, a hard-hitting rifle that utilizes the dependable .30 caliber cartridge, it produces an amazing amount of energy. This does create significant recoil, which is why the addition of a muzzle brake is desirable.  

Our Top M1A Muzzle Brake Picks

Even though you can definitely take advantage of the top 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 muzzle brakes we’ve reviewed before, we’ve also highlighted a few extras for you to consider below. These are quality choices made from durable materials that will give you the control you need. 

What better for a Springfield Armory Rifle than a Springfield Armory Muzzle Device? The MA5049 M1A muzzle brake is made specifically for the .308 Win M1A rifle and boasts a durable heat-treated stainless steel with a black nitride-coated finish. Created with a series of stippled pinpoint vent hole patterns for gas relief ports, it allows for a quick, yet controlled release of gasses to mitigate recoil and create a more comfortable shooting experience.  It also works great to negate muzzle flip and provides excellent stability. 

Easy to install and incredibly convenient, the Smith Enterprise Springfield M14 Muzzle Brake for 30 caliber rounds helps negate recoil and control muzzle rise reduction. Made from a heat treated machined stainless steel with a manganese phosphate finish, for material durability this compact option provides hybrid use and replaces the flash hider without any alterations and is effective as a flash suppressor alternative. It also includes the front dovetail sight and comes complete with a castle nut set. 

Precision Armament is a dependable brand name that regularly offers an excellent quality device. Their Hypertap muzzle brake is a hybrid baffle design that combines convergent-divergent port geometry for excellent gas release control for up to an 84% recoil reduction. This is an attractive vent pattern as well as being effective. The tunable gas biasing also allows customization to eliminate sight picture movement while firing. Made from a heat treated 17-4 stainless steel, it is a lightweight and compact design in a rugged skeletonized crown for easy cleaning. The tough Ionbond CrCN finish ensures durable, long-lasting use. 

Created for durable civilian use, the Epsilon 762 Muzzle Brake is designed for semi-auto rifle use and provides a great hybrid design to work as a muzzle brake, compensator, and muzzle flash hider at a budget-friendly option with an extremely affordable price point. The internal chamber has a six hole vent design along the bottom for quick release of gasses to reduce muzzle jump and drastically reduce the felt recoil impulse. The three-prong design also reduces flash signature for unobstructed target viewing. IT comes with a crush washer and a pre-drilled hole for lining.  

The Lambda PRD65 PRecision Muzzle Brake was created as a semi-permanent attachment to avoid shifting or constant readjustment to ensure you stay on target. Perfect for your 6.5 Creedmoor M1A pick, it is made from 17-4ph steel for durability and long-lasting quality. Available in an all-black or bead-blasted stainless steel finish for you to choose from, the four ports work to equally distribute gas for excellent recoil control. The unique jam-nut works to tighten the brake without tools as well, making it easy to install. 

Wrapping It Up

An M1A is a highly styled rifle that is going to look awesome in anyone’s firearm collection, and it offers an excellent choice for hunting and competitive shooting if you want to move away from the more AR influenced designs. However, it can have a bit of a kick, and to make your shooting experience more comfortable – quality muzzle brakes are a great option. 

We’ve highlighted some of the best you can buy, and we would love to hear of your experiences with these particular products. Leave your questions and comments below!

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