Even though a .22 may not have a lot of rise or recoil to begin with, they are a popular match competition rifle and the addition of a muzzle brake can help with superior control. The Ruger 10/22 is a dependable, popular choice that is offered in everything from a classic carbine to a tactical design for your specific needs.
We’ve compiled some of the best Ruger 10/22 muzzle brakes and compensators for you to take a closer look at. These choices can help you narrow down your best option for sound deflection, and reduce both muzzle flip and recoil for excellent barrel control.
Comparison Table of The 5 Best 10/22 Muzzle Device and Compensator
BRAND
TACTICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC – RUGER 10/22 COMPENSATOR 22 CALIBER
DETAILS
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber (.223-.224)
SHREWD – #1 MUZZLE BRAKE 22 CALIBER
- Material: 4140 stainless steel
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber (.223-.224) with options up to .44
NcSTAR Vism Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Brake
- Material: stainless steel
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber (.223-.224)
OPS, INC. – R3E2C MUZZLE BRAKE .866 22 CALIBER
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber (.223-.224) w/ the ability to machine for larger
AREA 419 – HELLFIRE 2P SELF TIMING MUZZLE BRAKE
- Material: 17-4PH Stainless Steel
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber, 243 Caliber, 25 Caliber, 6mm
The Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 has been in continuous production since 1964 and is considered one of the most popular rimfire rifle designs in history. Unique in its design, this series of rifles is a semi-auto option for use with a patented 10-round rotary magazine.
Prior to its creation, the use of a .22 rifle was often considered a youth rifle that served as a way to bridge the use of a BB-gun to a more high-powered rifle. Its low recoil provides a comfortable shooting experience for even the youngest of trustworthy shooters, making it an ideal option for beginners.
However, with the introduction of the 10/22, the use of the .22 long rifle rimfire cartridge has expanded into a wider audience. This has resulted in a wider use amongst adults and the spread of .22 match competitions which are highly competitive for an incredible array of age groups. Because of this, muzzle devices are a popular way to add increased control of the rifle.
Using a Muzzle Device with a .22 Rifle
Muzzle brakes and muzzle compensator additions are the best way to provide increased control of barrel rise and recoil. Although the .22 cartridge offers very little of either to begin with, the use of a muzzle device pretty much negates both for incredible barrel stability. Since brakes and compensators direct gasses through carefully placed venting ports, your choice of either can provide the control you desire.
Even though muzzle brakes are specific to negating felt recoil as well as providing control over muzzle lift, and compensators are specific to barrel control as well as offering recoil reduction – both more or less work in a hybrid manner to help provide the control you need. This also means they work to help control muzzle flash suppression.
What to Look For When Buying a Muzzle Device for a 10/22
If you are looking for a muzzle brake or compensator to use with a 10/22 rifle, you want to consider what specific needs you have as well as what budget-friendly option may be available to you. Since a huge range of muzzle devices exist made from long-standing manufacturers, you are more or less guaranteed to find the quality option you prefer.
One thing worth mentioning is that the majority of devices offered for the 10/22 are labeled as compensators specifically due to the barrel control they offer in comparison to the recoil control. Since the 10/22 recoil is already measurably low, a compensator is more than enough to offer the stability needed for both.
By offering our top picks below we have helped narrow down your choices for you, but you want to make a decision based on some of the following details:
- Affordability
- Weight and length
- Lift vs recoil control needs
- Overall design
- Aesthetics
- Watch for ½”-28 tpi or you will need an adaptor for use
- Ability to gunsmith for larger caliber use if needed
Our Best 10/22 Muzzle Device and Compensator Picks
Take a look at our top picks offered by dependable brands in order to see what options are available to you.
1. TACTICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC – RUGER 10/22 COMPENSATOR 22 CALIBER
- Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber (.223-.224)
Tactical Solutions offers a Ruger 10/22 specific compensator with a large internal expansion chamber boasting 48 vent holes to redirect muzzle blast for increased muzzle control over both muzzle jump and recoil. The easy, screw-on attachment works well with Tac-Sol fluted target barrels for easy adjustment. Made from a solid billet 6061-T6 aluminum, it is hard coated anodized with a gloss black finish to provide a lightweight, durable, and long-lasting option.
Pros
- Easy installation and dependable use
- Truly negates almost all movement upon firing
- Excellent design for gas release
Cons
- Spacing issue with some barrels, but easily fixed with an addition nut
2. SHREWD – #1 MUZZLE BRAKE 22 CALIBER
- Material: 4140 stainless steel
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber (.223-.224) with options up to .44
The Shrewd series of .22 caliber muzzle brakes are designed for softening felt recoil and reducing muzzle rise. With a single expansion chamber and 42 ports for gas venting, these are angled and placed for excellent recoil control. With gunsmithing, it can be enlarged to allow bullets up to .44 caliber, and the rear exterior can be machined for a wide range of barrel options. Made from a 4140 stainless steel with a chrome-moly finish, it also is offered in various finishes, including a white or 416 stainless steel, or black satin finish.
Pros
- Well placed venting for excellent control
- Machining allows for multi-purpose use
- Provides excellent control
Cons
- Professional Gunsmith may be required. Comes with a .220″ (nominal) diameter exit hole that must be opened up to .020″ larger than bullet diameter if needed
3. NcSTAR Vism Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Brake
- Material: stainless steel
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber (.223-.224)
Highly affordable, the NcSTAR Vism Ruger 10/22 brake is made with a two-chamber designed with 14 carefully placed CNC machined ports for gas venting upwards and to the sides for excellent recoil control and reduced muzzle flip. Created with a tactical look, it is easy to install with a crush washer and set screw design. Made from machined, stainless, high-quality steel, it has a black finish for long-lasting durability.
Pros
- Excellent price point without sacrificing quality
- Sweet tactical look
- Great barrel control and reduced dust signature
Cons
- No recorded concerns
4. OPS, INC. – R3E2C MUZZLE BRAKE .866 22 CALIBER
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber (.223-.224) w/ the ability to machine for larger
The Ops, Inc .22 caliber muzzle brake has a very large expansion chamber with a forward baffle design to trap and redirect muzzle gasses for superior muzzle rise and blast. Created for serious elimination of barrel movement, the 304 stainless quality steel machined construction is resistant to powder corrosion for durability and long-lasting use. The polished finish provides a clean look for use on the end of your barrel, and gunsmithing of the product allows for enlargement for other calibers.
Pros
- Large expansion chamber provides excellent control
- Excellent durability
- Easy to machine for larger caliber use
Cons
- Only available in a polished stainless steel finish
5. AREA 419 – HELLFIRE 2P SELF TIMING MUZZLE BRAKE
- Material: 17-4PH Stainless Steel
- Threading: ½”-28 tpi
- Caliber: 22 Caliber, 243 Caliber, 25 Caliber, 6mm
Optimized for barrel lengths of 20 inches or less, the Area 419 Hellfire 2P is a self-timing muzzle brake that is designed for semi-auto use to provide excellent performance and shooter comfort. Easy to install, it offers a rearward-facing series of ports for balance and recoil reduction, and a proprietary port design to further control muzzle rise without top porting. Made from 17-4PH stainless steel, it has a black nitride finish for durability.
Pros
- Durable black nitride finish that provides an aesthetic appeal
- Self-timing is dependable and convenient
- Easy to install
Cons
- Best on barrels less than 20 inches in length
Wrapping it Up
There’s no doubt about it, if you start to research muzzle devices for use with a .22 and specifically, a Ruger 10/22, you will find a pretty huge range of options to pick and choose from. We’ve provided a great range of choices to get started with to see which style and look you may prefer, but since the 10/22 doesn’t offer much of a kick, to begin with, addition is going to provide you with a reduction of felt recoil and muzzle rise.
We’d love to hear which of these you have tried below – simply leave your comments and question below. And, as always, please share!