Suppose your AR is chambered in .223 or 5.56, like everyone’s is. You still might be looking for ways to cut back on recoil, even though pretty much everyone can agree that these are light-kicking rounds.
Here are 3 ways to reduce recoil given that, one of which doesn’t even require any changes to the rifle.
Also, keep these tips in mind because they will work with any cartridge, not just the two invoked.
Ditch the Flash Hider
Your AR likely came with a flash hider, the purpose of which is to obstruct the muzzle flash, which keeps your sight picture clear and helps keep your sights on target.
But the truth is that flash hider really doesn’t offer much more than that, and it definitely doesn’t do anything to mitigate recoil.
A better muzzle device by far is a muzzle brake, which some might also refer to as a compensator, although that verbiage is usually restricted to when these are used on handguns.
Muzzle brakes, which can easily be installed just like a flash hider via the muzzle threads, adjust how gasses are vented at the muzzle.
There are many configurations, but your basic muzzle brake will vent gasses upwards, which results in a reduction of the force transferred back into you, as well as a net force downward on the muzzle.
This accomplishes two very important things. One is that it results in a net decrease in the force of felt recoil, which helps diminish shooting fatigue.
The other is that it reduces muzzle flip, keeping your muzzle and thereby the front sight from jumping all over the place when you shoot, which helps keep your sights on target for faster, more confident, more accurate follow up shots.
Up the Buffer Weight
There are also some adjustments you can make to the buffer weight, at least within reason. If your rifle has a standard H1 or H2 buffer weight, consider adding a little weight or upping it.
The reason for this is that the buffer weight, housed inside the buffer tube, absorbs some of the impetus of the bolt carrier group after it unlocks and moves to the rear to complete the cycle.
Increasing the buffer weight will increase the mass against which the BCG will have to strive in order to cycle.
Side note: if you’re looking at ways to make a rifle shorter, you can look into a short buffer tube. Make sure you also consider the weights when doing so, though.
Shoot Lighter Loads
Lastly, there’s one thing you can do to cut recoil that won’t require you to mess with the rifle build whatsoever. You can just shoot lighter loads.
Look at the box of ammo you’re shooting. Find a metric called muzzle energy. Whatever it is, find a different load that has a lower muzzle energy. It will produce less recoil.
Alternatively, if the ammo you’re shooting is not stamped with a disclosed muzzle energy, just look for loads with lighter bullets. All else being equal, that will accomplish the same objective since felt recoil is a product in part of the mass of the bullet.
Where to Get AR Parts Such As Muzzle Brakes and Short Buffer Tubes
Looking for the AR parts mentioned here, such as muzzle brakes, short buffer tubes or buffer weights, that can help you reduce recoil in your rifle?
Check them out online at MCS Gearup. They carry a huge assortment of AR parts, including assembled uppers and parts for SBR and pistol builds. Get in touch with them at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have any other questions.
For more information about Micro Conversion Kits and Glock 19 Upgrades Please visit : MCS Gearup
