Chad Wallace

May 21, 2020

Matador Arms "The Regulator"

Chad Wallace

May 21, 2020

Matador Arms has been making various aftermarket firearm parts since 2015. They have made products from an SKS chassis to a folding stock adapter. In the range of accessories they manufacture is “The Regulator.” The Regulator is a fully adjustable muzzle brake available in 4 different calibers. I installed the .223/5.56 one on a 16” AR-15.

The first noticeable attribute of The Regulator is its length. It is notably longer than what you may be used to. It measures in at 3.6” long. This is partly due to its adjustability. One probably won’t be able to use this in 3 gun competition, due to a 3” muzzle device rule, but that wasn’t a concern to me. The outside diameter comes in just over an inch at 1.08”. This is also partially due to the adjustability of the Regulator.

The Regulator is essentially a 3 port compensator. Meaning it has 3 large ports on each side, somewhat facing rearward, and 3 holes in the top. The 3 top holes force the muzzle down upon firing. While the 3 side ports help to pull the rifle forward to aid in felt recoil. Of course, the Regulator has the advantage of being adjustable.

Yes, I did mention adjustability, and this is where The Regulator shines. With the Regulator, you can adjust the compensation from all the way off (closed) to fully on (open). In between off and on, are roughly 60 different adjustment points. Best of all, no tools are needed to adjust it. Just turn the adjuster nut at the front of the Regulator. Every 1 of the 60 “clicks” is an adjustment toward closed or open. If you are at an indoor range, for instance, you might want to close the Regulator so you don’t blast the shooters next to you. However, if you want the full compensation effect, open the comp all the way up. If you want to tune your specific ammunition to the firearm, start with the Regulator fully open or closed, and start adjusting until you get the desired amount of compensation. I found that with my rifle there was too much compensation when the Regulator was opened up the whole way. I ended up adjusting it 9 clicks away from full open. This gave me zero muzzle rise and a decent reduction in felt recoil. When I used the Regulator fully closed off, it was exactly like shooting a rifle without a muzzle attachment of any sort.

Installation is pretty straight forward. In order to install the Regulator, one must first disassemble the muzzle brake. To do this, unscrew the adjuster knob until it comes off. There may be a little spring pressure on the knob, so be careful. Then slide the outer portion of the Regulator off, and the short spring, leaving behind the inner compensator. Install the inner compensator with the 3 holes facing up. Matador Arms includes a crush washer and shims for the install. The inner comp has wrench flats to aid in properly torquing down the compensator. Then reinstall the outer components and hit the range. The inner compensator would also work as a stand alone brake, but I don’t know why one would want to do this.

I tested the Regulator quit a bit. I even measured the muzzle rise, shot times, etcetera with my Mantis X10. I really do like shooting with the Regulator adjusted to my rifle. It definitely reduces muzzle rise to nothing, or even negative muzzle rise if adjusted all the way open. I was able to get faster, accurately placed, follow up shots. From 0.3’s to 0.15-0.20 second split times. I did notice that if adjusting the Regulator between strings of fire, it is hot, so wear a glove, or use some sort of thick cloth. Since the Regulator is adjustable, it will work well on shorter barrels. Shorter barrels usually produce more escaping gases, causing standard muzzle brakes to over compensate. With the Regulator, just adjust the gas output down and this problem is solved. When shooting the Regulator closed, I could definitely notice that it was much quieter to my ear. When fully open, it is loud to the shooter and those near the shooter, but that is just the drawbacks to any compensator. Oh, and sometimes with the Regulator closed, it produces a very large muzzle flash, quite exciting for someone if they aren’t expecting it.

I can say that I am very impressed with the Regulator. Matador Arms did a great job in designing adjustability into a good 3 chamber compensator. It does everything they told me it would do. Go check out Matador Arms, if nothing else, Canadian gun companies could probably use some of our help right now.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Easily adjustable muzzle brake

Target Market:

Those wanting to tune a muzzle brake or be able to completely close the brake off

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

60+ adjustable settings - full open to full closed
No tools needed to adjust
Triple chamber brake, when not closed
Black Nitride coating
4140 steel
3.6” long
1.08” Outside Diameter
6.8 ounces
Shims and Crush washer included

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

7.62/308, 9mm, 6.5mm

Our Rating:

Pros:

Super Adjustable
Reduces recoil and muzzle rise
Nitride coated
No tools needed for adjustment

Cons:

Long
Heavy
Not legal for most action rifle competitions (3” long x 1”diameter)

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link: Gun & Gear Cult

Chad Wallace

April 12, 2020

Review, muzzle brake, Strike Industries, Mass Driver

Strike Industries Mass Driver Comp

Chad Wallace

April 12, 2020

Review, muzzle brake, Strike Industries, Mass Driver

Strike Industries recently released a compensator for Glock style pistols. It is called the “Mass Driver”. The compensator system is 50 state legal and available for Gen3 or Gen 4 style G19’s and G17’s. The Mass Driver comp I received is for a Gen 3 17. I installed it on a custom Polymer 80 PF940V2 (G17 size) pistol. The Mass Driver system is pretty unique in its application.

Strike Industries did everyone a favor by offering the Mass Driver comp as 50 state legal. To do this, it does not use a threaded barrel. Instead the Mass Driver uses a special guide rod assembly and springs. I won’t go into installation, but Strike Industries does have a nice video of it. The guide rod assembly is what ties the whole compensator and springs together. It also keeps the compensator from twisting side to side too much. On my particular sample, the Mass Driver rests against the muzzle end of the slide. It does wear the finish a little on the slide where the compensator meets the front edge. The inside of the Mass Driver is beveled, I am assuming this is to square it up with whatever slide you use it with. For instance, I am not using it with a factory Glock slide and it functions and looks just fine. This system also allows for these modifications to not be permanent.

A unique feature of the Mass Driver comp comes from the dual spring system. Part of the reason the compensator is called the Mass Driver, is because it actually drives the compensator forward under firing. As the bullet exits through the compensator, it “drives” the compensator forward. Then the recoil causes the slide to move backwards. Of course the Mass Driver also has ports to let muzzle gasses escape upwards and sideways, thus helping to reduce even more recoil. Because of the “counter recoil” system, it feels different when shooting the pistol, definitely not a bad thing. It is really hard to explain the recoil impulse. It is less than a non compensated pistol, of course. But it is different then a standard compensated pistol also. For me, it feels really soft, akin to shooting a 22 magnum pistol. The Mass Driver comp really does make the gun shoot more comfortably.

The Mass Driver comp performed well for me. I had a 30-50% reduction in recoil, according to the Mantis X10. It is a definite reduction in recoil for me. Split times for me were about 0.10 seconds faster with the Mass Driver installed. This data was with 115 grain FMJ’s, so shooting hotter loads may actually help with even more recoil reduction. I did notice that every once in a while, the first shot would not always shoot to point of aim. I am guessing that the Mass Driver comp didn’t seat against the muzzle correctly when hand cycling the pistol. Causing the recoil gases to be expended at a different angle. It wasn’t enough to prevent me from ringing 10” steel plates at 15 yards, but was noticeable on paper. I did run some 124 grain FMJ’s through it also without any problems. In all the rounds through the comp, I have had very few malfunctions. Actually, I have only had 2 failure to eject’s with my least favorite 9mm. There were more when other people shot it, but in my opinion, they didn’t have a good enough grip on the handgun, so not a Mass Driver fault, more of a public service announcement.

I do believe that Strike Industries made the Mass Driver comp for post apocalyptic movies. This compensator looks like it should come straight out of a Mad Max movie. It is that sexy. But along with sex appeal, it has function. The Mass Driver is the same width as a standard Glock slide, it does add about 1 ⅝” in length to the pistol. Meaning it does have the ability to fit in most open bottom holsters. I tried it in 3 different open bottom holsters, and it fits in all 3. The comp just sticks out the end.

I am really glad that Strike Industries came out with an effective 50 state legal compensator. It really does do everything a compensator should do, at a price that is even far less than some screw on comps. It performed better than I expected for a non-threaded compensator. If you live in one of those not-so-free states, or just want a decent compensator, definitely go give the Mass Driver a look.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

50 state legal Glock compensator

Target Market:

Those wanting a compensator without needing a threaded barrel

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

No threaded barrel needed
Counter recoil design, as the slide moves back the comp moves forward to reduce felt recoil
50 State Legal
CNC machined
No permanent modification of weapon required
Compatible with most open-bottom holsters
1.675”L x 1.030” W x 1.430” H
All installation hardware included
Manganese Phosphate finish

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Gen 4

What others are saying?:

James @ Primary Arms 5/5 stars

AMAZING COMP

This Comp is AMAZING! Works way better than comps that cost twice as much. I have about 700 rounds through it so far and no issues yet. Shoots incredibly flat, and looks awesome. Only issue is that its corners are slightly larger than the glock slide frame, so it makes it a tight fit into and particularly out of holsters where the comp gets pulled forward as you draw the pistol. No functional problem, but slightly annoying

Link to other reviews:

TFB TV

Price point:

MSRP = $89.95

Retail = $79.99 at Primary Arms

I need it now! Availability:

Strike Industries or Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

Recoil reduction
Inexpensive
Fits in many holsters
No permanent modifications to firearm
50 state legal

Cons:

First shot is off
Slide wear

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link: Gun and Gear Cult

Chad Wallace

January 7, 2018

Trojan Firearms, muzzle brake, Review

"The Grater GenII" Muzzle Brake

Chad Wallace

January 7, 2018

Trojan Firearms, muzzle brake, Review

Trojan Firearms sent me one of their “Gen II, The Grater” muzzle brakes when they sent the straight trigger that was reviewed earlier. Trojan is probably more noticeable for their pistol caliber carbines and California compliant rifles. This muzzle brake is the same one that they install on their “1776” rifle. This muzzle brake was supplied for review.

The Grater is a nice looking muzzle brake. It has a Black Nitride finish, so it should hold up for a long time. Trojan manufactures the brake out of 4140 steel and it is threaded ½-28. It has 3 chambers to help mitigate the recoil impulse, in which it does a wonderful job. It also comes with an aluminum anodized jam nut, so you can index the brake wherever you like without having to use a crush washer. The jam nut concept is not new, but it does work, and since it is aluminum, you won’t have to worry about messing the threads up.

More important, is the fact that it has 10 tuneable ports. 2 on top, 2 on each side at 90°, and 2 on each side at 45°. These ports are threaded 6-32 and have set screws that can be installed or taken out. The screws bottom out so that you can’t screw them into the bullets path. With these screws, one cane tune the brake for particular ammo or if they primarily shoot right or left handed. It does take some patience to get it dialed in, but the results are worth it. Say your recoil impulse moves the gun up and right. Just remove one of the 45° screws, on the side of the movement, and shoot it again. If it moves a bit left, start by removing one of the left side 90° screws. Hopefully you get the picture.

As I mentioned earlier, The Grater does a wonderful job mitigating recoil. Even before “tuning” it to my ammo, I could tell a difference over the previous brake that I had on the rifle. I set up some targets at around 25yds to do some double taps on. At first the rifle moved a little bit up and right. After a little time spent messing with the screws, I think I pulled out a 45° and a 90° screw, it now shoots super flat. Double taps can be done as fast as I can pull the trigger and the sight picture barely moves. As with all true muzzle brakes, it does have the flaw of being extremely loud.

I think Trojan Firearms did an overall good job when making the Grater GenII. It does what a muzzle brake should, and has the added benefit of being “tuneable.” Yes it is not some fancy titanium, or have some space age looks, but it also won’t break the bank at $79.99. Go take a look at Trojan Firearms, they make an effective brake, if not other stuff one might like.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Tuneable muzzle brake

Target Market:

3 Gunners, shooters, or anyone wanting to reduce recoil

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

1/2-28 thread.
BLACKNITRIDE™ protective finish.
4140 Carbon Steel.
Ten position 6-32 tapped gas ports for fine tuning.
Three Baffle chambered system engineered for optimal recoil reduction and muzzle control.
3/4 wrench required for muzzle brake, 11/16 wrench for jam nut.
included jam nut 6061-T6 aluminum with black hard coat anodize
0.860” outside diameter
2.75” length.
Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $79.99

I need it now! Availability:

Trojan Firearms

Our Rating:

Pros:

Tuneable
Effectively reduces recoil
Jam nut
USA made

Cons:

Loud
Takes some time to tune

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link: Freedom Flag Products

Chad Wallace

February 19, 2017

muzzle brake, VDC Armory, PHNX-MBS

PHNX-MBS Muzzle Brake System by VDC Armory

Chad Wallace

February 19, 2017

muzzle brake, VDC Armory, PHNX-MBS

For some reason, I always seem to stumble across muzzle brakes. It's not that I am recoil sensitive, they are just neat. Plus, any recoil reduction helps to keep the muzzle on target. So today I bring you the PHNX-MBS muzzle brake system, from the fine folks at VDC Armory. Notice it says system, well that's because it is. The system makes it possible to install a threaded muzzle brake onto a smooth, or unthreaded, barrel.

When first looking at the PHNX, you notice it has 2 basic parts. The first is the mounting portion. This is the part that VDC cuts to your barrel profile. When ordering, you must measure your barrel at the muzzle, and 1.5" back from the muzzle. This mounting portion is then clamped to your smooth barrel with 10 allen head screws. The supplied instructions are very thorough, so I'll just briefly go over them. When installing the PHNX, VDC says to put loctite on the barrel, and then slide the brake onto the barrel. This acts as a lubricant and sealant. Then tighten the screws evenly. Now wait at least 30 minutes until you progress to the next part.

Now on to the second part of the PHNX, which is the muzzle brake part. Now that the adapter has been mounted, slide on the crush washer and then thread the muzzle brake on. Tighten it down with the top holes up, and the line even with the line on the adapter. Now we get to try it out.

Top with center grooves lined up and holes facing up

The PHNX muzzle brake works very well. I shot it with and without the brake to see the difference. I mounted it on a .243 Winchester rifle. You might not think a .243 has much recoil, but this brake tamed the felt recoil by a ton. When shooting offhand, I can see hits through the scope, something I couldn't do without the brake. The brake also wasn't as loud as I expected, it didn't even make other range goers question it. Now to the PHNX's benefit and my junk science, it came in at a 56% recoil reduction. My junk science consists of measuring the distance the rifle moved during recoil, with and without the brake.

As with most muzzle devices, it does affect some aspects of the rifle. For one, the point of impact moved down about 3". My rifle is using a lightweight barrel profile, a heavier barrel may not change as much. The other noticeable effect, at least in my case, was the change in barrel harmonics. One of my pet loads didn't shoot near as good after installing the brake. I guess it's back to the old reloading bench. However, some of my other loads were not effected.

Some side notes. The PHNX-MBS system is NOT to be used with a suppressor. I'll take VDC Armory's word for that, as I wouldn't want to damage anything or myself. They also scribe in your provided dimensions on the bottom of the adapter. The adapter is threaded 5/8-24, so any other brake of that size can be screwed onto it also. The coating used to make the supplied PHNX black, looks pretty thick but seems to wear fine.

This PHNX muzzle brake system might not be what everyone is looking for. But as an option for not threading the barrel, it works great. The install is very easy and comes with great instructions. VDC even sent a couple extra screws. It exceeded my expectations for a clamp on system. The PHNX is well engineered and is a good muzzle brake. If this type of system interests you, give VDC Armory a look.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Clamp on Muzzle Brake System

Target Market:

Those wanting a changeable muzzle brake system without having to thread their barrel

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Clamp on system
Effectively threads barrel for muzzle brakes
No gunsmith installation
Threaded 5/8-24
Stainless Steel
Custom made to your barrel
Made in U.S.A.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Smooth Stainless, Tumbled Stainless, or Flat Dark Earth

What others are saying?:

Couldn't find any

Link to other reviews:

AmmoLand Review

Price point:

MSRP = $114.00 as tested

Retail = $99.00 - 114.00

I need it now! Availability:

VDC Armory

Our Rating:

Pros:

Very Effective muzzle brake
Easy Installation
Threaded for 5/8-24
Takes standard muzzle brakes
Dimension markings on bottom of clamping system
Made in U.S.A.

Cons:

POI Shift
Thick coating
Only sold as system
No suppressor use (I was hoping)

Score: 7.50 Good

Chad’s Favorite Link: AR15 Podcast

Chad Wallace

September 13, 2016

Odin Works, muzzle brake

ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator

Chad Wallace

September 13, 2016

Odin Works, muzzle brake

Odin Works has been making quality AR parts for many years. The new ATLAS compensator is no different. Odin works was kind enough to send me the ATLAS 5 for review, they also sent me an O2 light handguard that I reviewed earlier.

I was curious about the ATLAS after we had talked about it on episode 136 of the Gun & Gear Review Podcast. After receiving the ATLAS 5, I immediately took it apart into it's 3 sections. Basically you have an inner compensator, that would probably work by itself, an outer shell, and a nut to hold it all together. The inner comp is made from 416 stainless steel and the outer comp shell is made from titanium.

Now onto installation of the ATLAS. Assuming that you have already taken off your old muzzle device. All you need to do is screw on the inner muzzle body on and tighten it with a 7/8" wrench. No crush washers or shims needed. Then slide the outer shell over the body with the index mark pointed up. Now tighten the nut on, also with a 7/8" wrench. Then there are 3 set screws, on the end of the nut, that you tighten down with the supplied wrench. These help keep everything locked in place. After you have adjusted the brake like you want, I would put some threadlocker on them. To time the brake, loosen the set screws and the nut, then turn the outer shell slightly toward the recoil impulse, and tighten it down again. So if the muzzle jumps slight up and right, turn the shell right. One can also drill the top hole in the Atlas shell out larger if timing it doesn't do enough for you. But go slow, you don't want to go too far. I didn't like how I had to use a 7/8" wrench. The standard is a 3/4" and it would have been nice to be able to use a standard AR tool for the adjustments.

How does it work? Well, it works pretty good. It is not the best that I have used, but it is far from the worst. It does reduce muzzle rise, and can be drilled out for your particular load. It reduces the felt recoil down alot. It seemed to work better on my 16" then my 11.5". But it still worked okay on the shorty. It resides on the shorty for now. The reason, because once it it timed for a particular rifle, it doesn't need anything else. So I can just unscrew it, screw the suppressor on, and vise-versa.

The ATLAS 5 comp is really a trade off. On one side, it is easily adjusted, but on the other side, it doesn't work quite as well as some other comps. But with all that said, it is really nice for someone that removes their comp alot and still wants something that actually works as a comp. Go check out Odin Works, even if your not in the market for a comp, they probably have something you want.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable rifle compensator that does not use crush washers or shims for timing

Target Market:

AR-15 users who want a compensator that can be adjusted (timed) easily

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

3-piece design
Stainless steel and Titanium sleeve
1/2-28 Threads
2.56" long
1" Diameter
Weighs 4.1 ounces
Available in 7.62 also
Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Atlas 7 (7.62/.30 Cal)

What others are saying?:

Chris @ OdinWorks: 5/5 stars

Easy install works awesome

Easy peasy install took about 2 minutes on my Del-Ton AR15. At the range was truly awesome. Was back on target so fast due to so much less recoil I was shocked. I was slightly high right, made an adjustment to the break not my scope and boom dead on sub MOA at 100 yards, I had not done that before with this rifle.

Eric @ JoeBobOutfitters: 4/5 stars

Excellent Tunable Flash Hider

The Odin Atlas was incredibly easy to install and doesn't require a crush washer which is a big plus. As long as it is tight, it doesn't really matter what configuration the holes line up like.
Tightening down the cap with the three screws secures it perfectly and the outer sheath around the main body really does help tune your rifle from left and right movements.
It does a great just of reducing flash as well. Overall, I find this flash hider/compensator to be outstanding.

Link to other reviews:

Sootch00 @ Full30

Price point:

(MSRP versus actual retail)

MSRP = $99 @ Odin Works

Retail = $94.05 @ Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

Odin Works or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

Easily Adjustable
No Crush Washer or Shims needed
Good at keeping muzzle on target
Reduces Recoil

Cons:

Doesn't use standard 3/4" wrench
Loud (but it is a compensator)
Didn't come with instructions. Must go to Odin works faq

Score: 7.5 Good

Chad's Favorite Link: Veterans Forward Operating Base (VFOB)

Chad Wallace

March 8, 2016

talon, Review, axelson tactical, muzzle brake

Axelson Tactical TALON muzzle brake

Chad Wallace

March 8, 2016

talon, Review, axelson tactical, muzzle brake

The AxeTac TALON muzzle brake is made by Axelson Tactical out of Nevada. If you recognize the name it might be because the company was started by the brother of Matt "Axe" Axelson of Lone Survivor Fame. They have brought out a number of products for AR-15 type rifles, along with their AXE series complete rifles.

I have put quit a few rounds through the TALON brake they sent me. I also have shot a couple of the AXE rifles with them installed. The brake does an excellent job of reducing felt recoil, not that a 5.56 AR has much recoil. But what I was most impressed with was its ability to keep muzzle rise to almost nothing. It was easy to get accurate double taps, shooting off hand, at a 24" steel target at 200yds. This was with a 16" barrel and a red dot optic.

The AxeTac TALON is sold as a muzzle brake, but it really is more. It is noticeably louder than a standard A2 flash hider, but not as loud as my 3 port comps that direct the blast out the sides. The TALON also does a great job as a flash hider, keeping the flash contained within it. And as a compensator it also does an excellent job. It will still allow some of the blast to go forward, but it doesn't seem to hurt its effectiveness as a comp. I ran the TALON on a 16" and an 11.5" AR. Yes, it worked better on the 16", but it worked quite well on the 11.5" also.

Now onto the technical stuff. The TALON has 3 small slots, 1 facing up, and the other 2 facing the sides but slightly lower than 90 degrees. It also 2 large ports between the small slots. And 3 open ports at the end spaced evenly. The bottom is mainly closed except for the port at the end of the muzzle. Also on the bottom is the Axelson Tactical logo. The brake is 0.940" in diameter, and 2.5" long, not counting the crush washer (which is included). There are also flats to fit your standard muzzle device tools or a 3/4" wrench. It is made from stainless steel, heat treated, and then black Melonite coated. It is threaded the standard 1/2"-28.

I would not hesitate to install one of these on another rifle. The finish is excellent. It does a good job at being a comp, brake, and flash hider. It's made in the USA. If you are looking for a good all around muzzle device, check into the Axelson Tactical TALON muzzle brake.