Thread: Muzzle brakes, Suppressors, and Accuracy

Originally Posted by Puffin

Deviating off-topic somewhat I know, but these are interesting comments: could you please explain to me the physics of any enhancement in recoil reduction from having a "muzzle brake" internal to a suppressor beyond the spreading in time of the gas generated impulse with an associated reduction in intensity that is inherent to a suppressor function in standard configuration?

The basic principle of operation in any muzzle brake (whether or not it is in a suppressor) is that a series of faces at right angles to the bore are impacted by the rapidly expanding muzzle gases, tending to push the rifle forward which counteracts the recoil to some degree. In some semi-auto actions, this forward pushing force (combined with a different gas pressure curve) can short-cycle the action and the rifle needs to tuned to function properly after suppressor installation.