Review: AR Compensator Comparison - A2 vs YHM Phantom vs PWS FSC556 (pics/vids)

[esrice]

AR Compensator Comparison
by: esrice

About the only thing I had yet to change out on my Bushmaster M4 ( https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/long_guns/28436-my_bushmaster_m4_build-in-progress.html ) was my muzzle device. After shooting other INGOers guns with various compensators and flash suppressors, I was curious what would work best for my purposes.

Over the past several months I had been looking at several different types of comps and flash suppressors. I began my search right here on INGO:

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ensator_muzzle_brake_flash_hider_quitest.html

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/accessories_and_gear/16614-ar_muzzle_brakes_comps.html

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...7749-flash_suppressors_and_muzzle_brakes.html

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/accessories_and_gear/115912-contemplating_a_compensator.html

Based on the recommendation of Tinman, I decided to start with a Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 5C2 Compensator. At just $30, I could afford to review and compare it without breaking the bank. I was able to pick one up from INGO Advertiser SSNFA.

I then enlisted the help of a few more INGOers to do a side-by-side review of 3 muzzle devices.

But, before I get to the testing, some definitions are in order.

Compensator: a device that redirects the outward gasses upwards, helping to reduce muzzle flip/rise. Sometimes also called a "muzzle brake".

Flash suppressor: a device that reduces the flash signature of the burning gas. Sometimes also called a "flash hider".

Comp/Flash suppressor combo: a device that attempts to do both functions. Sometimes you'll see a compensator with some flash suppressing abilities, and sometimes you'll see a flash suppressor with some compensating abilities.

For our testing, we got one of each.

• Bare muzzle - we used this as a baseline
• A2 birdcage - flash suppressor - $5
• YHM Phantom 5C2 - compensator - $30
• PWS FSC556 - comp/flash suppressor - $90

Our review team (L-R) lovemywoods, esrice, tyler34, theweakerbrother

Host weapon:

• Spike's Tactical ST-15 M4 LE (right out of the box)
• Aimpoint H1 in LaRue mount
• Precision Cartridge .223 (Lake City Brass)
• Magpul PMAGs

Range setup:

• Single target stand with backer at ~7yds
• Video camera on tripod to shooter's immediate right

Purpose of test

• To compare and contrast the effects of various compensators and flash hiders among several shooters, in varying degrees of daylight
• Results are in the form of shooter’s opinions and observations—no scientific data was gathered

We broke the testing down into two "sets" of tests.

The first set of tests was performed in daylight (overcast), with the purpose of comparing felt recoil and muzzle rise. This test was 100% subjective, as we relied on the opinions of each shooter. We all utilized different stances, holds, and body positioning while shooting, and therefore recoil affected us all differently.

We started without any muzzle device at all, to form a baseline. We each took a turn shooting this way. Then we installed the A2 birdcage, and again each took a turn. We did the same procedure for the YHM Phantom and PWS FSC556. Each shooter was instructed to engage the target with 5 rounds in a slow but steady cadence.

For comparison's sake, I compiled the videos by shooter. This allows the viewer to quickly see how each device affected their ability to control recoil and muzzle rise.

(be kind about the videos, I just learned how to edit them today)

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mvboxFBDv0"]YouTube - AR Compensator Comparison - esrice[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0demiC7vO0"]YouTube - AR Compensator Comparison - tyler34[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heL3zBqUvsA"]YouTube - AR Compensator Comparison - theweakerbrother[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCe60x_o0XY"]YouTube - AR Compensator Comparison - lovemywoods[/ame]

Although the optic was not zero'd to this particular rifle, we all agreed to keep our point-of-aim on the center of the red zone during our strings of fire, as point-of-impact was inconsequential to our results. I gotta say I was pretty impressed with our final grouping. This represents 80 rounds.

The second test was performed under the cover of darkness. This time we only had a single shooter for each device. The shooter was instructed to engage the target with 5 rounds in a slow but steady cadence, followed by 5 more rounds in rapid fire.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs4cFg2myac"]YouTube - AR Compensator Comparison - Flash hiding abilities[/ame]

From the videos the viewer should be able to start forming their own opinion based on what they saw.

Here are some of our opinions and observations, in no particular order:

esrice

• One of the first lessons we learned was the importance of "timing" or "clocking" your muzzle device, so that it is in the correct position relative to the ground. All 3 of our devices had to be in a specific position. When we didn't have the right combination of shims and had to leave one a few degrees off, we could tell the difference in the recoil impulse.
• The A2 seemed to have a harsher recoil impulse than when it had no muzzle device at all.
• The YHM made a noticeable difference in felt muzzle rise verses the A2. Reviewing the video confirms that I shot much flatter with it.
• I could detect no difference in muzzle rise between the YHM and PWS.
• Both the YHM and PWS were more "blasty" than the A2. The YHM "affected zone" seemed to be more behind-and-to-the-side of the shooter, and not so much directly beside, while the PWS "affected zone" was to either side of the shooter.
• While both the YHM and PWS comps were more "blasty", I didn't notice them being particularly "louder". Part of this result could've been because of my wearing electronic earpro.
• The PWS had a different and distinct sound signature.
• The bare muzzle had an interesting "tulip-shaped" flash signature that extended 6-8" from the muzzle.
• The A2 did the best job at suppressing the flash.
• The YHM did have the most flash, and it was in a "star" pattern.
• The PWS had more flash than the A2, but less than the YHM. It tended to look like a ball at the end of the muzzle with tiny "sparklers" coming from the ball.

tyler34


theweakerbrother


lovemywoods

• All the flashlights that the 4 of us had just about equaled the number and total lumens of the lights Rhino carries on is person all the time!
• I have rarely shot in the dark. It was a nice preview of the ACT Low Light class I’m taking in a few weeks.
• The bare muzzle shots produced a nice 6” ‘tulip’ shaped fireball.
• I was surprised by the intensity of the counterclockwise impulse when the A2 birdcage was a few degrees off its correct position. Really taught me the importance of correct clocking of the compensator/suppressor.
• Tyler34 and theweakerbrother did an admirable job on the roast with potatoes and carrots!
• I second that shooting stuff is fun!

Conclusion

Shooting stuff is fun. Shooting stuff with friends is even more fun.

Thanks tyler34 for providing the PWS FSC556 and theweakerbrother for being the "key grip". You guys make an excellent review team.

And special thanks goes to lovemywoods for providing the range, the host gun, and the ammo. Oh, and dinner. Did I forget to mention dinner?

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Original thread here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...yhm_phantom_vs_pws_fsc556_pics_and_video.html
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