Well, ill be getting out of here soon and once I get out of here and leave Hawaii I plan on starting my gun collection. Ill be getting a shotgun, pistol (Springfield XD9), and a AR-15. Pistol and shotgun will be easy in customizing once I get out and shoot some. Going back on topic, what are the differences between a muzzlebrake and a silencer? Also does a muzzlebrake require that class III Federal license? Can you use a Muzzlebrake to hunt? How much does the muzzlebrake affect a weapons performance? how much does a silencer affect a weapons performance? Ive been looking on the AR-15 forum and I see people with a thick barrel at the end which looks like a silencer, but im guessing its a muzzle brake?
A muzzle break is very loud, and shows excessive muzzle flash (very bad in low light). They are used to stop muzzle climb (recoil) after the shot, so you are able to get back on target faster. You do not need any sort of license for a muzzle brake. It has no affect on velocity or accuracy. Yes, you could use one to hunt with. A silencer dues just that, silence the sound of the shot. I don't know a whole lot about their application because of the licenses and hassle of setting up a trust to be able to own one.
A muzzle brake reduces muzzle jump and the felt recoil somewhat. A muzzle break will make your weapon louder while a silencer will tone it down. A muzzle brake does not require a class III federal license as far as I know but that may vary state to state. I muzzle brake shouldn't affect your accuracy. Many Ar-15's have either a muzzle brake or compensator on the end of the barrel. As far as using them for hunting, check your state regulations but muzzle brakes should be ok.
Does a silencer create less of a recoil? I assume more as it has to absorb the sound? Also basing this assumption off of my days in playing Counterstrike where the crosshairs became larger faster with a silencer.
To add, I use a battlecomp flash hider / muzzlebreak. They are fantastic, they aren't loud and shows very little flash signature and does great at cancelling muzzle climb.
i have heard that since the muzzle break throws some gas back it makes them unbearable to shoot without hearing protection
