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View Full Version : BCM GUNFIGHTER Compensator MOD 1 - 5.56



Eric
10 August 2013, 00:05
GUNFIGHTER Compensator (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCMGUNFIGHTER-Compensator-MOD-1-5-56-p/bcm-gfc-mod-1-556.htm)
•Compatible with A2-mounted suppressors due to unique external geometry.
•Tuned slots and interior cone offer maximum in recoil mitigations, compensation of muzzle-rise, and flash reduction.
•Dual action brake minimizes side pressure and designed to have much less noise asscoiated with typical compensators. Makes it perfect for working in teams for CQB. It is a compensator that is built for the 21st Century Gunfighter!
•Stainless Steel construction for maximum corrosion resistance
•Predrilled hole at the base for permanent installation.
•Includes a Crush Washer
•Should be installed by a qualified military armorer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Bravo%20Co/IMG_4624sm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Bravo%20Co/IMG_4624sm.jpg.html)

The BCM GUNFIGHTER Comp has been out for a while, but I waited to see how they were accepted by some folks who were in the know; not that BCM hasn't done their homework. To date, feedback has been positive. I picked one up that was a take-off from a project somebody else was working on, so please forgive the obvious wear shown. The AR15/M4/M16 has been wearing some type of muzzle device since the first versions were put into service about 50 years ago. For the most part, the military versions were flash hiders, with little to no compensator properties. Check out your favorite on-line vendor and you'll see that we now have a metric ton of choices for various muzzle devices, whether they're listed as brakes, compensators, flash hiders, recoil reducers or some combination thereof.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Bravo%20Co/IMG_4616sm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Bravo%20Co/IMG_4616sm.jpg.html)

Although armorer or gunsmith installation is recommended, it's as simple as securing the barrel (a barrel vice is recommended), spinning off the old muzzle device if so equipped and spinning on the new BCM Comp. A crush washer is supplied. Just be sure to time the device to top dead center. I used my HammerHead Tool (http://www.hammerheadrifletool.com/HammerHead_Rifle_Tool/HammerHead_Rifle_Tool_Home.html) which made removal and installation a piece of cake. I noticed the wrench flats are positioned further forward than many others, giving the standard width wrench plenty of room to turn without contacting the crush washer. After installation I checked my zero (as you need to with any muzzle derive swap) and found the point of impact had shifted about 1.5".

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Bravo%20Co/IMG_4620sm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Bravo%20Co/IMG_4620sm.jpg.html)

I'm sure the question that everyone has will be, how does it stack up against the well established BattleComp (http://www.battlecomp.com/) and the standard A2. First of all, we all need to agree that a muzzle device that acts as both a comp and a flash hider is a compromise. It will not accomplish both tasks as well as a product dedicated to addressing just one aspect of the blast of gasses exiting the muzzle. The goal on such a device is to find a reasonable blend of recoil/rise control and flash control. With that said, the BCM GUNFIGHTER Comp does just that. When compared side by side with the BattleComp, I was truly hard pressed to tell if there was a difference. My testing was admittedly flawed, since the existing BattleComp was on a 16" midlength and the BCM was on a 16" carbine. From the shooters prospective, the blast (pressure and volume) was about a tie. I had a few folks standing at other positions and a couple thought the BattleComp was a little bit louder. Muzzle flash appeared to be very similar between the BCM and BC as well, but as expected, a bit more than an A2. Muzzle rise and perceived recoil was just about the same between the BCM and BC equipped carbines.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Bravo%20Co/IMG_4636.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Bravo%20Co/IMG_4636.jpg.html)

The BCM GUNFIGHTER Comp is something that I could see being used on a patrol carbine, or something in a similar role. Unlike some muzzle devices that make shooting uncomfortable even with proper hearing protection in place, the BCM comp keeps the noise at a workable level.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaz2bdDQ63g

My apologies for the meager video. I was limited to my cell phone and on a public range that limited rate of fire.
BCM GUNFIGHTER Comp followed by BattleComp.

UWone77
11 August 2013, 21:40
Nice review Eric. Based on the video it's hard to tell the difference if any between the 2 as far as muzzle rise and flash suppression.