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Probably dumb question, but can a compensator affect the rifle precision?

pepelefrog

Private
Minuteman
Aug 3, 2019
83
11
I have a Tactical Innovation 22LR compensator. I starting to notice that if i have the comp off, the group is very consistent and precise. However, if i put it on, the group start open up and there are couple flyers. I check the bore and saw no obstruction in the comp or barrel itself. Is there something wrong with my comp or there's other problems i need to look at. Any input would greatly be appreciated.
 
Is your's a radial comp? If so, and it's been on there for a while, it is leading up enough to where crap is intruding into the bore to where it is touching random rounds as you shoot or, the buildup is breaking off as you shoot and falling into the path of the bullet. The closer the bore of the comp, the worse the effect.
 
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Is your's a radial comp? If so, and it's been on there for a while, it is leading up enough to where crap is intruding into the bore to where it is touching random rounds as you shoot or, the buildup is breaking off as you shoot and falling into the path of the bullet. The closer the bore of the comp, the worse the effect.
Yeah, it's a radial comp. I normally run patches through my bore and the comp at the same time. I thought that would clean it. What would you recommend to clean that type of comp.
 
Yeah, it's a radial comp. I normally run patches through my bore and the comp at the same time. I thought that would clean it. What would you recommend to clean that type of comp.
Quickest way is to take it off of the barrel and use a close fitting punch, pushing it through each port all the way from one side to the other, to clear the passages. Do the same thing through the bore and finish by flushing with brake cleaner.

Unless you need the sideblast from a radial comp to trip a shot timer, there's no real benefit to running one (on a .22).
 
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Yeah, it's a radial comp. I normally run patches through my bore and the comp at the same time. I thought that would clean it. What would you recommend to clean that type of comp.

Try soaking it in a high concentration of Lemi Shine in hot water.

BTW, I agree that the issue is most likely the harmonics difference between having it on and off. If you're set on having a compensator, you might look to a tuner for your barrel that you can adjust so you get the accuracy you want.
 
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I also had a radial compensator and had similar issues. Took my compensator off to clean it. OMG I couldn’t believe all the crap that came out! I had to use a punch to get everything clean out.

I haven’t put it back on since. I just put the thread protector on while I wait for my Harrell tuner.
 
Muzzle brake completely useless on rimfire rifle (OK, maybe on steel challenge race gun). It does, however, introduce variables in the harmonics of the barrel, carbon build up on brake and muzzle, small things that can change the accuracy. Why deal with it if not needed, you can buy thread protector that doesn't have all the issues. Paper shooters may pick up on changes pretty quick but steel shooters may not notice until it's ugly.
 
I have found that putting anything on the end of the barrel can cause things to change. I’ve really chased my tail trying to figure out why my shots were moving around only to find out that it was the latest widget I bought and placed on the barrel was causing problems. For me it has been flash hiders , brakes, comps, suppressor mounts alone and with the suppressors. Now I always test my guns at longer distance with a bare barrel and then mount up whatever device I’m wanting to try. Last time out I was fighting a flash hider. Removed it and everything went back to normal ( 100 yards. FH on 2+ inch groups. FH off 1 inch group. )

I don’t shoot suppressed anymore if absolute accuracy is required because my experience has shown that having the suppressor on causes me unpredictable behavior. Warm vs cold can. Take the can off and remount etc. Also on both me and my wife’s 6.5 Tikka TacA1’s our groups opened up running the suppressors.

so yes putting anything on a barrel can change how it performs.

my advice. Shoot it bare. Then shoot it with your device. Preferable on same day and see if you have any issues. Also go long with your distance. My experience has shown me that I need to go to 200 yards to really see the changes or if there are no changes.

any closer and I’ve found that I just can’t be certain If it’s causing any issues or not.
 
Lmfao why would you ever run suppressor on rimfire? You guys are light years behind br shooters. Funny watching and reading all the bs. The work has already been done for you guys but you ignore it. Keep chasing your tail its funny.