4 Almost a 5 star Posted by Ron on Jul 28th 2020

I would have given this compensator a 5 star rating but for one fatal flaw: it took a lot of experimentation to find a combination of washers to get it positioned with its top facing upwards and perpendicular to my AR pistol.



When I initially put it on the barrel with the crush washer, the top was facing 90 degrees to the left. I tried putting it on without the crush washer and this time the bottom was facing upwards. I tried using two crush washers and the top was positioned at a 45 degree angle. I decided to try using thin lock washers (that have little spokes around its edges). For that, I had to visit my local Lowe's Hardware store to buy them (they come two to a bag).



I first tried putting one lock washer in place of the crush washer but the top of the comp faced to the right after tightening it. I then tried two lock washers and the top was about 10 degrees tilted to the right (with the gun pointed downrange) . However, I hadn't tightened the compensator yet so there was room to turn it normally in a clockwise direction. I used an adjustable pliers with rubber tips to twist the compensator clockwise until the top was finally perfectly aligned with the pistol. I haven't shot it yet and if I can update my review, I'll report on its performance at the range.



One last thing I need to mention is that I purchased a second compensator like this one but coated. Actually, the coated one I bought first but because shipping on it had been delayed, I got the stainless version second since its shipping time was shorter. I did try installing the coated one after unsuccessfully trying to install this one and the results were about the same except for one thing: after trying on each of the compensators, where they stopped on the barrel was not in the same place. This means that the inner threads on them were not cut the same. What I don't know is if the threads on my AR pistol barrel are different from what would be found on other AR barrels. It may be that the threads on other AR barrels are standardized in some way so as to ensure that this compensator will be facing in the proper direction when installed securely.



If that is not the case and this compensator must be installed in one and only one position (with the top holes and logo facing upwards), then there should be a series of thin shims (washers) sent with it so they can be used to adjust for differences in barrel threads as I did with my lock washers.