Thanks for sharing.
So I've always questioned the choice of using a flash hider on what is essentially a CQB rifle. I know some trainers recommend it, but I never understood the logic. On a long-range precision rifle, where hiding your signature is critical, absolutely. But on an "up close and personal" rifle like an AK - famous for rapid fire, so controlling the muzzle to keep it on target is critical - it seems that a muzzle brake would be the preference. I get that muzzle control can be done with proper fundamentals, but if the brake can give you a bit more advantage then why not opt for one?
I welcome discussion.
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I guess its a personal preference thing, as my setups are pretty much the opposite of what you mentioned above.
As I don't deem myself an "operator" I will just talk about what works for me;
I find the loud report and concussion from muzzle brakes to be distracting, obnoxious to other shooters on the line at a range, particularly at a covered range like Desert Sportsman or the Clark County Shooting Park - because the reflected sound and echo makes a 556 sound like a 300 Win Mag, lol. I often shoot high volumes, and the extra sound created by a muzzle brake is very fatigue inducing. Also have never really seen any utility or need for a muzzle brake in either 223/556 rifles (AR/AK and other pattern rifles), or in 762x39 AK rifles. I simply don't find the recoil difficult to manage at all. Particularly as we are not talking about fully automatic rifles.
I CAN see the utility in a 762x51 NATO chambered rifle, as there is substantially more recoil and muzzle rise. I used to have a POF P308 with an aggressive brake (permanently attached from the factory on a 14.5 barrel). The brake worked, but OMG that rifle was obnoxiously loud with bad concussion to the sides. I got a lot of dirty looks at the range. Ended up only shooting it in the desert. So if I still had the rifle I would probably put a flash hider on it also.
Now I DO have ONE rifle that has a very effective muzzle brake - and as with most effective brakes it is also obnoxiously loud - but this one does serve a purpose. It's a "long-ish range precision rifle", lol. Reminton 700 with an aftermarket stock and Timney Calvin Elite trigger. The rifle has a 5-20x Trijicon Accupoint scope on it. Why do I like the brake on this particular rifle?
When shooting by myself, without a spotter, I found that without a brake the rifle would jump/move enough that I was unable to see if my shot hit (shooting steel usually at DSRPC). With the brake, the rifle stays still enough that I never lose sight of the target, even for an instant, and I am able to spot my own shot.
Even though it makes this rifle loud with a lot of concussion as mentioned, a typical range session might be a single 20-round box of match ammo, versus six or eight 30-round mags with an AR or AK.
Now I'll add an "operator" tip:
I would also think that a muzzle brake would be a poor choice on a CQB weapon, particularly if used indoors clearing buildings/houses etc due to the noise and concussion, and when working with a team, as your teammates would get a nice dose of that noise and concussion at any point NOT directly behind the weapon.
