5 Best M1A Muzzle Brakes in 2023

M1A rifles are reliable battle-tested guns that are ideal for sports and hunting. However, they have a snappy recoil when compared to, for example, an AR-15 and, therefore, require a muzzle brake to improve accuracy. A muzzle brake is a device that attaches to the end of a rifle barrel to reduce recoil and muzzle rise, making it far easier to shoot accurately and comfortably.

So, if you need to tame your M1A’s recoil, join me as I take an in-depth look at the best M1A muzzle brakes you can buy, starting with the…

Best M1A Muzzle Brakes To Buy in 2023

1 Smith Enterprise Springfield Muzzle Brake – Best High-Performance M1A Muzzle Brake

The Smith Enterprise Springfield Muzzle Brake significantly decreases recoil even on select-fire rifles, making it a perfect choice for professionals who want to maximize accuracy and comfort. It replaces the flash suppressor without needing any modifications. It also includes a castle nut set screw and a front sight dovetail.

This is a two-piece muzzle brake, and each one is machined from a different type of steel and features a 5/8-24 thread pitch that fits most M1A rifles. It has a smaller profile than traditional brakes, and it has a nitride coating for increased resistance. Overall, this high-performance muzzle brake for M1A will reduce recoil by up to 60%, making it a great option for CMP matches.

2 SLR Synergy – Most Balanced M1A Muzzle Brake

The SLR Synergy muzzle brake significantly decreases muzzle rise and recoil during shooting. It’s on the heavier side, weighing 4.1 oz, but it feels light on the gun. In fact, it’s so well balanced that the extra weight is hardly noticeable while shooting.

It produces a minimal side blast thanks to its stainless steel construction, giving it increased durability and longevity.

The SLR Synergy muzzle brake is an excellent choice for casual shooters and regular hunters. Overall, the Synergy muzzle brake works nicely. It reduces muzzle rise and provides a balanced feel.

3 Springfield Armory M1A Muzzle Brake – Most Compliant M1A Muzzle Brake

The Springfield Armory muzzle brake is a direct replacement for the original flash hider, retaining the legality of the rifle (but check in California; things change there by the minute!). It has a neatly finished exterior and can be installed in a matter of minutes, and comes with everything you need to get started.

It’s built of high-quality steel for long-lasting shooting, and the front side slide is securely placed and anchored. It is designed specifically for the M1A rifle and features a four-chamber design that reduces recoil and muzzle rise.

If you live in a state with strict gun laws, the Springfield Armory muzzle brake is a good alternative. If you’re a recreational shooter, it’s a savvy solution to state regulations.

4 Surefire ProComp Muzzle Brake – Best Affordable M1A Muzzle Brake for Recoil Reduction

The SureFire ProComp provides the best recoil reduction for the money. It’s a hybrid brake/compensator with holes at the top to reduce vertical movement.

It has two side vents and two blind pilot holes located at 3 and 9 o’clock, which reduces side-to-side movement. Another nice feature is the blind pinhole at 6 o’clock that you can use to pin and weld onto shorter barrels. Overall, its performance is rather good considering the price.

5 VG6 Gamma 762 – Most Accurate M1A Muzzle Brake

The Gamma 762 muzzle brake is one of my favorite high-performance brakes. It’s designed using cutting-edge engineering techniques like CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and is CNC machined for maximum performance.

This is a muzzle brake and compensator hybrid featuring slots at the top to help reduce vertical movement. However, it does have a pretty brutal side concussion; your neighbors at the range won’t like you!

Shooting accuracy is improved, and the top compensator vents do their job well. The VG6 Gamma, like the Surefire, also includes a blind pinhole. Overall, the VG6 is an excellent choice for a decent balance of price, accuracy, and recoil reduction.

Best M1A Muzzle Brakes Buyers Guide

Cost

For most shooters, the muzzle brake’s price is the deciding factor. The best cost up to $250, not including the installation. More expensive muzzle breaks tend to have better quality and performance. But if you’re a novice or a casual shooter, picking a cheaper option is fine; you can always upgrade later if need be.

Weight

Muzzle brakes are made of stainless steel, which adds a few ounces to the rifle’s overall weight. And heavy muzzle breaks that weigh 4 oz or more or longer units may change your rifle’s center of mass, causing problems.

Therefore, remember to check the brake’s weight and overall length. You should also consider the extra weight of your scope and mount if you’ll be using one with the muzzle brake.

Installation

Even if you’re a novice, there are many brakes that are simple to install on your rifle. But, depending on the model, you may need to have it threaded and aligned at your local gunsmith shop. This leads me on nicely to…

Alignment

Buying a unit that’s already threaded and includes washer nuts will save you money and a trip to the gunsmith.

Vent Pattern

You need to consider the unit’s vent pattern and direction. Some feature vents and cuts running perpendicular to the barrel, while others are oriented toward the rifle to reduce recoil. The vents on top of the barrel also eliminate muzzle rise, allowing for rapid and easy adjustment of successive shots.

Durability

Once you’ve decided on a budget for your muzzle brake, you should consider durability. Heat-treated stainless steel is used in the best units since they last longer and can handle more stress.

Look for muzzle brakes with CNC machine precision cutting. It’ll cost more upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run. It’s also a sensible investment if you intend to use your gun regularly.

Finish

Finally, coatings are important to longevity since they affect a muzzle brake’s material durability. For example, high-quality muzzle brakes will have a manganese phosphate finish with a black nitride coating.

Buying muzzle brakes with these finishes protects your equipment from pressure, heat, moisture, wear and tear, and grime. Therefore, your muzzle brake will reduce recoil, improve accuracy, and generally last longer.

Compatibility with your rifle

Obvious, but often overlooked, go for a muzzle break that features a 5/8-24 thread pitch which should fit most M1A rifles. Always make sure that the one you are thinking of buying fits your specific rifle; if you’re not 100% sure, ask the manufacturer directly.

Intended Use

If you often shoot in low-light conditions, then a flash hider may be a better option for you. But if you’re looking to maximize accuracy and comfort, a muzzle brake is the better choice.

Looking for More Quality Accessories for Your M1A?

Then, take a look at our in-depth reviews of the Best M1A Bipods, the Best Scout Scope for M1A, the Best M1A Stocks, the Best M1A Cleaning Kit, as well as the Best M1A Magazines that you can buy in 2023.

Or, if you’re thinking of adding another rife to the gun safe, check out our comprehensive comparison of the M1A vs AR10 or M1A Scout vs SOCOM 16 CQB, plus our reviews of the Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Rifle, the Springfield M1A SOCOM 16 CQB Rifle, or the Springfield Armory M1A Tanker.

Plus, if you’re thinking of a scope mount for your M1A, take a look at our Bassett vs Sadlak M1A Scope Mount comparison. Or how about our guide to Hog Hunting with your M1A or some Facts About M1A Rifles to impress your buddies with in 2023?

Which of these Best M1A Muzzle Brakes Should You Buy?

Lots of options, but which one is the best? Well, in my opinion, it’s the…

Smith Enterprises Springfield Muzzle Brake

Its IronPort design works great for decreasing the M1A’s recoil, letting you fire consecutive shots without realignment. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hunter, or just starting out, this is a great muzzle choice for your M1A.

As always, stay safe and happy shooting!