A couple of years back we reviewed an adjustable muzzle brake from Matador Arms and I have yet to see anyone else's design come close for the price. What is it and why would anyone want one?
The What: The Matador Arms Regulator lives up to its name. The Regulator serves as both a muzzle brake (controlling felt recoil) and compensator (controlling muzzle rise) with more than 60 adjustable settings. Unlike other adjustable muzzle devices the Regulator requires no tools or spare parts and can be adjusted on the fly in seconds, yet remains firmly in place once adjusted.
The Why: There are a couple of reasons why and adjustable muzzle brake is advantageous, especially when it can be adjusted at a moment's notice.
Tactically: Brakes are great when in a wide-open area, but can be detrimental in confined spaces. Rather than compromise on recoil reduction all the time, the Regulator lets you enjoy it when you can, tune it down or turn it off when dust, noise, or surrounding environment are not conducive.
Civilly: Depending on the caliber, muzzle brakes can be quite loud and percussive. When others show up at the rifle bay. Instead of being "that guy" giving everyone else headaches, and discouraging enjoyment of our civil rights, just twist the Regulator closed a bit.
Practically: If you've ever watched one of our What's For Dinner™ tests you know that different loads produce different recoil impulses. You may also have experienced or seen what happens when a rifle is over-compensated (the muzzle is pushed too far downward with each shot) or too much recoil is negated preventing a good shooting rhythm for quick doubles. The Regulator lets you tune your rifle to the ammo you like for maximum control. This makes spending big bucks on a famous-brand brake seem kind of silly.
Our Experience: We tested the Regulator on a 9mm large-format pistol (Freedom Ordnance FX-9 8") as a worst-case scenario. 9mm blowback guns tend to be heavy on felt recoil not because of the cartridge, but because of the operating system's reciprocating mass. Additionally, the 9mm bore, and short case length means that 9mm doesn't create as much gas pressure to act on a brake that 5.56x45mm or 7.62x51mm do. You've got less gas being distributed through a larger volume. Additionally, 9mm PCCs are a relatively heavy platform for the caliber they're firing. Combine all of those factors together and you've got one of the most difficult platforms for a muzzle device to be effective on. How did the Matador Arms Regulator do? See our 2019 video below.
Sorry about the wild YouTube restriction. We own this website and somehow can't override that.
Where can you find one?