Compensator vs. not on large caliber 8.38 barrel?

[JRyan]

Can someone explain to me what would be the real/perceived difference of a compensator on an 8.38 inch barrel vs. no compensator?

I know it will supposedly help keep you on target etc. I have also heard that this will greatly annoy anyone in the next lane....

I've never fired anything in a handgun larger than a .44 mag and I've never fired any revolver with a compensator at all.

I'm thinking of an addition to the family so I want to get as much info as I can, then try both.

Searching revealed almost too much in a wide array of topics.... so if I searched badly sorry.

Thanks,

 

[seanc]

It re-directs a good portion of gasses up or to the sides, it could cut recoil substantially. Instead of all the gasses coming straight out of the barrel causing the recoil directly backwards, into your hand/shoulder. Redirecting the gasses will cut down the recoil and muzzle jump can also aid in quicker follow up shots.

 

[JRyan]

Thanks. Does it remove otherwise useful energy? sorry, the interwebs are full of contradictory info so I'm banking on you guys to be correct.

 

[M1911]

Thanks. Does it remove otherwise useful energy? sorry, the interwebs are full of contradictory info so I'm banking on you guys to be correct.

The compensator is near the end of the barrel. Let's assume that the compensator holes end 1" from the end of the barrel. If you assume the worst case, that all pressure is diverted through the compensator, then you effectively have a 1" shorter barrel. In the best possible case, there would be no difference. The reality is probably somewhere between the two. If you can find ballistics tables for 7.38" and 8.38" barrels that would likely give you the range of possibilities.

So, figure out how long the compensator is that you are considering, and then go look at ballistics tables.

 

[JRyan]

The compensator is near the end of the barrel. Let's assume that the compensator holes end 1" from the end of the barrel. If you assume the worst case, that all pressure is diverted through the compensator, then you effectively have a 1" shorter barrel. In the best possible case, there would be no difference. The reality is probably somewhere between the two. If you can find ballistics tables for 7.38" and 8.38" barrels that would likely give you the range of possibilities.

So, figure out how long the compensator is that you are considering, and then go look at ballistics tables.

Makes sense to me, thanks!

 

[saltydude]

You never mentioned what caliber you intend on compensating.
In most cases, calibers such as standard pressure 9mm or .38 special are typically not worth compensating & yield little results.
However higher pressure/ velocity calibers such as 9mm major, .38 super & .357 mag are.
Even some large calibers lack the pressure to make a comp work effectively
Something to think about when configureing a compensated handgun.

 

[JRyan]

I was looking at this with twinkle in my eye:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57771_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

hit refresh of you get an error, site seems flaky to me.

 

[M1911]

So, what are you worried about then? The S&W 500 has so much energy, so WHAT if you lose 10% of it. You think a deer would be less dead if you hit it using compensated 500 as a opposed to an uncompensated 500?

You really might want to try one before you buy it.

 

[JRyan]

So, what are you worried about then? The S&W 500 has so much energy, so WHAT if you lose 10% of it. You think a deer would be less dead if you hit it using compensated 500 as a opposed to an uncompensated 500?

Not really, my question is more based on curiosity because I realized all I ever see about compensators is how the guy next to you is going to be pissed.

 

[JRyan]

Yep, trying before buying is definitely part of the plan. I will probably enjoy it though.

 

[Gammon]

You never mentioned what caliber you intend on compensating.
In most cases, calibers such as standard pressure 9mm or .38 special are typically not worth compensating & yield little results.
However higher pressure/ velocity calibers such as 9mm major, .38 super & .357 mag are.
Even some large calibers lack the pressure to make a comp work effectively
Something to think about when configureing a compensated handgun.

Comps work well in low pressure calibers such as the 9mm and 45 ACP. They are more effective in higher pressure rounds like the Super, etc. Many people forget that the comp first appeared in practical shooting when the 45 ws king and revolutionized the sport. The 38 Super came along a little later. I was one of the first kids on my block to have a comped .45 (Plaxco Comp) and the advantage was huge. Comps are very effective, even with lower pressure rounds.

 

[JRyan]

Comps work well in low pressure calibers such as the 9mm and 45 ACP. They are more effective in higher pressure rounds like the Super, etc. Many people forget that the comp first appeared in practical shooting when the 45 ws king and revolutionized the sport. The 38 Super came along a little later. I was one of the first kids on my block to have a comped .45 (Plaxco Comp) and the advantage was huge. Comps are very effective, even with lower pressure rounds.

Interesting, but your post makes sense to me as even a 9mm as recoil, light as it is. If you extend the barrel a little and add a comp I can see how that would keep you on target.

 

[HiggityHank]

Not really, my question is more based on curiosity because I realized all I ever see about compensators is how the guy next to you is going to be pissed.

With a 500mag it doesn't matter, the guy next to you will be pissed either way.

 

[JRyan]

With a 500mag it doesn't matter, the guy next to you will be pissed either way.

Probably. I'll put some extra foam and another set of cans in my bag.

Or I'll tell him to stop being a bitch and bring his balls with him to the range next time.

Not sure which will work better, but it's good to have options.