0
A compensator on a handgun is something that vents the hot gasses and pressure upward, which pushes the barrel downward. This is a way of reducing muzzle rise or muzzle "flip" which is the upward component of recoil.
(The reason a handgun flips upward when you shoot it is because the recoil is generated in the barrel, and the barrel sits above the place you grab the gun.)
A compensator is sometimes called a muzzle brake.
The same effect can be achieved by "porting" a gun's barrel, which means to drill some small holes in the top side just a short distance back from the muzzle.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
BeauYou're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
SteveKnowledge is a journey, you know? We'll get there.
Chat with Steve
JordanLooking for a career mentor? I've seen my fair share of shake-ups.
Chat with JordanAdd your answer:
Earn +20 ptsQ: What is a Compensator on a handgun and what does it do?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
Trending Questions
What is manufacture date of SW model 18-3 serial 8K97430?
What is the Value of a Stevens Model 948 Single Barrel 12 gauge Shotgun In very good condition?
Savage 12 gauge model 30T how do you remove the barrel?
How much is a smith and Wesson 9mm mod 5946 worth?
What is the date of your Browning Bar semi-auto serial 90 654M69?
Crosman 760 powermaster serial 05825828 any way to tell age?
What is the value of a Belgium made browning 16 gauge automatic shotgun. This gun is very old and is numbers 2924g?
How do you put the safety on a gun?
What looks like a screwdriver but has a sharp pointed tip?
What is the value of a Montgomery Ward Triumph SxS 12g shotgun pat date 1915 in 99 condition?
What is the age of a ruger sp101 with serial number 573-10327?
How old is a Winchester model 62 serial number 15308?
How do you get the firing pin to go back in to the bolt of a terni6.5mm carcano?
What size ammo does the 22 s-l-lr ranger model 103-13 shoot?
Can you shoot any other bullet than a round ball in your cva hawkin?
What years did Thompson center produce the thunder-hawk?
When was Walther P38 serial number 2419 j produced?
What is the value of a bkw 92 223?
What cal is the eddystone serial184304?
What is the value of a brand new colt sporter lightweight 7.62x39?
Copyright ©2025 Infospace Holdings LLC, A System1 Company. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Answers.