Best Muzzle Brakes for the Mosin Nagant – 2022 Ultimate Review

| Last Updated:
August 5, 2023

Government restrictions aren’t the only laws that can sometimes seem burdensome to gun collectors.

The laws of physics can also be problematic, and Isaac Newton’s third law of action and reaction can be a real pain in the neck - or at least the shoulder.

Many firearms have a nasty kickback on being fired due to the gun’s reaction to the bullet being pushed down the rifle barrel.

Comparison of the Best Mosin Nagant Muzzle Brakes 

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Threaded in ⅝-24
  • Made from high-quality materials.
  • Gas ports designed for rerouting propellant gas and preventing blowback.
View Latest Price →
  • Measured at 2.5 inches in length.
  • Compatible with 7.62x39mm caliber shots.
  • Made from high-quality weapons-grade steel.
View Latest Price →
  • Compatible with 7.62x54mm.
  • Made from high-quality material.
  • Designed to fit most Mosin Nagant rifles.
View Latest Price →
  • Made from high-quality materials.
  • Designed to fit Mosin Nagant rifles.
  • Includes screws for easier installation.
View Latest Price →

How to Choose a Muzzle Brake For Your Mosin Nagant

Choosing the best muzzle brake will take time and a little bit of skill. Especially if you need to know which characteristics and features make a muzzle brake stand out. You’ll need to distinguish a great one from a muzzle brake that is not considered the most reliable at all. Here are some things that you need to consider when choosing a Mosin Nagant muzzle brake:

The Price Tag Should Not be the Only Reason

Yes, the price tag will matter to you if you’re a budget shopper, but it should not be the only reason why you chose a muzzle brake for your Mosin Nagant rifle. You should consider paying attention to the quality and performance and consider those as the main reasons why you chose it. Find the best quality muzzle brake that you can afford and go from there, but don’t sacrifice quality because it’s at a cheaper price.

Find the Best Quality Materials

The best muzzle brakes are often made from the best materials. So if you have a muzzle brake that is made from steel or aluminum, there’s a good chance that it will stand the test of time, impact, and abuse. The better the quality, the better the chance that it will provide you years or even decades of faithful and dedicated service.

Easy to Install

Some muzzle brakes will be easy to install. Which means you won’t have to rely on the professional services of a gunsmith. If you lack the basic skills of gunsmithing, find a muzzle brake that is easy to install and takes the right kind of tools. You can, however, choose one that may require some gunsmithing. Unless you have some skill or are willing to spend extra money on the service, you should find a muzzle brake that is not complex to install.

Review of the Best Mosin Nagant Muzzle Brakes

Below is a list of the five best muzzle brakes that you can use for your Mosin Nagant. As you go through each one, you should take note of any features and characteristics that will stand out as interesting. You may find a muzzle brake that actually might stick out as the best one you can use.

Ready to have a more comfortable shooting experience? Now, let’s take a look at the first item on our list: 

Best Overall:
Precision Armament’s M-11 Severe-Duty Compensator

precision armament m11 muzzle brake

Pros

  • Reduces recoil quite a bit
  • Fits most Mosin Nagant rifles
  • Reroutes gas easily, it doesn’t blow back into your face
  • Easy to install, it takes a few minutes and the right kind of tools
  • Super durable, does an excellent job taking on all kinds of impact

Cons

  • Some fitting may be required
  • Some side blowback may occur
  • May have trouble lining up with the Accu washers

What Recent Buyers Report

A handful of recent buyers were quite satisfied with this muzzle brake. Most users were able to install this in a matter of a few minutes with the right kind of tools. One user said that once he was able to install this, he noticed an instant reduction in recoil. He also mentioned that the gas ports did an excellent job of rerouting the propellant gas. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This muzzle brake is durable, dependable, and does what it's supposed to do. It’s made from high-quality stainless steel and has a black matte finish for added durability. Plus, it’s threaded to fit most Mosin Nagant muzzles. So it will fit perfectly without having to make any sort of modifications to your rifle. With the placement of the gas ports, it gives the gas more avenues to expel out of the muzzle once the shot is fired. 

The Vossler brothers own the small company called Precision Armament, based in the town of Wellsville, New York. Precision Armament makes excellent muzzle brakes that have won some awards. The M11 Severe-Duty Compensator, the most wicked-looking brake, is no weak point in their broad product line.

The aggressive-looking M-11 reminds bystanders of the brakes found on WWII-era German panzers and is one of the company’s best-selling products. This device is almost 2.7″ long and weighs 5.6 ounces. That makes it larger than many of its competitors, but at the same time, when used with  .30 caliber rifles it reduced recoil by 65% compared to a bare muzzle.

Like other Precision Armament’s muzzle brakes, the M-11 is made on CNC machines from HTSR (“heat-treated stress-relieved”) 400-series stainless steel bar for superior heat and corrosion resistance.

The M-11 is a non-symmetrical brake, and it uses three side baffles and two large top ports to redirect escaping gases laterally and upward. The first massive asymmetrical blast baffle is the largest. Each of the two successive chambers decreases in size. The M-11 provides noticeable recoil reduction while minimizing muzzle rise and ground disturbance for prone shooting.

As the only downside, some shooters found that M-11 is one of the louder muzzle brakes.

Who Will Use This Most 

This will probably be used in any application. So if you’re a target shooter or a hunter that wants to reduce a good amount of recoil, a slight boost in accuracy, and overall reliability then this might be the muzzle brake that will get the job done. Just add it on in a few minutes and you’ll be ready and raring to go.

Bottom Line

The Precision Armament AR .308 M11 Muzzle Brake will be the best possible option for you if you want a muzzle brake that is considered the best of the best. It’s tough, reliable, and can give your rifle a few good benefits here and there. All and all, it’s the kind of muzzle brake that sets the example of what its real purpose is.

Runner-up:
DELTAC "Slingshot"

deltac muzzle brake

Pros

  • Super durable construction
  • Fits on most Mosin Nagant rifles
  • Easy to install, takes a few minutes
  • Some slight recoil reduction is expected
  • Gas ports are well-placed, they do a good job of rerouting gas

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, recent buyers were quite satisfied with this muzzle brake. They were quick to point out the durability of the unit. One user said he threw it on the ground to test out the durability only to find out that there were no scuffs or scratches. After installation, most of the users were quick to report that there was little to no side blast to report as well as a slight reduction in recoil.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This muzzle brake stands out as one of the few that are proven to be durable and long-lasting. The Mosin Nagant rifle is without question a hard-hitting rifle when it comes to firing power. So it needs a tough muzzle brake to handle each shot that you fire. Of course, it also does a good job rerouting propellant gas away from your face. Not to mention, this muzzle brake also doesn’t do something that many other models are guilty of--kicking up dust.

The DELTAC “Slingshot” is a fixed model with a good reputation. DELTAC is an American company based in Fort Worth, Texas. This muzzle brake for the Mosin Nagant usually comes in a complete threading kit that helps cut a 15mmx1 right-hand thread on the barrel. Though the DELTAC manual anticipates an advanced skill level for the installation, we recommend hiring a competent gunsmith who will ensure concentricity and clearance at the exit hole.

This efficient brake is machined from top-quality 4140 steel and finished in black oxide. It will provide a significant reduction of muzzle rise and recoil. The brake features three ports on each side to deflect the gases laterally while three additional holes on the top direct the gases upward to reduce muzzle climb.

This muzzle brake weighs 3 ounces and measures 2.5 inches long. The kit also contains the simple TAT (thread alignment tool) with a 2" long stem, #5 die handle and jam nut.

Who Will Use This Most 

Expect this to be used among many hunters and target shooters who use their Mosin Nagant rifles regularly. Especially those who shoot with bipods in the prone position. If you’re tired of unintentionally kicking up dust because of some powerful firing, then you’ll want a muzzle brake that will keep that to a minimum.

Bottom Line

The DELTAC Slingshot Muzzle Brake is tough all over and will be the kind of muzzle brake you’ll want in your arsenal if you want something that will stick with you for a long time. Once you install this, you’ll have something that will stick with you for the long term (provided that you take great care of your Mosin Nagant rifle).

Best for the Money:
 The Howling Raven Mosin Nagant 91/30 Muzzle Brake (Ebay)

howling raven muzzle brake review

Pros

  • Super durable
  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Recoil reduction is a bit noticeable
  • Easy to install, takes a few minutes
  • Looks pretty rugged once you install it

Cons

  • It doesn’t reduce a lot of noise
  • Might loosen up after multiple rounds
  • Screws may have a hard time staying in place

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with this muzzle brake and for a few good reasons. First, they were able to install this fairly quickly. Secondly, they noticed some recoil plus no dust kicking up due to the absence of gas ports pointing towards the ground. One user said that he has finally found a range-friendly muzzle brake he can count on.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This muzzle brake is by far one of the more affordable models on the list, and yet, it still behaves as if it were high-end. Typically this is what happens when we find items that are affordable for most budgets. You’re getting quite a steal here with something that’s made from high-quality steel and can take on some heavy-duty rounds that a Mosin Nagant rifle can handle.

When it comes to historical military firearms and their preservation, clamp-on muzzle brakes are the way to go. Howling Raven is one of the leading manufacturers, offering compensators with a well-thought-out design and function.

The HRMB-913 brake does not require gunsmithing or a threaded barrel. It simply slips around the front sight post and rotates counter-clockwise, locking around the post. It is secured with three brass set screws that you use to anchor it in place.

At almost 11 ounces, this muzzle brake is solid metal hardware machined out of 12L14 steel. It’s got an appealing black oxide finish. The company touts that its new HRMB-913 reduces felt recoil by 50%. It also eliminates muzzle rise substantially as it diverts hot gasses produced by the combustion of the propellant to the top and side ports.

The Howling Raven brake is priced fairly, but will only fit the Mosin Nagant model 91/30.

Who Will Use This Most 

This muzzle brake will probably be used by almost any Mosin Nagant rifle user that is looking for an affordable unit. Something tough, useful, and will do its job brilliantly. Once you’ve installed this puppy on your rifle, you’ll make it look like a rugged-looking rifle that will be the envy of the range or your fellow hunters. Either way, your Mosin Nagant will look better than ever and perform like no other.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a solid and rugged muzzle brake that won’t break the bank, the Howling Raven is certainly going to be the go-to choice. You’ll be surprised by how well this will perform and how tough it is against major impact. Especially for something that’s considered a “budget muzzle brake”. 

3. TPP-Mosin Nagant M44 Muzzle Brake

texas precision mosin nagant muzzle brake for the m44

Pros

  • Super durable construction
  • Recoil reduction is noticeable
  • Does a good job rerouting gas
  • Easy to install, takes a few minutes
  • It can easily fit older models of the Mosin Nagant rifle

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users were owners of much older models of the Mosin Nagant rifle. One user said that his rifle belonged to his grandfather who bought it back in the early 50s. After it was passed down to him, he was able to install a muzzle brake that ended up reducing a good amount of recoil and kept gas blowback to zero while target shooting and even hunting for whitetail deer. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This muzzle brake is one accessory that will make older Mosin Nagant rifles look modern. If you’re considering the idea of upgrading your rifle using a few accessories to make it look brand new, this muzzle brake might be a good place to start. Then you can go from there and replace the stock and a few other parts as well, but we digress. This muzzle brake is solid, sturdy, and has strategically placed gas ports. It’s also another muzzle brake that won’t kick up any dust at all.

As it previously mentioned, Texas Precision makes individual brakes for the different models of the whole Mosin Nagant family of rifles, but their most effective muzzle brake is for the short-barreled M44 carbine.

As some of you know, non-combusted gases in a short barrel make for a spectacular muzzle blast. That’s followed by excessive recoil when compared to standard, longer-barreled Mosins. Accordingly, Texas Precision manufactures a muzzle brake specifically for the M44 Mosin Nagant that does an excellent job in taming muzzle rise and makes shooting the 54R manageable.

Like the TPP model for the 9130, no gunsmithing is required for this model. It just twists on and is held in place with a few screws. With quality workmanship, Texas Precision assured that the inside diameter of their brakes is the same as the outside diameter of the carbine barrels.

Like 91/30 brake, the carbine variant features a total of eight ports that improve the performance of the M44. This good-looking piece of metal makes the Mosin comfortable to shoot even from the prone position since it considerably reduces your dust signature.

The only gripe we’ve heard is from a few people who regret that they can’t extend and use the bayonet while this brake is clamped on.

Who Will Use This Most 

This will be used by those who not only have older Mosin Nagant models, but it will fit just fine with some of the modern rifles (made after 2005). You can put this to good use when you’re either hunting or out at the range. Either way, you’ll experience reduced recoil and no side blast or blowback at all with this muzzle brake.

Bottom Line

The M-44 Mosin Nagant muzzle brake by Texas Precision Products is probably the only muzzle brake you’ll need to make your old school Mosin Nagant rifle look new again. Best of all, it’s easy to add to the rifle without damaging it or making any kind of permanent modifications to it, and that is something your father or grandfather would appreciate (assuming they’ve passed a Mosin Nagant down to you). 

5. TPP-91-30 Mosin Nagant 91-30 Muzzle Brake

Pros

  • Recoil reduction of up to 45%
  • Reduces a lot of muzzle climb
  • Easy to install, it requires no gunsmithing
  • Super durable, it can handle all kinds of impact
  • Lightweight, it does not add any additional weight to the rifle

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users loved this muzzle brake for a few good reasons. For one, they were able to easily install this in a matter of a few minutes. Even better for them, they instantly noticed a reduction in recoil and muzzle jump once this was installed. One user said that it doesn’t even kick up a lot of dust like some muzzle brakes that he’s used in the past. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This is made from the same company as the previous muzzle brake (the Howling Raven). The Texas Precision Products company once again proves itself as one of the names to look out for when you’re looking for a muzzle brake or even other accessories for your Mosin Nagant rifle. The durability is top-notch and will take on all kinds of impact. 

The engineering team at Texas Precision Products LLC (TPP) from Mineola, Texas has almost 4 decades of machining experience in firearm accessories. They manufacture muzzle brakes as for most of the Mosin Nagant classical varieties as well for the modern assault rifles and combat shotguns.

Generally, their devices require no gunsmithing. They install via a clamp-on system and set screws. A TPP muzzle brake for the Mosin Nagant 91-30 is mounted on the barrel by slipping it over the muzzle, rotating it 90 degrees, twisting it around front sight post and tightening the set screws. Simple enough, and no gunsmithing required!

The brake features two large round ports on each side that divert the gases left and right. Four smaller ports on the top direct the gases upward to reduce muzzle climb.

By many reports, this muzzle brake dramatically reduces the amount of muzzle rise. The manufacturer claims the muzzle drops about half an inch when firing in order to keep the shooter on target. They also say that shooting a Mosin-Nagant with their muzzle brake is like shooting a .243. That would mean that your 7.62mm recoil is reduced by up to 45%.

Muzzle Brakes from TPP are made of 6061 T-6 aircraft-grade aluminum. That means these weigh in at only 3.5 ounces.

Who Will Use This Most 

This would be a great muzzle brake for the heavy-hitting Mosin Nagant rifles. If you want something that will reduce recoil and give your rifle a boost in accuracy, this might be exactly what you’ll need. Especially if you’re a hunter that needs to land a kill shot while having better control over your rifle and not dealing with any kind of muzzle jump in the process.

Bottom Line

The TPP 91-30 Mosin Nagant Muzzle Brake is probably your best possible option if you want less gas blowback, less recoil, and more control over your rifle. If you think this little accessory can’t get the job done, you’ll be very surprised. This might be your best chance at making your Mosin Nagant perform much better in any application.

Benefits of Muzzle Brakes

A muzzle brake has a few very satisfying benefits associated with it. The very first is a reduction in recoil. Muzzle brakes have numerous holes on them which direct the expanding gasses out from the muzzle in different directions, to significantly reduce the recoil of a rifle. Good muzzle brakes are known to reduce recoil by almost 50%.

A muzzle brake also reduces the sideward and upward motion of the rifle, generally a result of the recoil from the expanding gasses. This helps with a quicker realignment of shots. This way, you don’t have to adjust your sights after every shot, which is a big problem, especially with large caliber guns.

Both these benefits subsequently lead to a greater purpose. Which is the accuracy of a rifle. Lesser felt recoil and better realignment improve the accuracy of a rifle,  a prime trait a shooter expects from their weapon.

The Development of a Concept

The concept of muzzle brakes started to be applied as early as the 1930s, first in field artillery and later on many anti-tank guns. The system was efficient and soon armies began to scale down muzzle brakes for small military arms, which were in fact not so "small" because they were cumbersome anti-tank rifles.

After World War II, muzzle brake designs came into use on sporting rifles mainly limited to custom guns. Muzzle brakes are now common on even relatively weak .223 caliber rifles.

Deltac

Before World War I, the British found that 15 ft. lbs. of free recoil energy was the maximum allowable for a  service rifle. Above this level, recoil can lead to a gun-headache and shooters flinching. The British .303 Lee-Enfield infantry rifle was below that figure, but the Russian Mosin Nagant produced 15 ft. lbs. of free recoil energy chambered in rimmed 7.62x54R. For comparison, the iconic American .30-06 cartridge generates approximately 20 ft. lbs. of recoil energy when fired from M1903 Springfield.

The idea behind a muzzle brake is to partially divert combustion gases to counter the recoil and unwanted rising of the barrel that follows the firing of the gun. Nowadays, the construction of a muzzle brake - sometimes known as a compensator - can vary. There is a simple diagonal cut at the muzzle end of the barrel such as on the AKM, but there are also more advanced designs using baffles and expansion chambers to slow escaping gases.

Taming Mosin Nagant

Most gun enthusiasts agree that the Mosin Nagant firing a full-powered cartridge is on the upper scale of tolerable recoil for the average shooter. With that in mind, muzzle brakes are a prominent part of the project of transforming a Mosin Nagant into a sporting rifle that’s more controllable and more pleasant to shoot.

With the growing popularity of this old warhorse in civilian markets, the industry offers a wide variety of different devices as an upgrade to an old gun.

Gunsmiths will confirm that best method of installation is threading the rifle’s barrel. This provides great accuracy and safety. Also, these brakes tend to last longer and are more efficient than clamp-on models.

On the other hand, one of the leading advantages of the clamp-on brakes is the affordability and simplicity of mounting. They also preserve the historical and monetary value of your Mosin Nagant.

As you probably realized by now, the fixed muzzle brakes require barrel threading. This should be done by a competent gunsmith. The cost generally runs from $50 to a few hundred dollars. That can be from half to double the cost of the gun itself, but if you want a safe, reliable job, don’t go cheap - a $10 threading usually isn’t good for the gun or for you.

However, there are a couple other problems from a technical aspect. The vintage Mosin Nagant rifles, particularly those produced during wartime, don’t really adhere to strict measurements and standards. Among the issues is that many of them do not have perfectly-centered concentric bores. That means that the external threads may not be harmonious with the diameter of the bore, causing a threaded muzzle brake to be off-kilter.

Also, the Mosin owner should know that a typical 7.62 or 30-caliber brake won’t work. Soviet weapons commonly use a 7.92 mm (.311 in) groove diameter with a land diameter of 7.62mm (.300"). On top of that, corrosive ammunition has caused, even the PU Sniper rifles to have bore diameters up to .313”. So the only option is to use a muzzle brake specifically made for the Mosin Nagant.

Muzzle Brake Types

There are dozens of muzzle brakes available for the Mosin Nagant. Generally, they are divided into two categories by barrel coupling permanent or clamp-on brakes. The permanent muzzle brakes require you to thread your barrel and do allow the option for additional accessories like a suppressor where is it legal. The clamp-on or bolt-on muzzle brake attaches externally behind or around the front sight base and is secured via set screws.

Some Drawbacks

Muzzle brakes have an obvious effect on recoil reduction, taming muzzle rise, flash hiding and ground disturbance. Nevertheless, these little works of art will also add some length and mass to your rifle. This increases its inertia and moves its center of mass forward, changing the balance.

Another side effect caused by some designs have led to the device being nicknamed a  "loudener." By redirecting the gas to the sides and upward, the brake can actually increase the sound signature of a supersonic bullet. It’s enough to want to double up on the hearing protection when shooting a lot, and for that reason, muzzle brakes are also prohibited on some gun ranges.

Conclusion

A muzzle brake can be a huge help in reducing recoil and keep your aim on target when shooting with your Mosin Nagant. While a permanently-fixed piece is safer and more reliable, it does gunsmithing and hurts the historical integrity of the rifle. A clamp-on muzzle brake can serve well if you are sure to attach it correctly. Happy shooting!

Ankit

Ankit Kumar is an engineer turned writer who specializes in topics related to firearms, gun safety and weapon tech. His passion towards enrolling in the Army drifted his interest towards light and heavy firearms. He’s a qualified competitive air rifle shooter and an avid nature lover. His other areas of expertise include survival, prepping and firearms/ammo storage. When he’s not writing, he’s either learning a new skill, trekking or enjoying a long drive.

Leave a Comment