In this short firearm guide, let's briefly talk about the difference comparing muzzle flip vs recoil.
A better understanding of this can improve your shooting skills as well as fine-turn your gun to have faster follow-up shots.
In addition, the Mantis X10 can help diagnose your shooting performance in real time and actually track your muzzle movement, and pinpoint your error and improve your skills.
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Muzzle Flip
Referenced Larry Vickers
Muzzle flip is the "rise up" motion of the barrel tip when the bullet exits the barrel. It's mostly influenced by the recoil energy, and how much it rises can vary based on:
- Caliber
- Power charge
- Gun grip angle
- Grip techniques
- Firing rate
- Barrel harmonics
- Barrel length
- Overall gun weight
Normally, for a handgun, the muzzle flips upward and to the area of least resistance.
Some firearm parts are designed to reduce muzzle flip. The most popular product for an rifle is a muzzle brake at the end of the barrel, and you can check out more here.
Reduces muzzle climb and muzzle sway
Recoil
Recoil is the energy felt by the shooter. It's the rearward energy generated when a round is discharged. It varies mostly based on:
- Firearm action
- Buffer system
- Bolt mass
- Bolt travel distance
- Bullet weight
- Firing rate
- Caliber load (energy)
- Muzzle velocity
It's a result of conservation of momentum
Newton's 3rd law (Law of Action & Reaction) - A directional force will generate equal and opposite reaction
Several firearm companies have been very innovative in the last few years. They've came up with new ways to mitigate recoil on new weapon systems as well as existing designs.
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KRISS VECTOR Super V system redirects the energy down instead of straight back to the shooter's shoulder
AR15 short stroke piston design. (Referenced PWS)
Referenced Larry Vickers
AK (piston system) recoil is felt more on the front of the gun than on the stock
How To Reduce Muzzle Flip
Recoil directly affects muzzle flip. Controlling recoil takes practice and proper training.
Please check out these tips here
For red dot sight users, managing muzzle flip and recoil is important to get accurate shots and have fast follow up shots.
Muzzle devices are now more popular on pistols, and you can check out these new compensators for here