First Impressions: Mission First Tactical AR-15 Muzzle Devices

It was inevitable. The folks at Mission First Tactical, no longer content to provide fine furniture for your AR-15, have extended the company’s already considerable line into other shooting accessories. While its line of AR-15-ready stocks, pistol grips and handguard offerings has been steadily adding SKUs and options, the company has also been busy introducing other AR-15 parts like magazine releases, gas blocks and now Mission First Tactical muzzle brakes.

Three variants are currently available: a muzzle-brake-only device (E2ARMD1), a hybrid muzzle-brake/compensator (E2ARMD3) and a straight compensator (E2ARMD4). All are designed to reduce felt-recoil, all are constructed of 416 stainless steel with a slick-looking black-nitride coating and all are designed to work with .223 Rem./5.56 NATO-based rifles. A MilSpec crush washer is included with each device, Mission First Tactical offers a lifetime guarantee for all options and all items are made in the U.S.

Each device is clearly directional—a welcome development for anyone that’s ever turned a muzzle device over and over wondering exactly which way is up. All have a standard .625-inch slot for easy torqueing into place with a standard AR-15 Armorer’s wrench, and the hardy black nitriding should easily weather installation.

Additionally, each device is unique in its own way from extant muzzle devices. The standard brake is, to use a word familiar to fans of Mission First Tactical, minimalist in nature, matching general barrel diameter for an unobtrusive-yet-quite-functional appliance. The hybrid brake/compensator offers clean, fluid lines that belie its function, and the compensator’s operation is evident in the design without being garish or overbuilt.

For those that prefer flash hiders, no worries. A familiar-looking device is in the works, as is a 5-direction compensator. There’s no word on whether units will become available for .30-caliber barrels, but keep an eye on the folks at Mission First Tactical for the newest offerings and innovations.

MSRPs start at $39.99 for the standard muzzle brake, $69.99 for the hybrid and $99.99 for the compensator.