Quick Tip - The Top Three Ways To Reduce Recoil On Your AR-15

2 months ago

In the Brownells Quick Tip video, Caleb from Brownells explains practical methods to make AR-15 rifles shoot softer and more controllably. He covers three primary upgrades: using a quality muzzle brake, upgrading to an A5-length buffer system, and installing an adjustable gas block. Caleb also discusses a bonus tip—adding weight to the rifle—as an additional method to passively reduce felt recoil. Along the way, he touches on the pros and cons of each approach, particularly in the context of fighting rifles versus competition guns.

What You Will Learn

Viewers will learn how to meaningfully reduce recoil on their AR-15 platforms, resulting in faster, more accurate follow-up shots and a smoother shooting experience. Caleb breaks down the mechanics behind recoil reduction upgrades, helping gun owners make informed decisions when selecting parts like muzzle brakes, buffer systems, and gas blocks.

Benefit

This video is especially beneficial for those setting up a rifle for serious training, defensive use, or suppressed shooting. By applying these tips, viewers can achieve better weapon control without sacrificing reliability—critical for both range performance and real-world applications.

Introduction

When it comes to the AR-15, many shooters might wonder why anyone would want to reduce recoil on a platform already known for being soft-shooting. However, as Caleb from Brownells explains, reducing even minor recoil can lead to faster, more accurate follow-up shots—critical for both training and real-world applications.

In today's Video, we'll break down Caleb's top three methods for minimizing recoil on your AR-15, plus a bonus tip that can make a big difference.

1. Install a Muzzle Brake

The most obvious and effective way to reduce recoil is by installing a quality muzzle brake. Muzzle brakes are specifically designed to redirect gases, reducing both felt recoil and muzzle rise.

Two excellent examples Caleb highlights are:

Ultradyne Muzzle Brake
Precision Armament Muzzle Brake

These brakes offer excellent recoil mitigation without the need for a suppressor. However, there's a trade-off: increased blast and noise. Muzzle brakes make your rifle significantly louder, unlike suppressors which not only cut recoil but also reduce sound signature.

2. Upgrade to an A5-Length Buffer System

Another critical upgrade involves the buffer system—specifically using an A5-length buffer and spring, such as the BCM Mark 2 Recoil Mitigation System.

Why is the A5 system so effective?

It offers a longer spring compression cycle, spreading out recoil forces more smoothly than standard carbine-length systems.
It includes a shock-absorbing buffer that acts like a "dead blow," reducing bolt bounce and felt recoil.
It increases reliability without sacrificing durability across different ammo types and operating conditions.

Unlike competition setups that often compromise service life and reliability for a softer feel, the BCM Mark 2 system provides combat-grade reliability along with a noticeable reduction in recoil.

3. Use an Adjustable Gas Block

An adjustable gas block fine-tunes the amount of gas sent back into your rifle's action, allowing you to run your gun with only the necessary amount of gas to reliably cycle the bolt. This means:

Less gas = less force on moving parts.
Less force = less recoil.

This upgrade is especially helpful if you run a suppressor, which otherwise increases gas pressure and recoil. Adjustable gas blocks allow you to maintain smooth, controllable operation whether suppressed or unsuppressed.

Bonus Tip: Add Weight

While not always practical, simply adding weight to your AR-15 can absorb recoil energy naturally. Heavier rifles move less when fired, making them easier to control.

This is often seen in competition rifles or precision AR builds where movement must be minimized. However, for a fighting or duty rifle, extra weight could hinder maneuverability, so it’s a trade-off depending on your application.

Final Thoughts

By upgrading your AR-15 with a muzzle brake, A5-length buffer system, and an adjustable gas block, you'll dramatically improve control, accuracy, and overall shooting experience. If weight isn't a concern, adding mass to the rifle can further tame recoil.

These tips aren't just for competitors—serious shooters, home defenders, and trainers will all benefit from a softer-shooting, more manageable AR-15.

Have questions or need help setting up your rifle?
Reach out to the Brownells Tech Line—our experts are happy to assist!