<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (April 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (April 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A muzzle brake or recoil compensator is a device connected to the muzzle of a firearm or cannon that redirects propellant gases to counter recoil and unwanted rising of the barrel . The concept was first introduced for artillery and was a common feature on many anti-tank guns, especially those mounted on tanks, in order to reduce the area needed to take up the strokes of recoil and kickback . They have been used in various forms for rifles and pistols to help control recoil and the rising of the barrel that normally occurs after firing . They are used on pistols for practical pistol competitions, and are usually called compensators in this context . </P> <P> The interchangeable terms muzzle rise, muzzle flip, or muzzle climb refer to the tendency of a handheld firearm's front end (the muzzle end of the barrel) to rise after firing . Firearms with less height from the grip line to the barrel centerline tend to experience less muzzle rise . </P>

What is the purpose of a gun compensator