Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes Review

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Let’s Talk About Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes

The Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes is designed to enhance the accuracy and reduce the minimal recoil of the popular M&P15-22 rifle. This compensator, crafted by Volquartsen Firearms, promises to evenly disperse gases, thereby improving shooting stability and precision. My journey to find this particular compensator was driven by a desire to maximize the accuracy potential of my M&P15-22 platform, beyond what the factory setup allowed.

I’ve always been a firm believer in upgrading firearms, especially .22LR rifles, to reach their peak performance. The stock muzzle device on the M&P15-22 is functional, but I felt it was lacking in truly optimizing the rifle for pinpoint accuracy during rapid-fire drills. This prompted me to explore options like the Volquartsen compensator.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the solid feel and clean machining of the Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes. The black finish was even and aesthetically pleasing. The weight felt substantial enough to indicate quality construction without being overly heavy as to affect barrel harmonics negatively.

I considered a few other compensators, including some from Tacticool22 and Strike Industries. Ultimately, I chose the Volquartsen model due to the brand’s reputation for precision and performance, along with the specific 20-hole design which I believed would provide optimal gas dispersion. I was also swayed by positive user feedback mentioning improved accuracy.

My initial impression was one of excitement and cautious optimism. Would this compensator live up to the hype and noticeably improve my rifle’s performance? Only range time would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was partly sunny with a slight crosswind, providing typical conditions for evaluating accuracy. I focused on shooting groups at 25, 50, and 75 yards to assess any noticeable improvements.

The installation was straightforward, threading easily onto my M&P15-22’s barrel. I immediately noticed a difference in recoil; the already minimal recoil of the .22LR felt almost nonexistent. More importantly, my groupings at all distances seemed tighter compared to my previous range sessions with the stock muzzle device.

There were no initial issues, and the compensator performed as advertised. The most surprising aspect was the reduction in muzzle rise, allowing for faster follow-up shots.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes continues to impress me. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, attesting to the durability of the 416R stainless steel construction. The finish remains intact despite regular cleaning and exposure to various weather conditions.

Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s needed to keep it clean. Compared to my previous experiences with other compensators, the Volquartsen model requires less frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. The reduction in muzzle climb and improved group sizes consistently outperform my earlier setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes

Specifications

The Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes is CNC-machined from 416R Stainless Steel. It is finished in black. It is specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 rifle.

This 416R Stainless Steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion. The 20-hole design is intended to evenly disperse gases, minimizing recoil and muzzle rise. This results in improved accuracy and faster follow-up shots.

Performance & Functionality

The Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes significantly reduces muzzle climb. It also aids in faster target re-acquisition. These aspects allow for improved accuracy during rapid-fire scenarios.

The primary strength lies in its ability to minimize recoil. This allows shooters to maintain a stable shooting platform. However, the compensator’s design might not be as effective on rifles chambered in larger, more powerful calibers.

The Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes meets and exceeds expectations for a .22LR compensator. The improvement in accuracy and recoil reduction is noticeable.

Design & Ergonomics

The Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes features a solid build quality. The 416R stainless steel construction provides a robust and durable design. The compensator’s weight is negligible, having little impact on the rifle’s overall balance.

The installation is simple and requires no specialized tools. The design is user-friendly, with no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes, due to its material and construction, should last a long time. It requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with standard gun cleaning supplies is sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with any M&P15-22 that accepts standard threaded muzzle devices. It pairs well with aftermarket barrels, such as those offered by Volquartsen.

Pros and Cons of Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes

Pros

Noticeable reduction in recoil and muzzle climb.
Improved accuracy, especially during rapid-fire.
Durable 416R stainless steel construction.
Easy to install and maintain.
Aesthetically pleasing design.

Cons

Only compatible with .22LR rifles, specifically the M&P15-22.
May not be as effective on larger caliber rifles.

Who Should Buy Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes?

The Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes is perfect for competitive shooters. It’s also ideal for recreational shooters looking to enhance the accuracy of their M&P15-22 rifle. It’s also well-suited for instructors who utilize the M&P15-22 for training new shooters.

This product might not be necessary for casual shooters who are content with the stock performance of their rifle. Also, those seeking a compensator for larger caliber firearms should skip this product. A must-have modification is a drop-in trigger to further improve accuracy, as the factory trigger can be a weak point on the M&P15-22.

Conclusion on Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes

Overall, the Volquartsen Firearms Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Compensator w/20-Holes is an excellent upgrade for the M&P15-22 rifle. It delivers on its promises of reduced recoil and improved accuracy. The price is justified given the quality of materials and the noticeable performance enhancement.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this compensator to anyone seeking to maximize the potential of their M&P15-22. Take your M&P15-22 to the next level and experience the difference!