In order to maximize the performance of our 5.56 AR-style rifles, we typically need to be picky about the parts we use and we need to be sure they do exactly as advertised. Muzzle breaks are said to lower felt recoil and muzzle rise. In my test of the CruxOrd muzzle break, I am using my IWI Tavor, which has the same threading on the barrel as your typical AR-style rifle, except I have a space/adapter thavorat I will use to tighten the muzzle break with. The bullpup is slightly more telling of the recoil effects of the 5.56 round since you are closer to the muzzle, as you are on a short barreled AR-style platform, which also has slightly more recoil and muzzle rise. This is going to allow me to get a decent idea of what kind of help this muzzle break gives to you controlling the recoil.
COMPANY
CruxOrd is a CNC machining company that is based out of the Chicago area in Tinley Park, IL. They manufacture a good variety of items that are designed to assist you in customizing the performance and appearance of your firearm. Their designs are mainly based off of the Glock and AR-style platforms. Each one of their products are made to stand out from the rest in quality and performance. You definitely do get what you pay for with this companies products.
DESIGN
CruxOrd advertises their muzzle break to be the first one of its kind. It uses 3 double Helix baffles that redirect the gasses axially in order to lower recoil and help prevent the muzzle from jumping around while shooting. I know the 5.56 is not all that high in recoil when compared to a .308, but it definitely can jump enough with NATO Spec ammo to prevent fast and accurate followup shots. The 3 baffles each have 6 holes that feed directly from the muzzle and bleed off into each baffle for a total of 18 vent holes, minus the six holes at the very front and the hole that the bullet passes through.
Each baffle is directed forward like an arrow, using the gasses to push forward against the forces of recoil. The baffles are also slightly angled forward, forcing the excess gasses to push out to the sides and away from the shooter, and it does this quite aggressively.
By the time the remaining gasses get to the end of the muzzle break, most of the pressure and force has been redirected to the sides, and what remains is free to vent out the front, giving you a straight push into your shoulder without an abrupt disruption of your sight picture. You can also see that the muzzle of the muzzle break is also crowned at the end. The finish is very nice and mildly reflective and smooth.
The CruxOrd muzzle break slightly dampens the flash as well as everything else it is designed to do. This is the only muzzle brake that I know of that actually dampens flash as well as lowering recoil. Though this break is loud and proud while shooting the gasses out to the sides, it is not unlike the AK-74 muzzle device that actually does a good job of dampening the already low recoil, but without any flash hiding function whatsoever. The only downside to the system is the fact that the report will be louder than a traditional birdcage flash hider, but it seems to hide the flash just as well.
All in all, I feel that $140 is a fair price for this kind of quality muzzle break that will no doubt serve you very well through time.
David served in the USMC for a few years, deployed twice and got wounded. Retired and moved to Alaska. Has a passion for reviewing and testing guns and gear of all kinds. Enjoys working to dispel myths and show that you can train and practice in a realistic, safe, and practical way.
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