FERFRANS, which is pronounced “fur-frahnz,” isn’t exactly a “household name” yet here in the United States. However, that quickly may change with the recent introduction of their CQB Modular Muzzle Brake System to the U.S market for the AR-15/M-16 platform.
FERFRANS is a firearms manufacturer, founded by twin brothers, Ferdinand and Francis Sy (hence, FER – FRANS). It is based in Montclair, CA with a branch in the Philippines. They develop M4/AR-type rifle systems and accessories for law enforcement and military—including its proprietary firing rate reduction system, which reduces the cyclic rate of fire in full auto to below 700 rpm. The goal behind that design element is to allow for better control of the weapon when running it in full-auto, and with even semi-auto. It reduces impact stress on moving parts, and slows down heat build-up, which, in turn, increases reliability and firearm service life. While searching for a muzzle device that was functional, appealed to me aesthetically and would look great on my new 10.5” AR-15 pistol/SBR build, I discovered the FERFRANS CRD. I was pleased to find that it was being offered in the U.S., so I obtained one—and I am glad I did.
The CRD
So what exactly is the CRD? The CRD is just the outer shroud that can be quickly attached or detached from the FERFRANS muzzle brake. The CRD and the muzzle brake together make up the FERFRANS CQB Modular Muzzle Brake System. What the CRD does is gives the operator the ability to shoot their AR-15 with a muzzle brake without the chest thumping concussion, which explains its handle—Concussion Reduction Device.
I took the opportunity to fire my AR-15 both with and without the CRD attached to the FERFRANS muzzle brake. Right off the bat, I discovered it performed as I expected. But, instead of stopping there, I sought out a second opinion. I met a gentleman by the name of Mr. Brewster at the range that day. I figured he would be a good candidate to help me since I had never met him previously and he had never seen or heard of a FERFRANS CRD before. I asked him if he would like to help me out with reviewing an item and he told me “Oh sure, you betcha.” (We are from Minnesota after all).
I fired my AR-15 five times with the CRD attached with Mr. Brewster volunteering about 5 feet to the right of me. I think he took a few brass ejections to the chest, but he didn’t seem to mind. I then removed the CRD so I would only be utilizing the FERFRANS muzzle brake and took five more shots. After Mr. Brewster gracefully withstood some more brass to the chest, I asked him if he could sense a difference. He told me that he felt much less concussion when the CRD was attached compared to without it.
Based on my own opinion and also the opinion of a completely neutral party, I can say that the FERFRANS CRD does just what it’s supposed to do. It reduces the concussion from the muzzle brake to a more comfortable level while still maintaining the flat shooting benefits of a muzzle brake. You can see the comparison for yourself and see how flat I shoot while using this system in this video.
So, what are the down sides? One aspect to think about is the weight of the system. The CRD is unique to and only works with the FERFRANS muzzle brake so using both together will add roughly 10.4oz to the end of your AR-15. For me personally, I don’t mind it; because of how short my 10.5” AR-15 build is, I think it balances it out—but that could just be me.
Modularity
The FERFRANS CQB Muzzle Brake System is modular and you can change it within a couple seconds to take advantage of the concussion reduction, or not. You may opt to not use the CRD if you are outside and shooting alone. Or, perhaps you will want to twist the CRD on if you find yourself in close quarters with others, or even just shooting at an indoor range.
Aesthetics
As far as aesthetics go, the FERFRANS CRD is just about a work of art, and a functional one, at that. The muzzle brake and CRD together almost redefine’s “the business end” of my AR-15, in a completely good way.
Installation
Installing the muzzle brake is as easy as removing your previous muzzle device and then properly timing the FERFRANS muzzle brake. To attach the CRD, just turn the rear of it a quarter turn to “DETACH,” slide it on and then turn it another quarter to LOCK. For more information on installing it, check out the video embedded above.
Final Thoughts
The FERFRANS CQB Muzzle Device System is available in the U.S. for under $200 and may be purchased from various online distributors, such as Rainier Arms, Tactical Link and Falcon Ops. I don’t know about you, but if FERFRANS can put this much thought and design into a muzzle device, I sure can’t wait to see what else they may have in store for the U.S. market in the future. I just hope it is sooner rather than later.
Featured image courtesy of kuulapaa.com
