Editing Transitional ballistics (section)

==Altering transitional ballistics==
In addition to the process of "crowning" a barrel to ensure a clean and accurate exit of the bullet, there are a number of devices that attempt to harness the muzzle blast for various reasons.

===Suppressing the blast===

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[[Flash suppressor]]s and [[suppressor|sound suppressors]] are the most obvious devices that operate in the transitional ballistics realm. These both alter the flow of the escaping gas to reduce the effects of the muzzle blast. Flash suppressors introduce turbulence into the mixing of fuel-laden hot gases escaping from the muzzle and the surrounding oxygen-rich air, reducing [[combustion efficiency]] and thus reducing the size and brightness of the flash. Sound suppressors slow the expansion of gases, allowing it to cool and reducing the rate at which it escapes to prevent a shockwave from forming.{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}}

A ''[[recoil compensator]]'' is designed to direct the gases upwards at roughly a right angle to the bore, in essence making it a small [[rocket]] that pushes the muzzle downwards, and counters the "flip", or [[Muzzle rise|rise]] of the muzzle caused by the high bore line of most firearms. These are often found on "raceguns" used for [[action shooting]] and in heavy, rifle caliber handguns used in [[metallic silhouette]] shooting. In the former case, the compensator serves to keep the sights down on target for a quick follow-up shot, while in the latter case they keep the heavy recoil directed backwards, preventing the pistol from trying to twist out of the shooter's grip.{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}}

A ''[[muzzle brake]]'' is designed to redirect the muzzle blast backwards, and therefore counter the recoil of the bullet. Muzzle brakes tend to be found on larger firearms, such as magnum rifles and [[artillery]]. A well designed muzzle brake can significantly reduce recoil, turning a rifle that would otherwise be punishing to shoot into a far more tolerable experience. A good example may be seen on the [[M82 Barrett rifle|M82 Barrett sniper rifle]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}}

There are downsides to both recoil compensators and muzzle brakes. They direct more of the muzzle flash to the sides or back towards the shooter&mdash;this is especially true of muzzle brakes. While eye and ear protection should always be used when shooting, this is even more essential with the muzzle blast directed back towards the shooter. Brakes and compensators are often quite bulky, adding length, diameter, and mass to the muzzle end of the firearm where it will affect the firearm's handling worst. While a simple slot milled in the barrel, such as those used in Magna-Porting, will provide some benefit, efficient redirection of the gas flow requires large ports and baffles to deflect as much gas as possible. It is also highly inadvisable to fire [[Sabot (firearms)|sabot]] rounds like shotgun slugs or [[Armour-piercing discarding sabot|APDS]] rounds through a muzzle brake not designed for them.{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}}