Compensators On Rimfire Rifles Can Make Sense

There are a few valid reasons for adding a comp to a .22 LR rifle

by
posted on May 17, 2022
Rimfirecomp 3

Compensators are popular with action shooters on center-fire handguns and pistol caliber carbines. A properly designed comp uses cartridge propellant gases to push the muzzle down and forward, significantly reducing muzzle rise. A recent test I conducted on a Taurus TX22 Competition Steel Challenge Ready .22 LR pistol, equipped with a Tandemkross comp, showed a surprising decrease in muzzle rise with high-speed loads. (You can read my Taurus TX22 Competition SCR review in the upcoming June 2022 digital magazine.)

Given that a .22 LR rifle has virtually no recoil or muzzle rise—regardless of the load—adding a comp to a rifle may seem like a waste of money. But, that’s not always the case. In fact, there can be some solid reasons for sticking a compensator on a rimfire rifle.

Rimfire rifle with compensator
Most competition-oriented rimfire rifles are factory-threaded 1/2x28, making the installation of a comp easy.

 

The biggest advantage to a compensator on a rimfire rifle is for Steel Challenge and Metal Madness shooters, because it increases the muzzle blast noise to a point where the timer can pick it up if the shooter is using standard velocity (sub-sonic) ammo.

During the two decades I’ve been shooting (and occasionally serving as a Range Officer) in Steel Challenge, I have yet to see a timer fail to pick up sub-sonic ammo from a pistol. But, when the longer rifle barrel moves the muzzle noise further from the Range Officer and timer, I’ve seen many instances when the timer didn’t record the shot.

Few things are more disruptive to a shooter’s match rhythm than running a mid-two-second string and having a head-shaking Range Officer tell you the timer only picked up three rounds, and that you have to re-shoot. And then having the same thing happen again. Been there, done that.

That doesn’t happen with high-speed ammo, since the sonic crack will register on any timer I’ve seen. Many rimfire rifle shooters opt for high-speed loads for this reason. But in today’s rimfire ammo marketplace, it’s not always a matter of shooting what you want. Sometimes you have to shoot whatever you’re lucky enough to find. Adding a comp levels the playing field, and lets the shooter run whatever ammunition they have without worry.

Tandemkross Game Changer
An inexpensive comp, such as this Tandemkross Game Changer, can keep a shooter from losing a good run when shooting standard velocity ammo.

 

While the increased noise level is a distinct advantage for Steel Challenge and Metal Madness shooters, there can be an advantage for rimfire rifle shooters in other games.

A compensator can sometimes increase accuracy. After equipping the Tandemkross Game Changer ($34.99, tandemkross.com) I have produced little accuracy change on one of my rimfire rifles, but another saw 50-yard groups shrink from 0.78 inches to 0.39 inches with the same load. That’s inconsequential for the steel games, but when the targets shift to paper with tight little scoring rings, it can add a few points to the score.

If the rifle is threaded standard 1/2x28, adding a comp isn’t expensive. And, considering the ammo freedom and aggravation relief, it can be money well spent.

Latest

1961 National Matches 5
1961 National Matches 5

More Than 6,000 Shooters Experience An Improved Range: 1961 National Matches

A refurbished range greeted the more than 6,000 competitors at the 1961 National Matches, a number which broke attendance records.

Rich Combination Of History & Shooting On Display At Creedmoor 150 Match

A weeklong competition with period and recreated rifles was held in October to recognize the 150th anniversary of the original 1874 Creedmoor International Match.

NRA Announces 2025 National Matches Locations & Schedule

The 2025 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships will be held at the Cardinal Shooting Center, Alliance Rifle Club, Oklahoma City Gun Club and Winnequah Gun Club next June and July.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Rifles

Five rifles that are excellent presents for competitive shooters this holiday season.

All About The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship

The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship was held at Cavern Cove Competitive Shooting Range in Marshall County, Ala., May 16-18.

$50,000 Total Prize Purse At Inaugural Florida Shooters Cup

Apex Shooting Center is hosting the inaugural Florida Shooters Cup Tournament in January 2025 with $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.