SIGforum
Are compensators worth it on pistols?

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/430601935/m/3790029025

June 04, 2026, 07:59 PM
zdog16
Are compensators worth it on pistols?
^^^YUP^^^


For ME:
DA/SA=Sig 9mm or HK P30 LEM 9
Striker fired= Glock 9mm
If it's a .45= 1911
Suppressed= HK in .45
I like anything in 10mm

June 05, 2026, 06:12 AM
RichardC
https://youtu.be/nAsj0DZJdW4


June 05, 2026, 06:56 AM
Pete K
quote:
Originally posted by cooger:
I guess these are the next big thing for handguns. I’ve seen factory comps and people adding aftermarket ones to guns. Anyone with experience with them care to share your thoughts? Having no experience with them I’m wondering if it’s worth getting on my next purchase.


I think I’m the odd man out. I don’t appreciate the benefits. After watching (almost) all of my shooting buddies add the comp, have reliability issues, resolve those issues via random parts swapping, finding the ammo that works most of the time with that new combo and not necessarily shoot any better.
Witnessing their constant struggles removed my urge to Wick Up my pistola.
June 05, 2026, 07:37 AM
ibanda
I want all of the blast pointed downrange. I don't shoot competition so they don't do anything for me.




"The left can't applaud me because their hands are in other people's pockets." - Javier Milei
June 05, 2026, 08:32 AM
Jim Watson
quote:
Originally posted by DanH:

The last place you'd want it is in competition. While IDPA won't kick you into Open if your gun came comped from the factory, everyone else will and then you'll be completely outgunned by blaster that look like this:


I see the problem the other way, people won't shoot a match because the gun the Internet Experts recommended for CCW is not the same as what the Other Internet Experts shoot in high level competition. You have to start somewhere and it need not involve spending a lot of money on specialized match gun and gear.
June 05, 2026, 01:01 PM
limblessbiff
Honestly no. Every time I’ve done it I’ve taken it off. I’ve played with spring and bullet weights and if anything it just doesn’t do enough to make it worth having to use tools to take my gun apart and clean up the threads etc.. maybe an internally comped or ported gun may be worth it but not one that you thread on. I’ve tried it on small and larger guns and every time the comp ends up in my box of misc parts
June 05, 2026, 01:31 PM
straightshooter1
I have the Radian Ramjet on one of my P365s and on one of my G43X pistols. I find that the muzzle flip and recoil seems less with both. Both worked perfectly from the first moment they were installed and I use factory self-defense ammunition in them.

I no longer shoot competition due to health and age, but back in the "old days" most every one had a comp on their 45acp or 38 Super. They certainly worked to allow faster hits on the IPSC target but, overall, those guns were a lot more expensive than the drop-ins available now.

I have no experience with any of the competitors of the Radian, all I know is my two Radians work well.

Carrying one of the comped guns for self defense is just something I would not do. Other than the sights, all my carry guns are factory stock.

Bob
June 05, 2026, 03:35 PM
MikeinNC
Yes and no.

Comps on competition guns, Yes.
My FIL has an STI in 38 super comp and runs the rounds past max load to get the power factor he wants. But he leaves those cases on the deck and warns anyone scrounging brass that his stuff is over max and shouldn’t be re used, also marks them with a sharpie.

I’ve shot his gun, it has recoil. W/o the comp it’s a beast, with the comp on it-it’s loud but is easy to shoot as it reduces recoil and make fast second shots super easy

On a EDC or real life gun-no.
Not worth the extra length for concealed carry, IMHO




“You may beat me, but you will never win.” sigmonkey-2020

“ in my opinion, anything that we can do to trigger a potential aneurysm in a leftist is a good thing and worth doing” nhtagmember 2025
June 05, 2026, 11:18 PM
cee_Kamp
See my post in this thread here: https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...561/m/8830060015/p/2
The Infinity IMM Open. Original post dated Jan. 25, 2026



NRA Benefactor Life Member
NRA Instructor
USPSA Chief Range Officer
June 06, 2026, 03:13 AM
DanH
quote:
Originally posted by Jim Watson:
I see the problem the other way, people won't shoot a match because the gun the Internet Experts recommended for CCW is not the same as what the Other Internet Experts shoot in high level competition. You have to start somewhere and it need not involve spending a lot of money on specialized match gun and gear.


Depends if you're shooting for fun or shooting to win. If you're shooting for fun or to get better then bring what you want and have fun. If you want to be competitive in class, then you'll have to play the game by their rules.
June 06, 2026, 08:20 AM
ruger357
I’m waiting until a flip to the side magnifier is invented so I can add all 14 things to my carry pistol at one time.


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Roll Tide!

Glock Certified Armorer
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