Kaw Valley Linear Comp on a BB X .44 Mag

[John E Davies]

EDIT 05/11/21 See this thread for some discussion: ... https://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic. ... 8&p=171172

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This is going to seem a little unusual in a lever action rifle forum. I have used these on a couple of other long guns and they are effective at redirecting the muzzle blast straight down range, which lessens the perceived decibels for the shooter and it is also nicer for your neighbor at the next table if you are at a formal range. The X comes with standard 5/8”-24 threads from the factory, which is one reason I chose this model. Here is the comp: ..... https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Kaw-V ... cc-blk.htm

I emailed KV and asked if he thought this would be a proper match for a .44 Mag rifle, and he thought it would be a great choice.
I measured carefully and thought it might just clear the mag tube nut without any modifications, but it is too tight. You could force the tube past, but that is not a good situation.

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I removed material down to the depth of the existing milled grooves, polished and blued the surface.

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I installed it as tight as I could get it with a 3/4” open end wrench. I hope it will stay tight, I will keep an eye on it.

EDIT 05/10/21: if you decide to grind on this device, be aware that Kaw Valley does not recommend this and do NOT GO PAST THE DEPTH OF THE EXISTING FLUTES. That would significantly weaken the wall and could result in it rupturing and flying away. After grinding, polish the steel to remove any scratches that might lead to a crack forming. In other words, this modification is up to you and don’t hold me or Kaw Valley responsible for any mishap! Thanks JD

John Davies
Spokane WA

[leverjc]

Have you shot it yet? What are your impressions of the differences?

[John E Davies]

Have you shot it yet? What are your impressions of the differences?

No, I just finished installing it. Having used one on a SU16C with 16” barrel, I can say that the effect is very noticeable. Read the reviews at JoeBob Outfitters and other forums. They are great for really short, loud AR “pistols”. For a long barreled rifle, say 20+”, I would not bother. The X barrel is just over 17”. With subsonic ammo they are really helpful. I am going to work up some Trail Boss loads that are subsonic, this comp should make that even more pleasant for plinking.

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-li ... pensators/

John Davies
Spokane WA

[John E Davies]

Update, I never shot the rifle without the comp installed. but it does appear to direct a good portion of the blast away from the shooter. I tried a “no ear muffs“ test with my Trailboss plinking load, 240 gr JFP at 850 fps, and it is almost hearing safe. A little uncomfortable, but hardly a nasty roar. It does not interfere with the mag tube removal and so far I haven’t scratched the bottom of the comp with the retainer pin. If I do, it is simple to touch up with Cold Blue.

I like it and recommend it to all X owners.

John Davies
Spokane WA

[JEBar]

nicely done indeed .... I'm sure the info will be valuable to some of our folks

[fortyshooter]

That is a nice mod! Does it change recoil any?

[John E Davies]

That is a nice mod! Does it change recoil any?

Thanks. Not that I am aware of. It isn’t a traditional compensator with vertical holes, it is more of a blast redirector.

John Davies
Spokane WA