Acworth Police Officer Steve Baughman Reviews the SEI Good Iron Muzzle Brake

SEI's good friend Steve Baughman was kind enough to write a review of our Good Iron Muzzle Brake for the 6.5 Grendel.  He is a Police Officer with the Acworth Police Department and a Certified Firearms Trainer.  Below is his review published with permission.  Also, you can see some pictures of A.C.E. Sergeant Michael Taylor (Steve's fellow officer) above and below.  Doesn't this make you want a Good Iron for your Grendel or M4?

I recently had the opportunity to test out the Smith Enterprises “Good Iron” Muzzle Brake in conjunction with a 6.5 Grendel rifle evaluation.  The rifle was equipped with a 12.5-inch barrel, and was mounted on a select-fire (semi/full) lower receiver group and was set-up primarily for LE patrol/duty use.  Besides the Smith brake, a Gemtec HVT Suppressor was also utilized during several range outings.  Ammunition used included Black Hills, Wolf, and Hornady.  

During our range and training exercises to date, we’ve found the Smith Good Iron muzzle brake improved the rifle’s performance from the shooters perspective by reducing felt recoil, and more significantly, muzzle climb.  This was readily apparent, especially during rapid-fire and full-auto shooting.  We found the rifle somewhat louder while using the brake, but believe the reduction in muzzle climb is worth enduring some additional noise under most circumstances.  The upward and side vents in the brake certainly helped deflect and direct muzzle blast to assist the shooter getting back on target quickly after each shot.  Although the 6.5 Grendel is significantly more powerful than 5.56 M4’s our department currently carries, the muzzle brake allowed the gun to be very controllable on full auto.  

We are still evaluating the use of the brake for CQB with the short barrel, and are also running drills with the suppressor.  Overall, the Smith Good Iron is a robust muzzle brake and well thought out in its design.  Most importantly, it works and works very well.   

Ofc Steve Baughman

Acworth Police Dept

Firearms Training Unit

Acworth, GA 30101