The .458 SOCOM cartridge was designed as a harder hitting option to feed through your AR15 multi-caliber build with a minimal amount of modification. Popular for heavier game hunting at short game distances, it originated for military use to provide excellent dependability.
It also substantially increases the felt recoil, and the addition of a muzzle brake is a great way to make your shooting experience more comfortable. We’ve highlighted some of the best .458 SOCOM muzzle brakes below for you to consider.
Comparison Table of The 5 Best .458 SOCOM Muzzle Brake
BRAND
Next Level Armament Socom Brake NLX505
DETAILS
- Nitride Finish
- 4140 Steel
- 5/8×32 thread
Faxon Firearms 450 Bushmaster/458 Socom Gunner Muzzle Brake
- Salt Bath Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- 11/16×24 thread
- Works with .450 Bushmaster
V Seven Muzzle Brake
- Nitride Finish
- 303 Stainless Steel
- 1/2×28 thread
GLFA Muzzle Brake .458 Socom
- Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- 5/8×24 thread
Cmmg, Inc Compensator Sv Brake .458 Socom
- Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- 5/8×32 thread
The .458 SOCOM Cartridge
Developed in 2000 as an AR15 platform upgrade for the military, it is an easy modification that only requires a new barrel and bolt to convert an existing 5.56/.223 rifle to handle the heavier hitting .458 SOCOM. Created as a short-range, hard-hitting stopper during combat, the .458 SOCOM is comparable to the 45-70 round favored by bison hunters during the 19th century -, highlighting just how heavy-hitting it truly is.
Basically, it is a .50 AE case that has had the rim rebated and is necked down for the .458 caliber bullet. It comes in a huge range of loads between the 250 and 600-grain range to allow you an incredible versatility of use.
Today it is super popular for hunting mid to large game due to its stopping power and platform use. The AR15 continues to be a popular platform due to its lightweight frame and easy conversion for a variety of rounds. Rather than change out the bolt and barrel as a new build, many users prefer a quick upper to lower receiver change, allowing the conversion to happen in mere minutes and letting you use the lower for a myriad of other cartridge uses.
Muzzle Brake Benefits
A lot of people forgo using a muzzle brake with an AR15 simply due to the fact even the 5.56 NATO hardly provides any kickback, and the addition of one just makes it louder to shoot without any massive stabilizing advantages. Even most cartridge modifications don’t add a lot of recoil, but the .458 SOCOM is a bit of a different animal overall – and adds quite a bit of kick to the shooting experience.
Muzzle brakes and compensators are two highly used muzzle devices designed specifically to help reduce felt recoil and steady barrel lift. Muzzle brakes are specific to reducing recoil, while compensators are designed to control barrel movement, but most of these devices are somewhat hybrid in nature and will provide both benefits through careful design.
This is done through the various ports that help direct gasses out and away from the muzzle as they move down the barrel. Rather than exiting all at once after the bullet, they are used in a controlled manner to release in various directions to alleviate the recoil and to help reduce muzzle lift or rise.
For a cartridge such as the Bushmaster, this is the perfect modification for a more enjoyable, accurate shooting experience.
Top .458 SOCOM Muzzle Brake Picks
Our top picks are quality options made by some of the best manufacturer’s in the business. They are dependable picks made to last, and offer the recoil reduction you need for a steady shooting experience to help you get back on target when needed, and avoid the pain and pressure such a heavy load can create.
1. Next Level Armament Socom Brake NLX505
- Nitride Finish
- 4140 Steel
- 5/8×32 thread
Next Level Armament has based their Socom brake off their tried and true 450 Bushmaster design to provide a dependable option for such a hard-hitting round. The thread is adjusted for a perfect fit, and it is machined from 4140 stainless steel raw stock with a Nitride finish to provide a durable, long-lasting product. Made specifically to address accuracy, it is a perfect option for hunters looking for a more comfortable shooting experience.
Pros
- Based off a tried and true model
- Dependable and long-lasting
- Durable Black Nitride Finish
Cons
- No known issues
2. Faxon Firearms 450 Bushmaster/458 Socom Gunner Muzzle Brake
- Salt Bath Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- 11/16×24 thread
- Works with .450 Bushmaster
Faxon Firearms dual .450 Bushmaster/.458 SOCOM muzzle brake is a quality option made from durable stainless steel and boasts a salt-bath nitride finish for long-lasting use and quality. It offers a three-port design for consistent capture of gasses as they move down the barrel to redirect them to help reduce overall felt recoil. Quick and easy to install, it doesn’t require crush washers or shims and has an easy rotational timing adjustment with the extension nut. This makes it an ideal choice for use in the field if adjustment is ever needed.
Pros
- Super easy installation and adjustment
- Seriously efficient for recoil reduction
- Versatile in use with multiple calibers
Cons
- Subject to California’s Proposition 65 – which can be a pain
3. V Seven Muzzle Brake
- Nitride Finish
- 303 Stainless Steel
- 1/2×28 thread
Created from amazing quality materials, the V Seven Muzzle Brake offers incredible dependability. Machined from 303 Stainless Steel, it offered a black Nitride finish for durable and long-lasting use. At only 2.1 inches, the barrel extension is hardly noticeable, plus it comes with the crush washer for quick and easy installation and adjustment. Careful port placement helps offset both recoil and barrel lift, making it a stabilizing option you won’t regret.
Pros
- Durable material for corrosion resistance and long-lasting use
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Incredibly stabilizing
Cons
- Barrel may require gunsmith for threading
4. GLFA Muzzle Brake .458 Socom
- Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- 5/8×24 thread
GLFA is a fantastic brand option that provides both quality and affordability for when you are looking for a budget choice but still want an amazing, dependable product. Created from a durable stainless steel with a black Nitride finish, it blends well into most barrels for a sleek, modern look. Incredibly easy to install, it does not require a crush washer and will provide immediate relief from recoil as well as barrel control.
Pros
- Awesome price point without sacrificing quality
- Durable and long-lasting
- No crush washer needed for easy installation
Cons
- No known issues
5. Cmmg, Inc Compensator Sv Brake .458 Socom
- Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- 5/8×32 thread
Compensators are popular muzzle devices that are designed specifically for barrel control while offering some recoil reduction as well. When ports are cut specifically for both brake and compensator use, you get a hybrid design that maximizes your shooting experience. The CMMG, Inc Compensator SV Brake is made with durable stainless steel with a nitride finish to provide years of dependable use. Carefully placed ports help redirect gasses to mitigate recoil all while minimizing muzzle lift to offer quality stabilization.
Pros
- Compensator and Brake hybrid for awesome barrel stabilization
- Durable materials and long-lasting
- Easy installation
Cons
- No known issues
Final Thoughts
The .458 SOCOM cartridge is a heavy-hitting caliber that definitely can benefit from the use of a muzzle brake. The easy AR15 conversion to accommodate this heavier option is a popular choice for many hunters, but it can be an uncomfortable choice to shoot. These choices make that a much more enjoyable experience.
Let us know about your experiences with these brands and/or brakes below. And, as always, please share!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the finest 458 Socom currently available?
For those searching high and low for the top of the range 458 Socom Upper, your quest ends with the GLFA AR-15 Complete Upper .458 Socom. This product is a perfect marriage of quality and practicality, making it our top pick overall. What sets this barrel apart is it’s advanced resistance against daily wear and tear compared to other options. This extended durability ensures you get the most out of your purchase in terms of lifespan, seamlessly integrating into your shooting routine for the long haul.
What’s the leading muzzle brake on the market?
It truly comes down to individual needs and desires when it comes to purchasing a muzzle brake. However, when it comes to sheer recoil reduction, it’s hard to beat the HU-DU Muzzle Brake. This game-changer reduces recoil between 80 to a whopping 95 percent and completely eliminates muzzle rise. This kind of recoil reduction isn’t just a game changer; it’s a revolution in firearms design. With HU-DU installed, you’re essentially removing recoil from the equation, allowing you to choose firearms based solely on the cartridge, tailored to your personal preferences.
What are the potential downsides of a muzzle brake rifle?
While muzzle brakes come with their fair share of benefits, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks as well. One of the notable disadvantages is the significant felt concussion and noise created due to the redirection of muzzle gasses— a process that aids in recoil reduction. While this isn’t an issue that greatly affects the shooter, those around them might get quite a jolt if they’re not expecting it. In simple terms, the blast created by muzzle brakes can be unusually loud and forceful, especially for those in close proximity who aren’t prepared for the impact.