Product Preview: A Compensator With Tunable Baffles

posted on June 23, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
baffles.jpg

Tactical accoutrements seem to be all the rage these days, but finding ones that suit your needs can prove difficult. UM Tactical of Lake Worth, Fla., has a 100 percent American-made product in its line that is worth a look—R.A.G.E. TCS, also known as the Rapid Adjustable Gas Expulsion Total Compensation System, fills the niche of tunable muzzle brake/compensator.

The system is designed to be adjusted. With installation being very straight-forward, I started by removing the factory A2 flash hider from the Ruger AR-556 test rifle. I applied the product as outlined in the instructions; first with the crush washer, TCS Barrel, Port Washers, and lastly the TCS Nut and set screws. Using the factory configuration of Port Washers (baffles) I headed to the range for round one of testing. I immediately noticed a dampening of recoil, but I also observed that the gun wanted to rise ever so slightly. Consulting the user’s manual, it became apparent that I had flipped the last Port Washer in line 180 degrees off axis. Though not incorrect, the flow of gas that was to counteract upward movement was blocked off, resulting in added muzzle rise. After reinstalling the “right way,” it became evident that the R.A.G.E. TCS works—the gun didn’t move. Switching baffles in random order throughout testing produced different effects of muzzle rise and recoil.

The stainless steel construction makes the unit durable, and because the system is easily disassembled, it is also easily cleaned via a sonic cleaner or brush. The company offers the product in various finishes. The device also complies with USPSA Multi-gun and 3 Gun Nation rules.
Price: $160. Contact: UM Tactical, 1955 10th Ave. N., Lake Worth, FL, 33461; (866) 979-4486; umtactical.com.

Latest

9X18 Makarov
9X18 Makarov

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.