WO2018005853A1

WO2018005853A1 - Muzzle brakes including unvented portions and related firearms and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2018005853A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/040083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeremy Allen ELROD; Blake Steven VAN BROUWER
Original assignee: S.W.O.R.D. Manufacturing Inc.
Priority date: 2016-06-29
Filing date: 2017-06-29
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

Muzzle brakes for reducing recoil forces from firing firearms may include a body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end. A bore may extend through the body from the proximal end to the distal end. The body may include a vented portion proximate the proximal end, the vented portion including at least one opening providing airflow communication between the bore and an exterior of the body. The opening may be oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. An unvented portion may be located proximate the distal end, the unvented portion free of any openings oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. A diameter of the bore in the vented portion may be greater than a diameter of the bore in the unvented portion.

Description

MUZZLE BRAKES INCLUDING UNVENTED PORTIONS AND

RELATED FIREARMS AND METHODS

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States Provisional

Patent Application Serial No. 62/356,396, filed June 29, 2016, for "Muzzle Brakes Including Unvented Portions and Related Firearms and Methods."

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to muzzle brakes for firearms. More specifically, disclosed embodiments relate to muzzle brakes for firearms that may better reduce recoil, improving accuracy and reducing strain on the user.

BACKGROUND

When a firearm is fired, gas expands rapidly and ejects the projectile out of the end of the firearm, creating a recoil force that is by default directed backward, toward the user. Recoil forces may reduce accuracy by displacing the barrel and result in pain, discomfort, and fatigue to the user, particularly when they are large in magnitude, repeated over a time interval, or both. Some users position muzzle brakes at the ends of their firearms to reduce recoil forces. Such muzzle brakes typically include vents or ports located proximate the exit point for the projectile, enabling expanding gas to escape out the sides, top, or bottom of the muzzle brakes. Muzzle brakes are employed with a wide variety of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and cannons (e.g., those mounted on tanks). By reorienting the direction of gas expansion, the magnitude of recoil directed toward the user may be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While this disclosure concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming specific embodiments, various features and advantages of embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may be more readily ascertained from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm including a muzzle brake;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the muzzle brake of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view photograph of an embodiment of a muzzle brake;

FIG. 6 is a top view photograph of another embodiment of a muzzle brake;

FIG. 7 is a top view photograph of yet another embodiment of a muzzle brake; and

FIG. 8 is a chart showing reduction in recoil forces achieved by muzzle brakes in accordance with this disclosure.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The illustrations presented in this disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular firearm, muzzle brake, or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations employed to describe illustrative embodiments. Thus, the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

Disclosed embodiments relate generally to muzzle brakes for firearms that may better reduce recoil, improving accuracy and reducing strain on the user. More specifically, disclosed are embodiments of muzzle brakes that may include an unvented portion following a vented portion along an exit pathway for a projectile, which may better reduce recoil forces.

As used in this disclosure, the term "firearm" means and includes any gun or cannon including a barrel through which a projectile may be forcefully ejected by expanding gas. For example, firearms include handguns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, cannons, tanks, and other such armaments.

Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of a firearm 100 including a muzzle brake 102 is shown. The firearm 100 may include a barrel 104 from which a projectile (e.g., a bullet) may be forcefully ejected by expanding gas (e.g., in response to ignition of a propellant in a casing). The barrel 104 may be, for example, an at least substantially cylindrical tube extending from a chamber in which a projectile may be housed prior to firing, to an opening 110 at a distal end 108 of the barrel 104, and may include rifling extending around a periphery of the barrel 104 along the length thereof. The barrel 104 may be of a diameter Di to permit a projectile of a predetermined size (e.g., caliber) to pass through the barrel 104. The firearm 100 may include a triggering mechanism 106 configured to initiate the expansion of gas to propel the projectile through the barrel 104 and out of the firearm 100. Although the firearm 100 specifically depicted in FIG. 1 is configured as a semiautomatic pistol, muzzle brakes 102 in accordance with this disclosure may be employed with any type of firearm, including, for example, other types of pistols, handguns, revolvers, rifles, cannons, tanks, etc.

The muzzle brake 102 may be affixed to the firearm 100 at the distal end 108 of the barrel 104. The muzzle brake 102 may be configured to vent exit gasses emitted from the barrel 104 in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis Ai of the barrel 104 (e.g., an axis extending along a geometric center of the barrel 104). For example, the exit gasses may be vented at least substantially upward and to the sides by the muzzle brake 102 to reduce recoil forces generated by firing the firearm 100.

The muzzle brake 102 may include one or more side vents 112 establishing airflow communication between an interior of the muzzle brake 102 and an exterior thereof in a direction other than parallel to the longitudinal axis Ai of the barrel 104 through exterior sidewalls 118 of the muzzle brake 102. The side vents 112 may be located within a vented portion 114 of the muzzle brake 102 located proximate the distal end 108 of the barrel 104. The muzzle brake 102 may include an unvented portion 116 following the vented portion 114 in a direction of travel of a projectile from the barrel 104 out through the muzzle brake 102. The unvented portion 116 may be free of vents, ports, and other openings, such that airflow communication is directed at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A_\ of the barrel 104 from the vented portion 114, through the unvented portion 116, to an exit hole 120 at a distal end 122 of the muzzle brake 102.

The muzzle brake 102 may include a connection portion 124 configured to affix the muzzle brake 102 to the distal end 108 of the barrel 104. For example, the connection portion 124 may be located at a proximal end 126 of the muzzle brake 102, and may include a mechanical affixation structure (e.g., male or female threads, male or female portions of a pinned connection, a snap-fit, an interference fit) to at least temporarily affix the proximal end 126 of the muzzle brake 102 to the distal end 108 of the barrel 104.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the muzzle brake 102 of FIG. 1. The muzzle brake 102 may have a longitudinal axis A₂ (e.g., an axis extending along a geometric center of the muzzle brake 102 in a direction at least substantially parallel to an intended direction of travel of a projectile fired through the muzzle brake 102) extending along a total length L_T thereof. The longitudinal axis A₂ of the muzzle brake 102 may be aligned with, and may extend at least substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis Ai (see FIG. 1) of the barrel 104 (see FIG. 1) when the muzzle brake 102 is affixed to the distal end 108 (see FIG. 1) of the barrel 104 (see FIG. 1).

A length L_v of the vented portion 114 may occupy, for example, between about one-tenth and about three-quarters of the total length LT of the muzzle brake 102 . More specifically, the length L_v of the vented portion 114 may account for, for example, between about 15% and about 65% of the total length L_T of the muzzle brake 102. As a specific, nonlimiting example, length L_v of the vented portion 1 14 may occupy, for example, between about 25% and about 50% of the total length L_T of the muzzle brake 102.

A length Lu of the unvented portion 1 16 may occupy, for example, about three- quarters of the total length L_T of the muzzle brake 102 or less. More specifically, the length Lu of the unvented portion 1 16 may account for, for example, between about 5% and about 75% of the total length L_T of the muzzle brake 102. As a specific, nonlimiting example, length Lu of the vented portion 114 may occupy, for example, between about 20% and about 50% of the total length L_T of the muzzle brake 102.

The length Lv of the vented portion 114 may be at least substantially equal to, or greater than, the length Lu of the unvented portion 116. For example, the length Lv of the vented portion 1 14 may be between about 100% and about 125% the length Lu of the unvented portion 1 16. More specifically, the length Lv of the vented portion 1 14 may be between about 100% and about 120% the length Lu of the unvented portion 1 16. As a specific, nonlimiting example, the length Lv of the vented portion 1 14 may be between about 100% and about 1 15% the length Lu of the unvented portion 116. A remainder of the total length L_T of the muzzle brake 102 may be occupied by the connection portion 124.

Absolute values for the total length L_T of the muzzle brake 102 and lengths L_v and Lu of the vented and unvented portions 114 and 1 16 may depend, in part, on the mass of the propellant and resulting quantity of expanding gas, the mass of the firearm 100 (see FIG. 1) to which they will be connected, the size of the projectile intended to be propelled through the muzzle brake 102, and the speed at which it is intended to be propelled through the muzzle brake 102. For example, lighter firearms 100 (see FIG. 1), larger projectiles, and high-speed projectiles may benefit from longer muzzle brakes 102, whereas heavier firearms 100 (see FIG. 1), smaller projectiles, and low-speed projectiles may achieve sufficient reduction in recoil forces utilizing shorter muzzle brakes 102. As general guidance, however, the total length L_T of the muzzle brake 102 may typically be, for example, about 1 inch (2.54 cm) or longer. More specifically, the total length LT of the muzzle brake 102 may be, for example, between about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) and about 24 inches (60.96 cm). As a specific, nonlimiting example, the total length LT of the muzzle brake 102 may be between about 2 inches (5.08 cm) and about 4 inches (10.16 cm).

The side vents 1 12 may be positioned on the laterally side portions of the sidewalls 1 18. The side vents 1 12 may be oriented to direct at least a portion of vented gasses exiting through the side vents 1 12 in a horizontal direction other than parallel to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the muzzle brake 102 when the longitudinal axis A₂ is oriented at least substantially horizontally (i.e., in a direction at least substantially tangent to the earth's curvature). A number of side vents 1 12 distributed along the sidewall 1 18 of the muzzle brake 102 within the vented portion 1 14 may be, for example, between about 1 and about 6. More specifically, the number of side vents 112 located along the sidewall 118 of the muzzle brake 102 may be, for example, between about 2 and about 5. As a specific, nonlimiting example, the number of side vents 112 extending through the sidewall 118 of the muzzle brake 102 may be, for example, about 3 or about 4. In other embodiments, the muzzle brake 102 may lack side vents 1 12, relying instead on ports located solely on the top, bottom, or top and bottom of the muzzle brake 102 to vent exit gases.

The side vents 112 may have a height H of, for example, about 75% or less of the outer diameter D₂ of the muzzle brake 102, as measured in an at least substantially vertical direction at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the muzzle brake 102 when the longitudinal axis A₂ is oriented at least substantially horizontally. More specifically, the height H of the side vents 1 12 may be, for example, between about 25% and about 75% of the outer diameter D₂ of the muzzle brake 102. As a specific, nonlimiting example, the height H of the side vents 112 may be, for example, between about 30% and about 60% of the outer diameter D₂ of the muzzle brake 102. Use of the term "outer diameter" is not meant to limit the same of the muzzle brake 102 to a cylinder. Accordingly, the outer diameter D₂ of the muzzle brake 102 is simply the greatest dimensional extent of the muzzle brake 102 as measured in an at least substantially vertical direction at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the muzzle brake 102 when the longitudinal axis A₂ is oriented at least substantially horizontally.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the muzzle brake 102 of FIG. 2. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 3, the muzzle brake 102 may include top ports 128 establishing airflow communication through exterior sidewalls 118 of the muzzle brake 102 between the interior of the muzzle brake 102 and an exterior thereof in a direction within an at least substantially vertical plane when the longitudinal axis A₂ of the muzzle brake 102 is oriented at least substantially horizontally. The top ports 128 may be located within the vented portion 1 14 of the muzzle brake 102. A number of top ports 128 oriented upward from the muzzle brake 102 within the vented portion 114 may be, for example, between about 1 and about 6. More specifically, the number of top ports 128 may be, for example, between about 2 and about 5. As a specific, nonlimiting example, the number of top ports 128 extending through the sidewall l l 8 of the muzzle brake 102 may be, for example, about 3 or about 4. In other embodiments, the muzzle brake 102 may include top ports 128, relying instead on ports located solely on the sides, bottom, or sides and bottom of the muzzle brake 102 to vent exit gases.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 3, the muzzle brake 102 may include both top ports 128 and side vents 112. The number of top ports 128 may be, for example, greater than, less than, or at least substantially equal to the number of side vents 112.

The side vents 112 may be oriented to induce vented gasses to flow in a predetermined, beneficial direction. For example, the side vents 1 12 may be angled, such that a centerline Ci equidistant between portions of the sidewall 108 defining a given side vent 1 12 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A₂. More specifically, the side vents 1 12 may be oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction extending laterally outward from the muzzle brake 102 and toward one of the distal and proximal ends 122 and 126 of the muzzle brake 102. Directing the vented gasses toward the proximal end 122 may result in a greater reduction in recoil force, but may also direct heat and potentially projectiles backward toward the user. Directing the vented gasses toward the distal end 126 may result in a smaller reduction in recoil force, but may direct heat and any projectiles forward away from the user. In other embodiments, the side vents 112 may direct vented gasses laterally outward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the muzzle brake 102.

In addition to directing the vented cases in predetermined, beneficial directions, the top ports 128, side vents 1 12, and any other openings positioned to vent expanding gasses from within the muzzle brake 102 to an exterior of the muzzle brake 102 in a direction other than parallel to the longitudinal axis A₂ thereof, the exiting gasses may exert forces against the surfaces of the muzzle brake 102 defining such top ports 128, side vents 1 12, and any other openings as they exit. Because the vented gasses are redirected upward, to both sides, and either forward or backward at an angle, they may provide a reactionary force to counteract the forces used to propel a projectile out of the barrel 104 (see FIG. 1) and muzzle brake 102. More specifically, the expanding gasses inherently produce a backward-oriented force acting on the firearm as a reaction to the forward-oriented forces propelling the projectile forward in accordance with Newton's third law of motion. In addition, most firearms 100 (see FIG. 1) have a tendency to kick upward. Gasses vented through the top ports 128 may inherently produce a reactionary downward force acting on the firearm 100 (see FIG. 1), assisting in reducing the kick. In addition, gasses vented through the top ports 128 and side vents 112 may inherently produce a reactionary forward force acting on the firearm 100 (see FIG. 1), assisting in reducing the recoil force. Finally, gasses vented through the side vents 112 may inherently produce reactionary sideways forces acting on the firearm 100 (see FIG. 1) in both sideways directions, at least substantially canceling each other out.

Although a specific number, shape, distribution, orientation, and position of side vents 112 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, side vents in accordance with this disclosure may be incorporated into, or omitted from, a muzzle brake in various other quantities, shapes, distributions, orientations, and positions while still being within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the muzzle brake 102 of FIG. 2. The top ports 128 may be oriented to induce vented gasses to flow in a predetermined, beneficial direction. For example, the top ports 128 may be angled, such that a centerline C2 equidistant between portions of a body 132 of the muzzle brake 102 defining a given side vent 112 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A₂. More specifically, the top ports 128 may be oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction extending vertically upward from the muzzle brake 102 and toward one of the distal and proximal ends 122 and 126 of the muzzle brake 102. In other embodiments, the top ports 128 may direct vented gasses vertically upward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 of the muzzle brake 102.

The muzzle brake 102 may include a bore 130 extending through the body 132 of the muzzle brake 102 from the proximal end 126 to the distal end 122. The bore 130 may be sized and shaped to enable a projectile to pass from the barrel 104 of a firearm 100 (see FIG. 1), through the bore 130, and out the exit hole 120 of the muzzle brake 102. The bore 130 may have an at least substantially circular cross-sectional shape taken in a plane at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the muzzle brake 102. A diameter of the bore 130 may vary along the length of the bore 130.

For example, a projectile may move from the barrel 104 exhibiting a first diameter Di into the connection portion 124 of the muzzle brake 102 exhibiting a third diameter D3 larger than the first diameter Di of the barrel 104 and smaller than the second, outer diameter D2 of the muzzle brake 102. The diameter of the bore 130 may remain at least substantially constant from the third diameter D₃ in the connection portion 124 to a fourth, at least substantially similar diameter D₄ in the vented portion 1 14, enabling gas to escape through the side vents 112 and top ports 128. The diameter of the bore 130 may constrict down from the fourth diameter D₄ in the vented portion 1 14 to a fifth, smaller diameter D₅ in the unvented portion 1 16.

The fifth diameter D₅ may be, for example, at least substantially equal to the first diameter Di. For example, a difference in diameter between the first and fifth diameters Di and D₅ may be less than about 0.09 inch (0.2286 cm). More specifically, the difference in diameter between the first and fifth diameters Di and D₅ may be, for example, less than about 0.01 inch (0.0254 cm). As a specific, nonlimiting example, the difference in diameter between the first and fifth diameters Di and D₅ may be less than about 0.005 inch (0.0127 cm). The fifth diameter D5 may be, for example, about 0.09 inch (0.2286 cm) or less greater than the diameter of the projectile intended to be fired through the muzzle brake 102. More specifically, the fifth diameter D₅ may be, for example, about 0.01 inch (0.0254 cm) or less greater than the diameter of the projectile intended to be fired through the muzzle brake 102. As a specific, nonlimiting example, fifth diameter D₅ may be about 0.005 inch (0.0127 cm) or less greater than the diameter of the projectile intended to be fired through the muzzle brake 102.

The fourth diameter D₄ may be for example, at least about 1.1 times the fifth diameter D5. More specifically, the fourth diameter D₄ may be for example, between about 1.1 times and about 5 times the fifth diameter D₅. As a specific, nonlimiting example, the fourth diameter D may be for example, between about 1.5 times and about 2.5 times the fifth diameter D₅. Having the projectile pass from the barrel 104, through a vented portion 1 14 of the muzzle brake 102 having a larger diameter D , to an unvented portion 1 16 of the muzzle brake 102 having a smaller diameter D5 may enable the muzzle brake 102 to dissipate a greater proportion of the forces that would otherwise contribute to recoil, reducing the recoil force. The muzzle brake 102 may include a chamfer 134 proximate the exit hole 120. For example, the muzzle brake 102 may include a first surface 136 extending at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ of the muzzle brake 102 outward from the fifth diameter D5 proximate the terminal end of the unvented portion 116. The first surface 136 may extend outward to the chamfer 134, which may extend from the first surface 136 radially outward and longitudinally toward the distal end 122 at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis A₂. The oblique angle may be, for example, about 80° or less. More specifically, the oblique angle may be, for example, between about 75° and about 20°. As specific, nonlimiting examples, the oblique angle may be between about 60° and about 30°, between about 50° and about 40°, or about 45°. A second surface 138 may extend radially outward in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A₂ from the chamfer 134 to a periphery of the muzzle brake 102. In other embodiments, the chamfer 134 may extend directly between the fifth diameter D₅ and the periphery. The chamfer 134 may enable escaping gasses to expand radially outward, further reducing recoil and improving accuracy.

The distal end 122 of the muzzle brake 102 may include a smooth outer surface defined by the second surface 138. In other embodiments, the second surface 138 may form, for example, a sawtooth shape.

FIG. 5 is a top view photograph of an embodiment of a muzzle brake. The muzzle brake shown in FIG. 5 may be configured in at least substantially the manner described previously in connection with FIGS. 1 through 4. Such a configuration may be particularly suited to light firearms, large projectiles, and high-speed projectiles to increase recoil absorption.

A material of the muzzle brake may exhibit sufficient strength and durability to withstand repeated firings from the firearm 100 (see FIG. 1). For example, the muzzle brake may include a metal, metal alloy, polymer material, or any combination of these. As specific, nonlimiting examples, the muzzle brake may include steel, titanium alloy, or high- strength nylon-based polymer material.

FIG. 6 is a top view photograph of another embodiment of a muzzle brake. The muzzle brake may be shorter in length, may include fewer side vents and top ports, may include a sawtooth distal end, and may be formed from a less durable material. Such a configuration may be particularly suited to medium weight firearms, medium-size projectiles, and medium-speed projectiles to strike a balance between cost and recoil absorption.

FIG. 7 is a top view photograph of yet another embodiment of a muzzle brake. The muzzle brake may be still shorter in length, may include no side vents and still fewer top ports, may include a sawtooth distal end, and may be formed from the less durable material. Such a configuration may be particularly suited to low weight firearms, small projectiles, and low-speed projectiles to strike a balance between cost and recoil absorption.

Although different in absolute length, numbers and shapes of side vents and top ports, and shapes of distal ends, each of the foregoing muzzle brakes may include the ported and imported portions, and may include changes in the diameter of the bore extending through the muzzle brake as described in connection with FIGS 2 through 4.

FIG. 8 is a chart showing reduction in recoil forces achieved by muzzle brakes in accordance with this disclosure. Several calibers of ammunition, including the 0.50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG), 0.338 Lapua Magnum (LM), 0.308 Winchester (Win), and 0.223 Remington (Rem), were tested with firearms configured to fire those munitions. The weights of the firearms were about 30 lbs, 15 lbs, 9 lbs, and 7 lbs, respectively. Each type of ammunition was fired from its respective firearm in each of three states: (1) without any muzzle brake, as indicated by solid bars, (2) with a conventional muzzle brake, as indicated by the grid, and (3) with a muzzle brake in accordance with this disclosure, as indicated by horizontal stripes. The recoil force experienced by each firearm in each state was sensed and recorded. As shown in FIG. 8, each firearm experienced the greatest magnitude recoil force when fired without any muzzle brake. When fired with a conventional muzzle brake, each firearm experienced about a 10% reduction in magnitude of recoil force. When fired with a muzzle brake in accordance with this disclosure, however, each firearm experienced, for example, at least about at 15% reduction in magnitude of recoil force. More specifically, each firearm experienced, for example, between about a 25% reduction and about an 80% reduction in magnitude of recoil force. As a specific, nonlimiting example, each firearm experienced, for example, between about a 50% reduction and about a 75% reduction in magnitude of recoil force.

While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in connection with the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments explicitly shown and described in this disclosure. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure may be made to produce embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, such as those specifically claimed, including legal equivalents. In addition, features from one disclosed embodiment may be combined with features of another disclosed embodiment while still being within the scope of this disclosure, as contemplated by the inventors.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A muzzle brake for reducing recoil forces from firing a firearm, comprising: a body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and a bore extending through the body from the proximal end to the distal end, the body comprising: a vented portion proximate the proximal end, the vented portion comprising at least one opening providing airflow communication between the bore and an exterior of the body, the at least one opening oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body; and an unvented portion proximate the distal end, the unvented portion free of any openings oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, wherein a length of the unvented portion occupies between about one-tenth and about three-quarters of a total length of the muzzle brake;

wherein a diameter of the bore in the vented portion is greater than a diameter of the bore in the unvented portion.

2. The muzzle brake of claim 1 , further comprising a chamfer proximate the distal end, the chamfer extending radially outward and toward the distal end at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

3. The muzzle brake of claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the bore in the vented portion is between about 1.1 times and about 5 times the diameter of the bore in the unvented portion.

4. The muzzle brake of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening comprises side vents on extending horizontally through each sidewall of the body, the side vents oriented to direct escaping gasses in a horizontal direction.

5. The muzzle brake of claim 4, wherein the side vents are angled to direct escaping gasses horizontally away from the body and longitudinally toward the proximal end.

6. The muzzle brake of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening comprises top ports on extending vertically through an upper portion of the body, the top ports oriented to direct escaping gasses in a vertical direction.

7. The muzzle brake of claim 6, wherein the top ports are angled to direct escaping gasses vertically away from the body and longitudinally toward the proximal end.

8. The muzzle brake of any one of claims 1 through 7, wherein a length of the vented portion along the longitudinal axis is at least substantially equal to a length of the unvented portion along the longitudinal axis.

9. The muzzle brake of any one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the muzzle brake is configured to reduce recoil forces from a firearm affixed to the muzzle brake by at least about 15%.

10. A firearm, comprising:

a barrel sized and shaped to enable a projectile propelled by expanding gas out of a distal end of the barrel; and

a muzzle brake affixed to the distal end of the barrel, the muzzle brake comprising:

a body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and a bore extending through the body from the proximal end to the distal end, the body comprising:

a vented portion proximate the proximal end, the vented portion comprising at least one opening providing airflow communication between the bore and an exterior of the body, the at least one opening oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body; and

an unvented portion proximate the distal end, the unvented portion free of any openings oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body wherein a diameter of the bore in the vented portion is greater than a diameter of the bore in the unvented portion and wherein a diameter of the barrel is at least substantially equal to the diameter of the bore in the unvented portion.

11. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the diameter of the bore in the vented portion is between about 1.1 times and about 5 times the diameter of the bore in the unvented portion.

12. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the at least one opening comprises side vents on extending horizontally through each sidewall of the body, the side vents oriented to direct escaping gasses in a horizontal direction.

13. The firearm of claim 12, wherein the side vents are angled to direct escaping gasses horizontally away from the body and longitudinally toward the proximal end.

14. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the at least one opening comprises top ports on extending vertically through an upper portion of the body, the top ports oriented to direct escaping gasses in a vertical direction.

15. The firearm of claim 14, wherein the top ports are angled to direct escaping gasses vertically away from the body and longitudinally toward the proximal end.

16. The firearm of any one of claims 10 through 15, wherein the muzzle brake is configured to reduce recoil forces from the firearm by at least about 15%.

17. A method of making a muzzle brake for reducing recoil forces from firing a firearm, comprising:

forming a bore in a body such that the bore extends through the body from a proximal end to a distal end thereof;

forming at least one opening providing airflow communication between the bore and an exterior of the body within a vented portion of the body proximate the proximal end, the at least one opening oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body; and

leaving an unvented portion of the body proximate the distal end free of any openings oriented to direct vented gasses in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body;

wherein forming the bore in the body comprises forming a diameter of the bore in the vented portion to be greater than a diameter of the bore in the unvented portion.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming a chamfer proximate the distal end, the chamfer extending radially outward and toward the distal end at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein forming the diameter of the bore in the vented portion to be greater than the diameter of the bore in the unvented portion comprises forming the diameter of the bore in the vented portion to be between about 1.1 times and about 5 times the diameter of the bore in the unvented portion .

20. The method of any one of claims 17 through 19, wherein forming the diameter of the bore in the vented portion to be greater than the diameter of the bore in the unvented portion comprises configuring the muzzle brake to reduce recoil forces from a firearm affixed to the muzzle brake by at least about 15%.