The Glock is one of the most popular pistols in the world.
Its compact, subcompact, and standard models are ideal for concealed carry.
Its performance makes it perfect for law enforcement, military, concealed carry, and home defense.
However, shooting a Glock can feel like shooting any other handgun until you add a compensator to it.
A compensator is designed to reduce recoil and improve your accuracy by directing the muzzle gasses in a specific direction.
So, if you own a Glock or are looking to buy one, here are some of the best compensators for Glocks that you should consider in 2023.
Table of Contents
#1. Strike Industries Gen 4 Standard Mass Driver Compensator
- Compatible Model(s): Gen 4 Glock 17
- Material: Aluminum
- Color(s): Black
- Threaded: No Threaded Barrel Needed
Strike Industries’ Gen 4 Standard Mass Driver Compensator is the best option for shooters who want to have a compensator on their Gen 4 Glock 17 without modifying their barrel.
It is entirely legal in all 50 states, which is a relief because of the strict gun laws from state to state.
It has a complete package that includes a compensator main body, recoil spring, guide rod, guide rod fitment washer, guide rod head, and internal spring.
They crafted it with precision CNC machined aluminum, which is lightweight and durable.
For a snag-free holstering experience, it matches the size of the slide and contours with the slide, making it compatible with most open-bottom holsters.
With a simple design, it is easy to use and install, making it perfect for those who do not want to modify their weapon.
If you want reduced recoil and muzzle rise with an unthreaded Gen 4 Glock 17, the Strike Industries Gen 4 Standard Mass Driver Compensator is your best option.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Agency Arms LLC – 417 Compensator Glock 43
- Compatible Model(s): Glock G43
- Material: Aluminum
- Color(s): Black, Gold
- Threaded: 1/2×28
Glock’s G43 is an excellent secondary weapon for military, law enforcement, and concealed carry with its compact and lightweight design.
Agency Arms LLC has listened to their customers and provided a durable and compact compensator with the 417 Compensator Glock 43.
The compensator can easily fit all threaded barrels with a 1/2×28 thread pitch.
Its features provide muzzle relief and reduced muzzle climb to provide an enhanced shooting experience.
The 417 Compensator Glock 43 includes two vertical and two side vents for improved gas relief for enhanced performance.
Unlike some compensators, this model is pre-built to work with a stock recoil spring and includes a front sight hole, which allows you to transfer your existing front sight.
It is important to note that you must tune your recoil system and use heavier charge ammunition for the best results.
It comes with everything you need to install, including the compensator, two set screws, an allen wrench, and a vial of thread locker.
Agency Arms crafted it out of machined 7075 aluminum for enhanced longevity, and it comes in with a black or gold finish.
If you want a premium compensator for your Glock 43, the 417 Compensator Glock 43 by Agency Arms LLC is an excellent option.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#3. Strike Industries Mass Driver Compensator For Glock 19 Gen 4 Pistol
- Compatible Model(s): Gen 4 Glock 19
- Material: Aluminum
- Color(s): Black
- Threaded: No Threaded Barrel Needed
The Mass Driver Compensator For Glock 19 Gen 4 Pistol from Strike Industries is the best option for shooters who want to add a compensator to their Gen 4 Glock 19 without altering their barrel.
When you buy this compensator from Strike Industries, you get a complete kit that includes a main comp body, a recoil spring, a guide rod, a guide rod head, a guide rod fitment washer, and an internal spring.
The precision CNC machined aluminum used to create it is lightweight and long-lasting.
Like the Glock 17 version, it is available in all 50 states, which is a big relief since gun laws vary from state to state.
It can be used with open-bottom holsters thanks to its size and contours, which match the slide.
Strike Industries’ simple design makes it straightforward to install and use.
Its detached compensator design allows it to operate at near stock cyclic speeds for enhanced engagements.
The Strike Industries Mass Driver Compensator For Glock 19 Gen 4 Pistol is the best option for reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise with an unthreaded Gen 4 Glock 19.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Griffin Armament – Subcompact Micro Carry Compensator 9mm 1/2-28
- Compatible Model(s): Any Pistol w/ 1/2×28 Threaded Barrel
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color(s): Black
- Threaded: 1/2×28
The Subcompact Micro Carry Compensator 9mm 1/2-28 by Griffin Armament is perfect for gun owners who want a lightweight compensator that is perfect for concealed carry.
One of the most impressive features of the compensator is that it only adds a few tenths of an inch beyond the thread protector.
Even with its reduced size, it provides decreased recoil, less muzzle rise, and improved control.
Its miniature size allows for easy concealed carry and is compatible with most open-bottom holsters.
Griffin Armament constructed its compensator with stainless steel, and it includes a black nitride finish, which provides enhanced corrosion protection and durability.
Unlike the other compensators on this list, the Micro Carry Compensator is compatible with any threaded barrel with a 1/2×28 thread pitch.
It also features wrench flats for easy installation.
If you are looking for a compact compensator with a universal fit, the Subcompact Micro Carry Compensator 9mm 1/2-28 by Griffin Armament is perfect for you.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#5. Agency Arms LLC – 417 Compensator For Glock Gen 3 & 4
- Compatible Model(s): Gen 3/Gen 4 models of the Glock G17, G19 and G34
- Material: Aluminum
- Color(s): Black, Gold
- Threaded: 1/2×28
The 417 Compensator For Glock Gen 3 & 4 by Agency Arms LLC is an excellent compensator for Glock G17, G19, and G34.
It provides superior muzzle control, enhanced accuracy, and reduced recoil with two vertical and two side venting ports, enabling you to have faster follow-on shots.
It is machined from 7075 aluminum for improved durability and longevity and comes with a black or gold finish.
This model is not compatible with conversion barrels, and the compensator may require tuning the recoil system.
They designed the compensator to work perfectly with the OEM recoil spring assembly and features a machined hole compatible with all Glock front sights that provides an improved sight radius.
It comes with everything you need to install it, including the compensator, two set screws with an allen wrench, and a vial of thread locker.
The 417 Compensator For Glock Gen 3 & 4 by Agency Arms LLC is the perfect compensator for those who own a Glock G17, G19, and G34.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#6. Wasatch Arms Glock 19 Compensator
- Compatible Model(s): Gen 5 Glock 19
- Material: Aluminum
- Color(s): Black
- Threaded: No Threaded Barrel Needed
Glock 19’s are known for their performance and consistent reliability, and pairing them with a high-performance compensator will take your shooting to the next level.
The Wasatch Arms Glock 19 Compensator is a unique compensator that is rail-mounted, which provides quick and easy installation.
They crafted it out of aluminum, which is lightweight and durable.
The best part is that you can upgrade your Glock without permanently modifying your weapon.
Upgrading your Glock 19 is easy with this compensator, which instantly decreases felt recoil by 60 to 80 percent and reduces muzzle rise.
Unlike some other rail-mounted compensators the Wasatch Arms Glock 19 Compensator comes with a Picatinny rail on the bottom to allow you to add other accessories such as a laser or flashlight.
If you are looking for an installed performance upgrade with minimum installation, the Wasatch Arms Glock 19 Compensator is perfect for you.
It is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse. Here’s where to buy it: www.Sportsmans.com
What is a Compensator
A compensator is an added component attached to the end of a gun barrel.
Compensators are used to reduce the felt recoil felt by the shooter when firing the weapon.
They are especially useful for inexperienced shooters who may need more time to get used to gun handling or who want a competitive edge.
With reduced felt recoil and muzzle rise, a shooter can quickly fire follow-on shots with ease.
They come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all serve a common purpose: reducing the amount of force transferred from the gun to the shooter’s hand.
You can use compensators on both rifles and pistols, and they are most often used ‌with a threaded barrel, but some models do not require a threaded barrel.
Non-threaded compensators can attach to the rail of your Glock or by a custom mounting system.
They are also perfect for those who do not want to modify their weapon permanently.
A downside to a rail-based system is that it takes up the entire rail, which would prevent you from adding other attachments, such as a laser or flashlight.
There are two main disadvantages to using a compensator.
A compensator needs to be timed and adjusted to function properly, which can be time-consuming for inexperienced shooters.
With gasses being redirected towards the shooter, each shot will be louder.
However, the benefits of equipping a compensator on your Glock far outweigh the disadvantages.
How Does a Compensator Work?
Compensators reduce recoil by compensating for the force exerted on the gun when it is fired.
When a round is fired, the expanding gasses push on an expansion chamber, creating a vacuum that draws gasses from the barrel into the compensator.
If you take a closer look at a compensator, you will see vents or holes on the sides and top.
These vents are where the gas is released.
They do this by redirecting some of that force outwards and/or upward.
This reduces the stress put on the shooter and can help improve accuracy and control.
Final Verdict
If you are a Glock owner and want to take your shooting to the next level, a compensator will provide improved accuracy and control by reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise.
They have a straightforward design and are simple to use once they are tuned.
If you do not want to modify your Glock permanently or do not have a threaded barrel, the non-threaded compensators on this list will be your best option.
A Glock compensator is perfect for novice shooters who want enhanced accuracy and control or season shooters who want the most out of their weapon.
References / Resources
See Also
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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