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

firing a musket rifle
firing a musket rifle

Today’s Makers of Yesterday’s Firearms

Original firearms from the American Revolution era are valuable and best preserved for posterity. For those who want to shoot them, several modern makers offer quality reproductions.

Left Turn (Bolt): Tikka's New Left-Handed T3x Ace Rifles

Lefties of the world unite and rejoice, as Tikka has announced left-hand versions of its award-winning T3x Ace chassis rifles.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 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.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.

Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.