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

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 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.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.