A Closer Look at Glock 9mm Compensators: Types, Installation, and Functionality

Whenever you fire your Glock 9mm pistol, the gasses generated by the shot will push the projectile out of the barrel at supersonic speed. As it exits the muzzle, your weapon’s tilt-breech lock-barrel mechanism will ‘tilt’ the barrel upward every time you shoot. 

One of the most endearing aspects of the Glock is its low bore axis. This means that it doesn’t flip up as much as many other guns since the barrel is located closer to its center of gravity. 

However, the 9x19 round is powerful enough to jerk the weapon upward, even if it’s a full-sized Glock 17. Moreover, the weapon’s polymer frame makes it too light to soak up all that recoil, and you will have to re-align the sights every time you take a shot. Apart from that, +P and +P+ rounds will also become difficult to shoot accurately. 

That’s why compensators have been invented. A compensator is a device that typically vents these gasses straight up. As per the laws of physics, an equal and opposite reaction automatically pushes your Glock’s muzzle down. Since the weapon’s mechanism forces its muzzle upward and the compensator pushes it down, it reaches equilibrium in the middle; i.e., right at your point of aim (POA). After all, we all want the POA to be the point of impact (POI) to ensure the accuracy of our shots. Here, a compensator serves exactly this purpose.

Different Types of Compensators

Compensators come in different sizes and porting options. The bigger the ports, the more gas is released upward, and your muzzle is pushed down. However, excessive porting does have a drawback. It decreases the projectile’s velocity, leading to 'Failure to Extract' (FTE) issues. In other words, overly large compensators can compromise the power of your weapon. You may even have to change your recoil springs to ensure functional reliability.

Apart from that, it can also increase muzzle flash and sound. Furthermore, compensators with simple top porting won’t be able to stop the sideways motion of your Glock pistol. These large compensators also require a whole new approach to concealed carry since they won’t fit in a regular holster. 

Installation Types

Some compensators require threaded barrels. You simply screw the comp on the barrel, and you are good to go, while certain compensators can also be attached to the guide rod. The latter, however, tend to be big and bulky. 

Nevertheless, the core function of all compensators remains the same—to reduce recoil and ensure faster and more accurate follow-up shots. 

The Herrington Arms HC9C

This is a small, yet incredibly effective compensator—one that can fit the threaded barrels of all Gen 2-5 models 17, 19, and 26 Glocks. It’s equipped with multiple side and top ports to ensure a rock-steady platform, safe from both upward and sideways movement even when using high-velocity rounds. 

Made from weapons-grade material, Herrington Arms’ tough little Glock 9mm compensator can handle anything you throw at it. It also works fine with your stock Glock, so no need to change anything on your EDC weapon. Get one today, and see the difference!