No shims or lock washer included and no instructions. otherwise, product is great! - Spikes Tactical Barking Spider2 Krinkov Muzzle Brakes

This is an extremely well built and well finished product. When threading on and off any of the enteral pieces or end caps you can readily feel the excellent machining. Finish is also excellent So, the device garners five stars when it comes to fit and finish. Although I did not need it for my application the device comes pre-drilled for staking where that would be necessary. I needed this for an application on a short barred weapon, 10.5 5.56 AR pistol. For those that have not experienced it, shooting a rifle cartridge through a shot barrel causes a great amount of concussion and noise to the face as a great deal of igniting powder is also leaving the end of the barrel. Typical flash hiders do nothing to dampen this and muzzle breaks made to reduce recoil and muzzle flip in fact increase the effects! This device is designed to push the concussion, heat, etc., forward and away from the shooter and/or those near to the shooter. In this, the device does a masterful job! This type device is a must for weapons like my pistol as well as any SBR. To summery, in function it is excellent at the job it was designed for.

Now to the negatives. The device comes with no instructions whatsoever and worse, with no shims or crush washer. As I have both on hand this did not present a problem for me but, it could for many and to not include at least a crush washer is rather cheap on Spikes part! To a lesser degree, it also comes in a plastic bag rather than sturdy box. Those that have experience in adding muzzle devices would not have a problem knowing how or what is needed to do the job properly, but there are many first time buyers out there I am sure and at this price, Spikes really sucks! Because of design, there is no "timing" involved so just getting a good mount is all that is necessary. But again, no shims (washers) or crush washer included! It would be possible to mount directly to the barrel but that is simply not advisable. Out of curiosity I contacted Spikes and asked, which they recommended, shims or crush washer? Most builders say shims are better but many if not most factory built AR's come with a crush washer. None come with nothing! Spikes got back with me and said, on all their in house builds they use shims. There, no doubt they know something is needed and they get out on the cheap and add to that, no instructions to help the novice at all.

With needed parts included and at least some decent instructions I would have given this device five stars easy. But charging what they charge and then you having to add parts to install, that is just terrible! I can recommend the product because of function but those that know what you are doing, make sure you have shims or a crush washer available to you before you get you device in the mail. For those that do not, take your weapon to a known armorer and have him install it. It is an easy and quick install and the cost of the install SHOULD (depending on your armorer) be minimal.

Lastly, if anyone from Spikes actually reads this, you need to step up to the plate and do a better job for your customers. Include all that is needed for a simple install and include some instructions. And, at these prices, do a better job at packaging. The pennies you are saving on these easy to take care of items is not worth having a name for less than stellar and complete product and services!