For you “Retro-Heads” out there looking to recreate the classic Vietnam-era XM177E2 carbine, Griffin Armament has recreated one of the most prominent features of said carbine – its iconic Moderator. Not so much a Suppressor or muzzle brake, the XM Moderator was designed to tame the massive bark of a short-barreled rifle. Usually, when you look for a reproduction they’re just a solid piece of steel with slots milled to recreate the look and nothing more. Griffin Armament has taken the design and converted it into a functional muzzle device with their XM177 Linear Comp Gen 2.

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Product page item description:

Built using dimensions from the original Colt print and aesthetic geometry from an actual MAC-V-SOG XM177-E2. Manufactured from 17-4 SS, weighing 6.8 ounces per set of linear compensator and Grenade ring, the Griffin XM Linear comp is an actual functional muzzle device, not a slug of bar stock with a hole in the middle that resembles the XM Moderator. Per NFA we built the XM177 Linear Comp as a linear compensator, so the baffling specific to the original part is not present and the XM Linear comp is designed new from the ground up as a functional retro muzzle device for your retro builds.

You may purchase the Compensator as a standalone item, or add on the optional grenade ring for +$25.00 ($45 value). CLICK HERE to purchase the grenade ring alone.

This product requires an A1 Armorers tool, Griffin Armorers tool, or thin 5/8″ wrench for installation. Torque to 30-35ft lbs and visually check alignment prior to firing. Pictured is a 12.37″ barrel 16.19″ non NFA pinned and welded build on a Griffin Armament XM Linear comp.

XM177 Linear Comp Features:

• XM177E1/E2 Retro look
• Functional Linear Compensator w/ Optional Grenade Ring
• 17-4 SS Billet Machined
• 6.3 oz weight (Comp Only) 6.8 oz weight (w/ Grenade Ring)
• Plasma Nitride finish for original black look that won’t turn brown with normal use
• Blueprint specification grenade ring
• 4.69″ OAL w/grenade ring 4.323″ W/O Grenade ring

These are available as of this writing and in stock. I know I’ve played with the idea of doing an XM build here and there, though I’m more partial to the classic 723 as well as the 733 from Cinema Masterpiece Heat.

What are your thoughts? Are you gonna pick one up for your retro build? Let us know down below in the comments section!

All images in this article were sourced via the Griffin Armament website.