Radian Ramjet + Afterburner: Sig P365 Recoil Control?
One of the hottest products that has been getting a ton of buzz is the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner. While it can be used on a Glock (G19, G17, of varying gen combo for Glock, etc.), I grabbed this pistol compensator and tossed it on my P365 build (I purchased a P365X and turned it into a P365XL).
If you carry a SIG P365, you already know the trade-off, it hides easily, but it can feel snappy when you push pace. I wanted to see if the Radian Afterburner compensator and Ramjet barrel would make an actual difference (especially when compared to my overpriced Sig Spectre Comp slide).
The Radian Afterburner + Ramjet is built for that exact problem: it’s a threadless micro-comp and ported match barrel combo.
In this article, I’m going to dive deep into whether or not the system actually changes my P365, what it can’t fix, and how to install and maintain it so it stays reliable for carry.
Here is the product from the Radian website if you wanted to check out the actual product.
Key Takeaways
- Radian markets up to 44% recoil reduction with 115-grain 9mm ammo, and the compensator itself is only about 0.47 inches long, so you get real muzzle control without turning a micro pistol into a full-size build.
- The kit stays threadless by using the INTRA-LOK tapered screw and V-groove interface, so you don’t need shims, timing, or threadlocker for normal setup.
- Fitment is straightforward for SIG P365 and P365X 3.1-inch slides, and it extends overall length to about a P365XL, which often means easier holster compatibility with open-bottom XL holsters.
Features of the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner
You’re getting two parts that work as a matched system: an Afterburner micro-compensator and a Ramjet ported, match-grade pistol barrel that’s designed to reduce muzzle rise and reduce recoil on a compact carry gun.
Where this setup stands out is how it mounts. Instead of a typical threaded barrel and a timed comp, it uses the INTRA-LOK taper-lock principle, so you can install it and remove it for cleaning without fighting thread pitch, shims, or carbon welded threads (this makes life so much easier when cleaning your pistol).
- Threadless attachment: The tapered screw locks the comp onto an angled V-groove on the underside of the barrel for repeatable alignment.
- Carry-friendly geometry: The micro-comp’s short length helps you keep the small P365 form-factor while still adding meaningful control.
- Holster reality check: Once installed, the gun runs closer to P365XL length, so you should plan around XL-length holsters (especially open-bottom designs).
- Suppressor note: If your end goal is a suppressor, this kit is built for compensation, not suppressor mounting. You would typically remove it and swap to a dedicated threaded barrel for suppressed use.
What is a micro-compensator (pistol compensator) and how does it work?
A micro compensator sits at the muzzle end of the barrel and redirects gas to counteract muzzle rise. On a light pistol like the P365, that matters because even small changes in muzzle movement show up as slower sight return and wider follow-up shots.
Most retailer spec sheets list the Afterburner at about 0.47 inches long and the combo at up to 44% recoil reduction with 115-grain ammunition. Treat that number as a best-case claim, then verify it with your ammo and your grip style to see if the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner lives up to the hype for your use case.
Radian Weapons machined the Afterburner from hardened stainless steel and the Ramjet tube from hardened 416R stainless steel. The finish is designed to reduce friction and resist corrosion, which is why many owners find it easier to wipe down after range sessions than raw stainless.
Radian also calls the system legal for sale in all 50 states, but they still warn that some states and local jurisdictions restrict usage in certain circumstances. If you carry for self-defense, check your local rules before you build your setup around a compensator.
How does a match-grade barrel improve performance?
A match-grade barrel helps most when you’re trying to shoot tighter groups at speed. You’re not chasing benchrest accuracy on a P365, you’re trying to keep rounds centered while the gun cycles fast.
That said, most of us will never even outshoot our OEM barrel. So, does a match-grade barrel really matter at the end of the day? No, not really. But at least you get “cool point” for a stylish barrel, right? I’ll take it. Especially considering I got the bronze barrel, which looks awesome on the P365 platform.
The Ramjet barrel is designed as a matched part of the compensator system, including a gas-sealing chamber concept that supports the way the comp uses pressure. That’s why this kit tends to feel more “together” than mixing a random barrel with a random comp.
If you change barrels and add a compensator, assume your point of impact can shift. Reconfirm zero with your carry ammo and confirm where your sights or dot actually hit at realistic defensive distances.
If you want an easy tuning lever, the Quick-Tune Guide Rod for Sig Sauer can be added (I’ve found that I didn’t need it). It’s worth considering if your pistol feels a little over-sprung or under-sprung once you add the comp, especially if you rotate between light range ammo and hotter defensive loads.
Recoil Control Capabilities
The core promise of the Radian Ramjet and Afterburner combo is simple: less muzzle rise, flatter tracking, and faster follow-up shots, without turning your P365 into a threaded-barrel project.
What you should expect in real life is a different recoil impulse. The gun can feel less “snappy” up top, but you may notice more blast and concussion compared to a stock muzzle, especially indoors (which all makes sense).
- Best case: Faster sight return on controlled pairs and faster split times once your grip is consistent.
- Trade-offs: More muzzle blast and noise, and the comp can blow more gas upward around the front of the slide.
- Carry impact: The gun often fits P365XL holsters better than P365 holsters after installation.
How much does the Radian Weapons Ramjet and Afterburner reduce felt recoil?
For decision-making, start with two numbers that manufacturers put in writing: Radian’s claim of up to 44% recoil reduction with 115-grain ammo for the Ramjet Afterburner + Ramjet, and SIG’s claim of up to 30% reduction for the integrated Spectre Comp slide.
Those are not apples-to-apples tests, but they help you frame the “why” of the upgrade. If you want the biggest recoil reduction claim in the smallest package, the Radian kit usually wins on paper.
If you want fewer moving parts and a factory Spectre Comp slide assembly, the SIG solution stays attractive (which is why I also purchased it, and yes, this experiment was expensive at nearly $1,000… so if you like this kind of content, please consider using our links that help us continue to buy cool products like this to test).
To make the comparison fair for your gun, test with the same magazines, the same grip module, and the same carry ammo. If you see malfunctions after adding a comp, spring tuning is usually your first lever, not more lube.
How does it enhance muzzle control?
Muzzle control is where the INTRA-LOK design earns its keep. The comp locks onto the barrel with a tapered screw that interfaces with an angled V-groove on the underside of the barrel, so timing is repeatable without shims.
Several installation guides specify tightening the tapered screw to 15 inch-pounds. That’s light enough to avoid stripping, but specific enough that you really should use an inch-pound torque driver if you want consistent results (something like the Wheeler is ideal).
I also like that you can remove the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner comp and barrel for cleaning without fighting thread timing. For a carry gun that sees sweat, lint, and frequent wipe-downs, that matters.
I have a comp on my G17, and it’s literally a pain in the ass to remove in order to clean the barrel and then put it back on. Thank goodness it’s a Glock, because of this, I don’t clean it nearly as much as I do my P365 (but then again, I carry my P365 daily).
How does it compare to the Sig Spectre Comp Slide?
You can absolutely build a flatter-shooting P365 with either approach. The right answer depends on whether you value maximum recoil reduction or you value fewer parts and a factory slide assembly.
| Category | Radian Ramjet + Afterburner | SIG Spectre Comp Slide |
|---|---|---|
| Recoil reduction claim | Up to 44% with 115-grain 9mm (manufacturer marketing claim). | Up to 30% (SIG states this for the integrated expansion-chamber design). |
| How it achieves compensation | Micro-comp plus a matched, ported barrel. | Integrated compensator machined into the slide. |
| Installation and maintenance | Threadless INTRA-LOK mount, torque to 15 inch-pounds, easy removal for cleaning. | No removable comp, normal slide disassembly, fewer extra parts. |
| Compatibility watch-outs | Not compatible with SIG models that have a loaded chamber indicator (LCI). | Not compatible with ported barrels or .380 AUTO components, and it requires the correct barrel and recoil assembly. |
| Holster fit | Extends a P365/P365X 3.1 setup to roughly P365XL length. | Often fits standard P365XL holsters as a slide assembly option. |
| Best fit for | People chasing maximum recoil reduction in a true concealed-carry package. | People who want a factory-style solution with fewer removable components. |
Benefits for Sig P365 Users
If you like the P365 because it’s small, but you shoot it like you mean it, this is the kind of upgrade that can make training more productive and range time more fun. Less muzzle rise means you spend more time confirming sights and less time recovering from movement.
The brand’s own fitment notes say the Radian Afterburner + Ramjet kit extends a P365 or P365X (3.1-inch slide like I have) to P365XL length, which is a practical benefit. It often makes holster selection simpler than “P365 plus comp” setups that create oddball dimensions.
- Faster follow-up shots: Sight return improves because the muzzle doesn’t climb as much.
- Better consistency at speed: The match barrel and repeatable comp alignment help you keep rapid strings tighter.
- Cleaner maintenance loop: Threadless removal makes it easier to keep the muzzle end clean on a carry gun.
Can it help achieve faster follow-up shots?
Yes, if you verify it with a simple baseline test. Shoot a few controlled pairs with your stock setup, then repeat with the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner combo installed, using the same ammo and distance.
Pay attention to what your sights do between shots. The goal is not “no recoil.” The goal is a predictable return that lets you press the next shot without waiting on the gun.
If you hit reliability bumps while pushing pace, solve that before you chase speed. In practice, spring tuning (or switching to the load your pistol actually prefers) tends to fix more problems than changing your grip module or chasing a different comp.
What makes the shooting experience flatter?
The comp vents gas in a way that counters muzzle rise, and the barrel/comp fit stays consistent because the INTRA-LOK system times the comp for you.
The other “flatter” advantage is maintenance. Several install and cleaning guides recommend coating the barrel-to-comp interface with a heat-resistant gun oil if you anticipate high round counts, because that helps prevent carbon lock.
If the comp ever carbon-locks onto the barrel, a common fix is to soak the Radian Ramjet and Afterburner in gun oil or CLP overnight, then rotate the comp to break it free.
This is also where the finish conversation matters. A hard, low-friction coating can clean up faster, but any carry gun finish can show wear from holsters and frequent handling. If you’re strict about looks, plan for honest wear.
Compatibility and Installation
The biggest installation win here is that it’s threadless. You don’t time anything, you don’t stack shims, and you don’t rely on threadlocker to keep your comp aligned.
You still need to treat it like a serious firearm change. Check fit, torque it correctly, and then confirm function with the magazines and ammo you actually carry.
- What it fits: SIG P365 and P365X with the 3.1-inch slide.
- What to avoid: SIG models with an LCI, and any setup where the barrel/slide geometry doesn’t match the kit’s intended fit.
- Tools that help: The supplied Torx bit plus an inch-pound torque driver, so you can hit 15 inch-pounds.
Is the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner compatible with the Sig P365?
Yes, it’s built to direct-fit the SIG P365 and P365X with the 3.1-inch slide. Once installed, it increases the overall slide length to about a P365XL, which is why many people end up moving to P365XL holsters after the upgrade (I love the PHLster Pro with my P365 setup).
Radian explicitly states it is not compatible with SIG models that feature a loaded chamber indicator (LCI), because the Ramjet barrel does not include the OEM LCI cut and will not seat with it in place.
Radian also describes the system as legal for sale in all 50 states, while warning that some states, counties, or municipalities may restrict use. If you carry for self-defense, treat that as a quick compliance check before you invest.
How do you install the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner on a Sig P365?
Clear the pistol, remove the magazine, and verify the chamber is empty. Then field-strip the P365 so you can access the barrel and recoil spring assembly.
- Remove the slide from the frame using the manufacturer’s normal field-strip process.
- Remove the recoil spring assembly and factory barrel, then wipe the slide clean so debris doesn’t affect the fit.
- Apply a light coat of oil to the Ramjet barrel exterior and hood, then install the Ramjet into the slide.
- Reinstall the recoil spring assembly, then confirm the barrel seats fully and the slide cycles smoothly by hand.
- Slide the Afterburner micro-compensator over the Ramjet barrel and align the INTRA-LOK interface.
- Insert the tapered locking screw and torque it to 15 inch-pounds using the supplied Torx bit and an inch-pound torque driver.
- Reassemble the pistol, run a full function check, then confirm reliability at the range with your carry magazines and carry ammo.
If you plan high round counts, consider a small amount of heat-resistant oil at the barrel-to-comp interface before installation. It’s a simple step that can save you time the first time you remove the comp for deep cleaning.
The Radian Ramjet + Afterburner Is Absolutely Amazing
If your SIG P365 feels sharp and you want a flatter sight picture, the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner is one of the most effective recoil-control upgrades you can bolt on.
The big wins are the threadless INTRA-LOK mount, the match barrel fit, and a reduction in recoil claim that’s hard to ignore, as long as you validate it with your ammo and your reliability standards.
Install it correctly, torque it to spec, keep the muzzle end clean and clear of carbon buildup, and you’ll get faster, flatter shooting, more controllable follow-up shots without giving up the P365’s core carry advantage.
Also, if you want to improve recoil control even more, add an Antimatter Micro Wing to your firearm. I did a full review on it and it’s really impressive.
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FAQs
They are muzzle devices that cut felt recoil and muzzle rise on the Sig P365. The Afterburner compensator and the Ramjet both redirect gas to steady the gun, they do not remove recoil entirely.
Yes, they reduce muzzle flip and help you get back on target faster. Real improvements depend on ammo, grip, and training.
Expect extra blast and noise, and some holster or carry fit issues with a muzzle device. Check local laws and test fit with your gear before buying.
Test both if you can, using the ammo you plan to carry, and pick the one that gives the best recoil control and sight recovery for you.
References
- https://www.recoilweb.com/radian-afterburner-ramjet-micro-comp-and-barrel-review-185122.html
- https://www.brownells.com/the-trigger-times/tips–tricks/tech-tips/radian-p365-upgrades/
- https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/Radian-Afterburner-P365/14-213491/
- https://www.mapleleaffirearms.com/radian-weapons-afterburner-ramjet-for-sig-sauer-p365-or-p365x/
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