Abstract: A compensated barrel shroud that encloses and supports a firearm barrel provides a first portion of the shroud for receiving the barrel that extends from the firearm frame to an end of the barrel. There is a second larger inner diameter portion extending from the end of the barrel to a forwardmost outer end of the shroud. The barrel and shroud are screwed together by interengaging threads positioned adjacent the end of the barrel. The end of the shroud has a decreased diameter exit hole defining an expansion chamber within the second larger inner diameter portion. At least one slot is formed along a top surface of the second portion to allow expanding propellant gas from within the second portion to escape. The slot is sized and arranged to provide a downward thrust to the barrel shroud to compensate recoil forces generated in firing a round.