Why does the AK have

[PWC]

A "shovel" or "scoop" on the muzzle / flash hider? Is it to help hold the muzzle down? How effective is it? Seems that as the bullet leaves the muzzle the blow-by on the bottom would upset the bullet.

[Major Tom]

I think it is to help muzzle rise. On my AK,, it can be turned to deflect gases in either direction.

[gwp]

I think this answers your question.

In a nutshell, it’s angled roughly 22 degrees off-center because the AKM designed for fully-automatic fire from right-handed shooters.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/03/26/why-is-the-akms-muzzle-brake-canted/