Running a local match,... how to deal with muzzle brakes?

[rijndael]

Going back and re-reading some of the comments in this thread emphasizes why so many guns clubs appear unfriendly and/or have shrinking memberships.

You've got what appears to be a friendly type shoot. Some folks on benches and some folks on the ground, and guns ranging from ARs to bolt guns. So many of you are simply unwilling to accommodate accessories that you don't like/want. You all are so creative when it comes to ferreting out tweaks to your load, working around reloading issues and other things, and yet your answer to competitors with a brake is to exclude them.

There are plenty of seemingly simple fixes for the muzzle blast problem. Put up some cardboard between the users, maybe some extra target stands that are a couple of 1x2 strips of wood with a target backer between the shooters. If you're on the ground, use a range bag or rifle case. Put all of the braked rifles on one end and everyone else on the other end, you can probably get away with 1 divider if the two sides have no gaps between them. I'm sure there are plenty more potential workarounds, this isn't an insurmountable problem that requires excluding people from a "run what you brung" type of match.

 

[saunaking]

Informal club matches that are shot several times a month can accomedate muzzle brakes using creative methods by the match directors. Any NRA or other governing board that puts on sanctioned matches should adhere to rules governing that body. Call me a Fudd, but when shooting an F-class match that has strict rules for using muzzle devices, I don't want to see one on the line. If you want to play, follow the rules. Don't be a "karen" that expects people to bend over for your special needs.

 

[rockhound78]

We have brakes at our varmint silhouette matches, but we also limit calibers to 6.5 cal. max., and no magnums. Velocities above 22 cal. are limited to 3200fps. We go to 500 yds. I use a brake as I want to see bullet impact if I can as sometimes spotters have a tough time seeing impacts. Our benches are about 8' apart.

 

[gunnermhr]

Problem solved, Mifflin county implemented "blast" shields and they work fantastic. I shoot a PPC beside a braked 284 without issue. It's the best of both worlds, you can remain competitive against clamshell brakes and you don't turn anyone away. Attendance continues to grow as your not turning anyone away with brakes of all designs.

 

[David Milisock]

We have brakes at our varmint silhouette matches, but we also limit calibers to 6.5 cal. max., and no magnums. Velocities above 22 cal. are limited to 3200fps. We go to 500 yds. I use a brake as I want to see bullet impact if I can as sometimes spotters have a tough time seeing impacts. Our benches are about 8' apart.

My 6MM Remington has no brake, is not a magnum and is sleeping at 3200 FPS. My standard load is 3900 FPS.

 

[JFrank]

IF’ I were to shoot a braked rifle and noticed I was impeding my neighbors match performance, I would certainly carry that as a burden.

 

[rockhound78]

Then your 6mm rem. would not be allowed on the line. Match director has a chronograph set up to check, if need be. No fmj either. Prior to restrictions, seems like every match some targets were getting damaged. very little damage now, if any

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I dont even notice the muzzle brakes. MSA sordin ear muffs made all the difference for me. I see a lot of guys using really cheap ear protection, I used to feel sick after a day running our line because I did too. Definitely worth the price even if there are no brakes around.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I dont even notice the muzzle brakes. MSA sordin ear muffs made all the difference for me. I see a lot of guys using really cheap ear protection, I used to feel sick after a day running our line because I did too. Definitely worth the price even if there are no brakes around.

Alex, I assume you are talking about shooting in the 600/1000 yard format.

There might be a difference in the heavier rifles used in this Format as opposed to the 10.5 pound Rifles used in Short Range Group.

The Long Range Committees of the Sanctioning Bodies have determined that Brakes are not a problem in that Format. I cannot see that happening in the Short Range Formats.

 

[hoz53]

?Problem solved, Mifflin county implemented "blast" shields and they work fantastic. I shoot a PPC beside a braked 284 without issue. It's the best of both worlds, you can remain competitive against clamshell brakes and you don't turn anyone away. Attendance continues to grow as your not turning anyone away with brakes of all designs.

that sounds good- (pun?) ill build some where i shoot and see how they work

 

[redrockranger]

I'm late to this match. I'd put them in the same flight and they could all enjoy their muzzle brakes at once.
No need to be macho. It's tough even with muffs on.

 

[hoz53]

I run a local match for our club and it's a 300 yard "varmint" shoot where most shoot from a bench. Lately we have got a lot of newcomers showing up and shooting everything from AR223's to big caliber stuff. It's open to any and all calibers up to .308 but the issue were having is with muzzle brakes. How do I deal with them? Several shooters have been complaining about the back blast from them. Some are so bad they are actually knocking stuff off other benches. I don't think it's fair to ban them across the board because some shooters have developed their loads with them in place. Looking for ideas to not piss off anybody and prevent losing my good shooters that don't want to shoot around them.

i wonder about the hearing damage issue to. how about the guy shooting the braked gun?? even with plugs and muffs it seems loud to me. i have not put a brake on any of my guns yet because i wonder if it would contribute more to my hearing loss that just the standard muzzle blast? i do wear all the best hearing protection i can.

 

[ballisticdaddy]

In reading through this thread it appears there a quite a few here that believe guys shoot brakes just to disrupt and/or annoy other shooters. I have switched over to PRS type shooting this year and started shooting matches with a suppressor and was mid pack at best. After moving to a braked rifle my scores have greatly improved due to the fact that I am now able to spot my impacts much more clearly and can adjust to center of plate. A good brake just about eliminates recoil, they do have a purpose other than being disruptive to other shooters.

 

[jackieschmidt]

In reading through this thread it appears there a quite a few here that believe guys shoot brakes just to disrupt and/or annoy other shooters. I have switched over to PRS type shooting this year and started shooting matches with a suppressor and was mid pack at best. After moving to a braked rifle my scores have greatly improved due to the fact that I am now able to spot my impacts much more clearly and can adjust to center of plate. A good brake just about eliminates recoil, they do have a purpose other than being disruptive to other shooters.

There are a couple of replies that do insinuate what you stated in your first sentence, but I believe the vast majority have no problem with Brakes being used in the appropriate Format.

A Short Range Group or VFS Score Match is not that venue.

 

[ballisticdaddy]

There are a couple of replies that do insinuate what you stated in your first sentence, but I believe the vast majority have no problem with Brakes being used in the appropriate Format.

A Short Range Group or VFS Score Match is not that venue.

The OP was asking about a 300 yard varmint match, is that not an appropriate venue?

 

[jackieschmidt]

The OP was asking about a 300 yard varmint match, is that not an appropriate venue?

I assume they are shooting off of a Bench, probably over flags, with 6BR’s, 6PPC’s, and the like. That is how we did 300 and 400 yard “clay break” matches.

One of our best shooters shot a 22 lb 284, no brake. No problem.

We had first hand experience with this. Last year, a shooter showed up to shoot the Modified Class in VFS with a really nice rifle in 6.5 284, with a brake. The shooters on the benches to his left and right really complained.

That is why we simply say, no brakes at these 200/200 yard VFS score Matches. There are more appropriate venues for those rifles.

 

[miningshawn]

It is so simple. Really.

When I show up to a match with a muzzle brake on my rifle (because ALL of my rifles have them) and I am asking around about where to set up having read the rules prior to arriving, or if there is any way that I can put a barrier between myself and the next guy I tend to get two responses.

Response 1: "Sure thing, thanks for asking! Come over here and let's get you set up..." This happens 40% of the time.

Response 2: "Why the f*^k are you running a brake?" This conversation goes downhill very quickly and I leave the event. Happens 60% of the time.

I made a choice to have a brake. I am not going to justify it, nor do I have to. I am aware of the issues and I do my absolute best to be a good competitor and not affect the person next to me. I also don't have to deal with your negative BS. If YOU are complaining and whining about my brake, YOU will find something else - anything else - to complain about also. It just isn't worth my time, energy, or support.

 

[47WillysGuy]

I attended an event and was unlucky enough to be placed alongside a shooter that used a brake on 300 cannon. That’s the first and last time I will shoot alongside a braked gun. Was not fun! Hearing or no hearing , the concussion was enough to disrupt my concentration .

 

[Pawnee Bill]

Put all the brakes on one end together with empty benches between

There's you're answer! Problem solved!!

 

[Northridge]

There are many things to consider while running competitive matches that’s for sure and brakes can be of “topic” at times but brakes in general whether they be radial or side port typically will not gas there neighbor left or right if there is zero rake to the brake walls… most situations in question revolve around competitors that want to get there feet wet but really do not have appropriate to the rules brakes .. but instead of running or scaring people off make provisions for those special occasions.. give and take is what builds membership and regular participation wanking about it doesn’t keep things moving forward…

Shawn Williams