brakes

[double g]

whats the general opinion, do brakes affect accuracy of a rifle.

 

[artbosco]

Some say yes, some say no. They're undecided. :-\

 

[40X Guy]

My opinion is no, they do not effect accuracy. I have brakes on 3 of my rifles and if nothing else they make the rifle more manageable to shoot off of a bench. They shoot well like the rest of my unbraked rifles.

Frank

 

[lpreddick]

i stood too close to a magnum something with a brake...now i know what it feels like to be sandblasted! even my 25-06 with the boss brake/system gives the shooter a facial concussion when shooting at the bench under a roof at the range. if you ever shoot one prone and the ground is dry...a great dust storm will result. also, if the brake is removed the poi will usually change. as you can tell i'm not a fan, but they do what their designeto do.

 

[artbosco]

I have brakes on 3 of my rifles and if nothing else they make the rifle more manageable to shoot off of a bench.

And how do your bench neighbors feel about? Is it as pleasant for them, as it is for you?

 

[wapiti25]

It will depend on who installed it, as is it concentric and straight? The BOSS system allows you to tune the barrel as well as reducing recoil. They do increase the noise level. I hunt with electronic muffs so it is not a big deal. I installed the BOSS on my 338 and It shoots much better accuracy wise.

 

[BoydAllen]

Like many things brakes are a compromise between decreases recoil and the muzzle blast that they redirect in ways that can be unpleasant. At the range I try not to shoot right next to someone that is shooting a rifle that has one, but in the field my friends like being able to see their hits (and misses) when varminting, and other friends who take lightweight magnums into the field appreciate the significant reduction of recoil, willingly trading it for the increase in noise and other effects of redirected muzzle blast. As to accuracy, I think that it is probably a good idea to retune your load when a brake is added to an existing rifle, but if anything, especially for hard kicking rifles, I think that accuracy may be enhanced...if the installation is properly done. Just remember to wear good ear protection and to make sure that those around you have similar protection, and are forewarned before you pull the trigger. You might also give a thought if you plan on taking a cross hood shot, about the potential paint, and/or glass damage.

 

[40X Guy]

I have brakes on 3 of my rifles and if nothing else they make the rifle more manageable to shoot off of a bench.

And how do your bench neighbors feel about? Is it as pleasant for them, as it is for you?

Or course they don't like it as i don't like it when someone next to me has a brake, so I learned last year to leave those guns home and build my unbraked rifles heavier in weight and in smaller more accurate calibers. My rifles with brakes are either large 30 cal or very hotrodded 6MM calibers and i use them only on my 600 yard range now, and yes there is a difference in POI as stated earlier without the brake, but accuracy at least in my rifles is unaffected either way.

Frank