Muzzle Brake Opinions

[TZaun]

This summer I am sending off a Remington Sendero chambered in a 300 Ultra Mag to have a new barrel put on it, have the action overhauled, and get it bedded. It will be throated for the 210 Bergers. I was going to have a 3 gill brake put on it but then I read in another thread that one guy said he would never put a brake on a hunting rifle that could be used in the mountains. I have a feeling it has to do with snow getting into it but would like to hear other hunters' experiences. I would also like to hear recommendations for styles and makers of good brakes for hunting rifles.

 

[effendude]

I have no idea what that post was referring to as far as braked rifle in the mountains. I have brakes on most of my large rifles including a couple .300 RUM and .338 RUM rifles. I firmly believe they make you a better shot, both in practice and in the field. I have watched the bullet impact the animal many times while shooting a braked rifle. Instant feedback on whether another shot is needed.

I put electrical tape over the muzzle including the brake to keep the dirt and debris out of the barrel. I also wrap another 12" or so around the barrel near the end of the forearm for replacement of the tape while in the field.

I have used the Vias brake, the Centershot rifle brake and lately I have been using the Straight Shot Gunsmithing brake. The Vias brake keeps the barrel contour and blends nicely, the others are a little larger on the sides than the barrel, but no problems in scabbards. The side discharge brakes seem to work better and don't kick up as much dust when shot prone.

Put a brake on, wear ear protection and enjoy the benefits.
Scott

 

[TZaun]

I was wondering about how much dirt and debris a radial would kick up. After having the radial and side discharge, would you stay with the gill style so as to not blow a bunch of dirt and debris around? I too have used the electrical tape trick.

 

[jsthntn247]

I've had several of these muzzlebrakes and never had a problem with it blowing dirt in my face. You do need earplugs however. I wouldn't put a brake on a rifle where quick shots were the norm, like hunting in the south eastern woods, but for hunting out west when you normally have time to set up on the animal and can remeber to put in your earplugs they are great. I've had several radial brakes and hated them. http://www.muzzlebrakesandmore.com/

 

[Nodak7mm]

I have been using the Straight Shot Gunsmithing brake. . The side discharge brakes seem to work better and don't kick up as much dust when shot prone.

Put a brake on, wear ear protection and enjoy the benefits.
Scott

+ 1

I am with Scott, I've used both designs and now only use the SSS type of side disharge brakes for the reasons he mentions. Plus the side discharge does not throw near the debris a radial does when shooting prone in the field. Brakes have their place and I love using them when & where I can.

Rod

 

[jonbearman]

You can slip a condom over the end when hiking and shoot it off so to speak. Not trying to be a wise guy but if the military can do it anyone can.

 

[NateHaler]

This summer I am sending off a Remington Sendero chambered in a 300 Ultra Mag to have a new barrel put on it, have the action overhauled, and get it bedded. It will be throated for the 210 Bergers. I was going to have a 3 gill brake put on it but then I read in another thread that one guy said he would never put a brake on a hunting rifle that could be used in the mountains. I have a feeling it has to do with snow getting into it but would like to hear other hunters' experiences. I would also like to hear recommendations for styles and makers of good brakes for hunting rifles.

No brake. Get the rifle rebarreled to a cartridge that doesn't kick you enough to justify one of the friggin' noisy monstrosities. Like a .280 Improved.

 

[1shot]

I like my brake on my 300 Blk Out for multiple follow up shots, but BOhio is right. They are some loud SOB's. I'm glad they aren't allowed in NRA HP and LR events. We would all be even more deaf than a lot of us are! ???
Lloyd

 

[effendude]

This summer I am sending off a Remington Sendero chambered in a 300 Ultra Mag to have a new barrel put on it, have the action overhauled, and get it bedded. It will be throated for the 210 Bergers. I was going to have a 3 gill brake put on it but then I read in another thread that one guy said he would never put a brake on a hunting rifle that could be used in the mountains. I have a feeling it has to do with snow getting into it but would like to hear other hunters' experiences. I would also like to hear recommendations for styles and makers of good brakes for hunting rifles.

No brake. Get the rifle rebarreled to a cartridge that doesn't kick you enough to justify one of the friggin' noisy monstrosities. Like a .280 Improved.

So, instead of answering the question posed, you tell him to rebolt and rebarrel his rifle to a slightly less offensive cartridge? "Like a .280 Improved"? Seriously? Buy some good earplugs.


Scott

 

[1shot]

Scott is right, and now that I re-read the posts, I'm guilty as well. I have a 3 slot type of brake with 3 holes on the top and nothing on the bottom. It needs to be "timed" but that is easily done with a crush washer. I have one like this.
Lloyd

 

[NateHaler]

This summer I am sending off a Remington Sendero chambered in a 300 Ultra Mag to have a new barrel put on it, have the action overhauled, and get it bedded. It will be throated for the 210 Bergers. I was going to have a 3 gill brake put on it but then I read in another thread that one guy said he would never put a brake on a hunting rifle that could be used in the mountains. I have a feeling it has to do with snow getting into it but would like to hear other hunters' experiences. I would also like to hear recommendations for styles and makers of good brakes for hunting rifles.

No brake. Get the rifle rebarreled to a cartridge that doesn't kick you enough to justify one of the friggin' noisy monstrosities. Like a .280 Improved.

So, instead of answering the question posed, you tell him to rebolt and rebarrel his rifle to a slightly less offensive cartridge? "Like a .280 Improved"? Seriously? Buy some good earplugs.


Scott

Seriously, I have good earplug, and good earmuffs. Seriously, guys shooting braked rifles pose a permanent hearing damage hazard to those around them, whether at the local range or in the field. Seriously, if by "offensive" you mean lighter-recoiling, then yes. I would rather my hunting buddies get their shoulders separated than I get my hearing even more seriously (!) damaged than 24x7 tinnitus. Their shoulders can heal/be repaired. Not so one's hearing.

The OP asked for comments as to why some guys won't use a braked rifle in the mountains. So I commented, as to why I won't use a braked rifle in the mountains (nor in the desert or at the beach or in the gently rolling hills for that matter).

If the shooter is so recoil averse that a brake is their recipe to cope with a flinch or other bad habits, then chamber down, or increase the weight of the rifle. Unless one is hunting on a two-way range (e.g. Afghanistan for liberal readers), then brakes have no business in my realm, unless your business is selling hearing aids and batteries for same.

 

[jonbearman]

I like alot of brakes and shoot at the range with zero complaints.The one I like the best is the Vais.It is cross drilled to not blow the guy off the bench next to you.The gill type work really well but some people may not like you shooting next to them.I myself dont have problems with other shooters as many have brakes themselve's.If you dont like recoil get a brake.The mercury reducer wont do much and they are not cheap.

 

[MK 19]

My 13 year old daughter loves shooting long range, the rifles she shoots all have breaks on them so that she does not have to worry about recoil, not that a 13lb 257AI has much recoil, but why take a shooter out of the game just because they don't like recoil? The reason all of my rifles have breaks is due to a serious injury, in fact I have moved away from rifles and now shoot specialty pistols due to it. So for someone to say that you shouldn't use a break? and then what? Take up stamp collecting?

 

[mac86951]

TO Brake or not? I'm a believe of both ways as well.

For a hunting rifle, I'd consider it with the main choice being ear protection, which I wear anyway, or the dirt/debris kick-up which I live in a dusty dry area (fixed with a timed gill-type brake)

Bench shooting or prone matches, I'll shoot without, but not 300RUM that's for sure, I'd brake the beast and if you don't like it, a thread-protector will return you back to "normal"

-Mac

 

[madderg]

Holland's muzzle brakes are really great..http://www.hollandguns.com/

 

[6fatrat]

As a sheep hunter I +1 never putting a brake on a mountain rifle, every ounce in weight reduction is critical!

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I have brakes on all my comp. barrels. On my 300 wm mountain rifle I do not and wont. Although your Sendero is not really a mountain rifle. How will you use it? If its all long range stuff a brake will be fine as you will have the time to install ear protection. I didnt have time to put in plugs when I shot my elk last year, glad I didnt have a brake. I would not want a brake on a true mountain rifle. JMO.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I only have experience with a Harrel's brake, I can't see paying more because it works very well That being said I don't know if I would want to shoot it without ear protection, like that of a hunting situation. I would think if your gun is primarily used for targets go for it, if it will be used mostly for hunting then there is really no need.

 

[snowpro440]

http://www.muzzlebrakesandmore.com/
Give Ross a call and. he will fix you right up . Best brake out there in my opinion.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

I only have experience with a Harrel's brake, I can't see paying more because it works very well That being said I don't know if I would want to shoot it without ear protection, like that of a hunting situation. I would think if your gun is primarily used for targets go for it, if it will be used mostly for hunting then there is really no need.

I too only have experience with Harrel's type brakes and let me tell you, you don't want to shoot it without hearing protection! Mine is on a Savage prefit and while I was loading the rifle I had what you would call a slam fire :-\! Thank God I had the rifle pointed in a safe direction as not to harm one of my life long friends but, my ears hated it!!!! From that time forward, I take extreme care when chambering a round in that particular rifle.

Mike