I just got my first gun (kinda, I had to return a used consignment since it was a lemon lol) really excited about it and got it for a smoking deal from Cabela’s. Issue is I’m hearing because of my gun weight, it might kick like a mule and I will more likely have a hard time re-focusing on my target after a shot. I was hoping that some of you guys might have experience with clamp-on muzzle breaks and could point me in the right direction here. Thanks lots!
Tikka tx3 superlite 300 win mag. First gun(ish), have some questions and hoping for help
- Thread starter Mhunt4787
- Start date
Hand Skills
CGN Regular
- Location
- In the 'heartland', southern SK
Welcome aboard!
Shoot light bullets and the recoil isn't bad, that's my advice anyway (because I think brakes are loud and evil)
They can cut recoil energy in half but multiply sound energy 10x
Spotting shots with a 6lb 300mag isn't likely, even with the best brake, so there's also that
Upgrading to a limbsaver (or Backstop) recoil pad is absolutely the best investment to start with?
Shoot light bullets and the recoil isn't bad, that's my advice anyway (because I think brakes are loud and evil)
They can cut recoil energy in half but multiply sound energy 10x
Spotting shots with a 6lb 300mag isn't likely, even with the best brake, so there's also that
Upgrading to a limbsaver (or Backstop) recoil pad is absolutely the best investment to start with?
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
It's not "probably" going to kick like a mule. It 100% is going to kick you like you owe it money. A six-pound 300 Winchester is a very specialized piece of kit, and it's a terrible choice choice as a first rifle, as the vast majority of the shooting public can't effectively shoot a 9-10lb 300 Winchester, let alone a lightweight.
Keep your range sessions short, swap out the recoil pad for a Limbsaver, and shoot lighter bullets. And, as my late father used to say, best of British luck to you!
Sell it and buy a rifle chambered in a lighter recoiling cartridge.
I don't know why everyone and their uncle recommends a 300 WM to new shooters. At least that seems to be the case in BC.
I don't know why everyone and their uncle recommends a 300 WM to new shooters. At least that seems to be the case in BC.
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A limbsaver will help, but a .300 in that weight rifle won't be enjoyable. Mine is 8lbs scoped and that's about the limit for me. It's not unpleasant at the bench, but you certainly know when you've fired a shot, and you want to make sure you're holding onto it.
Personally I think a 300 win mag should weigh 9 lbs scoped but may be a dinosaur. Seen several for sale ads which are funny; For sale Tikka T3 Lite, 338 win mag, low round count.
All that power doesn't do much good if you develop a bad flinch.
All that power doesn't do much good if you develop a bad flinch.
Pointdexter
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lower Mainland
Limbsaver ($70ish) for sure, and I'd even get the tikka extra wide forgrip ($60ish) that slips over the front end. That allows you to have a better grip on the front end for the recoil. It CAN be managed, and isnt that bad.
The tikka rifles can be stupid accurate but they're a real beast if you dont have decent form but that can be learned.
The tikka rifles can be stupid accurate but they're a real beast if you dont have decent form but that can be learned.
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Because boys are stupid and full of testosterone and we have stupid friends who make stupid "manly" type suggestions.
LOTS of people have to learn the hard way.
Most definitely THIS. That thing is not gonna be any fun at all to shoot. I bet he doesn't even get through a full mag before he learns this lesson.
Boys are stupid, what more can be said.Buys 300 win mag.. complains about recoil
Get some practice in when you initially zero the rifle. Will it kick? Yes, but it’s not all that bad. My moose rifle is a T3x Hunter in 300WM, so it’s about 1 pound heavier out of the box but I have no complaints about it. Perfectly capable of decent follow up shots.
With some practice (I’d use cheaper ammo for this as premium hunting ammo is $$$) you’ll know what to expect. With a limbsaver you’ll be fine, I don’t have one- just the stock pad that comes installed from the factory.
You got yourself a great rifle for a great deal. You’ll love it and you’ll be able to trust it to get the job done.
With some practice (I’d use cheaper ammo for this as premium hunting ammo is $$$) you’ll know what to expect. With a limbsaver you’ll be fine, I don’t have one- just the stock pad that comes installed from the factory.
You got yourself a great rifle for a great deal. You’ll love it and you’ll be able to trust it to get the job done.
Well there’s an old tail that you won’t feel recoil while on game…this will test that.
However you could get a brake (I’d prefer a thread on…and not on a hunting rifle) but the likely hood of damaging your hearing is very real.
A limbsaver and lighter bullets will definitely help,
You could try adding some weight to it but it will likely screw up the balance.
Adding a laminate stock is a good way to add a few pounds and not mess up the balance.
Or as others have said trade it off before you put more in it.
I can think of dozens of chamberings for a first rifle, or a light rifle, but 300WM wouldn’t be one of them considering both are at play.
Good luck to you,
However you could get a brake (I’d prefer a thread on…and not on a hunting rifle) but the likely hood of damaging your hearing is very real.
A limbsaver and lighter bullets will definitely help,
You could try adding some weight to it but it will likely screw up the balance.
Adding a laminate stock is a good way to add a few pounds and not mess up the balance.
Or as others have said trade it off before you put more in it.
I can think of dozens of chamberings for a first rifle, or a light rifle, but 300WM wouldn’t be one of them considering both are at play.
Good luck to you,
I agree the Winnie can be a tough one to master when you are starting out. I would say keep it and buy something smaller to learn the ropes on.
The reason the 300 is so recommended is that it just plain works. I think that a lot of people that recommend it forget that form and practice come first to build up before going to the big guys, but everyone is different.
I feel like your rifle even in a 30-06 would be a kicker. One of my favourites is the 25-06, works well on everything, 300 is similar but just a fair bit more to manage.
It's a fine gun, but probably not the best choice for your first rifle. I shoot an only slightly heaver Sako A7 in 300wsm and for me, its fine. But, I don't put a lot of ammo through the gun. Verify point of impact at the range, take hunting, shoot a deer. Done. I don't shoot it for fun.
Brakes can work great, especially in cartridges that produce a lot of high pressure gas, like bottle-necked magnums.
However! You absolutely MUST wear ear protection every time you fire it. Yes, even hunting. And that goes for any co-hunters or companions.
The muzzle blast from a good brake on a .300 WinMag will produce measurable hearing damage with just one shot.
That said, I love my electronic muffs!
However! You absolutely MUST wear ear protection every time you fire it. Yes, even hunting. And that goes for any co-hunters or companions.
The muzzle blast from a good brake on a .300 WinMag will produce measurable hearing damage with just one shot.
That said, I love my electronic muffs!
