- Location
- Ft. Mac. Alberta
Maybe you should step back for a bit then really let us know definitively what you think, SC!
Cat
Would You Put a M.B. on a .308 Hunting Rig?
- Thread starter dak47
- Start date
Cat
I dont mind the idea of a muzzle brake on a hunting rifle. The brake will protect the crown while the rifle is riding around in the truck with you, and it gives you a chance at not blowing the barrel if you get snow or mud into it without your notice.
A recent purchase has a removable brake along with a very nice fitting cap in case the brake isn't used, so I had to test it.
Making a 3-shot group, brake on, brake off, brake on resulted in a 0.614" group with a 7mm Barnes 140 gr. TTSX.
But only one test is inconclusive, so who knows for sure ?
I always tried to make the thread protector (cap) close to the same weight as the brake so there was less effect on the point of impact. Seemed to work out. I have guys for whom I have made brakes who like them and hunt with them in place most of the time. These are people who spend a good deal of time glassing and judging the animal before taking a shot and it is no trouble for them to put earplugs in before the shot. The same guys, when hunting in timber where they may not have a lot of time, will remove the brake. For a long time, I was in no way a fan but I am becoming more of one for some applications as time goes on. I reckon I have made and/or installed a few hundred over the years and have come to be a little more accepting.
I love my electronic hearing protection! 100+ hours of continuous use on a set of AAA cells.
And I love my muzzle devices.
Bill Leeper built me a (darn fine shooting) 20 lb .221 FireBall... It has a "brake" on it, my .338 and my M14 are braked too.
And I love my muzzle devices.
Bill Leeper built me a (darn fine shooting) 20 lb .221 FireBall... It has a "brake" on it, my .338 and my M14 are braked too.
- Location
- AB foothills
That sums it up nicely.
A small strip of electrical tape will accomplish this.
I have made and installed various brakes for over 40 years... the popularity of muzzle brakes has varied over the years but definitely on the increase in the last few years...
First of all, brakes are not created equal. Brakes do not increase the noise level as much as they redirect the blast... If you are behind the rifle and out in the open a good quality brake will not harm your ears any more than the bare muzzle. If you are beside the rifle it will appear to be louder as the gases are directed sideways... the big open brakes are considerably harder on your ears.
It is a personal thing to brake or not. Most really reduce the recoil and muzzle jump. Many shooters today wear electronic muffs while hunting... they magnify normal sounds and give you super hearing... but completely block a sudden loud noise.
First of all, brakes are not created equal. Brakes do not increase the noise level as much as they redirect the blast... If you are behind the rifle and out in the open a good quality brake will not harm your ears any more than the bare muzzle. If you are beside the rifle it will appear to be louder as the gases are directed sideways... the big open brakes are considerably harder on your ears.
It is a personal thing to brake or not. Most really reduce the recoil and muzzle jump. Many shooters today wear electronic muffs while hunting... they magnify normal sounds and give you super hearing... but completely block a sudden loud noise.
Glock4ever
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
If you are going to shoot a lot a brake is a nice addition to the rifle but I personally wouldn't use a brake for hunting. Maybe get a brake for load work up and take it off while you're hunting? It isn't like the thing is permanently attached.
Sure, tape will work and you can do whatever you like. I'd rather have a rifle setup where I don't have to worry about whether or not I forgot to tape or if my tape has worn out/fallen off. I'm not a fan of huge obnoxious brakes, but something like a M4 birdcage wouldn't be too bad on a rifle IMO.
No real need on a .308 (even a light rifle).
One of the reasons I chose a .308 as one of my rifles (over other comparable chamberings) was because it was a cartridge with very manageable recoil for a lightweight application and can still do what I needed it to.
I would look first at a recoil pad, as that will likely be enough.
The thought of a muzzle break makes me shudder a bit, unless absolutely, positively necessary....
One of the reasons I chose a .308 as one of my rifles (over other comparable chamberings) was because it was a cartridge with very manageable recoil for a lightweight application and can still do what I needed it to.
I would look first at a recoil pad, as that will likely be enough.
The thought of a muzzle break makes me shudder a bit, unless absolutely, positively necessary....
Not trying to shift the topic but have you ever noticed that whenever muzzle brakes are discussed that its inevitable how someone has to call them muzzle " breaks "... unbelieveable....
I seem to use the wrong word for this about half the time. Thanks for the reminder.
Sure, tape will work and you can do whatever you like. I'd rather have a rifle setup where I don't have to worry about whether or not I forgot to tape or if my tape has worn out/fallen off. I'm not a fan of huge obnoxious brakes, but something like a M4 birdcage wouldn't be too bad on a rifle IMO.
Forgot to tape? Pretty easy the check when you pull your rifle out in the morning. That's like saying I'd rather not have a rifle I have to remeber to load.
Worn out or fallen off? Never had it happen, even on week long all weather mountain hunts. The tape protects much better than a brake or a flash hider.
It may unbalance some rifles, but the OPs Adirondack has a short thin little whip of a barrel. A little forward weight would probably help balance.
Still, I vote no brake.
