To brake or not to Brake ? That is the question

[sjodin]

Hi all:

I's been a while for me. I guess you guys updated a few things with the web site - good for you!

It's getting to be PD time of year again and I have been meaning to get a brake on my Savage SS 22-250 so I can see the dogs blowing up myself and not just entertain anyone who might be along that day for the hunt.

Got any recommendations?

I saw a few in the latest issue of Varmint Hunter one that particularly caught my eye was "Vais Muzzle Brake" says it's a Ron Bartlett original. I guess what caught my eye was the ad says it's the quietest one around.

I don't put through screamers, my loads are basically factory loads. Up to this point there has been little need to ad more horsepower, I have not been able to see the hit anyway.


Thanks for any tips fellas -

Sjodin

[bcp]

Spend the money on a new barrel, maybe 204, 223, 6mm BR and keep your shooting partners happy.

Brakes don't make friends.

Bruce

[gonedawgn]

ry this one. No serious complaints about noise at the range. Works real well and the price is excellent.

http://www.harrellsprec.com/muzzle_breaks.html

[vmthtr in green bay]

I am using the Harrel Prec and a couple clones we made. I use them on all my varmint rifles so I can see the show. You miss hits even with a 223 sometimes. I guess I don't need friends enough to not see my own hits.

Mike

[Ackman]

Absolutely put a brake on it. With almost no muzzle jump you can use a more powerful scope and still see the show. There are lots of brakes to choose from and I doubt there's that much difference between them. There may be a slight difference in noise but realize that no brake is quiet. Anyone claims a "quiet brake, just offer them $5 if they'll shoot a .243 or 22-250 with their brake and no ear protection. If you ever shoot a braked 22-250 and forget ear protection, you'll never want to do it again.

[Greyfox]

No question in my mind. The only reason I don't have a brake on every barrel is that I just haven't gotten to it yet. I guess some fellas might have a problem shooting beside a braked rifle, but no one has complained to me yet.
Most of my pd shooting is from the window on my Tahoe, so I guees the combination of direction and ear protection does the trick. Get a brake. I have several different brands, they all work for me.

Rick

[Rexavera]

I have two brownings, .223 and 22-250 with factory brakes, love them because I can see the hits, my partners are well aware that I am shooting them, and we space ourselves so its not a problem for them either. I have taken shots without the "ears" in, and it is a stout noise for sure. Even if the barrel was unbraked, I would need hearing protection any way for the volume of pd shooting, so its not a burden to wear the "ears". I have a factory rem sendero that I need to brake before pasture season, I need to see where I am hitting as a spotter is not always available. A local shop does them, just need to get it done.

[DuaneinND]

The only issue about a brake on a pd rifle is if you shoot on the ground with a bipod or not. If you do, a "varmint" brake without bottom holes is common sense. Even from a bench I prefer the varmint type as I do't have to worry about making sure the muzzle is past the end of my shooting table. Brakes do not increase the noise level of a rifle, they only redistribute the sound. All centerfire rifles are way past the safe limit as far as noise levels are concerned. As Ackman mentioned there is really no such thing as a "quiet" muzzle brake unless it also functions as a silencer.

[Samson]

On my varmint guns and even a few of my deer guns I use brake mainly to help spot hits and on the deer guns purely for recoil control , I currently converting all my other brakes over to the V-port desgine from Straight Shot Gunsmithing owned by Nathan Dagley , his brake is the most effecvive I have used , and is no louder than any of the Vias brake I've replaced here are some pics of my 260 with this brake and a few close ups on the brake
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/Samson_104/SSG2601.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/Samson_104/SSGV-portbrakesideview.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/Samson_104/SSGV-portbraketopview.jpg

The only other option would be to see if its legal to shoot varmints with a silencer , I have been building them for my rifles as fast as the ATF will get my paper work back to me , you get the bennifit of the brake and the ability to shoot without hearing protection.