[longrange308]

Dear HighRoad Members,

I am considering installing a muzzle brake on my stock Remington 700. However, is it worth it, installing a muzzle brake on a stock rifle (non-custom)? Are there any benefits to installing a muzzle brake, or not? My rifle is a .308 Winchester, which is not known for a great amount of recoil, or at least to me anyway. A muzzle brake would improve the rifle cosmetically, but its kind of expensive just improving it's looks.

Let me know what you think

[pikid89]

it will definitely reduce the recoil assuming its a quality brake, but keep in mind that the brake will also dramatically increase the sound to an almost obnoxious level

given the moderate recoil of the 308, i think the money would be best spent elsewhere....but hey, its your rifle...

[jmr40]

I can't think of any good reason to put a muzzle brake on any bolt gun. On a rifle fired in full auto it may help enough with muzzle rise to make a difference there, but the negatives far outweigh any positives on anything else.

[cfullgraf]

I have a muzzle brake installed on a 223 Remington AR. I know, recoil in 223 Remington in a heavy barrel AR is very light.

It does reduce recoil. It does reduce muzzle jump.

It does increase noise behind the rifle.

If you shoot in a group, the noise is very unpleasant for the folks next to you.

I like mine and do not plan on removing it. Will I get another? I will make that decision when the time comes.

[Steel Horse Rider]

I am thinking of putting a muzzle brake on one of my Mosins just to keep from feeling like a punching bag after 30 or 40 rounds. I personally wouldn't put one on a .308 as I don't think the recoil is that bad.

[CD8226]

I have one on a 300 Win Mag. The only comment I will share is I killed a deer at a little over 200 yards and watched it fall in the scope. Try that without one. But it definiately increases the noise and also muzzle blast, a problem sometime early and late in the day.

[TonyAngel]

Just to be sure that I understand this. You are admitting that the recoil of a .308 isn't anything that is bothering you, but you want to add a muzzle brake because it's going to improve the "looks" of the rifle?

If this is right, I'd say it's foolish. The only thing that I could possibly see adding to a .308, is a suppressor.

[RX-178]

Well, here's my own experience with muzzle brakes, which I'll admit is pretty limited.

The first AK I had was a Century WASR, back when they were in the $350 or so price range. I didn't mind the recoil of it at all, it was fun to shoot, it was a pretty nice rifle. Sold it to my dad, and he still has it, and enjoys shooting it.

Some time after that I got an Arsenal SGL-21 from K-var, which came with an AK-74 style muzzle brake. I was /AMAZED/ at what a difference it made, even in the 7.62x39 which didn't kick hard in the first place. Not just for run-and-gun stuff, but just punching paper from a bench, it felt a lot better. I mean, unequivocal improvement, no ifs ands or buts about it.

It also made the thing louder than my PTR-91... which in my opinion was a bonus perk! None of my friends ever complained about how loud it was when they went shooting with me, so I don't know how much it's going to bother people.

I guess my point is, there's nothing wrong with putting a muzzle brake on a gun just for looks, but I think you'd be surprised how much better it feels to fire the rifle, even if you don't think the .308 round kicks very much.

[Kachok]

No way, there is nothing that will ruin a perfectly good 308 like making it stupid loud when it did not have any recoil to begin with. If there were a range here that would ban muzzle brakes completely they would get all of my buisness, because I hate those blasted things.

[longrange308]

Just to be sure that I understand this. You are admitting that the recoil of a .308 isn't anything that is bothering you, but you want to add a muzzle brake because it's going to improve the "looks" of the rifle?

If this is right, I'd say it's foolish. The only thing that I could possibly see adding to a .308, is a suppressor.
I don't think you read my post, or just didn't understand it. Go back and read it again, if you still don't understand it then give up and move on.

[dprice3844444]

it protects the silencer threads

[303 hunter]

Last year I bought a Remington 700 VTR in 308, with factory muzzle brake. It is LOUD! I do hunt with it some(with electronic muffs). If I had it to do over, I would buy another rifle without the brake. It is very accurate though, so I can live with it.

[husbandofaromanian]

Go all the way and get a silencer. A silencer is the ultimate brake, ultimate flash-suppressor and ultimate noise reducer all wrapped up into one. It can even shrink your groups.

I own two and I will no longer shoot without one. They make shooting much more pleasurable. They will also let you shoot without hearing protection.

[kcshooter]

I installed a brake on a .308 and it recoils like a .243. No kidding.

I had a pretty serious shoulder injury about 12 years ago, and for about 6 years following, the recoil from a .308 would leave me sore at best, immobile at worst. I could only put 20-30 rounds down range before I had to quit. This was when I had it installed and it allowed me to shoot well during this time without much pain or swelling.

I have flare ups from the injury now and then but no longer require the brake. I still like it.

Since that was my only scoped bolt action at that time (was mostly a pistol guy back then), to me, it was well worth it.

When I hunted, I took McNett wrap and wrapped the muzzle brake to cut down on the noise. No big deal. There are linear comps that cut down on the noise and still reduce recoil for .223 AR's, and they work, I have one, so possibly something like that for a .308 is out there?

For cosmetic improvement only? That's only something you and your budget can answer.

[mokin]

There are too many rifles out there with muzzle brakes that don't need them already.

[taliv]

:rolleyes:

if you only plink with the rifle slow fire from a bench, then no, for most people the benefit of reduced recoil will not be offset by the dramatically increased noise.


if you want to be competitive, you will need one. (excepting NRA matches where they are banned)
if you want to shoot practical long range, you will need one. (or a suppressor)
if you hunt you will NOT want one

vast majority of competitors are using them, and not for looks.

[mastiffhound]

My WASR-10 with slant brake would still rise pretty good with fast follow up shots. After getting a AK-74 style brake it doesn't seem to rise at all. Keep in mind that the 74 muzzle brake weighs about 10 to 15 times as much as the original slant brake though. It seems to help with recoil a bit but it didn't kick like a mule before either. I voted yes it was worth it. It made the gun seem to shoot better but my father in law thought so too. He doesn't have a dime invested in the WASR so the mental achievement (problem) that paying for something yourself creates isn't an issue.

[HankB]

I had my .375 H&H Mag-Na-Ported and it helped a lot - I'd say recoil was down 20%, but muzzle jump was cut in half.

A .308 doesn't kick much in most rifles, but you're considering a brake for aesthetic reasons . . . OK, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I'm assuming it's one of those larger, screw-on breaks you're considering; it WILL reduce recoil - more than traditional Mag-Na-Port - but it will GREATLY increase noise at your ear. Your choice.

If you're only interested in aesthetics, an alternative would be to add a barrel band front sight with a hood and possibly the flip-up night sight option. You can view these at http://newenglandcustomgun.com/ - go to "Front Sights."

[adelbridge]

I dont know which 700 you have but if you want it to appreciate in value the way some collector guns have I would suggest leaving it unaltered.

[Robert]

On a hunting rifle or a bench rifle, no. On a competition rifle for use other than bench, you bet. Lowering even mild recoil will allow you to stay on target better and will make for easier follow up shots. So it really depends on the use of the rifle.

[Heavy-D]

I would only entertain a muzzle break to attenuate recoil. In this case, (for a .308) I would not do it. As others have said, the noise is deafning. I had a rifle with the BOSS system on it. I shot the thing onece without hearing protection (while hunting) and my ears rang for a week. I promptly purchased the conventional recoil attachment for the gun and replaced the ported muzzle break on the gun. It has remained in that configuration ever since.

[pcf]

Personally I hate muzzle brakes. The increased muzzle blast towards the shooter negates any advantages.

One other advantage of a muzzle brake or flash hider is protection of the crown. It's not a major issue on a rifle that's going to live on the bench, but for a game, hunting or tactical rifle I think it should be taken into consideration.

[TurtlePhish]

Everyone's made good points. If you want less recoil for whatever reason, get it. Just be warned of the noise and whatnot. If you feel that the benefits don't justify the cost, then maybe you'd be better off leaving it alone. I personally would get it if cost wasn't prohibitive, simply because there's no real reason to want more recoil (unless you're shooting a .22 ;)) and I wear earpro whenever I shoot (I am not a hunter).

Keep in mind that the 74 muzzle brake weighs about 10 to 15 times as much as the original slant brake though.

You probably have the Tapco brake if it weighs that much, and all the Tapco break really is is a muzzle weight. Real 74 brakes are mostly hollow and weigh very little.

[kcshooter]

I wear earpro whenever I shoot (I am not a hunter).
I wear electronic ear protection even when hunting.

[TurtlePhish]

I wear electronic ear protection even when hunting.


That's probably what I would do, too. I was referencing the many hunters who don't (ouch). With electronic earpro, your hearing isn't affected nearly as much as with standard plugs or muffs, so there isn't too much of a reason not to wear it.

[MrDig]

This question inherently depends on the application, as already stated. So What do you do with your rifle?
As far as a Rem 700 depreciating in value? Are you kidding me they are ubiquitous having work done on them is not going to affect the value one way or the other.

[Badlander]

My neighbor bought A Cetme with A brake on it. Within 2 days he cut he port section off with A chop saw. normaly i would not condone such A thing but the rifle was fun to shoot after he did it! No I don't let him work on my guns.

[longrange308]

This question inherently depends on the application, as already stated. So What do you do with your rifle?
As far as a Rem 700 depreciating in value? Are you kidding me they are ubiquitous having work done on them is not going to affect the value one way or the other.
The rifle has a heavy varmint contour and will more than likely be shot at paper.

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

I have to say that on some rifles, they are a must. I would not shoot my .50 without one. Watched a guy tear up a Leupold MK4 on a M95. He took the brake off to show everyone how tough he was. It was very violent. On a .308 though, they help with setting up the next shot. Its personal preferance. If I were using it for shooting matches, then yeah, but otherwise I doubt it.

[dubbleA]

It's a personal preference just like anything else. They are very effective at reducing recoil and muzzle jump. Bullet impacts are much easier to see also. I run them on rifles ranging from .223 to 50 BMG. They also serve as thread protectors when not running a suppressor. Speaking of which you can use a muzzle cap if you choose not to use a brake once your barrel is threaded as this one on a .223 shows.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/dubbleA/SAC%20223AI/brakeex.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/dubbleA/SAC%20223AI/ThreadProex.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/dubbleA/SAC%20223AI/RWSBrake.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/dubbleA/SAC%20223AI/223AIA1.jpg

[YankeeFlyr]

I was at the range yesterday (Saturday); the dude 2 benches down had an new AR with a muzzle brake on it.

He apologized even before he shot 10 rounds..."sorry, it's got a muzzle brake on it..." and looked sheepish. On a .223???

Really? REALLY???

Yeah, it was loud as all get up (mods, I'm being nice so's not to offend the kiddies).

I had an M1A with me and the behind-the-line noise impulse signature was less than what that dude had...it's like loud pipes on a motorcycle (and I ride); irritating to an unimaginable degree!

[Kachok]

I get it I really do, I am no steel shoulder monster, hot load 300 mags kick me too, but a muzzlebreak on a sissy kicking 223, or a mild kicking 308 is just silly, it does not kick to begin with so you are going to make it crazy loud just to make it sound like you are shooting something with balls!?!?! Those things cause hearing damage even with ear plugs in, I wish all ranges would ban the blasted things, or at leased make them all shoot together so they can annoy the crap out of each other, have "Muzzlebreak Mondays" or something. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that the guys with the most tactical dodads on their guns are the worst shooters on the line 9 times out of 10 times? One of the guys I know at the range keeps talking about wanting a 338 Lapua with a muzzle break and some several thousand dollar super scope so he can shoot 2,000yds, and he can hardly keep it on the paper at 100!!! Another guy who frequents the range has some super fancy full custom rig and he is doing good to get 5" shooting off his lead sled. I think it is just a fashion thing for them.

[taliv]

but a muzzlebreak on a sissy kicking 223, or a mild kicking 308 is just silly, it does not kick to begin with so you are going to make it crazy loud just to make it sound like you are shooting something with balls!?!?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ePTZezN_Iw

[dubbleA]

Quote:
but a muzzlebreak on a sissy kicking 223, or a mild kicking 308 is just silly, it does not kick to begin with so you are going to make it crazy loud just to make it sound like you are shooting something with balls!?!?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ePTZezN_Iw

So true Tom, so true............

[HankB]

Muzzle brakes & Backblast . . .

Some years back I was working as a range officer at the local gun club when a guy with a.300 Weatherby - fitted with an aftermarket muzzle brake - came in. The shooting benches are in typical "T" configuration - shooter sits to one side, rifle is more or less up the middle of the "T".

Guy had a stack of targets on the top of the "T" about a foot to the right of and about 2 feet behind his muzzle.

Every time he fired a shot, the backblast lifted up the leading edge of his target stack.

I was glad I was wearing both earplugs and earmuffs that day.

Ordinary Mag-Na-Port isn't nearly as abusive.

[dubbleA]

Ordinary Mag-Na-Port isn't nearly as abusive.


Nor as effective at reducing recoil as a conventional muzzle brake.

On another note, I have a 30-378 WBY Improved that it's brake is so effective it feels as if the rifle pulls away from you when fired.

[45crittergitter]

1. Thank you for spelling brake correctly.

2. Since a .308 has negligible recoil and since brakes cost money and make rifles louder, I vote an emphatic no.

[gotigers]

I like muzzle brakes for 3 gun and bench shooting when i am alone, but not for bench shooting with others. The noise i rough.

[BluEyes]

I voted yes, but I would not recommend anything really aggressive.

My main reason for voting yes is that it will protect your muzzle from damage. Really something like an A2 flash hider/compensator (one designed for .308 of course!) is all you need if the recoil doesn't bother you. I suppose that's not a muzzle brake, but it does work as a compensator to keep the muzzle down, doesn't really increase noise for your buddies and keeps from kicking up as much dust when shooting prone.

[highlander 5]

I have 3 rifles,all ARs that have a brake on them. One has a Miculek brake and is really obnoxiuos. The other 2 have a brake that vents upwards rather than from the sides and is really not bad at all. Unfortunately I don't know the brakes manufacturer. I do have to preface one thing any Ars that are sold in Ma have to have a brake installed as flash hiders are illegal.

[tech30528]

I'll be shooting a modified MN this weekend with a JP recoil eliminator on it. Instructions for the shoot said to bring 500 rounds for a 3 day course.

[scchokedaddy]

L have been following the posts on this subject for awhile, and as ya'll know this is not the first. I usually do not post comments anymore on this site, just read and enjoy every ones thoughts. On this topic I decided to add my thoughts though. I can seriously see both sides both for and against brakes. That being said, I do hunt with rifles with brakes i.e. 300 win mag 7mm rem mag and recently had to put one on my 25 06 due to eye injury (diabetic retinopathy). First one was an Abolt with BOSS system. Even though we allways used use ear protection from bench it was still surprisingly, but not upsettingly loud. Then I got the 300 win mag, it has an angle ported, (towards front. round holes not slots) nite and day difference. Have shot them for about 15 years. Yes I use muffs, no problem there because I actually make out due to electronics overcoming hearing loss from younger and dummer days.LOL 2506 came along as it was only way to keep hunting after eye problem, thank God for good Dr.. But IMHO if you are going to shoot with a brake, if you can not shoot at range without disturbing anyone, then you really need to either wait or go home. Just because you bought one does not give you the right to abuse everyone else!!! I had a 3oo mag Savage with adj. brake, didn't like it but did have ability to " turn off brake". Most aftermarket brakes can be simply removed for sight in work, then screwed back on for check, I have not had one change yet!! As for ugly factor, thats personal choice. But it is fun to watch deer fall in scope or shoot one in rain and watch water fly off!! And most important, THEY LET ME CONTINUE TO SHOOT!!!! But even though it's obvious I love them, sadly I have to agree with all complaints about noise on public ranges and again sad to say, L WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree that they need to be banned or at the very least be at least say 50 yards from everyone else on range. People need to learn "just because YOU BOUGHT IT IT IS NOT YOUR RIGHT TO PUSH THE NOISE off on everybody. I am so sorry for rant, but it's been building up.

[tech30528]

The only complaints I got this weekend were from the guy right next to me, and it wasn't the noise so much as the draft. 6 to 8 feet away it was flipping the pages on his dope book. Simple enough to overcome, made a quick barrier using the rifle case, no more blast for him and it kept me from catching his .223 brass. Most of the line was 30 cal, a lot of M1s and M1As, one mini 14, a couple of CETMEs. Rifles make noise guys. The two guys on my right were shooting M1As with flash supressors, beyond the initial "wow, what is that?" we had no issues and didn't bother with a barrier.

The guy in the video shot Rifleman at full distance (AQT) with an AR carbine and a no magnification red dot, then proceeded to bang steel with it at 500 and 600 yards with 55 grain bullets. If guys like that aren't complaining, I'm OK with it.

Shot an M38 while I was there, HUGE difference in recoil. This was a KDC shoot with Appleseed instructors, all of which are much more experienced than I am, we had guys out there hitting steel 4/5 and 5/5 at 600 yards with open sights. This was a pile of firsts for me. I finished the build on Tuesday and hit the range on Friday. Next to no experience with a bolt or 30 cal, never shot past 200 yards. The first day my scope mount came loose after 150 rounds or so and I missed the 400 yard stage fixing it. Went back and sighted in at 25M, came back to 500 yards and managed to hit steel 1/5 just from dope. I'll take that. The next day things went better, shot a 45/50 at 100 yards standing and a 41/50 at 400 yards prone. Not bad for a NooB. :o

[REL1203]

i recently had my Rem 700 XCR 300WM threaded cause I wanted a brake. I am a big guy, 6'5, 330lbs, and after shooting my 300WM 10 rounds, i would flinch some, and I never have flinched before and my groups would open up to 1.5", when shooting expensive 300WM that was unacceptable to me. I worked and worked tryikng to fix it, cut i just couldnt for some reason. So, even though I didnt want to, i got a brake put on. Shrewd is the brand I believe, and my first range trip, i couldnt believe 2 things. First, was how unbelievably loud it was. I dont know if it was because it was my first trip out with a brake or what, but the concussion it made was tremendous all around, a couple people around me even commented on how loud it was. Thankfully it was empty on a 20lane range. The 2nd thing i was amazed at was how much recoil it reduced. It was incredible. My pretty light weight 300WM that kicked like a mule I thought was now as easy to shoot as a 308. I could literally feel the brake working. I shot it 85 times that day, and my shoulder was perfect and I wasn't flinching.

I was torn though, I couldnt tell if I liked the rifle now. It was loud as a canon on steriods, but i could shoot it as much as I want. I really thought about selling it then and just concentrating on smaller stuff, like a ballistic match to the 300WM, a .260 Rem. I loaded up some more rounds, and went back to the range, and it was more busy, most benches were taken up, so i was nervous if I was going to bother other people. I set up, and started shooting. I dont know why, but I really didnt notice the increase in sound near as much this time, and no one around me really seemed bothered by it thankfully.

So i think shooting with a brake just takes some getting used to, but they serve a purpose. On a 308, I dont think there needed unless you are shooting long distance and need to see your shot splash. In that case, i think they do well, but ultimately not needed.