Muzzle brake?

[nomad]

Anyone with experience with either the Vais or the Gentry brakes?
Wondering which has the lower/lowest sound signature vs overall effectiveness. (I've read the ads -- would like to hear actual experiences.)
With thanks...

[Double D]

I use to work for one of the primier Muzzlebrake  companies and we tested them all.

They all worked and they all made noise. As far as one working better than the other, it was all perception and good sales presentation.

Those that had holes angled forward "seemed" quieter. They also "seemed" to not be as effective in reducing recoil.

Now what I take the meaning of sound signature is, is the ability to tell where the shot came from. They are very good  for that.  From down range they are very difficult to clearly identify where the shot came from.

If there is one on the market that I would recommend, it is the one from Jim Brockman. http://www.brockmansrifles.com/mbrake.asp
You open it for shooting on the range with your earmuffs on, and you turn it off when hunting.

Nope, I didn't use to work for Brockman.

[gunnut69]

I used to work in a shop where muzzle brakes were very common.  I've shot a bunch and can tell little difference.  The quieter the brake the more recoil...  The best were the moisiest.  That's why advise against any brake.  I would rather use other devices to control recoil.  I accuracy is uniformity I can't believe a brake on a rifle as it's being sighted in would have no effect on that rifle's point of impact with the brake turned off.  That said I've never tried such a brake and so have not first hand knowledge..  I've been a scrupulous user of muffs and sonic plugs(usually both at the same time) for 30 years..  except for hunting.  I have enough hearing loss that it is noticable.  I'll most likely need hearing aids before too long.  I can guarantee you that extensive use of brakes will accellerate you in that direction.  It is surely your call but as more and more is being learned I believe you'll find that hearing loss from brake equipped rifles happens even with ear protection.  I advise a rifle with sufficient weight to make it useable for you and passive protection from recoil, pads or rests.  There is no brake that won't damage your hearing and most will do it through your hearing protection..

[Mikey]

nomad:  I have to agree with the gunnut on this one, and for good reason.  I do not use either of the brakes you referenced but I installed a military muzzle brake/flash hider on a 6.5 Swede that carried a threaded barrel for that purpose.  I installed the brake because it improved the overall 'look' of the rifle post sporterization.  It neither improved or detracted from the accuracy.  

Before I installed the brake it was common for me to take that rifle to the range and bang around with it, without ear plugs and not hurt myself.  I had enjoyed the lack of misfortune to sit next to a 'braked' rifle on the range so I had not suffered on that end but, a couple of weeks ago I forgot to plug my ears (because it was just the Swede) and the sweet old Swede near popped my eardrums with one shot.  The brake made that much difference in noise level.  I plugged my ears and fired again, this time without discomfort.  But then I pulled the brake off and re-fired and the noise level sounded considerably less.  I won't ever forget my ear plugs again, that's for sure.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Savage]

I have a Bushmaster "Shorty" with the factory installed muzzle brake. WOW!!!! is that thing loud!! With plugs and muffs it still hurts. At qualifications and carbine matches everyone gives me a lot of room. I am considering a new upper without the brake. This thing is tooooooooo loud!
Stay Safe,
Savage

[Double D]

Hey! What are you guys saying....hearing loss from muzzle brakes!!! Could I file a workman comp claim!  what's the statute  of limitations.

The reason I recommend the Brockman Break, beside the ability to turn it off in the field is that I know from my testing that it does not affect point of aim or accuracy.  

You asked about muzzle brakes and I told you.  I only have one rifle with a muzzle brake and that is the one I got from the muzzle brake company as a bonus. A Voere Titan II in 308 Norma Mag.  That is one awsome shooting rifle! 3 shoots under 1/2 inch, 5 under 1 inch with Norma factory ammo, all day  long.

That said there is a only one use  that I have for a muzzle brake. Put one on the end of a Heavy varmint rifle with a high magnification scope.  There is no better way to dampen recoil in these rifles so you can visually enjoy the red mist effect.  Anybody who says different hasn't done it!

[Jim n Iowa]

My hearing has been failing for years, mostly from service time. I use plugs and muffs whem shooting at the range. As a hobby I like to experiment with different loads,and I cannot afford or justify a large inventory, even though the Queen Bee thinks we are a arms dealer that nevever sells. To the point I use Muzzel brakes on my 7mm mag and 338 mag. For me when checking loads for these two its not pleasant. I have hunted with them and the noise is bad. I intend to go for the Walker Quads for all around use. However at the bench firing multi rounds the brakes are worth it to me.
Jim