Muzzle Brake on 7mm TCU

[barnabus]

Just talked to Foxridge and they said they could put a muzzle brake on this 10" barrel for $85.00

Would the addition of the muzzle brake add or decrease any velocity?
Thanks!

[Keith L]

If you ask them to shorten the barrel so that it will still be 10 inches with the brake it will cost you some velocity.  Others can perhaps calculate how much.  If you have them keep it at 10 inches and thread for the brake you will not loose any, since the barrel will be traveling the same distance prior to the gasses being ported out away from the bullet.  Even if you shorten the barrel I don't think you will be loosing much, but 10 inches isn't all that long to begin with.

Good luck.

[B_Koes]

Velocity would decrease since you are effectively making the barrel 1.5-2" shorter (depending upon the style of muzzle brake).  There's no free lunch...if you're redirecting the expanding gasses then they're not accelerating the bullet out of the barrel.

[Keith L]

If you ask them to shorten the barrel so that it will still be 10 inches with the brake it will cost you some velocity.  Others can perhaps calculate how much.  If you have them keep it at 10 inches and thread for the brake you will not loose any, since the barrel will be traveling the same distance prior to the gasses being ported out away from the bullet.  Even if you shorten the barrel I don't think you will be loosing much, but 10 inches isn't all that long to begin with.

Good luck.

[MePlat]

Why in the world would you want a muzzle brake on a 7 TCU.  Unless you would think it is cool or something.  There is only mild recoil on one of those things.  I would spend that money on components instead of wasting it on a brake.

[barnabus]

Maybe mild to you but not for me. Im not wanting any recoil if I could get away with it.I think it kicks pretty good. I dont know if Im flinching in expectation of the recoil.Im not a so called experienced big bore handgunner by no means. A 44 mag isnt easy for me either.Im just wonder if the brake would help me on accuracy once I get the recoil under control.

[MePlat]

One of the things most people do not understand is that recoil is handled by the mental process not by strenght alone.  It doesn't take a lot of strenght to hold on to any handgun no matter what the caliber.  After that handling recoil is strictly mental and if you fail to realize that then you are in for bad situation.  A 7 TCU doen't recoil compared to many calibers that are out there.  You M-U-S-T convince yourself of that plain and simple.  One of the ways to learn what recoil is is to get a gun that will eat your lunch for you and then when you drop back to piddling calibers you will realize there is nothing to be afraid of.  that sounds harsh but it will work for alot of people.
Do you flinch when you get a shot?  Do you cower behind the dentist chair when he fills a tooth?  No you don't because you have convinced yourself not to for fear of being thought a coward.   How did you convince yourself of that?  Your mental strenght right?  What is worse that 7 TCU or that dentist needle and drill?  I know the answer to that one so you don't have to answer that.
Do you see the point I am trying to make to you.  If not get yourself an Encore 15 incher in45/70 without a brake and load some 550 gr cast to 1500 and try it and then you will understand.  The 7 TCU will seem like a 22 short RF then.

[Heavy C]

Barnabus,

If you have the custom shop add the brake to your existing barrel you should not lose velocity and it certainly doesn't affect accuracy.  The perception of recoil is different for everyone.  There is no need to subject yourself to heavy recoiling rounds to prove a point.  The key is being able to shoot the weapon accurately and consistently.  While recoil does have a mental component there is no denying the physical.  Good luck and good shooting!

 

[Reed1911]

I have to agree that the 7mm TCU is by no means a hard recoiling caliber, even loaded with heavy bullets. Getting another hard hitting caliber is an option, but I have a better suggestion, shoot, shoot, shoot. If you are experiencing flinching, drop back to some light weight loads say the 100g HP's and a mild charge and fireform a bunch of brass. Some folks don't realize that you can make some VERY accurate loads and practice very well with non-formed brass. Some of my best loads were discovered that way. If you really want the brake go for it, but I don't think it is necessary. I think you'd be years ahead buying 80.00 in components and shooting the heck out of it. If you really want to save a few pennies, you can also use cast 7mm bullets, I don;t find the cost savings really there on my end, but I kinda live with a different view.

[ted]

I shoot a 10' 7tcu  for silhouettes. I agree with most that it is not the fiercest round out there and is not the lightest. After a 40 round match of 130 gr. with 26.5 imr 4895 it does wear on me some. I tried something 2 weeks ago at a match for the first time and it made a big difference in reduction of recoil for me. I used a shooting glove for the first time and it really made a difference. this is a lot cheaper than a muzzle brake. I have seen people use them before and just never felt a need for one. I wish I had been using one before! The one I bought was Uncle Mike's. There are a lot out there and I have seen some people use a golf glove.