To break or not to Break
- Thread starter Rooster52
- Start date
Wyatt G
Member
I like the idea of having a break but guns are loud enough without them. Unless you wear constant hearing protection while hunting then there are too many situations where you dont have the time to get them on.
Altitude_Freak
New member
Put a brake on it and you'll actually enjoy the rifle and you'll get more range time. I wear these on my hat while I hunt. Takes 1/2 second to pop on.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11492938
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11492938
Laelkhunter
Well-known member
I have been using the Walkers Alpha 360 Ear protection. They are electronic muffs that fit over the ears. They have stereo wind-proof speakers, and with them on low, I can hear my guide even if he whispers. The sounds are amplified allowing my aged ears to hear more than I did before. The batteries have lasted the entire hunt without being replaced. Got caught in the rain, and they still worked perfectly. Of course they block the sound of gunfire, and cost about $30.00 when on sale on Camofire. I have two pair, a camo one and a black one for backup. My guide kinda chuckled when I pulled them out last year, but after the hunt was over, he thought they were a great idea. I shoot a 340 Weatherby with a brake, and the ear muffs worked perfectly.
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pre6422hornet
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 21, 2015
- Messages
- 525
Try a PAST pad first. Very inexpensive investment to make. I can't stand muzzle-brakes personally, especially when shooting at the range with one next to me. With a PAST pad, I can shoot my 338 win mag, 348 win with metal butt plate, or any other rifle in my collection in a T-Shirt!!! No issues, no bruises, nothing. Yes I got a few weird looks from some of the manly men shooting on line, but once they saw me break out the 348 with metal butt plate and start shooting tiny tiny groups at 100, one of them came over and asked what " that thing on my shoulder was". I let him try it and if I remember correctly his words were something like " Going to Sportsmans after this to get one".
Now you may ask " well what about when hunting?". In all my years of hunting I have yet to feel or notice a rifle's recoil when shot at game!
Now you may ask " well what about when hunting?". In all my years of hunting I have yet to feel or notice a rifle's recoil when shot at game!
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Of course, if it was a shotgun with a turkey load you'd still notice the recoil. Worst recoil of any firearm I own.
I have a PAST pad, and use it almost any time I'm at the range or practicing in the field, but don't use it hunting. I even use it with the braked rifles, which really makes them feel like smaller calibers.
Brakes can work well, especially at watching your shot at longer distances. However, if it's mainly for recoil then consider a pad for practice as already noted.
I also use a Shooterpad elbow pad under my right elbow if I'm at the bench.
http://www.shooterpads.com/products.htm
If you install a brake, I would recommend not shortening the barrel for two reasons. First, you're moving the muzzle blast closer to your ears. Second, with a 338WM a longer barrel will help you keep the performance you're after.
Otherwise you could get a 338 Federal instead.
bobbydean
Well-known member
A muzzle break destroys your hearing. I have a.338 A bolt that I love. Must wear hearing protection. Remember at the range, In the field it is hit or miss. I have hearing protection, but when excited, I forget.
sbhooper
Well-known member
This, plus you CANNOT shoot a big rifle like that without hearing protectors, if it has a brake.
noharleyyet
Well-known member
Ear protection always at the range, brake or not....I know very few who use protection in the field. According to a geek I read, velocity falls around 25 fps per rifled inch....not drastic but I wouldn't cut the barrel if adding the brake.
A-5_Guy
Member
Just keep in mind if you ever plan to use the rifle on a guided hunt, say in AK, many guides will not allow rifles with muzzle brakes. Apparently they value their hearing.
