Opinions on muzzle device.308

[CandG]

Just my thoughts.
Muzzle brakes suck! period.
I personally have no need or desire to deafen myself more than I already have. About getting on target fast, really? how fast do you need to be unless you are shooting competition of some type.
If and when I buy rifles that have them installed I remove and trash.
Just my thoughts yours may differ.

I would never use one on a hunting or defensive rifle for that reason - the hearing damage from shooting without hearing protection without a brake is bad enough already. I only put muzzle brakes on range toys (and I don't use indoor ranges). I admit I really like having one on my .308 AR (strictly a bench shooter), I can shoot 2 rounds a second without any trouble staying on target, and that's just downright fun to do... albeit kinda expensive

At some point, if you get into large calibers, they become a necessity.

Ya but nothing in .30 cal really requires one.

[Jimmy's]

At some point, if you get into large calibers, they become a necessity.

Or not, depends on many factors.

[JackEllis]

I shoot a .30-06. When shooting from a bench I use bags. In the field hunting I use sticks for sitting and kneeling, and a pack for prone. I just got a tripod for tall grass that I can use while standing but haven't tried it with the '06 yet. None of my rifles are fitted with brakes, mainly because it's apparently tough on other people who might be shooting near me.

Two other suggestions if you haven't already considered them. First, make sure you have a good recoil pad on the stock. Second, make sure your trigger pull isn't too stiff. I had all kinds of problems shooting my .30-06 until I had a recoil pad put on, and a new trigger installed to replace the original, which apparently had a reputation for being quite stiff. I'm not going to win any marksmanship contests but I think I've been cured of my flinching problem and the recoil has become more tolerable.

[diver160651]

Opinions on muzzle device.308

+1 with Hairball-

With that heavy barrel if you load your bipod (properly), if on a bench, keeping your hips bent, body forward, spine and shoulders straight, you should not bounce off target. Same goes for prone shooting, guys sideways (like some F-class guys) generally have to "reacquire" the target and will have no hope of seeing their own trace on 308 type case capacities. This alone doesn't mean that they might shoot poorly. It really depends what your doing as to just how valuable staying in the targets is. If you are off the range it can be very valuable to easily self-spot, just as digital cameras provide instant feedback greatly increasing the photographers learning curve; the shooter gains really critical information from watching the bullet in. If that's what your after, work on mechanics.

While I do like brakes, cans and in some cases nothing, the symptom you describe will not be eliminated by adding a brake.




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[R.Mac]

Ya, I was hoping to see the splash on steel. Against a hillside its tough. Sounds like my technique needs work. Thanks for input.

[oddjob]

I don't use it on a .308, but the Rolling Thunder comp works well in a .223. I've read good things about it on a .308.

[Phalanx20mm]

At some point, if you get into large calibers, they become a necessity.

Maybe, but nobody is target shooting with .416 Mags or larger. There is no reason to make guns louder than they normally are, especially in an anti-gun State.

[CandG]

Maybe, but nobody is target shooting with .416 Mags or larger.

Lots of people target shoot with larger calibers, up to .50BMG. In fact I would argue that target shooting is really the ONLY thing people do with those rifles, since they're excessive for hunting use in north america.

There is no reason to make guns louder than they normally are, especially in an anti-gun State.

A range full of guys shooting muzzle-braked rifles, and a range full of guys shooting non-muzzle-braked rifles, would sound exactly the same from anything more than about 50 feet away. Muzzle brakes don't actually make guns louder, they just change the direction the sound goes.

[NorCalFocus]

A range full of guys shooting muzzle-braked rifles, and a range full of guys shooting non-muzzle-braked rifles, would sound exactly the same from anything more than about 50 feet away. Muzzle brakes don't actually make guns louder, they just change the direction the sound goes.

Exactly!

Also behind the rifle I don't even notice the change is sound direction. Shooting next to another guy is a little different.

[Phalanx20mm]

Lots of people target shoot with larger calibers, up to .50BMG. In fact I would argue that target shooting is really the ONLY thing people do with those rifles, since they're excessive for hunting use in north america.

A Cheytac, Barrett 416 or 50 Cal is different! You are not 2 feet away for another shooter on the line.

Muzzle brakes don't actually make guns louder, they just change the direction the sound goes.

Maybe so but who wants to sit next to a bunch of braked small caliber arms? Not me, and not a lot of people. Sniper wannabe's 3 inch groups are not going to improve because of reduced recoil in a .223 or .308. Shooters are free to brakeup but shouldn't complain when they can't hear anymore.

[therealnickb]

Anyone use the GoGun supercomp?

[CandG]

Maybe so but who wants to sit next to a bunch of braked small caliber arms? Not me, and not a lot of people. Sniper wannabe's 3 inch groups are not going to improve because of reduced recoil in a .223 or .308. Shooters are free to brakeup but shouldn't complain when they can't hear anymore.

I agree, I was just referencing the part about "especially in anti-gun CA". There probably aren't many anti-gunners standing next to you on the firing line - that's all I meant.

But I agree that it sucks standing next to someone shooting with a brake, even with doubled-up hearing protection, you can feel the concussion in your chest

[Hairball]

I rarely go to a public range; however, the only one I have shot at that had a separate area for large caliber braked rifles had been the South Bay Rod and Gun Club. Not sure if it's still set up but the last shooting position on the far right had a steel plate barrier between that lane and the next. Usually, you shoot right next to everyone else so if you have a 50 cal in one lane, you might have a 5.56 in the next so you make the best of it.

[oddjob]

OP,

Interesting video on the subject..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qDf6Xf0rR4&t=3s