Adding some weight for reduced recoil?

[B!ngo]

Couple of things. If this is a range gun, then you have a wider number of choices. But if this is (even part-time) a hunting gun then the comp/brake is the wisest choice.
The other options are incremental and have some downside risks as well. That is, the recoil reduction is a function of how much shot/mercury/sinkers you put in the thing. And the more you add the less mobile you'll be.
The comp/brake is a binary modification. You put it on and recoil is reduced. The down side that was mentioned is the noise. At the range you might be relegated to the last stall. But many people use them and it's standard equipment on SCAR 17's (and 16's).
Regarding the risk to your ears when hunting, if you're not using e-muffs or equivalent when hunting you are taking a big risk with almost any gun you are shooting. You must wear ear protection when shooting. Period. And when you do, the comp/brake is not a noise risk.
Summing it up, I agree with Randall. Just get the comp/brake.
B

[CK_32]

Muzzle brake, recoil pad or lead weights help with recoil.


Bench shooters are usually the only guys who I see shoving lead weights in their stocks. Not very pleasant to shoot

[desert dog]

Just to add to the great advise given already;

1) The mercury recoil reducers can not be sold in California; you need to purchase them out of state and bring them back. These do work well, and are a favorite with African DG hunters to use in the stocks of their big-bores and magnums.

2) If you plan to do guided hunts; almost every guide, PH, and tracker I have worked with HATES muzzle brakes and will try to talk you out of using your rifle on a hunt if it has one. But, if you are hunting alone or with buddies who invest in appropriate electronic hearing protection, a muzzle brake can be enjoyed without issues.

3) Weight does reduce felt recoil. I have a 7Lb 375 H&H that knocks the snot out of me, and another 10Lb# 375H&H that is a joy to shoot.

4) Recoil pad upgrades also make a big difference. The soft Limbsavers do the best job, but they are so soft that they often don't last long. I have had new ones fall apart after a couple hunts. If you have room to spare in your LOP, the slip-on pads are fantastic too.

5) Stock design is also a factor in dealing with recoil. Stocks with a lot of drop at the heal tend to be heavier recoilers. Stocks that don't fit the shooter will also contribute to problems.

6) Shooting position is a huge factor in felt recoil. I can easily shoot any rifle off-hand or off the sticks, but some of those rifles are too painful to shoot off the bench without a sled.

[Ishooter]

Muzzle brake doesn't bother me. I have 1 on my Mosin Nagant. I just plug a cheap pair of ear foam plugs in my ears, and I can shoot all day with no hearing loss. When shooting target, I think most of us wear some types of ear protection so the increased sound from the brake shouldn't be a problem. I never hunted with a guide, so I can't tell. I'd assume the guide should wear ear protection.

[desert dog]

I never hunted with a guide, so I can't tell. I'd assume the guide should wear ear protection.

I hunt in some places where a guide is mandatory (meaning you can't hunt on the property without one). They like to hear every sound in the distance, and although the good electronic ears do this, they reduce the ability to determine what direction the sound came from. Most guides in the US and Canada will not wear ear protection during the stalk, but try (doesn't always happen in the heat of the moment) to put them on before a shot is taken.

Also, many guides like to lay-up right beside you and glass while they pick an animal out of the herd and talk you through the shot. These guys get a face full of muzzle blast with some rifles.

In Africa, only about half the PHs use ear protection and none of the African trackers can afford expensive things like electronic ears. If you have time to set up on the sticks, they might put their fingers in their ears while you break the shot

[Ishooter]

I hear you. What did you just say? Lol.

[JMP]

Sometimes I use one of these. Just slide it over your barrel and drill a hole for your scope.