A General Muzzle Break Question

[skeeter 20i]

I have a total newb. question about a muzzle brake.  I'm  in the processs of getting together a rifle  for my son it's  going to be a 7mm Tikka T3 Lite.  He wants a muzzle brake and a limb saver recoil pad.  Anyway we were talking about how the rifle would be louder while at the range etc. and the question came up about whether or not they are removable like a suppressor?

[Bofire]

 :)some are and some come with a cover.
Carl

[Biggerhammer]

Yes, most are removable and places like Benchmark barrels and others will make you a "Thread protector" when they install your brake, if you ask. So you can remove your brake when needed and put the thread protector on in its place. As for me I shoot around allot of guys with brakes and it doesn't bother me or them. If brakes are allowed during casually shooting on a local range, I can care less about other shooters. Deal with it or go home. Some matches/ competition shooting sports don't allow muzzle brakes, so a thread protector is always a good idea. Some like to shoot through out the year with brakes and prefer not to hunt with them or their guide services are a bunch of wusses and don't know where to locate their selves when the client ( The guy paying them) is shooting and or won't purchase quality hearing protection that doesn't hinder their hearing but protects their ears when there is shooting. There's always a salution, some are just slow to arrive.

[skeeter 20i]

Other than dust and muzzle flip is there advantages  to running a directional  vs radial design?   I understand  the timing issue but does one inherently work better than the other?

[Biggerhammer]

For a hunting rifle a Vais Arms is a exellent choice, some complain or argue about the dust signature when shooting in the prone. Due to the fact the hole pattern is 360 degrees around the brake. I just look at it as, most can hack being bloodied up field dressing and or quartering up what they have shot but snivel about a little dust from a hunting rifle. The muscle brakes are nice if your looking for a quality side discharge brake. I use both brakes myself.

[jackelope]

I've got a Defensive Edge brake with side ports. No dirt flying from mine. I don't think it's that much louder either. It's a rifle and it's going to be loud no matter how you slice it.

[mountainman]

Side porting is the only way to go! Had them all..Vias,  Magnaport,  Shrewd. ..Defensive Edge is the best! IMHO

[skeeter 20i]

Does DE also do the smithwork for install?

[slm9s]

If your son needs a muzzle break for a 7RM, do your son a favor and get him something with a little less recoil, like a 280 or 7-08.  A muzzle break on a hunting rifle is not a smart idea.  It will result in permanent hearing loss, unless ear protection is ALWAYS worn, which it won't be.  (unless you're setting up for 800 yard shots where you have all the time you need)

Tactical, benchrest, F-class, varmint rifles - fine; hunting rifles NO MUZZLE BREAKS.

[lamrith]

Contact Killer Innovations, great LOCAL company (Oly/Lacy) and great people, they will get you dialed in.
They are a local company and that is the brake Biggerhammer has on his rifle pictures.  They work very well and they direct the gasses up and back rather than just left and right so it is kinder to others at the range and less dust out in the field.

[dirtylonggun]

I have a 7mm tikka t3 lite with a benchmark miller brake and a limbsaver butt pad and it is great well worth the money the recoil is like a 243 It's real comfortable to shoot.

[xXLojackXx]

I run Benchmark muscle brakes and the slim muscle brake with a side and top discharge on my hunting rifle. They work amazingly well with being able to spot your impact. The top discharge keeps the barrel from jumping.

[CAMPMEAT]

I've got a Surefire brake on my 308. Nice brake.

[rudysts]

After having major head surgery for injuries incurred while serving in Iraq (6 metal plates installed) I was flinching with a rifle so I decided to use muzzle brakes to help me out best decision I made to get me back on track. I think what I like the most is being able to spot my shot and make or call my corrections on the turret.

Yes most are removable I take mine off on occasion for cleaning more for radial brakes not so much for side discharge.

[Biggerhammer]

After having major head surgery for injuries incurred while serving in Iraq (6 metal plates installed) I was flinching with a rifle so I decided to use muzzle brakes to help me out best decision I made to get me back on track. I think what I like the most is being able to spot my shot and make or call my corrections on the turret.

Yes most are removable I take mine off on occasion for cleaning more for radial brakes not so much for side discharge.

I myself prefer the radial brakes on a sporter weight rifle for hunting and thank you for your service.