Q: It seems to me that nearly every rifle you see these days is either fitted with a muzzle brake or has one machined into the muzzle.
I questioned the guy in my local gunshop about this and he told me that they reduce muzzle flash, reduce recoil and noise, and sometimes they can make rifles more accurate.
After firing a mate’s rifle, which has a muzzle brake, on the range without ear muffs, I certainly don’t want a rifle with an integral brake and am dubious about detachable ones. You don’t like them either, judging from your writings.
Claude Hough
A: I wouldn’t have a muzzle brake on any of my personal rifles. My Browning X-Bolt came with a detachable brake with a small cap to protect the threads. I promptly removed it, glued the cap on and gave the brake to my gunsmith.
The problem with most brakes is that, along with the benefits, there are just as many drawbacks.
Sure, they make a powerful rifle more comfortable to shoot, but they have a very loud muzzle blast that deafens you — literally.
Many outfitters avoid damage to their hearing by refusing to guide a client if he has a muzzle brake on his rifle.
In my opinion, if you can’t handle the recoil, get a less powerful rifle — one you can handle.
Having expressed my dislike for these gadgets, I must admit they do work, but they exact a price that I find unacceptable.
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