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> Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?
Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?
@ 11:19 pm (GMT) |
Lane SalvatoThis group is rather international, so I thought I'd ask a question. I've always wanted the option of using muzzle brakes on larger caliber rifles, but I've never been willing to put up with the unbearable, and ear damaging noise.I'm in the U.S., and know of nobody here who manufactures a brake that isn't extremely loud. I thought that perhaps in the outback, sitting under a tree somewhere, or in Europe high atop a mountain, there might be a wise fellow who makes such a beast. I think it's just simple physics, and you can't get away from simple physics, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask anyway. Thanks, |
Replies
@ 02:40 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?Hi Lane, OK, prepare for more Sunday waffling. I am sure I have confused Vick more than helping. Keen to stay at the party and help but am a bit worn out...The brake I wrote about in book 1 (featured again on the .338 in book 5- shooting) works well, but the noise is still quite harsh. It keeps all the powder residues moving forwards rather than in your face, no dust in the eyes either, and no concussion slap. The concussion slap concerns me a good deal- I don't think we actually understand enough about what is going on inside our heads as a physical / cell level. Some brakes give you a feeling like you have been slapped or punched, others report a feeling of having a blood nose, other reports vary further and depending on the brake design. None of this sits well with me. I also find that people quite frankly bullshit themselves. A guy will bring me some complete and utter piece of shit whiz pop to shoot, fitted with the latest and coolest brake and sure, the rifle sits in place but the shooter still gets knocked around by gases and the concussion wave. The target picture is lost and successive shots involve flinching or eyelid contractions and other issues. All total bullshit and often on rifles that don't actually need a brake, they just need a man or woman willing to hold the damned thing. The basic forward port brake is good, but nothing will ever beat a suppressor for its combination of both noise and recoil reduction. The other thing is that stocks are just getting too slim now and barrels too lean. I guess this is good in some ways as it keeps the custom industry alive. Anyway- my point is that its surprising what can be done with a regular sporter by simply dumping it into a varmint or semi varmint stock. Others don't like the idea because they get all upset about the big gap down the barrel channel. I just call it a cooling area and forget it. But there are some bigger calibers that simply need a brake. Also, you can't always travel with a suppressor, some places don't allow it. So if a brake must be had, I suggest the forward port as the compromise. Steph can shoot the Edge all day at 17 degrees forwards, medium contour barrel. So I am sure one could go a bit further forwards again if need be. I see DPT NZ are now venturing into larger magnum suppressors following their successful modular design. These can be taken apart for cleaning and inspection. Worth looking into but I am not so sure about the export licenses. Still, I suppose you could try to buy one baffle by baffle while sorting the state permit at your end. |
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@ 04:16 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?Marty during his visit here, shooting the forward port .338 Edge to 1km.
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@ 10:11 am (GMT) |
Lane SalvatoRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?Thanks Nathan. My problem really isn't recoil as much as it is our ranch is occupied by a group of hunters this long weekend and I've spent too much time on the computer and no time in the field!I know that you and I have discussed stock design before as well as good and proper shooting technique and stock design as the most practical ways of overcoming recoil. In other words, we have to learn to shoot as properly as possible. I know that's the real key unless going up to very large calibers. I dare say at this point I've got to leave the role of internet hunter and get back to the real thing! Have a great weekend sir, and again, well done on the 35 Whelen article. One of the best I've read anywhere. Something about that article just says, "This is how an article should be written!" |
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@ 08:50 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?Thanks for your kind words Lane.One possibility, would be to make a shroud for a brake. I have thought about this before but went off the idea due to its bulk. It would nevertheless work and there is possibly a small market for it if could be made in such a way that it does not look too ugly. There would be no noise suppression, but the noise would stay forwards so that if you forget ear plugs and take a snap shot, it would not be so damaging as a brake. Alternate designation would be flash hider or diffuser. It would be interesting to take this into the field with a marksman and several soldiers and have the marksman shoot from an unknown location, then have the soldiers try to determine his position, first with the shrouded brake (spreading noise), then a suppressor (creating cone wave noise and a trace). The suppressor would have to go second in this test. POI changes would have to be rigorously tested so the marksman could take shots without safety issues. Very roughly: 
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@ 10:46 pm (GMT) |
Thomas KitchenRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?I have been reading this with interest and had a similar idea to you Nathan, pretty much a suppressor with no front on it, not sure if it would be more of a delayed recoil as it still vent gas's more of a rolling recoil then a kick?Over ideas I thought of was just a basic plate behind the muzzle break it would not help any one to the side but could help protect the shooter, if using a side ported brake you could make an oval plate as not to get in the way of your scope. My third idea was a cone shape behind the brake picture something like the Lee enfield jungle carbine muzzle. The things one could play around with, just need convince her in the house that a lathe and a mill is an investment now ha ha |
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@ 10:48 pm (GMT) |
Thomas KitchenRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?That was meant to say still vent gas's forwards |
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@ 11:59 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?Yes, all we are looking for is to have the gas strike the vent itself, creating some forwards force. The rear most vent could have more of an angle to it, to help clear carbon, other vents being closer to a right angle.What have you started Lane! |
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@ 01:43 am (GMT) |
Lane SalvatoRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?The trouble with engineers is that none of us can stop engineering! I love this. In truth it's become much easier to get suppressors here in the states and most of them are legal for hunting. There is an expense, but a full tilt 300 Win Mag., or 7 mm Rem. Mag. with a high quality suppressor would likely be much more comfortable to use even with a bit less recoil reduction just due to the reduction in noise and muzzle blast.Also, as Nathan pointed out to me months ago, I began on a 300 Win. Mag. with a Model 70 Featherweight, which is a terribly light design and stock configuration for such a powerful cartridge. You hang around Kiwis, you learn things! |
@ 03:47 am (GMT) |
Martin TaylorRe: Muzzle Brakes - Are There Any That Don't Create Deafening Noise?"The trouble with engineers is that none of us can stop engineering!" You wouldn't believe the grief this causes this silly mechanic!!!!!Nathan any ugly sod can get his picture on here, what is the world coming too...... One thing l did learn from that trip was that a 285grain .338 Amax pill is an impressive thing at and past 1km. I know there are "bigger and better" cartridges but still impressive all the same & a very usable rig. |
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