Re-opening the muzzle brake can of worms.

[Averageman]

I was “that guy” because my Sandman came with a brake. Never used a brake before, so I bought the same brake for all my host guns. I went on one of those overpriced hog hunts with some coworkers and only about half brought hearing protection. I wanted faster swing and pulled the sandman off. After a volley of blasts even the guys with hearing protection wanted my sandman back on the weapon and one of them was shooting 300win mag. I have been converting everything to forward control flash hiders and never looked back.

Ned, A2 policy. You loan them an A2, you hold the brake as collateral. I bet your success rate increases getting your A2’s back.

Sound protection and wet suit on ear muffs…. I read where the sound waves also travel through your face/bones/etc and still create hearing loss. Maybe look at a neoprene face mask for winter courses. Maybe it would help limit the damage from shockwaves to the head.

I'm pretty sure I had double digit concussions over my formative years.
Boxing, Competative Shooting, Judo, 21 years on Tanks and another 14 repairing them takes a toll. I started developing bad headaches atfter IDPA lately and have slowed down alot.
I know you're right about the shock waves, when I would calibrate Tank Main Guns my eyes and head would ache.

I live in Texas, so if I showed up with a Glock and wearing a black neoprene mask to shoot, I would be the Headline "Man in the Black Mask shot hundreds of times at the Rifle Range by a Bunch of real good Texans."

[HKGuns]

I'll start off by saying I own a lot of rifles. I have exactly two rifles with a brake, the PWS that came stock on my SCAR17 and some Bulgarian brake that came with my SLR95 that was produced when the Ban was in effect.

Want to know whats worse than some MB's? Ported 12ga shotguns.

There are some large rifles that will actually startle me when they are shot, I mean physically make me jump. This is with hearing protection, sometimes doubled up.

I too have had a number of concussions and have also shot too many Doves not wearing hearing protection. Luckily, my ringing is sporadic.

Nearly all of my rifles wear an A2 or BE Meyers FH. I have zero use for Muzzle Brakes of any kind, for any reason and refuse to shoot near anyone shooting one.

[SteyrAUG]

I only have a few opinions.

1. Flash / brake combos such as those found on the FNC aren't terribly obnoxious.

2. I understand brakes as a suppressor host as they create what is essentially another expansion chamber.

But other than that, on 5.56 rifles I really don't see the point. There isn't a lot to tame and certain designs like the mini Y comp found on Clinton era Bushmasters are incredibly loud.

[1_click_off]

I only plan to keep 1 brake. That is the one on the M99. I just don’t feel the need to use them on anything smaller. It was nice on my Scout when shooting several rounds to prevent my shoulder from flaring up, but it is the next to go.

[sidewaysil80]

Dissenting opinion here…

I use the Surefire SOCOM brake on everything. Empirically it is the better suppressor host (compared to Surefire flash hiders and War Comp) and as someone mentioned, a sacrificial baffle.

In terms of recoil, there is a noticeable decrease in muzzle rise and impulse. I find this very beneficial for spotting splash in precision rifle matches and reduction in splits in typical 2/3-Gun.

Now, I typically run cans outside of matches but also use the Surefire Warden for classes/group shooting if I’m not going to use a can.

TL;DR

I like brakes, use them exclusively.

[T2C]

Muzzle brakes are not allowed in High Power matches locally. I often shoot a Stag Arms carbine that originally had a factory muzzle brake. I removed the brake and installed a GI flash hider. I haven't seen any change in accuracy at 200 yards or noticed that it takes much longer to recover from recoil between shots during the rapid-fire stage. I've fired 3 gun matches at our club and haven't missed the muzzle brake..

I can understand the need for a muzzle brake on a .30 caliber rifle, but do not see the need for a muzzle brake on a .223 caliber carbine.

[ViniVidivici]

I presume Ned's handling out A1s so there's no need to time them. Makes sense. Crank it on and go.

Me, I have no use for brakes on my guns (5.56mm ARs), and would rather not be shooting or training alongside those using them. A2s w/ crush washers on everything here, no matter the barrel length. We shun diversity when we find things that work well! HA!

I've tried a couple (can't remember which ones), and didn't feel the juice was worth the squeeze. With proper technique I have no problem managing the recoil from what the late great Col. Jeff Cooper so affectionately called "the poodle-shooter".

I don't compete, per se, but I'm generally content with my splits in various drills.

Can't speak to their effectiveness or utility in heavier recoiling platforms.

I can say that in certain situations/applications, greater noise signature and/or concussion would be highly undesirable.

[sinister]

I disagree on certain points.

There are a few brakes that serve to reduce muzzle movement off-target, and are not as "Blasty" as others. I choose the Advance Precision EFAB Hybrid Brake.

I agree there are others (specifically the Miculek) that are great at absolutely reducing muzzle movement at the cost of loosening your feelings, liquifying your ear wax, blasting the front of your trousers, and generally raising dust or ceiling flocking to come down.

Teaching patrol rifle bubbas en masse, twenty patrolmen shoulder-to-shoulder is not the audience -- but they absolutely will be influenced watching champion 3-Gun shooters or assaulters and their choices to want the Gucci accessory. They are different target and experience groups.

As for individual, private shooters -- I doubt they will be shooting in their homes in close proximity to three or four others maneuvering on a home invader. I would also submit firing a 16-inch carbine indoors, with or without a brake, is going to get people's attention and be unpleasant, even WITH hearing protection.

A standard bird cage is the simplest and cheapest solution. A suppressor adds cost, weight, flexibility, and compliance paperwork ass-pain, as well as losing the noise shock effect of a firearm going off in close proximity.

[One More Time]

I use a Precision Armament EFAB on my 16" .308, works as advertised.
.308 is loud and concussive with or without a brake as it is but the EFAB doesn't blow everything off the table like a full on brake.

For 5.56 I don't see a need for anything more than an A2 for what I have.
A local trainer doesn't allow them at class and I believe he will swap them out also.

[joedirt199]

I used a spikes dynacomp for awhile and it changed the tone of the shot. Gave it a deeper sound somehow.