Are muzzle brakes THAT loud ? ? ?

Hidalgo

Hidalgo

Well-known member
Looking at a new Tikka in 7mm-08. I would love to have the Wildland model that comes with a muzzle brake. Health problems over the years are making me consider a muzzle brake for reduced recoil.

Now ... I never shoot at the range without electronic ear protection. Been that way for years. But I intend to use this rifle for hunting also, and I just can't bring myself to hunt with muffs on. (That just doesn't seem right
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).

So, is this rifle going to be THAT loud with the brake installed?

Or should I forego the brake and just get a rifle without one?

And what about the earpieces that are designed to be worn while hunting? Anyone have any experience with those?

I might consider something like this after some investigation: https://goaxil.com/pages/gs-extreme-affiliatte-special?rfsn=6228832.fe57ad
 
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Originally Posted By: alf
Absolutely never shoot a gun with a brake without ear protection.....

Well ... that pretty well summed it up.
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Seriously, thanks for the input.
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Quote:
I might consider something like this after some investigation: https://goaxil.com/pages/gs-extreme-affiliatte-special?rfsn=6228832.fe57ad


I have worn Walker game ear muffs both on the range and in the field for years. They do the job and you get used to them when hunting. The only complaint is they are hot in summer, but then I wear them above the ears until needing to shoot.

Walker came out with a game ear plug similar to your link which I ordered and tried. They came with several different size rubber plugs but none fit my ear canal properly so I returned them and continue to use muffs. YMMV.

ETA: One other thing about the muffs since you are in TX. To me, a rattler buzzing sounds like running brook in event you decide to try the muffs afield. Again, YMMV.

Regards,
hm
 
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I would never use a brake without ear pro and I double up at the range when other use them (behind them too).

I don't like earmuffs hunting in the summer or for long periods of time. Even though I use a suppressor when hunting, I still use electronic ear pro for both additional hearing protection and enhanced hearing.

I've been using Walker's Silencer (earbuds) for 3 or 4 years and highly recommend them.
 
To throw another angle on things....a suppressor is a pretty effective recoil reducer,,,,no ear pro needed. Yes, they are expensive, but in my mind and experience, a worthwhile expense.

And yes, brakes are THAT loud!!!
 
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I personally like muzzle breaks on rifles that kick hard. If you wear hearing protection you won't notice the noise that much. The people next to you........may not like it that well. They do reduce recoil but the 7MM-08 isn't really that bad as far as recoil goes. Its my go-to hunting rifle and wears no break. Recoil is along the line of a 243 IMO. Mine is in a walnut stock with a mag contour barrel. Its heavy enough to absorb the majority of the recoil and is actually rather pleasant to shoot. The Tikka may recoil a little harder as it is probably a lighter weight rifle. Another thing, I don't run my loads really hot. Most of my hunting is in thick cover and I rarely get a shot much over 75-80 yds so I don't worry a lot about speed. My load is a 139 grain bullet at 2750. Pretty mild but it works.
 
Thanks for all the responses. After careful consideration and your information, I think the muzzle brake is out.
 
Have it threaded and put a brake on it to do the bulk of your shooting then during hunting season remove it, reset your zero, and go hunt with the brake removed. After hunting season reverse the process and go back to shooting it with a brake on. It's really just that easy.

Or, get a suppressor and enjoy the, nearly, best of both worlds. A suppressor won't quite reduce recoil the same as a good brake but it'll be close, and, you'll have the benefit of a much quieter shooting rifle.
 
For me the noise is worse with a brake, especially if I feel the pressure. So when I'm beside watching I need to double up(plugs and muffs).
 
Change of plans. Going to go with a rifle without the brake. Doctor says that avoiding "repeated" pounding on my shoulder/chest area in the immediate future (10-12 weeks if all goes well) is a good idea but he doesn't think shooting a moderately recoiling rifle should be a problem.

Looking forward to the 7mm-08 again (son has one) and it should be a good black bear/elk rifle for the future. Since I already have the dies and have loaded for his in the past it should be a good choice. Lots of Lapua brass & 140 Accubonds just sitting here on the loading bench waiting to be put to work. (If I could find some BR2s)

Now all I have to do is work my butt off in cardio rehab and get back in shape ...............
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Originally Posted By: obaroTo throw another angle on things....a suppressor is a pretty effective recoil reducer,,,,no ear pro needed. Yes, they are expensive, but in my mind and experience, a worthwhile expense.

And yes, brakes are THAT loud!!!

I don't agree with no ear pro needed if you run suppressed, especially if someone runs supersonic loads and shorter barrels(port noise can be pretty loud on auto loaders too). Yes, it does suppress sound, but it's not always hearing safe.

Certain frequencies that can be barely heard can also damage hearing.
 
Ya got me CoonDog, I didn't fully think that reply out, just responded to what the OP had put out there. You are on the money with short barrels and Auto loaders.
 


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