Ouch this gun hurts! Opinions??

d_wit22 · Aug 30, 2024

So I have a Vanguard in .300 WBY. Took it to the range today to get it ready for an elk hunt next year and let me tell you what. She HURTS!! 5 shots and I said that's enough. So looking for options. What can I do to this gun to make the recoil less? Should I just sell and buy an easier on the shoulder elk gun? What do you guys think?

340Wby-4-everything · Aug 30, 2024

Muzzlebreak

akmtnhnt · Aug 30, 2024

d_wit22 said:
Should I just sell and buy an easier on the shoulder elk gun?

Yes. Unless you are shooting elk at 800+ yards. Which, asking how to tame a gun tells me you're not.

d_wit22 · Aug 30, 2024

I'm thinking 500-600 yard is my max. What's a good replacement

HSmithTX · Aug 30, 2024

Something with threads on the barrel so you can add a brake or a suppressor.

Mountain Sloth · Aug 30, 2024

A radial brake tames the recoil on these rifles, haven't shot a 300 wby but have a vanguard in 300 win and with a brake it kicks very little.

waspocrew · Aug 30, 2024

A brake would be the way to go - it will definitely make it loud though!

memtb · Aug 30, 2024

I don't know anything about the Vanguard series of rifles, but what type of recoil pad, what does the rifle weigh, and if shooting from the bench….are you sitting straight up or nearly so. A good deal of lean into the rifle can/will increase "felt" recoil.

And, does the rifle fit you properly? The length of pull can affect "felt" recoil. If the stock has been cut to better fit you…..was the stock angle at the butt altered? If so, that can affect felt recoil……usually, not for the better.

The 300 Weatherby while having a bit of recoil……shouldn't be as bad as you describe!

Addendum: A properly fitting rifle with a good recoil pad will help a lot. Also, when shooting from the bench, a PAST Recoil Shield or similar will help a great deal.

Personally speaking, I'd avoid the brake on a hunting rifle……but, that's just me! memtb

TheViking · Aug 30, 2024

Get yourself a Tikka 6.5 PRC, 270 WIN, maybe 7MM REM MAG, or toss a muzzle brake on that rifle. I handle recoil well, but an unbraked 300 Wby Mag isn't very fun to shoot, it's a beast.

Hairtrigger · Aug 30, 2024

A proper fitting stock is important
I have a buddy that is larger and much stronger than I am but yet when he shoots his 870 at Clay pigeons his shoulder, turns black and blue

pdog shooter · Aug 30, 2024

When hunting with a brake do you all use hearing protection?
My style I'd never have time.

TheViking · Aug 30, 2024

pdog shooter said:
When hunting with a brake do you all use hearing protection?
My style I'd never have time.

Absolutely never shoot a braked gun without hearing protection. One shot will damage your hearing, no joke.

I wear the ones with the foam plugs on a plastic band around my neck. I can toss them on super quick. And they work well.

kgarrett · Aug 30, 2024

d_wit22 said:
So I have a Vanguard in .300 WBY. Took it to the range today to get it ready for an elk hunt next year and let me tell you what. She HURTS!! 5 shots and I said that's enough. So looking for options. What can I do to this gun to make the recoil less? Should I just sell and buy an easier on the shoulder elk gun? What do you guys think?

Put a good recoil pad on it if it doesn't have one. I have had a couple of limbsavers that made a big difference. Adding a brake is an option too - but they are loud! I was shooting my braked 300 prc today and 2 gents from the next range came to ask me what I was shooting because it was so loud…

I double ear protection at the range and use hearing protection while hunting. Consider a suppressor if legal where you are, but a 300 Wby is a heavy recoiling cartridge.

Mark37082 · Aug 30, 2024

Big magnums are not fun to shoot at the range to me. They are rifles for a purpose. As long as you can avoid developing a flinch and get it dialed in, it will be bad medicine on your quarry. The .300 WBY wouldn't be my first choice for elk, but it will get the job done as long as you do your job.

Ouch this gun hurts! Opinions??

d_wit22

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340Wby-4-everything

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akmtnhnt

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d_wit22

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HSmithTX

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Mountain Sloth

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waspocrew

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memtb

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TheViking

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Hairtrigger

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pdog shooter

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TheViking

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kgarrett

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Mark37082

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