Please school me on breaks

[KSB209]

I'm building a new rifle and want to put a break on it so my kids can shoot it without too much trouble. It's a 308 so the recoil is pretty mild for me but maybe not a 12 year old. So, what is the difference between 1 piece and 2 piece, self timing, and port position?

I've done a lot of reading on breaks and it seems like a lot of info is more opinions. I know they work for recoil reduction because I have shot rifles with and without them. How do 1 piece vs. 2 piece breaks work and why would you choose one over the other?

There are a lot of opinions on port position and direction (90 degree vs forward vs rear facing ports). What gives? It's tough to understand when 1 manufacture says one thing then another says the complete opposite ( I understand marketing but dang it's confusing). Do ports on top really effect rifle positioning for follow up shots because it pushes the muzzle down???

This rifle is going to be my primary hunting rig but I also plan on spending a lot of time behind it at the range. I'll probably use a break at the range but hunt without it. I know I will have to confirm zero if and when I take off or put on the break.

Anyways I would love to hear from you guys that have used and experimented with different types of breaks.

 

[FEENIX]

I'm building a new rifle and want to put a break on it so my kids can shoot it without too much trouble. It's a 308 so the recoil is pretty mild for me but maybe not a 12 year old. So, what is the difference between 1 piece and 2 piece, self timing, and port position?

I've done a lot of reading on breaks and it seems like a lot of info is more opinions. I know they work for recoil reduction because I have shot rifles with and without them. How do 1 piece vs. 2 piece breaks work and why would you choose one over the other?

There are a lot of opinions on port position and direction (90 degree vs forward vs rear facing ports). What gives? It's tough to understand when 1 manufacture says one thing then another says the complete opposite ( I understand marketing but dang it's confusing). Do ports on top really effect rifle positioning for follow up shots because it pushes the muzzle down???

This rifle is going to be my primary hunting rig but I also plan on spending a lot of time behind it at the range. I'll probably use a break at the range but hunt without it. I know I will have to confirm zero if and when I take off or put on the break.

Anyways I would love to hear from you guys that have used and experimented with different types of breaks.

Do a search, the topic on muzzle brakes have been covered plenty of times.

 

[ButterBean]

Brakes

 

[ARlife4me]

Brakes

It happens?

 

[ARlife4me]

Self timing is the easier 1, but the other may require shims for best alignment (ports on 3 sides, 1 up, 2 out). 2 port brakes face more outward, but can be canted for shooting style. Some self (almost self) timing has a not with the brake (both threaded) so you can screw the nut on 1st and then the brake. Align the brake in the manner needed then tighten the nut against the brake. Also a machinist can time a brake without shims by adding just enough threads for the brake too align as you see fit. Brakes that holes all the around (pepper pot style) most likely self times, but could be adjusted a fraction for taste?

 

[Deleted member 115360]

Just go buy a suppressor, and then you'll have about 8 months to think about brakes, after which you'll never care about them again.

 

[DoneNOut]

EC Tuner Brake/Break/Berzerker

 

[DoneNOut]

Just go buy a suppressor, and then you'll have about 8 months to think about brakes, after which you'll never care about them again.

I really wish I could go that route. CGS Hyperion that Alabama Arsenal channel reviewed is my dream.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I'm building a new rifle and want to put a break on it so my kids can shoot it without too much trouble. It's a 308 so the recoil is pretty mild for me but maybe not a 12 year old. So, what is the difference between 1 piece and 2 piece, self timing, and port position?

I've done a lot of reading on breaks and it seems like a lot of info is more opinions. I know they work for recoil reduction because I have shot rifles with and without them. How do 1 piece vs. 2 piece breaks work and why would you choose one over the other?

There are a lot of opinions on port position and direction (90 degree vs forward vs rear facing ports). What gives? It's tough to understand when 1 manufacture says one thing then another says the complete opposite ( I understand marketing but dang it's confusing). Do ports on top really effect rifle positioning for follow up shots because it pushes the muzzle down???

This rifle is going to be my primary hunting rig but I also plan on spending a lot of time behind it at the range. I'll probably use a break at the range but hunt without it. I know I will have to confirm zero if and when I take off or put on the break.

Anyways I would love to hear from you guys that have used and experimented with different types of breaks.

1 piece either requires gunsmith timing, shims, crush washer. 2pc can be timed by the owner, but usually leaves a small gap. I prefer 2 pc.

IME, port direction all depends what you want. In general, all brakes reduce recoil some, but many are more appearance than brakes. Top ports do push down. How is the rifle balanced now in recoil? Does it muzzle lift much? APA makes one with removable screws to add/subtract down pressure. Rear angled ports are the loudest, but most effective. To some, straight to the side is a good recoil reduction vs noise balance. Forward facing keeps the sound off the shooter. I have all 3, but generally prefer big rear angled ports that are comparison in a big bolt rifle.

The brake changes zero, IME.

Look at muzzlebrakesandmore.com. He makes a good brake.

 

[KSB209]

Guess if I spelled it correctly my searches would give me better results. Oops

 

[KSB209]

Just go buy a suppressor, and then you'll have about 8 months to think about brakes, after which you'll never care about them again.

I would have to smuggle it into CA in my "prison wallet"

 

[cohunt]

Am I the only guy who times my 1 pc brakes myself buy using a flat file and wet stone?

I love the mbm 3 and 4 port 1 pc brakes , I have 5 or 6 now

 

[DWier]

1 piece either requires gunsmith timing, shims, crush washer. 2pc can be timed by the owner, but usually leaves a small gap. I prefer 2 pc.

IME, port direction all depends what you want. In general, all brakes reduce recoil some, but many are more appearance than brakes. Top ports do push down. How is the rifle balanced now in recoil? Does it muzzle lift much? APA makes one with removable screws to add/subtract down pressure. Rear angled ports are the loudest, but most effective. To some, straight to the side is a good recoil reduction vs noise balance. Forward facing keeps the sound off the shooter. I have all 3, but generally prefer big rear angled ports that are comparison in a big bolt rifle.

The brake changes zero, IME.

Look at muzzlebrakesandmore.com. He makes a good brake.

I have the APA lil bastard gen 2 on my 6.5 cm. Not much felt recoil but with the brake there is essential no felt recoil. Look it up. Self timing with 2 rows of 4 screws on top to adjust muzzle flip. Numerous combinations. Just play around with it until your muzzle ends up where it started before the shot. Follow up shots much easier. Directions tell you how to time it and how to adjust it by removing screws on top.

 

[Sockeye66]

I have several Kahntrol clamp on brakes that I purchased for using at the range but wanted the ability to shoot without one when hunting. I think they are a great product, might be an option.