Muzzle Brakes on rifles? specifically 224 valkyrie

November 21, 2018, 07:53 PM

Ronin101

I am currently gathering components for a 224 valkyrie build.

What are your thoughts on muzzle brakes? are they worth it or a waste of money? whats the best bang for the buck? I was looking at a surefire in 223.

November 21, 2018, 08:23 PM

fritz

The more effective muzzle brakes reduce recoil by 50-75%. Even on a 223 chambering, this is a noticeable effect on recoil. I have 223 brakes from APA and Surefire. The APA is a self-timeable removable brake, and the Surefires are QD adapters for a SOCOM suppressor. The APA has a greater effect of reducing recoil. The noise on both is about the same.

I don't use the brakes anymore, as I find the noise to be extremely unpleasant. This is even out in an open field, where I'm shooting by myself, with doubled up hearing pro. I have cans for all rifles now, with the exception of an old .270 hunting rifle.

November 21, 2018, 08:28 PM

Ronin101

huh...something to think about. Not sure I want the added boom. I will try it without one to start out.

Please feel free to join the discussion and give your feedback!!!

November 22, 2018, 08:44 PM

ShneaSIG

I'm looking to change from the old A2 style flash hider to a modern muzzle brake on my AR-15. Additional noise doesn't bother me, but I'd rather not get excess gases backblasted into my face (evidently that is a complaint with some designs).

Any good experiences or recommendations?

November 22, 2018, 08:53 PM

RNshooter

The Nordic Corvette brake is the only one I have experience with. I was highly skeptical about how much recoil reduction there could be on a 5.56.

I was very pleasantly surprised. It's also much sleeker looking than most of the others.

https://www.midwayusa.com/prod...r-15-stainless-steel

Bruce

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November 22, 2018, 08:58 PM

Brother

I have an AR Stoner Competition on my AR, very light recoil. About 50-60 bucks. Would do it again.

November 22, 2018, 10:16 PM

Bisleyblackhawk

I've got the Balistic Advantage VG6 Gamma 556 on an 18" .223 Wylde build that does a good job of reducing recoil and muzzle rise...but it is quite loud. IIRC the price was under $60 on special back last year when I built the rifle...

https://ballisticadvantage.com...parts/muzzle-devices

********************************************************

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Making the best of what ever comes our way
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November 23, 2018, 10:32 AM

fritz

quote:
Originally posted by ShneaSIG:
...but I'd rather not get excess gases backblasted into my face (evidently that is a complaint with some designs).

Use a search engine for "muzzle brake test". Two of better tests are by thetruthaboutguns.com and precisionrifleblog.com.

The best brakes push gases to the sides. Comps push gases upwards -- to keep the barrel from rising -- but I don't think that's necessary. With proper shooting technique, from a solid shooting position, the muzzle shouldn't rise. Most brakes don't push gases downwards, for obvious reasons.

Any effective brake that pushes gases sideways will push loose dust & grit back at the shooter, when shot from prone and bipod positions. That's just physics that can't be circumvented. The most effective way to reduce recoil and not have gas, dust, & grit thrown back at the shooter is with a suppressor. Even then, suppressors kick up some dust from prone, especially in the desert conditions we see here in the western USA.

November 23, 2018, 10:37 AM

fritz

quote:
Originally posted by Ronin101:
huh...something to think about. Not sure I want the added boom. I will try it without one to start out.

Precision Rifle Blog muzzle brake sound test

There are shooters who state that brakes only affect those to the sides of their rifles.....
riiiiiighht