Muzzle Brake for .223 or go "naked"?

Everything great about a low recoil gun is even better when it recoils less. Balance the rifle on a fence post and watch the trace out to the 500 yard steel. Instead of a one mil jump while prone at the 100 yard line watch the hole appear in paper in real time. Shooting that 300 yard raccoon off the front porch you can see where the fur flew off instead of just seeing it drop.
It's like putting R compound tires on your sports car. Just because it was great before doesn't mean you can't make it better.

Mine doesn't move, but it does have a 30 f class barrel. :)
 
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So, let's say I have a can through a trust in another state. I was under the impression that I would need permission from the destination state to possess it while in that state(?).

It would seem the law is a bit convoluted between State and Federal law (no surprise there I suppose)....
 
Do you need it from the ATF?
Nice deflection from your original question. Does it really need an answer?

It's the nature of forums now.....

Why do work when you can just sit down and ask to be told?
It’s also the nature of forums to not admit when you’re wrong.
 
So besides the Heathen--what are the other preferred brakes for .223? With all the other filthy animals using them (so uncivilized), my 'friend' would be curious as to good ones for AR style rifles. Maybe I will he will slap that brake on for QD supressor after all.

@TonyTheTiger @Rob01
I've shot a few suppressor QD brakes but never done anything close to what I'd call testing. Out of the non QD brakes I've tested extensively, Precision Armament Hypertap is top of heap, with the Little Bastard and Ultradyne Apollo Max close behind. M4-72 and SJC Titan perform well for the dollar but are more blasty than most. Seekins ATC is one of the least blasty but reasonably effective brakes I've owned. I could probably talk about a dozen others but with the exception of the standout or unique ones above they're all pretty similar.
 
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I use a PVA brake. First the Jet Blast in the pic but then swapped to the Mad Scientist when I moved the Jet Blast to another rifle.
 
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i put one on mine a couple of years ago only cause the qd sling stud released when it hit my shoulder and the barrel went for a dive into the dirt. lucky for me the crown was undamaged. thats the only reason why i put the brake on (2 port), to protect the crown. i so hate how much louder it has become since installing the brake. one day we'll be allowed suppressors, not. i can still dream i guess...
 
I agree with the suppressor over a brake. The brake may be more obnoxious than it’s worth but could tighten up groups as well so that may be a benefit. A tuner would fit this role as well

Yes you can cross state lines with cans without permission. Cant do the same with an SBR

Just don’t go naked,

When I did that I burnt my Willy when I proned out in a hot piece of brass. They also politely asked me to leave 😔
 
Since it is already threaded, I would put a brake on it. However, if you were to do it again, I'd save the cost of muzzle threading (and a brake) and go with a heavier barrel and 2" longer. In your case, you could run a 28" heavy varmint contour. The rifle would be about the same length as a 26" with a brake and the recoil would be about the same by adding the weight. I run a 28" MTU contour on my .223 and definitely don't have a need for a brake. It has about the same recoil as my 6mm GT with an Area 419 Hellfire, which is minimal. Running without a brake on a .223 also enables you to compete in F/TR class matches as they don't allow brakes generally. Also, your perceived noise signature and sideways muzzle blast will be lessened without a brake. Yes, cans are lovely but expensive and take time.
 
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Just completed my .223 build and I am on the fence about adding a muzzle brake or just going "naked" with a thread protector. Rifle is based on an Origin action and has a 26 inch Remington Varmint contour barrel in an MPA Hybrid chassis. Weight is about 13 pounds with scope and rings (less mag and ammo).

Recoil is already pretty mild, so it may not be worth the effort and additional noise. Muzzle is threaded 5/8-24, so any brake recommended would have to fit.

Interestingly, the rifle seems to group a tad better with my Magnetospeed on the barrel. Maybe the additional weight is improving the harmonics? Could a muzzle brake have the same impact?

Any thoughts or experiences here are appreciated.
As always depends upon your needs. If for a small youngster maybe just tarting our, maybe a muzzle brake. For other users, if you don't mind the cost/wait/dealing with BATFE asshats, maybe a suppressor. Otherwise, for inexpensive/quick route probably just put a flash suppressor on it like the military and 90% of other AR shooters, and go shoot. Not a lifetime decision. ARs are the Lincoln Logs/Legos/Tinker Toys of the gun universe. You can always try another option.
 
I run an Ase Ultra suppressor on my .223, it certainly helps the ability to shoot it all day and not have ringing ears at bedtime! Mine is only a 20" barrel shooting 77gr heads with 24gr of Viht N140 behind it. Sub moa all day.
 
Strongly prefer no brake on 223. Dislike the increase in blast for little gain.
Threads with protector, then add a can when youre able. Flash hider may be a decent option too on a shorter barrel.
 
When you have lost so much velocity going with a 26 inch barrel what use is a brake? I am curious all research I have seen shows 21-22 inches the absolute apex of velocity for 223. For distance shooting is the break going to be you baffle for a surpressor?
 
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When you have lost so much velocity going with a 26 inch barrel what use is a brake? I am curious all research I have seen shows 21-22 inches the absolute apex of velocity for 223. For distance shooting is the break going to be you baffle for a surpressor?

Not sure where this research is but you better start looking somewhere else. Lol
 
When you have lost so much velocity going with a 26 inch barrel what use is a brake? I am curious all research I have seen shows 21-22 inches the absolute apex of velocity for 223. For distance shooting is the break going to be you baffle for a surpressor?
D4CEAB5A-28E1-478B-8EC2-8E87AE91FB31.gif
 
I just had my Savage 12 in .223 Rem re-barreled for PRS matches and am I glad I had it threaded. I thought I did not need to install a muzzle brake on it because of the caliber. I did a quick test with it bare and with an Area 419 Hellfire self-timing brake on. It was such a huge difference. With the device I can actually watch my impacts.
 
I just had my Savage 12 in .223 Rem re-barreled for PRS matches and am I glad I had it threaded. I thought I did not need to install a muzzle brake on it because of the caliber. I did a quick test with it bare and with an Area 419 Hellfire self-timing brake on. It was such a huge difference. With the device I can actually watch my impacts.

With all due respect, you really need to work on your fundamentals if you can't spot your impacts with a .223 without a brake...
 
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Just waiting until it was safe to jump back in. :oops:

I am heading out to the range tomorrow and I will pull the brake off my 6.5 CM MPA PMR Pro to give it a try on the .223. I have only shot off the bench so far, and I didn't have trouble staying on target, but I think that will change as I get into different positions. I appreciate all the support for suppressors. Unfortunately, my budget did not allow one here.

I also kept this build on the light side (thus the hybrid chassis and varmint barrel contour) to help with some unsupported standing and sitting practice. With nothing added but a Razor and rings, the MPA PMR Pro weighs in at 18+ pounds fully armed. It is specified with an M24 barrel, but mine looks more like an MTU to me as it is .930" at the muzzle. I may start a separate thread to see if other MPA PMR owners have experienced this.
 

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With all due respect, you really need to work on your fundamentals if you can't spot your impacts with a .223 without a brake...
With all due respect, I'm wasn't talking about shooting from the bench or a nice solid prone position. You should try shooting on a rooftop, tank trap, unstable barricade before you thump your chest and pull out your clit.
 
Just completed my .223 build and I am on the fence about adding a muzzle brake or just going "naked" with a thread protector. Rifle is based on an Origin action and has a 26 inch Remington Varmint contour barrel in an MPA Hybrid chassis. Weight is about 13 pounds with scope and rings (less mag and ammo).

Recoil is already pretty mild, so it may not be worth the effort and additional noise. Muzzle is threaded 5/8-24, so any brake recommended would have to fit.

Interestingly, the rifle seems to group a tad better with my Magnetospeed on the barrel. Maybe the additional weight is improving the harmonics? Could a muzzle brake have the same impact?

Any thoughts or experiences here are appreciated.

What does your rifle weigh? Just by looking at it, I would guess about 18-19 pounds. Even if it's much lighter, you don't need a brake. Muzzle brakes belong on artillery and tank cannons, not on rifles.

I plead guilty to being a suppressor snob and urge others to come over to the "dark side" and alchemic world of gun mufflers.

Concentrate on the photo for a few moments then read further.

iu


Read on with the above image locked in your mind.

Don't resist the force anymore. Let go of your inhibitions. Feel the magic. Close your eyes and imagine the noise reduction. That's it; let your body relax. You are getting sleepy - very sleepy. You see suppressors - hundreds of suppressors begging for host weapons. You are falling into a very deep sleep now. That's it. Let everything go. Deeper and deeper, you are falling into the stack of From 4s. You can hear the "oohs" and "ahs" of the shooting crowd as you remove your rifle from the case and the suppressor stands proud and erect. [No! this is not a wet dream! So get that out of your head!]

Keep relaxed. Close your eyes and imagine screwing the "can" on the muzzle. Repeat the word "can" several times. Say it with a deep voice. That's it, say it with a deep visceral voice - "caaaaan." Repeat the word over and over again until you are behind the rifle. You load up the bipod. All of your DOPE is spot on. You've tuned everything on your masterpiece to the peak of perfection. You've got the holdover dialed in and holding for the wind and your breathing is controlled. You're pulse is shallow. Feel the cold touch of the trigger on your finger, your thumb placed on the rest. The butt of the rifle is tucked in to your shoulder and you hold the rear bag with the other hand like a woman's breast. One last check of the mirage confirms your wind estimate. The target begs to be perforated.

Keep relaxed all that matters now is sending the lead downrange. Become the bullet. Slowly squeeze the trigger and listen for the...

iu
 
You Cult of Cans/Suppressors guys (COCS if you will) have really gotten weird. Every time I shoot a suppressed gun I wonder what all the fuss is about. It's cool, but so are DeLorean DMC12's and I don't want one of them at all.
 
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You Cult of Cans/Suppressors guys (COCS if you will) have really gotten weird. Every time I shoot a suppressed gun I wonder what all the fuss is about. It's cool, but so are DeLorean DMC12's and I don't want one of them at all.
I have lots of big COCS and I love them….. I don’t love cocs, but my cocs I do #NoHomo
 
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You Cult of Cans/Suppressors guys (COCS if you will) have really gotten weird. Every time I shoot a suppressed gun I wonder what all the fuss is about. It's cool, but so are DeLorean DMC12's and I don't want one of them at all.

Oh great! Another silence denier is among us.

The world can only hold so many really cool people. The rest shoot with muzzle brakes.
 
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Tony I agree. I have had a couple suppressors for about 15 years now and while cool and having tried them in matches they don’t go on my match rifles. Brakes are much more effective.
 
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