Gunsmithing Recoil sensitive.....Installing compensator, will it compromise accuracy?

[want2learn]

Hi, i've always been particularly recoil sensitive. The .308 is taking its toll on me but i'm really like shooting and learning longer range shooting and would prefer not to give up on this rifle. It has a nice recoil pad on it...its a Tikka Master Sporter.

Length of pull feels pretty good. Wondering if mounting a compensator might help but worried about compromising it's inherent accuracy.

I will try to download the rounds a bit as well.

thanks

 

[ugsly308]

Have a competent smith install a break and you'll be good.

Casey

 

[Kadams1563]

I wouldn't download the rounds and if you already have an effective load.

Is your rifle threaded already? If not you could always install a clamp on brake just to see if it would be worth your money and time to get a brake installed.

I will say that a brake on a .308 makes it a lot softer and I wouldn't worry about accuracy loss.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[want2learn]

thank you....I appreciate the information.
The rifle barrel does not have threads but it has a tapered/recessed crown.

 

[Fursniper]

Get a muzzle brake installed. Sometimes it can effect your POI but it will not hurt your accuracy. You can always adjust for any POI changes.

 

[skulldragr17]

I would definitely get your muzzle threaded so you can install a muzzle brake. As long as your muzzle diameter is greater than .600" it can be threaded 5/8 x 24 which is the standard thread pitch for a .308. If you use a very aggressive brake (APA LB, Heathen, Area 419, etc...) you will notice a significant reduction in recoil.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

several things................IF you shoot from the bench, some will postulate that your long distance sojourn will not bode well ...cause the long distance journey starts from the prone.

in any event a GOOD efficient brake will reduce the recoil, choose wisely .

 

[want2learn]

thank you all....will start researching brands/models of .308 brakes

 

[spaniel]

Either brake it or think about switching cartridges. If you are recoil sensitive and like shooting (not hunting) long range, there are many lighter recoiling rounds which will leave the 308 in the dust ballistically. My 243AI will match my 300WM ballistically (200gr bullets) to 1000 yards and recoils way less than a 308.

 

[GH41]

Either brake it or think about switching cartridges. If you are recoil sensitive and like shooting (not hunting) long range, there are many lighter recoiling rounds which will leave the 308 in the dust ballistically. My 243AI will match my 300WM ballistically (200gr bullets) to 1000 yards and recoils way less than a 308.

Or put 20-30 rounds through a 9 pound 416. You will beg for the 308 back!

 

[want2learn]

thank you. its all new to me. will have to respect expenses and be judicious in my choices, things are tight for us. probably a compensator/brake would be cheapest. will study up on the 243AI, i've not heard of that before but do reload so maybe when this barrel is finished i can go that route.

 

[GH41]

thank you. its all new to me. will have to respect expenses and be judicious in my choices, things are tight for us. probably a compensator/brake would be cheapest. will study up on the 243AI, i've not heard of that before but do reload so maybe when this barrel is finished i can go that route.

Before you spend the $$$ for threading and a brake let me make a suggestion. Is your sensitivity to recoil mental or physical? I have to ask the question. The 308 recoil is relatively mild by most standards. Does it really hurt you or is the anticipation of it hurting you the problem? For me it's like the dentist giving me a shot of novocain. I get all tensed up but in the end it's doesn't really hurt. The report doesn't help either. A good brake will make it worse! Others shooting around you doesn't help either. Try shooting by yourself and use foam plugs and tight fitting muffs. I don't care what anyone says... A brake on a 308 might reduce felt recoil by 10% at best.

 

[...]

you can also add weight to the stock........its pretty easy to drill out the stock and add a pound of lead.....really helps to take some bite out

 

[6AYoteHunter]

Post a pic of your form. Sounds like maybe your form is off and it is causing the discomfort.

Mercury recoil reducers work ok if you really want to try something. Commonly used in 12 ga OU shotguns and safari rifles.

​​​​​​

 

[want2learn]

Thanks....makes a lot of sense.

Its not a flinching problem. Its just the feeling of getting beat up...never been a pugilist but i would imagine it's what they complain of. the jarring effect to head.

i'll see if someone can take a photo when i get to the range.

It might also be stock fit. I used to shoot Trap a lot and did well with that. . Its a Tikka Master Sporter so its pretty heavy. The scope is mounted very close to the bore which i thought was preferred but i've been toying with perhaps raising the scope a bit. Think is i don't struggle to see down the scope axis so i thought it was at a decent height.

Tough to keep throwing money at things but i do enjoy rifle shooting and learning about long range shooting.

Maybe a photo will help me better assess

 

[moosemeat]

If you shot trap with a 12 guage then a 308 should be nothing. It sounds more like the concussion is bothering you. A brake will make that worse. Do yoi shoot pistols? The reason i ask is my 44 magnum will actually clear my sinuses and gives me a headache after. I know my head isnt getting struck but the blast off that critter with heavy loads has a affect.

 

[majohnson2]

I have the same issue with recoil. I tried a factory AI brake and didn't notice much change. Then going through some reviews I switch over to the Little Bastard made by the folks at American Precision Arms (APA). Their brakes are very effective at reducing the felt recoil, I have a few of their brakes on different rifles and they work extremely well. Go to APA video on YouTube, Jared does a few demos.

 

[want2learn]

thanks...to answer you questions, i do shoot pistol but only have .22, 9mm and .45....i did have to work my way up to the .45, took a few years but now its no problem at least in a heavy pistol like the 1911. interestingly the recoil from the 12gauge was very tolerable for me, not sure if it was gun fit or different recoil characteristics.

will try to get to the range so i can get a photo.

appreciate the advice re; brakes. will check them out as well.

I'm committed to learn.