Thinking about switching from a suppressor to a brake

[RmeJu]

Never used a brake, but was considering making the switch for better recoil control and less heat build up (both a factor in a 7mm RM), but would miss the quiet shooting a slight speed bump and, well, I already have the can.

Anybody make the switch and never look back? Just go with what I've got? Other thoughts?

 

[TampaBud]

Phew....from the day I twisted on my can, I don't think that ever squeeze one off without it. Then again, i'm just a 6.5C guy.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I've run a can since I started shooting PRS. I have a couple of brakes, but I don't run them. I have become accustomed to the recoil of a can.

I've shot a few matches with a brake, and the concussion destroys me and gives me a headache.

 

[achalmersman]

I live in a state where we cant get cans. Going to matches and seeing guys with cans and seeing the difference in concussion and sound etc has me super jealous. I cant imagine being allowed to have a suppressor and going to a brake instead

 

[mercracing]

I’ve shot PRS with a can exclusively for 3ish years. I’m gonna try a brake next year, just to see how good I do with a little less length out front.

 

[AIAW]

I live in a state where we cant get cans.

Screw that.

I would be looking into one of these, destined for a non-communist state...

 

[jcam]

When I first realized that cans were legal to own, I had to get one! I always thought it was illegal, what an awakening. Now I can’t go shooting without a can. This is just my personal opinion but it seems more civilized.

 

[WATERWALKER]

A friend told me a few years ago “Don’t start shooting suppressed! It’ll cost you money.” I don’t shoot anything w/ out a can anymore.

The brake will mitigate recoil a little better than the can. I have no issues spotting impacts w/ the can so that’s not an issue. I wear contacts & I can live w/ out the concussion & debris from a brake also.

 

[Danger Mouse]

I live in a state where we cant get cans. Going to matches and seeing guys with cans and seeing the difference in concussion and sound etc has me super jealous. I cant imagine being allowed to have a suppressor and going to a brake instead

I'm down in new Zealand and I've never understood why some US states are so restrictive on suppressors.

Here uts treated almost as a health and safety deal. Hunters with dogs in particular love them. But even just normal deer hunters, frequently have them to protect their own hearing.

Is there a clear reason why they are so restrictive, or just do gooding (like how our current changes are going)

 

[Fatherdeath]

The only way I’d go to a brake vs a can would be if I had to move around obstacles often or in confined areas. In carbine classes it’s nice because when I run my 11.5 with a brake it’s way faster the can does slow down target to target movements

 

[Deleted member 113831]

I'm down in new Zealand and I've never understood why some US states are so restrictive on suppressors.

Here uts treated almost as a health and safety deal. Hunters with dogs in particular love them. But even just normal deer hunters, frequently have them to protect their own hearing.

Is there a clear reason why they are so restrictive, or just do gooding (like how our current changes are going)

When the National Firearms Act was written, the public perception (mostly from movies) was that suppressors were only used by poachers and assassins.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

Never used a brake, but was considering making the switch for better recoil control and less heat build up (both a factor in a 7mm RM), but would miss the quiet shooting a slight speed bump and, well, I already have the can.

Anybody make the switch and never look back? Just go with what I've got? Other thoughts?

I guess I'm the odd man out, I have a suppressor and rarely shoot it. The sound suppression means nothing to me. I've been wearing foam inners with electronic muffs so long, that I don't think anything of it.

I don't like the weird drawn out recoil impulse from a can, and I don't like the extra length (mine is rated for 300 winmag and is 9" long).

Brakes have better recoil reduction, and I prefer the shorter recoil impulse. It is also my opinion that a brake also presents less potential for a negative effect on accuracy.

All of this pertains to longrange rifles, I think suppressors are perfectly suited to carbines for a variety of reasons

 

[Huskydriver]

I'm down in new Zealand and I've never understood why some US states are so restrictive on suppressors.

Here uts treated almost as a health and safety deal. Hunters with dogs in particular love them. But even just normal deer hunters, frequently have them to protect their own hearing.

Is there a clear reason why they are so restrictive, or just do gooding (like how our current changes are going)

Don't worry I'm sure you guys will all hand in those too when the ask for them soon... along with the rest of your weapons.

 

[Huskydriver]

I guess I'm the odd man out, I have a suppressor and rarely shoot it. The sound suppression means nothing to me. I've been wearing foam inners with electronic muffs so long, that I don't think anything of it.

I don't like the weird drawn out recoil impulse from a can, and I don't like the extra length (mine is rated for 300 winmag and is 9" long).

Brakes have better recoil reduction, and I prefer the shorter recoil impulse. It is also my opinion that a brake also presents less potential for a negative effect on accuracy.

All of this pertains to longrange rifles, I think suppressors are perfectly suited to carbines for a variety of reasons

Recoil impulse is a result of can design and the expansion gases for the cartridge being fired. I have felt some recoil impulses longer than others like you are stating but some are shorter.

I have one can that even feels like it pulls me forward slightly before recoiling back

 

[Danger Mouse]

When the National Firearms Act was written, the public perception (mostly from movies) was that suppressors were only used by poachers and assassins.

Ah ok, one of those.

Gotcha.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

Recoil impulse is a result of can design and the expansion gases for the cartridge being fired. I have felt some recoil impulses longer than others like you are stating but some are shorter.

I have one can that even feels like it pulls me forward slightly before recoiling back

Fair enough point on the recoil.

I'm building a 16" 308 out of parts I have laying around. Maybe I'll like it better on that one.

 

[RmeJu]

Thanks for the replies guys. Seems like it's very much an open question as to whether a brake is worth it.

 

[ddavis]

I've shot both and I FEEL like I shoot better with a can, but I know if I made the switch to a brake permanently it wouldn't take long to get past the mental "loud noises and concussion." Brakes have considerably less recoil. Top PRS shooters almost always run brakes, and it's not because they don't own cans. Its a matter of whether you want that extra competitive advantage vs a pleasant day of shooting.

 

[Threadcutter308]

I'm down in new Zealand and I've never understood why some US states are so restrictive on suppressors.

Here uts treated almost as a health and safety deal. Hunters with dogs in particular love them. But even just normal deer hunters, frequently have them to protect their own hearing.

Is there a clear reason why they are so restrictive, or just do gooding (like how our current changes are going)

Stupid.
American.
Politics.......

 

[lead ƒarmer]

Anybody make the switch and never look back? Just go with what I've got? Other thoughts?

I made the switch from can to brake, but then couldn't stop looking back! Yes it true the brake will manage recoil slightly better, but at the cost of an ungodly blast of concussion, noise, and dust. Im surprised more people don't mention the dust when shooting a brake, out west it gets all over your scope and action, sometime binding it up pretty bad. I have gone back to shooting all my PRS matches suppressed. I have shot and even won matches using both, but at the end of the day I've got a bigger smile and no headache when shooting suppressed. Also, before anyone else mentions it, I've seen Facebook warriors claim that suppressors reduce barrel life by 20%. I call bullshit! I've burned out barrels with both, and if there is any difference at all, its so small as to be completely inconsequential.

 

[10000yards]

Both devices will be hot and dirty. Personally I put quick attach mounts on all my rifles, but that does increase the cost and limit your selections in the future.

I regret buying any non-direct-thread cans, TBH. I have a couple rifles with pinned and welded brakes, rails I can never change.

 

[gconnoyer]

It depends on what your use is.

I shot PRS with a 308 and suppressor last year. A muzzle brake probably would have been a lot more beneficial.
I shoot a 6Dasher now, and just got my can out of jail so I'll be using it next year because recoil is minimal and the flinch/blast from the brake hurts me more than a little recoil will.

 

[Danger Mouse]

I've shot both and I FEEL like I shoot better with a can, but I know if I made the switch to a brake permanently it wouldn't take long to get past the mental "loud noises and concussion." Brakes have considerably less recoil. Top PRS shooters almost always run brakes, and it's not because they don't own cans. Its a matter of whether you want that extra competitive advantage vs a pleasant day of shooting.

Interesting point. For someone like me where I wont be able to compete in competition all the time (small population), the suppressor makes more sense in that case.

 

[achalmersman]

I'm down in new Zealand and I've never understood why some US states are so restrictive on suppressors.

Here uts treated almost as a health and safety deal. Hunters with dogs in particular love them. But even just normal deer hunters, frequently have them to protect their own hearing.

Is there a clear reason why they are so restrictive, or just do gooding (like how our current changes are going)

Yea people think they are magic devices that hide all noise and murderers creep around shooting people in the midst of crowds yet nobody hears the gunshot...... it's the movies and poor education plain and simple.

 

[dskoruppa]

I just switched from a cab to a brake. I’m shooting in the PRS tactical division this year with my 223. I put it on then went straight to a “movers” class the next day. I found I liked the brake. But like the others said the noise is now there. I think for competitions I will mostly run a brake. Just easier to move around with. Plus, my cab is almost 20 yes old and made of steel, ie it’s heavy to lug around.

 

[Geno C.]

I’ve shot PRS with a can exclusively for 3ish years. I’m gonna try a brake next year, just to see how good I do with a little less length out front.

Get a shorter barrel?

 

[vigildom7]

Suppressor all day long. I dont think I could shoot unsuppressed again.
No huge loud blast or concussion.

 

[LeftyJason]

@RmeJu what can do you have?

 

[lash]

... Also, before anyone else mentions it, I've seen Facebook warriors claim that suppressors reduce barrel life by 20%. I call bullshit! I've burned out barrels with both, and if there is any difference at all, its so small as to be completely inconsequential.

I agree with you. I’m willing to believe differently if presented with a white paper or other formal study that is based upon robust experimentation and significant statistical values. Otherwise, I’m inclined to believe what I’ve seen and experienced.

 

[RmeJu]

@RmeJu what can do you have?

@LeftyJason SAS Arbiter 9"

 

[blbennett1288]

I have gone back and forth a good bit over the past year, for one reason or another.

The only 2 real benefits from a muzzle brake are less length and reduced recoil making it easier to spot impacts and watch trace.

I prefer the recoil impulse from suppressors, but there is a slight muzzle rise from using them. Spotting impacts is more than doable it is just slightly harder with a suppressor than a brake. You don’t have to deal with all the dust and dirt kicked up, nor the concussion.

The more I shoot the more I use suppressors. Your neighbors will like you more also. I am kinda at a point now where I don’t think I’ll go back to brakes.

 

[Guns&WhiteWater]

“Brakes have better recoil reduction, and I prefer the shorter recoil impulse. It is also my opinion that a brake also presents less potential for a negative effect on accuracy.”

They might present a greater potential for a negative effect on accuracy but I’ve only seen the groups in all four of my suppressed-ready rifles tighten up with my Ultra 7. I do agree about the drawn out recoil impulse. It wasn’t something that I had expected. But I think it’s well worth it, especially when shooting under a metal roof.

 

[blbennett1288]

A brakes recoil impulse is like a kick, where as suppressors is more like a push.

Yes a brakes impulse is shorter but more severe. The suppressors is longer but significantly more tame.

I will take a suppressors recoil impulse any day over a muzzle brake.

 

[TxWelder35]

Very recently started shooting suppressed. Very shortly after I lost all interest in shooting unsupressed. It seems so barbaric now to not use a can.

 

[Ruggedtouch]

I’m in one of the few states that doesn’t allow suppressors. I never shot suppressed until this year when I was able to rent a can at a precision rifle course. A really great experience shooting without being blasted by a brake from another shooter on the line.

 

[lash]

I have gone back and forth a good bit over the past year, for one reason or another.

The only 2 real benefits from a muzzle brake are less length and reduced recoil making it easier to spot impacts and watch trace.

I prefer the recoil impulse from suppressors, but there is a slight muzzle rise from using them. Spotting impacts is more than doable it is just slightly harder with a suppressor than a brake. You don’t have to deal with all the dust and dirt kicked up, nor the concussion.

The more I shoot the more I use suppressors. Your neighbors will like you more also. I am kinda at a point now where I don’t think I’ll go back to brakes.

During the year that I transitioned to suppressor, I also went back and forth a bit. Turns out that just messed me up more than anything. Once I committed to the suppressor, I’ve become much better at it and have zero issues spotting impacts, the rare miss ??, and trace. Not being as seasoned and practiced as the good guys on here, I found that switching back and forth did neither option any good.

The difference between the suppressed and braked impulse takes a slight adjustment between, for me. Means that I need more practice, not that I didn’t already know that.

 

[PDXGS]

Canless= barbarianism
Some cans, like the Silencerco Harvester, have integral brakes.

 

[hlee]

People think cans burn barrels faster because they also think the only use for a can is to get it glowing red from mag dumps.

 

[Ruggedtouch]

Canless= barbarianism
Some cans, like the Silencerco Harvester, have integral brakes.

Ignorant, spineless liberal democrats with a majority in my state=Canless=Ignorant, spineless liberal democrats with a majority in my state.

Ask me how I really feel.

 

[Aescobar17]

I pull the trigger on a rifle about once a year without a can. I immediately remember why I don’t pull the trigger on rifles without cans. I’ve watched quite a few animals walk while at the lease cause I don’t have a suppressed rifle handy. (I suppress everything. Buddy plays musical rifles with a single can. He leaves unsuppressed rifles everywhere.)

 

[morganlamprecht]

I've seen Facebook warriors claim that suppressors reduce barrel life by 20%. I call bullshit! I've burned out barrels with both, and if there is any difference at all, its so small as to be completely inconsequential.

I agree with you. I’m willing to believe differently if presented with a white paper or other formal study that is based upon robust experimentation and significant statistical values. Otherwise, I’m inclined to believe what I’ve seen and experienced.

just so yall know one of the "facebook warriors" youre arguing with who made these claims was frank green (bartlein barrels) lol go head on tho

 

[lead ƒarmer]

just so yall know one of the "facebook warriors" youre arguing with who made these claims was frank green (bartlein barrels) lol go head on tho

I know he originated the claim, I've seen it on Bartlein's site. But I'm not referring to him, I'm talking about all the people who pass around that info as fact, the same people who don't even use cans but keep regurgitating that info anyway. It was really bad here on the Northwest's PRS Facebook page. I just don't see it. I've burned several barrels using just brakes, and several 100% suppressed. Even a couple that were mixed. There is no way the cans are sacrifcing 20% barrel life. The barrel life variation I see is tiny, and its there between two barrels shot the same way sometimes. I'm not trying to say Frank Green doesn't know what he's talking about, in fact I really enjoy reading and learning what he has to offer. But until I see documented proof and procedures of how suppressors cost 20% of barrel life, I'm going to keep saying I just don't see it. Thats my EXPERIENCE, take it for what its worth.

 

[morganlamprecht]

That’s fine, my bet is there ain’t many people who’ve ran shot 1 til retired with the same load and component lots across the board to know anything certain about their barrel lives

 

[lash]

That’s fine, my bet is there ain’t many people who’ve ran shot 1 til retired with the same load and component lots across the board to know anything certain about their barrel lives

You may be right, but I’m an exception to that assumption and have run the same load and components for over 8000 rounds and two barrels now. One barrel plain, with no brake, no anything except a thread protector. One barrel with nothing but a suppressor and the same load that burned out the other barrel. 136g Lapua Scenar Ls over 41.8g H4150.

The first barrel was good for over 4000 rounds. You do the math. This barrel was verified just 100 rounds ago. Same speed, same accuracy, same satisfaction.

I also have great respect for Frank Green and love Bartlein barrels. But my experience, limited as it is, begs the question for data to support the statement. I am nothing if not reasonable and am always learning something new. Show me the money and I’m on board.

 

[B-P-UU]

A guy can make a case for brake vs. can for comps.. I run both and prefer a can but brakes have some benefits that have already been discussed.

Since the context of the question was hunting with a 7 rem mag, I don't think I'll ever shoot a hunting rifle again without a suppressor. Touch one off with a brake and no hearing pro and you will damage your hearing.

 

[earthquake]

I've only ever shot with brakes at matches. Last weekend I tried to use my suppressor. I'll be going back to brakes next weekend at the Grind.

 

[Killswitch Engage]

I've only ever shot with brakes at matches. Last weekend I tried to use my suppressor. I'll be going back to brakes next weekend at the Grind.

lol wtf

 

[Killswitch Engage]

I wont ever shoot a match again unsuppressed. been running suppressed full on for 2 yrs in prs and for 5-6yr on kill guns. no fucking way I will go back to a brake period. I dgaf if its any percent less barrel life or it isn't. put new pipes on all the time anyhow

 

[niteshooter]

Never used a brake, but was considering making the switch for better recoil control and less heat build up (both a factor in a 7mm RM), but would miss the quiet shooting a slight speed bump and, well, I already have the can.

Anybody make the switch and never look back? Just go with what I've got? Other thoughts?

What about something like a Surefire brake and fast attach suppressor. Both worlds until you find your preference.

 

[WATERWALKER]

I’m using SUREFIRE brakes & a can on a couple different weapons. It may not be the best brake on the planet for bolt guns, but it’s been more than adequate in my experience. Even shooting a 308 w/ the can (RC2) I have no problems seeing my impacts whether they be on steel or in the dirt.

I’ve also had no issues w/ the can affecting my zero or causing me to miss shots. There’s a lot of negative press w/ QD amounts, etc but I haven’t had any issues not related to my own mistakes.