Will a Muzzle Brake hurt your development?

[Rhyno]

I didn't see this anywhere after doing some searching, And it's probably a stupid question but here it is.

Would installing a muzzle brake hurt your development as a shooter? if you're use to shooting a rifle with a muzzle brake, and are forced to take it off for whatever reason could you possibly see some negative impact?

A muzzle brake helps reduce recoil, would it do it enough to possibly mask some mistakes in your shooting position that would cause the rifle to go back to "Jumping" around.


Thanks guys.

 

[roggom]

Few things,

The Weight and physical construction of the brake can cause groups to open or even tighten. Thats just barrel harmonics.


Now if you have never shot with a brake, it takes some getting used to. Instead of sharp recoil on the shoulder, you get a blast of hot air in the face, or dirt flying up. Not too bad if you shoot on grass or a table outside, but indoors its like someone popping a paper bag in your face.

It can cause flinching.

With enough practice you will adapt to either. Just stick with NPA and proper techniques and practice how you intend to shoot. Be it steel or hunting.

 

[bax]

All of my serious guns have brakes -- Harrell has a lot of my money and the guys who have fit them were well paid.

I shoot too much to risk developing a flinch -- for me, brakes prevent a flinch.

I agree with roggom about groups and POI but in my case the guns doesn't beat me up so much so I shoot better and I can put more rounds downrange before I get tired. I don't agree on the gust of hat air, none of my brakes do that although I did shoot a 50 bmg bolt gun with a brake that behaved that way, I didn't care for it but the gun would have been unpleasant without a brake.

You will notice the recoil reduction effect more on the larger calibers. I own a 16-pound 300 win mag. I wouldn't shoot it at all without a brake. With a brake, I can shoot it well all day without an issue.

I have a 13-pound 308 with a Harrell 4-port. Its recoil is similar to a 22 lr.

For me the improved experience is easily worth the $125-150 I pay for the brake, fit, and coat.

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Hell yeah! I get so much crap from the guys next to me, I can't relax!

 

[Rhyno]

Hell yeah! I get so much crap from the guys next to me, I can't relax!

I generally shoot alone. So no worries there.

I actually ended up ordering a APA gen ii little bastard. It should be here tomorrow.

 

[supercorndogs]

I generally shoot alone. So no worries there.

I actually ended up ordering a APA gen ii little bastard. It should be here tomorrow.

pre pare to keep shooting alone if you get a brake. they are loud as hell especially to the guy next to you. they will blow all your shit off the bench. the sound makes me flinch worse than the "recoil". the only guns i see benefit from a break would be the 50 bmg for sure and some smaller rounds like the 338 lapua or rum cartridges. i sure dont feel like my 700p 300wm needs one. if i was shooting competitions where time counts i might have a different opinion. but if you cant manage the recoil of a 308 or 300wm you need to learn some fundamentals.