How much does a suppressor limit felt recoil vs a standard muzzle break?

[270quest]

I know this is a very subjective question, but is there a general number/percentage of recoil reduction using a suppressor instead of a muzzle brake? Obviously some suppressors probably limit recoil more than others but lets say the following:

You have a 9 pound rifle with a radial muzzle brake that is "suppossedly" suppose to limit felt recoil by 30%. You take that same rifle, unscrew the brake and put on say a lightweight 6-7" "hunting suppressor". Can you assume it's going to cut down felt recoil less, more, about the same of the brake?

The only rifles I shoot suppressed are 6.5 creed and less, so never had a need for a brake on those rifles to compare.

 

[Megalodon]

Less, and there's plenty of info about this out there if you search.

A suppressor will often change the impulse, versus a brake or bare muzzle, but won't reduce the recoil near as much as a break unless you use some of the newer braked suppressors.

 

[sniper20]

I would say the recoil would be a touch less, depending on the suppressor. I have 6.5 Creed and 6.5 PRC that I use a suppressor on. Both had big muzzle brakes on them before. I honestly would say a "normal" person would be hard pressed to feel the difference. Hunting, you won't tell a single bit other than sound.

So will it reduce recoil, I think so. Is it going to be significant; No. The sound suppression is the main reason, recoil reduction is a plus.

 

[Geewhiz]

Less, and there's plenty of info about this out there if you search.

A suppressor will often change the impulse, versus a brake or bare muzzle, but won't reduce the recoil near as much as a break unless you use some of the newer braked suppressors.

I agree with you but I also think that I shoot better with a suppressor over a brake due to the change in recoil impulse even if it doesn't technically reduce overall recoil as much.

 

[Eagle]

What about muzzle jump for spotting hits? Does a suppressor limit it as well as a brake? Seems like this would be correlated with felt recoil, so I would assume a suppressor doesn't do much in regards to reducing muzzle jump.

 

[hereinaz]

Suppressor is better than a radial brake. Less than an aggressive ported brake.

Recoil impulse is “longer” than a ported brake. The ported brake stops rearward motion effectively.

Brakes/suppressors work by the gasses pushing on the surfaces as the gas escapes. Because a suppressor is focused on slowing the gas as it expands, it’s not as efficient as a ported brake.

 

[parshal]

I have half a dozen suppressors including the new TB Magnus-k-rr which is their smallest can with a brake. It reduces recoil more than the R and S. It has noticeably more recoil than a brake on a 16 lbs. Creedmoor and 14 lbs. 65 PRC.

A brake has so much more recoil reduction and allows me to spot shots much easier.

 

[justin davis]

I think a big part of it for me is the sound. Might have more recoil with a suppressor than a brake, but with out the insane blast it’s much more pleasant. Doesn’t rattle your brain

 

[hereinaz]

I think a big part of it for me is the sound. Might have more recoil with a suppressor than a brake, but with out the insane blast it’s much more pleasant. Doesn’t rattle your brain

This is 100% true for me. I can build a position to get good recoil management, but I can’t stop the concussive blast from rattling my brain.

If you go to a match with lots of brakes, you realize quickly how much it smashes your brain.

 

[RockAndSage]

This is 100% true for me. I can build a position to get good recoil management, but I can’t stop the concussive blast from rattling my brain.

If you go to a match with lots of brakes, you realize quickly how much it smashes your brain.

Despite how effective they are, brakes are obnoxious as hell for anyone nearby. They're also a very good way to make a new shooter gun-shy, just by having them be nearby when someone else is shooting the braked gun. They have their place, but a suppressor is likely a much better option in the significant majority of situations. I absolutely will not hunt with a braked gun.

 

[wapitibob]

Not even close in comparison for me. 7stw with a 5 port brake has little recoil and comes straight back.
Enticer Lti suppressor has noticeably more recoil and the muzzle jumps a cpl inches high left at the shot.
The only reason it’s on this rifle is for sound reduction and I often remove it and replace with the brake when at the range.

 

[Megalodon]

Also, recoil reduction isn't a subjective value at all. You'll get varying opinions on how to measure it, but it is a very measurable thing. Ease or enjoyment or how well you shoot something is completely different and very subjective.

Here is one example of bare muzzle vs suppressor vs braked suppressor. A good muzzle brake will typically be above 50% reduction. https://thunderbeastarms.com/img/Poster_2024_magnus.png

 

[Weldor]

This is 100% true for me. I can build a position to get good recoil management, but I can’t stop the concussive blast from rattling my brain.

If you go to a match with lots of brakes, you realize quickly how much it smashes your brain.

What he said. No concussion.

 

[greyghostnw]

You lost me with radial brake… not sure why they even make them? Side baffle all the way for brake. Ti pro 5 makes recoil very minimal.

 

[WannaBeRambo]

I know this is a very subjective question, but is there a general number/percentage of recoil reduction using a suppressor instead of a muzzle brake? Obviously some suppressors probably limit recoil more than others but lets say the following:

You have a 9 pound rifle with a radial muzzle brake that is "suppossedly" suppose to limit felt recoil by 30%. You take that same rifle, unscrew the brake and put on say a lightweight 6-7" "hunting suppressor". Can you assume it's going to cut down felt recoil less, more, about the same of the brake?

The only rifles I shoot suppressed are 6.5 creed and less, so never had a need for a brake on those rifles to compare.

Sorry I can’t hear you because the shooters on either side are using brakes and now I am deaf, and got my hair restyled for me too.

Kidding aside, the 30-06 felt recoil seems about half, feels like 6.5 Creedmor using a can.
I’ve also noticed (hogs so far) animals seem to have trouble locating me in open areas. Allows more follow up shots. “He who hesitates…” is dinner.

 

[DKlaty]

Does anyone know of data driven numbers that people have collected with different suppressors for recoil reduction? It would seem like the manufacturers would be jumping to collect and publish this data is their offering was better than the competition. I am just starting to poke around in the suppressor world and looking to get my first on the way.

 

[BigNate]

I think it's more a matter of the perception the recoil is less because of reduced muzzle blast.
Physics being what they are, the equal and opposite thing doesn't change.

 

[MallardSX2]

Radial brake all the way. It keeps the “can babies” away from me.

 

[greyghostnw]

Radial brake all the way. It keeps the “can babies” away from me.

If choosing a brake…Radial brake?! You lost me there… side baffle or bust….

 

[peaches]

I think it's more a matter of the perception the recoil is less because of reduced muzzle blast.
Physics being what they are, the equal and opposite thing doesn't change.

I agree. I personally will take additional recoil over muzzle blast. Brakes suck.