Upgrades and Muzzle Brake???

[bbrown]

I know some of you guys are much more experienced with these kind of upgrades so I was hoping to throw some of my thoughts out there and see what kind of feed back you guys have to offer.

First off I have been really tempted to add a new rifle to the arsenal to fill the light weight "do almost anything" niche (Kimber Montana in .308) but after doing some thinking (and checking the budget) I decided to do a few upgrades to my Weatherby Vanguard (Series 1) 300WM instead. I have had this rifle for a few years and we have put a few animals on the ground. While I really like it there are a few area I could improve.

First up I already honed and tuned the trigger to get rid of (most of) the creep and got it down to 3.25 lbs. Still may upgrade to a Timney but its much better for now.

Next I am thinking I want to swap the crappy Butler Creek (I was told this was actually a factory part) stock and am leaning towards the BC Medalist. Not really trying to loose any weight here - just figured the more aluminum bedding would help with accuracy plus it comes with a Pachmyer decelerator pad which should help. Looked at McMillan and Manners just not sure the added cost would be worth it for this application.

That brings me to my last thought - I am seriously considering having a muzzle brake installed to help tame the abuse. Anyone have any styles/brands or even a gunsmith along the front range in Colorado they would recommend. To be honest I am hesitant to even do this with worries it may screw up accuracy or end up trading the abuse of the shoulder for the ears. Any reason to stay away from the muzzle brake?

 

[Acecook]

My vote goes to the muzzle break... I've got'em on all my guns. Makes me a better shot for sure. As far as blast, I always hunt with those U shaped construction style ear plugs around my neck or just above my ears on my hat. Brakes haven't affected accuracy on anything I've got, just made it better...

 

[KINGSNAKE]

Im not a big fan of muzzle brakes on field guns, I had one on a 7 mag and it shot sweet but my hearing paid the price a few times. I carried ear plugs but when the action heated up I would forget to put them in. After the got a few rounds the tube i traded it and went to a 338 06 with no brake.

 

[bbrown]

Hmmm - 1 vote either way. Anyone else care to chime in?

 

[JG358]

I'm not a huge fan of muzzle brakes but if you go that route, Todd Lockburner does fine work.

Cant go wrong with a BC or McMillan Stock.

 

[fire arrow]

If you go 300 mag yes on the muzzle break, and you stock choice is a great one.

 

[Sam Millard]

I vote muzzle brake. A good side discharge brake, while still noisey, isn't as abusive as a radial brake. Hunting long range mostly now, I always wear earpro, but honestly, the only times I remember brakes hurting was when I took a shot with some kind of reflective mass close by next to me (rock formation, road bank, etc.). They were all with radial brakes, too. Open muzzle gunshots are still bad for your ears without protection...

You will enjoy shooting it more with a brake

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

I have a 300 Win Mag without a brake and I shoot it well and I have had it for many years.
I recently purchased a 300 RUM for long range fun and I had a really good local gunsmith install a brake on it and it is very pleasant to shoot. I love that rifle and took an elk at 450y in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico this past season.
My vote is for the brake however be prepared to put ear pro in before you shoot. Alternatively you can have a muzzle brake installed and ask the gunsmith to also make you a thread protector and then dont use the brake while hunting and replace it with the thread protector.

 

[bbrown]

Thanks for the feedback - thats an interesting idea JustOneMoreShot.
I never feel the recoil in the field but would like to spend more time at the range with it but its just not fun too shoot after the first 8-10.

 

[KMD]

I'd lean more toward recommending you opt to upgrade to a nicely appointed stock as #1 priority. A quality stock that 'fits' you well will be more comforatble to shoot. Certain stock styles allow a natural position to be built behind the rifle more easily. Also, a well 'fit' stock will result in less perceived recoil, simply due to the more efficient transfer of energy to your body at solid contact points.
Your rifle's stock is a key element in good shooting! Best to try as many different styles as you can, you'd be amazed at how simply changing a stock can tame an otherwise wild beast of a rifle into a pleasant & accurate shooter...

Good luck & have fun!

 

[husky390]

I'd replace the stock first, shoot it and see how the recoil is. Then I would follow the advice of justonemoreshot with the threaded muzzle brake. Or at the very least bring hearing protection with you. I've shot my Savage 300wm without hearing protection and will never do that again. And for God's sake do not let anyone stand next to you without hearing protection when shooting.

Give Bert a call at BP Tactical. He hasn't done work for me yet but will probably re-barrel my Savage. He has a pretty good reputation on other CO shooting forums.

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

If you decide to get a brake installed I would recommend one from American Precision Arms. Also know as APA. They are located in GA and they are masters at their craft. You could buy a brake from them and have your local gunsmith install it if you are not close by. Here is a link to the muzzle brake page:
https://www.americanprecisionarms.com/products-page/muzzlebrakes/