Browning A-bolt/muzzle brake question

[WUnderwood]

OK fellas, I have a gun question for you.



I am looking at getting a new deer rifle, a Browning A Bolt Stalker, and I was wondering about muzzle brakes. If I remember correctly, Browning came out with their own muzzle brake called the BOSS(?) that was already installed on their rifles. I have looked on various websites, and I can't find much info about them. The rifles at the gun stores do not have any muzzle brakes on them currently.



Also, can any gunsmith put on a muzzle brake? What is a good one? I don't know squat about them, and would like some good info. About the only thing(s) I do know about them is that they make the rifle a lot louder, decrease recoil, and some increase accuracy. Tell me if these are true or false



please point me in the right direction



thanks in advance

 

[catdsl]

so far as i know most muzzel brakes are realy good. how ever i have never seen them increas accurasy and if installed inproperly can decreas accurasy. so far as a gun smith most should be able to install it for but it would be wise to talk to your local gun smith if he does not do that kind of work he can tell you who does but get customer references if you can because there are some gunsmiths that dont do good work. i hope that helps

 

[AKAMAC]

I own a Stainless Stalker A-Bolt in 7 mag. I was going to get it magna ported but decided to live with the recoil. The BOSS system was a nice addition but may have been cut for cost reasons. Check Brownings web site for more info, you may be able to special order it.

If you decide to get one w/o Boss, look into the magnaport system. The brake ports are cut into the barrel so no external brake is added. The draw back is noise, the guys on your left and right will know your there.

 

[daveshoe]

I sent a rifle to Answer products and they did a super job on it. He turned the thing down to fit the exact outside diameter of my barrel,and gave it a target crown. The saem between the brake and barrel is nearly invisible. Accuracy is identical,but you stay rested and can shoot accurately for a longer time period. I then took my rifle to a local shop and a smith threaded my other rifle to take this brake,and threaded a thread protector as well for when I want to use the rifle without the brake.

The Answer brake had no holes on the bottom [no dust kicking up] and the recoil,what little there is,is straight back. You send your barreled action to the company,and they do the work.

If I remember correctly,the Browning also worked like a barrel weight,and was threaded in and out until a ''sweet spot'' was found that was in an''calm'' area of barrel whip that timed the bullet release to this area. The advertising claimed that you could pick your load and then set the BOSS to make the load perform. Handloaders do the same thing by varying powder weight,bullet and primer selection. No experience with a Browning,maybe some one else can verify their claim of accuracy for the BOSS.

Hearing protection is a MUST when using a brake,especially if you are team varmint hunting,I was too close to a building,and the side blast came back in my ear,and believe me ,I won't forget your ear condoms the next time

sst. benchrest.com. has links to Answer and other brake manufacturers. It is a special treat to watch a prairie dog come apart when the scope is set to 20 power,or to watch the vapor trail and occasionally see the bullet in flight because the recoil is all but eliminated on a light rifle such as a . 223

 

[WUnderwood]

OK fellas, thanks for all the great replies!

 

[WDixon27]

i have a buddy with a boss equipped browning and he worked a few years selling guns, he says you can tune the boss and close up paterns a little

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

I have a Savage with a factory brake, and it does not affect accuracy at all, the thing is a tackdriver. Yep, it gets a little louder behind the gun, and you even get cool dust patterns!

Also, it can be switched on and off with a twist.

If you are not sold on the particular weapon, give Savage a look. First rate stuff at a great price.

 

[GiesJ]

You didn't mention a caliber but really, the muzzle brake route will really help off of the bench in terms of recoil. The BOSS, as others have said, is more for tuning a particular load with the barrel. If you want the BOSS for tuning purposes, great, but if you just want a brake on the end, think twice about it – especially if you have a run-of-the-mill deer gun. Many outfitters don't allow guys to hunt with brakes on anymore and it is one more thing to clean and get fouled up and change POI.

Having said that, if you have recoil sensitivity or shoot a kickin' wildcat, then a brake makes sense.

My . 340 WBY is tough off of the bench after about 5 or 6 shots...

Hope this rambling helps some.

 

[p-Bar]

GiesJ is right. I own a Browning A-bolt with the factory brake adjustable. It is to tune the barrel to the load. Probably better if you are hand loading than factory loads. It is a nice shooter though.