Recoil, also known as knockback, kickback, or kick, is the backward thrust generated when your gun is discharged. It results from the conservation of momentum, and it exists because the force required to accelerate something will produce an equal but opposite reaction force. In other words, to propel the bullet forward from your firearm, there must be an opposing force of equal pressure. This results in recoil.
Recoil is inevitable, but gun manufacturers have created many ways to reduce it. Muzzle breaks are a common method that manufacturers use to reduce the kickback of a weapon.
How much does a muzzle break reduce recoil?
Muzzle breaks can reduce recoil by about 50%, which can greatly benefit people with shoulder injuries or those trying to avoid them. In fact, some rifles are unsuitable without them. Muzzle breaks can also potentially increase accuracy and make the shooting experience a little bit more comfortable.
However, muzzle breaks aren’t perfect. While these devices can greatly reduce the recoil you experience, a quality muzzle brake can cause over $200. They also tend to be rather noisy. Because the muzzle blast is redirected more towards the shooter, it is imperative to wear protection, or the shooter could risk damaging their hearing.
Also, muzzle breaks add length to the gun. While this may not bother a new shooter, it can be bothersome to someone who has been shooting for a long time.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the recoil of your gun and increase the enjoyment of using it, then investing in a muscle break may be the right thing for you. Muzzle breaks can reduce the recoil of a gun by 50% and potentially increase accuracy at the same time. While they have their issues, they can ultimately make your firearm experience more enjoyable.