How to Add a Muzzle Brake to a Rifle

A muzzle brake is designed to lessen the recoil of larger-caliber weapons and decrease the muzzle flash and noise. These brakes are normally installed on high-velocity or long-range rifles, and some are installed on cannons or tank guns as well. Some sport or competition pistol shooters have muzzle brakes installed on their pistols for greater performance. Installing a muzzle brake can be an asset for hunting enthusiasts as they provide for a less noisy shot and reduce painful recoil associated with large-caliber rifles by as much as 40 percent. Installing a muzzle brake is a relatively simple process.

Instructions

1. Bring your rifle to an authorized gunsmith or a professional machine shop if the rifle needs to be threaded. The rifle barrel has to be machined on a lathe to the appropriate threading of the brake that will be installed. Many large-caliber rifles come equipped with threaded barrel tips specifically for muzzle brake installation. If your rifle is already threaded, continue on to the next step.

2. Remove any ammunition from the rifle and check to ensure that the chamber is cleared. Do not install the muzzle brake unless the rifle is unloaded and on a "safe" setting.

3. Line up the threading on the muzzle brake with the end of the rifle barrel. This is the same process as screwing a nut onto a bolt.

4. Twist the muzzle brake onto the rifle barrel until flush and no more threading is exposed. Ensure that you tighten the brake extremely secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Always exercise proper safety techniques while handling firearms.

• Ensure that the rifle is completely unloaded before installing the brake.

References

• Muzzlebrakes.com: FAQ
• OPS INC: Muzzle Brake Installation
• The-long-family.com: Making a Muzzle Brake