Well I finally got tired of the 577 T-Rex kicking the snot out of me, literally. I was out at the range doing some bench work with it and finally decided to muzzle (brake) this beast. It gets just plain painful/severe to shoot from the bench with anything but reduced loads.

Visualize a 50BMG that weighs 13lbs, a 23†barrel, NO muzzle brake and shooting 647gr ball ammo @ 2500+ FPS and what do you get – me behind my T-Rex. Yes, yes I know that ‘stopping rifles’ were not meant to be shot from the bench and that they were supposed to have minute-o-buffalo accuracy at 10yds as a last resort. Having said that, I want more from this rifle (like being able to shoot it without a love/hate relationship) and the loads it can shoot. I just don’t want to feel like I’m volunteering to stand behind a zebra about to zap him in a sensitive area with a cattle prod every time I pull the trigger. I’ve done that for the past 7yrs with this gun, that’s long enough. It shoots well, just pummels me.

The rifle is straight from A-Square (even the recoil pad says A-Square) and made around 1997-98’. It currently weighs around 13-13.5lbs and has a Leupold fixed power 2.5x scope with Leupold QD scope mounts, sports a 23†barrel and 3 mercury recoil reducers. It is a carbon copy of Saeeds rifle but with a scope and a lot less drop scars. Sooooo…

1) What muzzle brake (non-removable) would work best for this gun?
2) Who do you recommend for the gunsmith work?
3) Please no ‘loose the stock/wood’ comments, it works just fine. Set up your own topic thread if you feel the need, don’t hijack mine – thanks.


Thanks,
BMG

Ps. Here’s a 3 shot target (eye candy) from last weekend @ 100yds with the 2.5x scope. I only pulled the trigger 7 times total with this gun that day before headaches & flinching set in.

I'd talk to AHR first; they make big effective brakes for their 600 OK and .700 caliber rifles.

..............X 2 On AHR .. Anything that will help control a 600 OK and larger should work well .... As is your more man than I am for shooting that group ....

X3 on the X-Brake from AHR...

Really tamed my 600OK...

I'd go as far to say that anyone who could handle a 458 could handle my 600OK with the X-Brake...

BMG,

I have to agree with these guys. Call Wayne at AHR and see what he can do for you. I have 2- 600 overkills and 2 -700 AHRS, and the brake makes a world of difference when shooting heavy loads.I would say that AHR's x brake reduces felt recoil by a good 40%. Even big bore nuts don't like getting beat up every time they shoot!

I would also advise that you get the AHR brake - but that you have them make and fit a removable version that can be replaced with a muzzle cap for field work.

I have the AHR brake on my .500 A2 and it works quite well for bench work.

A removable brake is the best way to go, IMHO, as it leaves you the option of unscrewing the brake and replacing it with the cap when hunting.

Vais Brake:

www.muzzlebrakes.com/index.htm

500 Mbogo will have one of these, removable with thread protector.

Make sure someone who knows what they are doing threads your barrel for a muzzel brake. Don't have some clown do it our you will have bullets hitting your brake. Yes AHR or Dennis Olsen can do it for you. Too bad its on a Enfield as those square threads loosen up each time you pull the barrel. -Rob

quote:

650 grs at 2460 f/s... - that IS a reduced load
I can easily get 2460 f/s with a 800 grainer in both my T-Rex rifles (one was an A-Square which is now sold). I will strongly recommend that you get a detachable brake so you can use it without the brake while hunting.

quote:

Reply

Am 4th or 5th vote in favor of Wayne at AHR providing the brake. Their design and installation are proven factors in reducing the recoil in the 500 AHR, 585 AHR, and the 600 OK calibers.

Also, get some steady sticks and shoot standing before you forget your name,

Dak

And ditto again for Wayne @ AHR's brake. Also have them add the cap so you can remove it and still look great.

If doing a gun from start perhaps heavy longer
bbl that's same length as shorter bbl
and brake. Then use good thumbhole stock.
That alone cuts felt recoil 25%, extra barrel
another 15-20%, and deafening blast is
further away. Oh and put a box on shooting bench so you can stand up. I wouldn't set down
to shoot any my 585 or Trex or bigger
even with a brake. Ed

I called ED @ AHR and will be sending him the T-Rex. I'm going with an X-Brake & the metal refinished with a gunkote finish. I forgot to ask about checkering, nothing fancy, just something basic and serviceable (like the railroad tie stock ). It gives me a reason to call on Mon.

Thanks guys. Next thread I have a question on scopes...

BMG

quote:

I called ED @ AHR and will be sending him the T-Rex. I'm going with an X-Brake & the metal refinished with a gunkote finish.

You won't be disappointed...