PETEM, you'll have a much more "learned opinion" after you shoot the thing. Weatherby's stocks are pretty well designed for hard-kicking calibers. I have a stock Vanguard Weatherguard in .300 Weatherby with the factory black plastic stock and it's more comfortable to shoot with heavy loads pushing heavy bullets than several guns in far less powerful calibers that I've fired. It certainly won't be any problem when you're hunting with it. For prolonged bench shooting I like to wear a Past "Magnum Recoil Shield" that makes it really a piece of cake. I, too, despise the hugely increased apparent blast effect of a muzzle brake and want no part of one.

I would add that judging the need by one trip to the range is premature. Shoot the rifle over a period of weeks or months, increasing the number of rounds each trip at the range from just a few at first and a few more each time. Recoil is an acquired taste and you will short-change yourself if you decide this issue based upon first impressions.

I just figured I would ask some others the question I was pondering. I received a 300 Weatherby mag for Christmas, I haven't shot it yet, so I was wondering if anyone could give me a learned opinion. I Have a M70 338 Win mag with the BOSS that recoils less than my 30-06, I can shoot the 30-06 all day with no ill efect from recoil. I've shot a 300 Win mag (sako)2 rounds and it kicked like a mule. I will determine after my first trip to the range (if the weather ever breaks here) if I need the brake. My Question is, should I go for $150 after market brake or have a gunsmith put on a custom brake that looks beautiful for $300 ??? Thanks in advance for your input. Maybe I'll be able to manage the recoil!!!

Petem, I have had braked and un-braked rifles. Both with custom and factory breaks. Shoot your new rifle and judge for yourself, but judge more than the recoil. For the cost of a custom break, you could get a stock made that fits you perfectly. It has been my experience that a well fitted stock is more valuable than a break. The blast and noise are worse than the recoil as far as I'm concerned. My 338-378 came with a break and I removed it after the first two rounds. Good luck and good shooting.

Joe

But if you must have a break, take a look at the website below. This looks to be about the best option going right now.

http://www.bp-tec.com/


This would class as a custom break on the price scale you mentioned.

You might consider checking out this link. They claim a 50% recoil reduction using this stock. I've wanted to try one for a while, but haven't had the money. I know someone who has one of the shotgun stocks and it works very well.

http://www.knoxx.com/NewStyleKnoxx/Products/RifleCompstock.htm

I'd rather have a sharp stick in my eye rather than hear another braked rifle go off. I won't hunt with one or anyone that uses one.
Don

I agree with Don. If you need to brake the rifle, you don't need the rifle. Learn to shoot it or get rid of it.

i would get the answer products brake and pad put on about $300. well wrth it. makes u shoot better.

cold zero

another to look at is the ops inc.

Personal opinion, but since you asked:

Don't do the brake. Proper shooting technique coupled with a good stock is all you need.

I put brakes in the same category as scopes on leverguns: pointless.

RSY

After you try the rifle, if you decide that you would like a brake by all means put one on. It will allow you to shoot the rifle better.
If you have one installed make sure you always wear hearing protection. Be considerate of others, (do not just walk up to the range and start blazing away.)
A brake is a very valuable tool, use it to your advantage.

Like a couple others, I'd invest the money in a stock first.

At the very least, put a qualtiy recoil pad on it before you decide you need a brake.