Thread: Recoil Brake Noise

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

Without proper testing equipment it is hard to say.

I do know some brakes are louder than others, same with suppressors.

Some rifles/cartridges/calibres are louder using the same brake.

On centre fires in most circumstances suppressors aren't hearing safe.

Obviously they are more hearing safe than no suppressor or a muzzle brake.

Down range noise is greatly reduced with a suppressor or decent brake.

On non-magnum or heavy magnums shooting light projectiles a suppressor is much nicer to shoot.

Brakes are noisy, obnoxious, anti social devices that will save your shoulder & eyebrow

Greg,

U.S. MIL-STD 1474D and E specify 140 dB as the impulse noise peak exposure limit.

The European Unition directive 2003/10/EC specifys 137 dB for the same.

With an effective suppressor, those can be reached in pretty much all sporting & hunting centrefire calibres.

Whereas with a good and effective muzzle brake, the unsuppressed levels at the shooters ear can be 5-10 dB louder.

So the levels that the shooter will be exposed to are c. 163-170+ dB if not using any hearing protection.

Best Regards!

Tuukka Jokinen
Ase Utra sound suppressors