Gunsmithing Badger FTE brake. Easy install procedure?

[FN in MT]

My 6.5x47 Lapua build is languishing waiting for my action. With time on my hands and a few bucks in my carharts the thought of a muzzle brake came to mind.

Any install tips or comments on the Badger FTE brake? Any pitfalls with the install?

FN in MT

 

[LRI]

I install a mess of these since they are made right next door to me.

Just be sure that your smith KNOWS that he MUST bore the brake's center hole with the appropriate clearance for a given caliber. They come delivered undersize. Failure to do this will likely destroy the brake and possibly hurt someone the first time the trigger gets pulled on a loaded chamber.

Aside from that they go on pretty easy.

Good luck.

C.

 

[jonaddis84]

Are you contemplating having the brake installed now before chambering?

If thats the case I would advise against, best to have it all done at the same time. Normal operation is to chamber then do muzzle work so you know your barrel length. Not as huge of a deal on long barrels, but if you say were doing a 20" barrel and had the muzzle work done first, you would have to use an extension so the barrel was long enough to reach the outboard spider for chambering, which isnt ideal.

If youre just looking for opinions on the brake itself, the FTE are definitely effective. IMO, I think its a tad overkill for a 6.5x47, an APA Little Bastard would be sufficient and look way cleaner. Or any style brake you like for that matter that can be contoured to the barrel profile.

 

[FN in MT]

Appreciate the learned input.

We are aware we need to bore the brake .020" to .030" over the bullet diameter.

I'll look at the APA brake too. I know it's proabbly not needed but it's one of these "Idle hands/Devil 's work" sort of deals. WAITING for the last piece to arrive (Defiance action) to start...so my brain is full of ideas on WHAT ELSE can I do or get?

And...my Smith is still in Zim on a hunt anyway. Not due to arrive for another week.

FN in MT