Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

[bm11]

Ok, everyone hates "what's best" threads, myself included, but I need some input.

I am looking at taking Gunsite's ELR class in October, and if I do, I "need" another .338. For the volume of .338 shooting I am planning on doing in the future, a Sako TRG-42 is the best value going. If this rifle was going to see a ton of use I would gladly buy an AX in .338 (have one in .308 and it sees tons of use,) but I live in Maine and .338 distance shooting is few and far between. That said, I can justify the money for a TRG.

So moving on, while I am pretty solid built, I am still relatively recoil sensitive in that I develop a flinch in short order when shooting something with a lot of recoil. Due to the limited use this rifle will see, I don't think I can justify a .338 can. So I am looking at brake options, and I want the most effective brake I can get.

The options that I know of are:
Sako brake
Near brake
Roedale brake (yes Euro Optic has one packaged with a rifle, so it won't be impossible to get,)
Surefire brake
Thunderbeast 338p-1BA
Muscle brake
Fat Bastard brake

The first five I know come in 18x1, I'm not sure about the last two. If they require re threading I am not interested. The Thunderbeast would be a cool option because the guy I would be running the class with has a 338P-1 BA can I could use for the course, but ultimately I want the brake that provides the most recoil reduction possible.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,

-Bob

 

[crawdad1]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

I have only used the TRG with the sako, but it was very effective on reducing recoil

 

[Gray]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

Most effective brake I've used was a Badger FTE, BIG AND EFFECTIVE!

 

[Tactical]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

Badger FTE is my favorite but the stock TRG Brake works great as well

 

[bm11]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

Is the FTE available in 18x1 though? I didn't list it because I didn't think it was.

 

[468shot]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

I used a Roedale when I had a TRG, worked great. You can get them seperatley as well from EuroOptic:

http://www.eurooptic.com/roedale-muzzle-brake-for-sako-trg-or-blaser-tac-2-338-lapua-ral8000.aspx

I had a Thunderbeast 338 BA brake on for a little while, seemed to work just as well as the Roedale. I actually still have it; if you want it let me know. It's a little dirty and has some wear, but I'll make you an unbeatable deal on it.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

If the FB comes in that thread....you would be hard pressed to do better

 

[jonthomps]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

The stock 3-port Sako brake is a great one. I used it on my TRG 42 with the intention of getting something "better" later on. It was so effective I never did.

 

[trilogymac]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonthomps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The stock 3-port Sako brake is a great one. I used it on my TRG 42 with the intention of getting something "better" later on. It was so effective I never did. </div></div>

I found this to be true as well.

 

[bm11]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

Well, I got given a Thunderbeast (thanks 468!) so I will certainly give it a try! I may also pick up a Sako break or Euro Optic's new Roedale clone (to me anyhow) to compare it to, though I guess the wise thing would be to wait and shoot the Thunderbeast first.

 

[jbell]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

The last I heard the Fat Bastard is not avaliable in 18x1.0 but that was well over 2 years ago. Its an imperssive brake for sure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMLMof4P8Hk

You could have the barrel rethreaded and a Bastard installed b/c they have to be timed. Personally I think you should buy a 338 can

 

[bward]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

I have a fat bastard on my 338 and it does a good job. Jared cut mine for a non standard thread for them (3/4x24) and there was only a small upcharge for it.

 

[RHallenbeck]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

+1 for the Factory Sako Brake. I find it very effective and really do not find the recoil as bad as my old 308 M1A SuperMatch was. Very good ear protection is must and I think that if a flinch ever did start it wouold be from the concussion not from the kick..

Rick

 

[Cacciatore]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

+2 for the factory sako. Reduces recoil to practically nil. Although muzzle blast is harsh, its not that much more than the other brakes out there.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

[video:youtube]http://youtu.be/tMLMof4P8Hk[/video]

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

I used the Sako factory brakes on both TRG-42 and 22's until they were replaced with Surefire brakes, both appear to be about the same in regards to recoil reduction, but the Surefire has less back-blast then the Sako. From what I've heard, the Near brake is a little better for recoil reduction.

I tried the Roedale on my TRG-22 (308win, 20" barrel), and didn't like it because of the huge back-blast and all the dust and stuff it kicked up and blew at me. From what I remember, it was about the same in recoil reduction compaired to the Sako and Surefire brakes.

 

[Enough Said]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

Sako brake is complete. No need for an aftermarket replacement.

 

[TxShooter63]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

Fat Bastard on my TRG42 is a work of art. Awesome....

 

[_RJ_]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

Fat Bastard from APA.

 

[.50 Cal Cow]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

Have the Sako factory brake on my 338 TRG and I could shoot it all day long or until it becomes a wallet brake. Greatly assists follow up.

 

[bm11]

Re: Best brake for TRG-42 338 LM

I ended up with the following:

Thunderbeast 338 brake
Sako TRG brake
Roedale brake

I figure I'll test these three and report my findings. I'll try to have someone else get on the gun for comparison as well.