If you have been standing on the range and feel you may go deaf even with ear protection, chances are you are near a muzzle brake. Firearms produce a lot of pressure upon firing, and all those gasses need to be released.
The addition of a muzzle brake controls this pressurized gas release, but the result can be quite spectacular in terms of decibel levels. If you are curious about which is the loudest muzzle brake, read on to understand why this is an inconsistent measurement, and which devices you may want to avoid – or invest in.
Comparison Table of The 5 Loudest Muzzle Brakes
BRAND
Desert Tech HTI Muzzle Brake Kit
DETAILS
- Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- Serious recoil reduction
- For Desert Tech HTI
GLFA Muzzle Brake .458 Socom
- Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- 5/8×24 thread
Faxon Firearms 450 Bushmaster/458 Socom Gunner Muzzle Brake
- Salt Bath Nitride Finish
- Steel
- 11/16×24 thread
- Universal fit and works with .458 Socom
VG6 Precision Lambda PRS30 Muzzle Brake
- 2 finishes to choose from
- 17-4 ph heat treated steel
- For .30 Cal, .300 Win Mag
- 5/8-24 thread
Lantac AK-47 Dragon Muzzle Brake
- Handles full auto and semi-auto
- 2.66 inches in length
14 x 1 LH thread pitch
Check The PriceThe Acoustics of Gunfire
A firearm uses a confined, explosive charge upon firing that builds up hot, rapidly expanding gasses. This creates pressure to propel the bullet through the gun barrel. When the gasses escape the barrel, it causes an acoustic blast that is strongest in the direction the barrel is pointed.
The exact decibel of this release can be measured and averaged to give you an idea of which calibers are loudest, and which muzzle devices increase this sound. For example, on average, you should expect the following:
Shotgun gunshot:
155 dB
Rifle gunshot:
158 dB
Pistol gunshot:
158 dB
Taurus G2C
Caliber
9mm, 40 S&W
Capacity
12 +12
Overall Length
6.25 inches
Width
1.25 inches
Weight
21.15 ounces
Taurus G2S
Caliber
9mm, 40 S&W
Capacity
7
Overall Length
6.3 inches
Width
1.1 inches
Weight
20 ounces
Larger caliber rounds, and heavier loaded rounds will have more sound associated with it.
Since noise levels above 85 dB are considered hazardous to human hearing, and the threshold of pain is 130 dB, it is easy to see why hearing protection should always be part of your gun safety regulations.
The addition of a muzzle brake generally raises these levels 5 to 10 decibels higher than the actual measurement, making it that much more dangerous to your hearing. There are many factors that can influence these levels, however, which is why there is no consistently true measurement of which muzzle brake is the loudest.
Put simply, they are all loud.
Variables that Affect Sound
One of the main reasons why labeling a muzzle brake as the “loudest” is difficult is due to how many variables can affect the decibel level. The larger the caliber, the louder the gas release will sound. But each of these cartridges may produce varying levels as well due to the amount of charge, or powder, it is loaded with.
The higher the charge, the more gasses are produced that have to escape the barrel. And since each caliber may be loaded differently from one manufacturer to another, and for various shooting scenarios (think about the differences between competitive match shooting ammo versus what you use plinking at the range), you will get different results when measuring for sound levels.
Why Are Muzzle Brakes so Loud?
To the shooter, a muzzle brake may not sound much louder than normal. This is because the gasses are still releasing in a direction that is not directed towards the shooter. But to anyone standing to the sides or nearby, the sound will definitely be amplified since the gas release will no longer be focused forward, but also released outwards as well.
Loudest Muzzle Brakes
As mentioned, your loudest muzzle brakes generally will also be the ones used with your largest calibers. We’ve compiled some high caliber muzzle brake examples for you to take a closer look at, as well as highlighted some of the more common brakes seen for both hunting and competitive shooting scenarios for a more realistic selection (since most people aren’t shooting a .50 caliber or higher weapon on a regular basis).
1. Desert Tech HTI Muzzle Brake Kit
- Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- Serious recoil reduction
- For Desert Tech HTI
Although not many civilians are shooting the .50 BMG for any needed purpose, it is a round that gun collectors may have in their arsenal. BMG stands for Browning Machine Gun and was developed for the M2 machine gun in 1910. It also is popularly used with the Barrett sniper rifle as it is basically a scaled-up .30-06 but packs a 10,000 to 15,000 foot-pounds force – significantly higher than any other rifle round popular with hunters and competitive shooters.
Obviously, the kickback of a .50 BMG is significant, and the use of a muzzle brake is almost always necessary. Desert Tech’s HTI Muzzle Brake kit provides an easy-to-install brake that is vented along both sides to provide an excellent controlled gas release to help reduce kickback by more than 50% and offer a more enjoyable shooting experience. Available in a black nitride finish, it is a durable option made for heavy use.
Pros
- Serious reduction of recoil and great barrel stabilization
- Easy to install
- Sleek looking
Cons
- Specific to Desert Tech HTI although could be machined for other rifle uses
2. GLFA Muzzle Brake .458 Socom
- Nitride Finish
- Stainless Steel
- 5/8×24 thread
The .458 Socom was initially developed as an AR-15 platform upgrade to provide easy barrel and bolt conversion to create a short-range, heavy-hitting caliber. Used in the military for its stopping power, it has become popular with hunters for large and heavy game use. The .458 was created through the rebate and necking down a .50 AE and is offered in quite a large selection of grain load choices for wide versatility. You can find them in anything from a 250 to 600-grain option, which of course will directly affect both felt recoil and loudness.
The GLFA brand brake for this caliber offers both affordability and awesome quality. It is machined from durable stainless steel and has a sleek, black nitride finish. It is easy to install without a crush washer and provides a noticeable reduction in recoil as well as barrel control.
Pros
- Awesome price point without sacrificing quality
- Durable and long lasting
- No crush washer needed for easy installation
Cons
- No known issues
3. Faxon Firearms 450 Bushmaster/458 Socom Gunner Muzzle Brake
- Salt Bath Nitride Finish
- Steel
- 11/16×24 thread
- Universal fit and works with .458 Socom
The .450 Bushmaster was designed for heavy-hitting stopping power and is more popular with hog hunters than anything else – although it is very effective with large ungulates, as well as bears. Due to its size and weight, it isn’t very effective past 200 yards, but for use in a midwestern state that bans bottleneck cartridges, and often has thick forest and undergrowth cover, this makes it ideal and effective.
It also works with a modified AR-15 platform, and only requires an open face bolt design as well as a barrel. The kickback it offers is also quite impressive, which is why the use of a muzzle brake is usually desired. Faxon Firearms provides a brake that works for both the .450 Bushmaster as well as the .458 SOCOM that is made from a durable steel and salt-bath nitride finish for long-lasting quality. Designed for quick installation, it is considered one of the best for field use as it can be put on with simple, rotational timing, and removed without tools.
Pros
- Easy installation function for in field adjustment
- Great reduction of felt recoil on any length barrel
- Versatile in use with multiple calibers
Cons
- Subject to California’s Proposition 65 – which can be a pain
4. VG6 Precision Lambda PRS30 Muzzle Brake
- Length: Carbine
- Features: Durable stainless steel, made specifically for .300 BLK round use
Created in 1963 as the cartridge that can do it all, the .300 Win Mag continues to be a shooting favorite due to the dependable energy and trajectory it offers each and every time it is shot. Widely used by hunters, it offers a hard-hitting option for mid to large game and is best used in a 24-inch barrel. However, modifications to the AR-10 and LR308 platforms have created new shooting uses through the longer, 18-inch tactical barrel as well.
As a hard-hitting caliber, it packs quite the punch, and the use of a dependable muzzle brake is often desired. The VG6 Precision Lambda provides toolless installation and a dependable 4 chambered design with a simple jam nut for self-tightening purposes. It takes the pressure off when shooting, and drives gasses left, right, and backward to buffer side concussion. It comes in two finishes as well: a black nitride satin finish or a bead-blasted stainless steel raw finish.
Pros
- Helps with recoil and muzzle lift for a more comfortable shooting experience
- Easy to install and self- tighten for field adjustments
- Nice finishes
Cons
- No known issues
5. Lantac AK-47 Dragon Muzzle Brake
- Handles full auto and semi-auto
- 2.66 inches in length
- 14 x 1 LH thread pitch
The AK-47, or 7.62 x 39mm, is one of the most popular tactical rifles in the world. Created for easy field dressing and repair, it provides a dependable shooting experience for both military and civilian use. Its iconic name and use have made it a popular rifle that shoots a cartridge comparable to the .30-30 Win.
Although not as hard-hitting as other .30 caliber choices, it does pack a punch when compared to the ever-popular AR-15 5.56, and the use of a muzzle brake with it is popular both to provide some stability and to make it sound louder and more intimidating than what it is. The Lantac AK-27 Dragon Muzzle Brake offers a patterned port design for both full-auto and semi-auto use and has awesome recoil and muzzle rise reduction control.
Pros
- Excellent control of the barrel
- Works as a hybrid option and even blocks muzzle flash
- Allows for rapid firing
Cons
- No known issues
Wrapping It Up
Although you can’t truly measure the absolute loudest muzzle brakes out there, you certainly can find a range of options that work with heavier, louder calibers. The more effective and well-built the brake, the louder it may end up sounding due to how well it forces gasses out the ports for effective stabilization.
We have highlighted some of our top picks for our heaviest hitting favorites, and we’d love to hear your opinions below! As always, please share!