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‘Gunsmith – ready’ muzzlebrake models

Megamax-2  (new model)

Megamax®-2  side-port muzzle brake for sporting and tactical rifles. (New for 2024 !)

  • Scaled-down revision of original Megamax Ø1 ¼” /32mm muzzle brake, but with no upward bias in the gas porting, for a true bi-directional indexing design.
  • Minimised ground dust disturbance
  • Only adds approx. 2″ /50mm to barrel length (Brake overall length – minimum 2.550”/64.7mm)
  • Weight: approx. 125 grams (depending on clearance hole diameter)
  • Diameter ⌀990″ (Ø25.15mm)
  • Thread sizes: ½-20 UNF, ½-28 UNEF, M14x1.0mm, 9/16-24 UNEF, M15x1.0mm, 5/8-24 UNEF, M17x1.0mm, M18x1.0mm – and M20x1.0mm (un-tapered) – Gunsmith model only
  • Specifically designed for all calibres from .224cal to .30cal. max
  • Design registration number: NZ433600
  • Measured recoil reductions of up to 75%*.
  • Black coating option is available on pre-tapered and pre-bored brake orders only (at additional cost)

(Sample shown with M20x1.0mm thread, which is the largest thread option we can do in this model, with no taper at rear.  Smaller thread sizes can be supplied with the brake pre-tapered, or un-tapered if required. Pre-tapered brake shown below is with 9/16-24 thread and 0.750″ (19mm) diameter at rear.)

 

  • ABOUT MEGAMAX-2
  • Megamax-2 meets the requests from our local and international customers for a scaled-down version of our original Megamax® muzzle brake (patented since 2013), but with zero gas-bias, and also a special (tool-less) self-timing model is offered as well.  (See our ‘no Gunsmithing’ muzzle brake section, for the Megamax-2ST – self-timing version)
  • Designed for use on barrels from Ø15mm to Ø25mm muzzle diameter, where an effective side-port style muzzle brake is required. Featuring our proprietary graduated aperture design, perfected after numerous prototypes to provide the maximum possible recoil reduction in a 4-chamber muzzle brake with 10-degree rearward draft. For it’s size the Megamax-2 provides outstanding recoil reduction and muzzle control with no downward bias – essentially a bi-directional indexing brake.
  • Side-port type brakes tend to create less ground dust disturbance than radial type brakes when shooting prone over dry dusty ground.
  • Made from 300 series stainless steel.
  • Dual index marks are machined on the body of the brake to aid the installing gunsmith or shooter to align the brake correctly onto the barrel. (On ‘gunsmith model’ brakes the installing gunsmith must also bore the clearance hole to be at least ⌀0.030″ over bullet diameter.)
  • Thread recess depth on this model is approx. 0.600”.
  • (* Results are indicative from testing on our purpose-built apparatus with factory-loaded ammunition: 7mm Rem Mag 139gr Hornady factory ammo – 74.85% recoil energy reduction. Measured results will vary with different ammunition selections.)

Tresamax®

Tresamax side-port muzzle brake for light-medium weight riflesTresamax® ∅7/8″ side-port muzzlebrake for light-medium weight rifles. Measured recoil reductions of up to 71%*.

  • Minimised ground dust disturbance
  • Only adds 1.565″ – 1.71″ (40-43.5mm) to barrel length
  • Diameter ⌀0.868″ (22mm)
  • Thread sizes from ½-20 UNF to M18x1.0mm.  (M20x1.0mm available for ⌀0.946″ (24mm) diameter Tresamax special model only.)
  • For calibres up to .375 H&H Mag, Ultramags, etc.
  • Design registration numbers: NZ416359, AU344013.
  • Gunsmith fitting required (supplied untapered at rear). ⌀6.5mm bore hole standard.

ABOUT TRESAMAX:

Designed for use mainly on sporter profile barrels from 14mm to 22mm muzzle diameter, where a compact side-port style muzzle brake is required. Featuring our proprietary graduated aperture design, for it’s size the Tresamax provides outstanding recoil reduction and muzzle control with a slight downward bias to counteract the muzzle rise on light-weight barrels. Side-port type brakes tend to create less ground dust disturbance than radial type brakes when shooting prone over dry dusty ground. Made from 300 series stainless steel, and supplied un-tapered at rear. An index mark is machined on the underside at rear to aid the installing gunsmith to install and align the brake correctly onto the barrel. (The index mark is later machined off when the rear 11mm section of the brake is tapered down to finish just above barrel diameter. Gunsmith must also bore clearance hole to ⌀0.030″ over bullet diameter, and finish the brake as required to match the barrel.) Thread recess depth on this model is usually 0.572″ (14.52mm).

(* Results are indicative from testing on our purpose-built apparatus with factory-loaded ammunition: 7mm Rem Mag 145gr and .300 Win Mag 150gr. Measured results compared with competitors products (approx. 49-62% recoil reductions) using same test procedures and ammunition. Results will vary with different ammunition selections.)


Megamax®

Megamax® side-port muzzlebrake for heavier weight sporting and tactical riflesMegamax® side-port muzzlebrake for heavier weight sporting and tactical rifles.  Measured recoil reductions of up to 80%*.

  • Minimised ground dust disturbance
  • Only adds 2.120″ (54mm) to barrel length
  • Diameter ⌀1.242″ (31.55mm)
  • Thread sizes from ½-28 UNEF to 7/8″-28
  • Specifically designed for all calibres including the big 7mm, .30cal, .338, .375 and .416cal magnums. This brake handles the lot – and with less than 2⅛” added length!
  • Design registration numbers: NZ417158, AU348868.
  • Gunsmith fitting required (supplied untapered at rear). ⌀6.5mm or ⌀8mm bore hole standard.

ABOUT MEGAMAX:

Designed for use mainly on heavier profile barrels from 17mm to 31.5mm muzzle diameter, where an effective side-port style muzzle brake is required. Featuring our proprietary graduated aperture design, perfected after numerous prototypes to provide the maximum possible recoil reduction in a 4-chamber muzzle brake with 10-degree rearward draft. For it’s size the Megamax provides outstanding recoil reduction and muzzle control with a slight downward bias to counteract muzzle rise. Side-port type brakes tend to create less ground dust disturbance than radial type brakes when shooting prone over dry dusty ground. Made from 300 series stainless steel, and supplied un-tapered at rear. An index mark is machined on the underside at rear to aid the installing gunsmith to install and align the brake correctly onto the barrel. (The index mark is later machined off when the rear 11mm section of the brake is tapered down to finish just above barrel diameter. Gunsmith must also bore clearance hole to ⌀0.030″ over bullet diameter, and finish the brake as required to match the barrel.) Thread recess depth on this model is usually 0.572″ (14.52mm), but a longer thread recess depth of 0.636″ is also available as an option for some thread sizes.  Some special Megamax models are available pre-tapered and adapted for indexing shim washers (see below).

(* Results are indicative from testing on our purpose-built apparatus with factory-loaded ammunition: 7mm Rem Mag 145gr and .300 Win Mag 150gr. Measured results compared with competitors products (approx. 49-62% recoil reductions) using same test procedures and ammunition. Results will vary with different ammunition selections.)


Quatromax®

Quatromax radial-ported muzzlebrake for light-medium weight riflesQuatromax®  ∅7/8″ radial-ported muzzlebrake for light-medium weight rifles. Measured recoil reductions of up to 74%*.

  • Only adds 1.71″ (43.5mm) to barrel length
  • Diameter ⌀0.868″ ( also ⌀0.872″ for Sako M18x1.0mm, and some other larger sizes available in specific thread size options – ⌀0.921″ and ⌀0.946″ (24mm) diameters. )
  • Does not need to be ‘indexed’ on lock-up
  • Self-tightening port design (eccentric gas-porting for right-hand thread tightening).
  • Easily removable for cleaning or when bush hunting (thread does not need to be loctited).
  • Thread sizes from ½-20 UNF to M18x1.0mm  (M20x1.0mm available only on ⌀0.946″ (24mm) diameter Quatromax or Tresamax only.)
  • For calibres up to .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H, etc. (⌀0.946″ Quatromax ok for .338 Lapua.)
  • Design registration numbers: NZ416417, AU344118.
  • Gunsmith fitting required (supplied untapered at rear). ⌀6.5mm bore hole standard.

ABOUT QUATROMAX:

The most efficient radial type muzzle brake in the world, featuring our proprietary graduated, progressive porting design for maximising the recoil reduction without excessive back blast. Designed for use mainly on sporter profile barrels from 14mm to 22mm muzzle diameter, where a highly effective radial style muzzle brake is required. The Quatromax provides outstanding recoil reduction and muzzle control, and by evenly dispersing the propellant gases radially (through 360 degrees) with a slight (10 degree) rearward draft, the pressure wave is less ‘punchy’ out to the sides of the the brake compared with ‘side-port’ models. It still works well to counteract the muzzle rise on light-weight barrels, allowing the shooter to spot their own long range shots more easily.  This brake does not need to be indexed to a certain rotational alignment, and this means that it is usually the best choice if you want a brake that you can remove or refit regularly on a rifle that may also be fitted with a suppressor occasionally. Made from 300 series stainless steel, and supplied un-tapered at rear. Gunsmith must also bore clearance hole to ⌀0.030″ over bullet diameter, and finish the brake as required to match the barrel. (Stainless brakes can be GunKoted or CeraKoted if a ‘black’ or other coloured finish is required.) Thread recess depth on this model is usually 0.572″ (14.52mm), but some thread size options are available with a 0.600″ or 0.636″ recess depth option to suit factory-threaded barrels

 

 


Varimax® – QC

Varimax Quick Change adjustable muzzlebrake Varimax® – Quick Change adjustable muzzlebrake – ∅7/8″ (∅22mm) radial ported, for light-weight sporting rifles. Measured recoil reductions of up to 70%*.

  • Only adds 2.2″ (55.88mm) to barrel length
  • Diameter ⌀0.868″ (22mm)
  • Recommended to be ‘indexed’ on lock-up
  • Self-tightening port design
  • Varimax Quick Change adjustable muzzle brakeEasily removable for cleaning – thread does not need to be loctited.
  • Thread sizes from ½-20 UNF to M18x1.0mm. (Thread recess depth is 0.572″ (14.52mm) maximum.)
  • Primarily designed for light-weight sporting contoured barrels, in calibres from .223Rem to .30-06Spr. (Maximum bore size – .30cal.) Upper cartridge/calibre limit for this muzzlebrake is 7mm Rem Mag. and .300 Win Mag (not suitable for .338 cal. , or Ultra-Mags)
  • Varimax Quick Change adjustable muzzlebrakeRotating sleeve allows you to select muzzle brake venting function either ‘on’ or ‘off’. (Slight recoil reduction even when ports blocked – approx 10-14%*). Knurled end cap allows sleeve position to be changed without the use of tools.
  • The very versatile Varimax® – QC muzzlebrake allows you to switch the braking function off for close-range hunting applications, while the unit remains in place on the barrel. This also means no bullet point-of-impact shift on the target, and no change in the barrel harmonics or accuracy. You just aim and fire at your target as normal.
  • Slight increased length can also help to reduce the muzzleblast slightly from short-barrelled rifles when venting function is turned off. However, hearing protection must be worn when venting/braking function is turned on.
  • Gunsmith fitting required (supplied untapered at rear). ⌀6.5mm bore hole standard.

Design registration numbers: NZ417639, AU350527.
Patent Granted NZ611493

ABOUT VARIMAX-QC:

A patented revolution in muzzle brake design, the Varimax-QC is the first to truly perfect the on-off muzzle brake concept that is very effective, and very reliable. In production for over 4 years now with no warranty issues or problems. Some maintenance and occasional cleaning is required – this is to be expected with any device that has moving parts. The Varimax-QC is a great for doing load development or long range shooting with the brake function ‘on’ and personal hearing protection fitted, enjoying the benefit of up to 70% recoil reduction. Then, by rotating the blast-sleeve position to ‘off’ you can cancel out the muzzle brake/muzzle-blast effect if required (i.e. for hunting), with the benefit of NO POINT-OF-IMPACT SHIFT for your grouping. As the same mass is still applied to the end of the barrel, the harmonics of the barrel (and your ‘zero’) remain the same. This overcomes the usual problem of removing a conventional muzzle brake from your barrel (if wanting to hunt at closer ranges without hearing protection) and having to compensate or allow for the resultant slight point of impact shift due to the change in barrel harmonics.  The Varimax-QC is becoming a popular alternative to a suppressor (especially in Australia where suppressors are usually not permitted) where a shooter wanting some recoil reduction may not want the added bulk or weight of a magnum-rated suppressor on an alpine hunting rifle. The Varimax-QC works exceptionally well on 7mm Rem Mag, as well as other popular calibers such as .270win, .280 Ackley, .308win, etc.    See our short video clips for more info, about this amazing muzzle brake.

(* Results are indicative from testing on our purpose-built apparatus with factory-loaded ammunition: 7mm Rem Mag 145gr and .300 Win Mag 150gr. Measured results compared with competitors products (approx. 49-62% recoil reductions) using same test procedures and ammunition. Results will vary with different ammunition selections.)


Megamax® Sako/Tikka special model

Megamax® – Sako TRG and diameter 22mm sporter barrel special model.

Megamax Sako Tikka muzzlebreak index mark
Underside view showing index mark

Available in M18x1.0mm standard thread, or M18x1mm tight-spec thread to suit TRG model, etc.

Supplied pre-tapered and bored for calibre clearance; specify calibre when ordering.

Requires gunsmith or machinist to install 0.020″ – 0.065″ thickness indexing shim at the rear recess of the muzzle brake to ensure correct rotational alignment when installed and tightened onto factory pre-threaded barrel.

Note that this model will also fit the Blaser heavy (∅22mm) barrels threaded M18x1.0mm (up to   16mm thread length).     Can be supplied with optional black coating for small additional cost.

 


Megamax® Blaser special model

Megamax® – fits diameter 19mm, 20mm, or 22mm barrel – special model.

Megamax Sako Tikka special model
Underside view showing index mark

Available in M17x1.0mm thread for the ⌀19mm or ⌀20mm ‘semi-weight’ barrel, or M18x1.0mm thread to suit the ⌀22mm heavy weight barrel.

Supplied pre-tapered and bored for calibre clearance; specify calibre when ordering.

Requires gunsmith or machinist to install 0.020″ – 0.065″ thickness indexing shim at the rear recess of the muzzle brake to ensure correct rotational alignment when installed and tightened onto factory pre-threaded barrel.  Stainless brake is available with optional black coating (at small additional cost).

 

 


Megamax® ‘Tactical’ special model

Megamax® – 5/8-24 thread – for up to ⌀22mm barrels – special model.

Megamax Sako Tikka tactical muzzlebreak
Underside view showing index mark

Available in 5/8-24 (with a 0.636″ thread recess depth) to suit any mil-spec threaded barrels, up to ⌀22mm (⌀0.870″) diameter.  (Will also fit ⌀0.920″ barrels with modification to the recess diameter at the rear of the brake.)

Supplied pre-tapered and bored for calibre clearance; specify calibre when ordering.

Requires gunsmith or machinist to install 0.020″ – 0.065″ thickness indexing shim to ensure correct rotational alignment when installed and tightened onto factory pre-threaded barrel.

Alternatively, 5/8-24 shim-washer kits for muzzle brakes are available from Brownells (or other accessories suppliers) for customers who want to install the muzzle brake themselves onto factory pre-threaded barrels, to ensure correct rotational alignment when tightened.

** NOTE – the shim washer kit is available as an optional extra if requested (not supplied as standard with the brake).

 


Supermax – new model!!

Supermax™ Large 6 chamber design

SUPERMAX:  New release for June, 2018.

Designed specifically for the larger capacity magnum cartridges such as the .338 Lapua, . 375 Cheytac, and larger .300 to .458 Ultra-mags, etc., the SUPERMAX™ now provides the ultimate solution for when a larger brake is required to adequately deal with the extra volumes of propellant gas, and to provide a good level of recoil reduction but without the severe concussive back-blast of some other brake designs.

Since we released our revolutionary ‘max series’ brakes to the shooting world back in 2012 and 2013, after designing and developing them on our purposes-built recoil testing machine to prove their performance, we have been so busy keeping up with demand that we just haven’t had time to work on any new designs. The fact also that our Quatromax and Megamax brakes in particular have proven to be so efficient and effective for their size, means that 99% of our customer’s needs for a quality and effective muzzle brake have been catered for.

With an increase in the number of requests more recently for brakes to suit bigger rifles in the .338 Lapua, 375 Cheytac, and similar cartridges, we decided it was time to go back to the drawing board and start on a new design that was optimised for use on these larger, and usually longer-barrelled rifles.

The Supermax™ still features our proprietary (and design-patented) graduated aperture sizes, which we proved to be the most efficient way of utilising the gas pressures at each stage in the brake to provide a slight pull-forward and recoil-cancellation effect. The porting angle still being limited to 10 degrees means that it is not throwing the blast wave and gasses directly back at the shooter or their spotter, unlike some other brake designs in recent years that run back-rake angles on the ports anywhere from 20 – 35 degrees! Not only is this unpleasant, but in large calibres it can be extremely disruptive and downright dangerous!  A lot of shooters now are going away from these steep angled brakes, being willing to give up a few percentage points of recoil reduction for a more manageable shooting experience, and less obnoxious blast effect.

Some of the key features of the new Supermax™ muzzle brake:

  • Current thread options: 5/8”-24UNEF, M18x1.0mm, M20x1.0mm, and 7/8”-28.
  • CNC machined from 303 stainless on our own late-model machines to precise standards.
  • Overall length 4.020” (approx. 3.4” added length past muzzle face).
  • Dual index marks and no upward bias in the porting design means that brake can be indexed to pull up tight correctly every 180° degrees.
  • Brake is pre-tapered at rear to fit all heavier barrels up to Ø1.000” (25.4mm) muzzle diameter. (7/8”-28 brake is also available custom tapered to suit Ø1.130” diameter barrel.)
  • Gunsmith model brake is supplied with Ø8.7mm bore hole for .30cal bullet clearance. (Gunsmith will need to enlarge bore hole and de-burr to suit .338cal, .375cal, or larger calibres.)
  • For longer barrelled rifles the downward bias feature of some other brake designs is not really required, and can actually be detrimental when used with very long barrels and very large capacity cartridges. Hence we have eliminated any downward bias from this brake design.
  • Reinforced front baffle and primary blast chamber web-design, providing increased strength for dealing with the increased gas-blast forces of the larger capacity rifle cartridges.
  • Preliminary testing shows that in cartridges up to 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag in standard 24-26” barrels, the Megamax® is still actually a more efficient brake design – proving just how astoundingly effective those earlier compact designs really are. But the Supermax™ overtakes the Megamax® in terms of measured recoil reduction when tested on the rifles chambered in the larger magnum capacity cartridges, and 26” to 32” long barrels.
  • Preliminary testing also shows a less severe blast effect out to the sides and rear compared with other brakes that achieve a similar level of recoil reduction. The way that the graduated aperture design spreads and manages the gas release in a more efficient and even way, means that they are less ‘noisy’ compared with some other brake designs.
  • The Supermax™ model brake does required gunsmith fitting and indexing. (Except 5/8-24 .30cal model, which can be fitted and indexed by customer with the use of commonly available 5/8” muzzlebrake indexing shim washers kit. Do NOT attempt to use a ‘crush washer’ with these brakes due to potential for misalignment issues.)
  • A ‘self-timing’ version of this muzzle brake is coming soon.
  • Contact us for ordering and checking on current availability. See price list section for current pricing.
  • Export enquiries welcome. See exporting section for more info.

Supermax muzzle break blast     Megamax muzzle brake blast

Supermax blast pic – .300 Win Mag                            Megamax blast pic – .300 Win Mag

*The above photos were taken in very low light, showing the intensity of discharge and blast wave characteristics for each design.

 

WATCH Supermax normal speed VIDEO HERE!

WATCH Supermax slow-mo VIDEO HERE!

 

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