WB
I have a 7mm GNR Contender tube 12+2" braked
Sunday, April 01, 2018, 22:17

You do not need a brake on any 7GNR carbine or handgun for that matter. It's not bad. BUT with a brake the handgun is about like a .223 in recoil, it is incredible.

I have a Reeder 7mm-08 barrel (Encore) for my kids. It is a 14+2". Again, the brake is not needed but totally negates any recoil. For economy and portability, with a carbine only, I'd go for a 7mm GNR 16" and no brake. I had Gary once do a .260 Rem. in a 14+2 braked (for a buddy) that did great too.

I'd say you really need to be in the .338 ballpark before you are hampered by NOT having a brake. That is however subjective, depends a lot on the guy. The older I get the quicker I fatigue at the bench. Brakes are nice unless you are the guy setting next to one being shot!

My little kid 7mm-08 Encore sports a tapered 14+2 braked blue barrel and I fitted a Choate 6-position pistol grip M4 type buttstock. Totally adjustable LOP. Plus it is tiny, almost too short in the SBR range! Maybe 30" AOL with stock slid in. I also had the barrel drilled and tapped for BOTH handgun and rifle forends. It's an heirloom barrel for sure!