if you are happy with it that's all that matters........yes i am sure the muzzle break was required. lord knows a 12 pound .17 centerfire has atrocious recoil and muzzle jump........:)
..if you think that's bad try the 17 Remington,..bigger case,,...lots more powder and the recoil?
....makes one shudder to think about it...wicked.
nice looking rig,...bet it'll be he11 on gophers....