Kahntol makes good clamp-on brakes, but they're big. If you're going to replace the barrel, might as well get it threaded - you can run a thread protector if you don't want a brake, or eventually a can if you decide to get a suppressor, and can run the brake at the range and take if off for hunting if you wanted. You could also look at a linear comp, which isn't as effective as a normal brake but has the benefit of pushing a lot of the blast forwards. Area419, APA, PVA, and MDT make good thread-on brakes.
"Muzzle brakes are too loud!" - any rifle shot taken without hearing protection creates instant, irreversible damage (auditory exclusion is a thing for people who want to argue), so muzzle brakes being "too loud" is a specious argument. Blast is a different argument, but the better brakes direct concussion sideways, not back at the shooter, which is a concern for shorter-barreled rifles.
Not going to worry about noise since I use ear plugs.
That's good to know on the linear comp, might be something to look at.
Wish we could run suppressors up her in Canada
