Regarding your question on the pad, I use a PAST shooting pad when at the range. It helps out a bit. http://www.battenfeldtechnologies.com/pastshooting/

You could also have a pad installed on the gun. A couple of options are the Kickeze pad http://www.kickeez.net/ or a Pachmayr pad http://www.lymanproducts.com/pachmayr/index.htm

Here's a little something interesting to read regarding muzzle brakes http://members.tripod.com/~Rbertalot...le/muzzle.html i came across on another forum. They seemed to think highly of the Vias muzzle break. http://www.muzzlebrakes.com/index.html

Sorry to be so link happy.