Muzzle brake vs. ported barrel

[stratocaster]

What are the pros and cons of a muzzle brake vs. having a barrel ported? The barrel in question is a 15" Encore pistol barrel chambered for a 30-06JDJ. If the barrel is ported, is there a reduction in velocity? I was told that a ported barrel will have about the same velocity reduction as having it cut down. For example, if the ports take up the last 2" of the barrel, the velocity reduction will be similar as if the barrel was cut down 2". I have had others tell me there will be verry little if any veloicty reduction.
Thanks!

[gunnut69]

In my albeit limited experience the velocity loss, if any, is usually withing the tolerance or variance for pistols of that caliber/barrel length.  The only change I've seen was an occasional weapon that shoot a tiny bit better after the porting.  We attributed the change to a reduced muzzle pressure. the change was of course so slight it could simply have been the shooter have a bit of a good day, or simply enjoying the refuced recoil....  The changes you WILL notice are a drastically increased muzzle blast and a reduction of the muzzle jump. You may also have fewer friends at the range..  Almost forgot. The muzzle brakes have the advantig that they can be removed and in some instances(Browning BOSS) the can be left in place but the ports turned off.