How much louder than a 16" or 18"? Can you tell a noticeable difference?
On any given day I have guys with 10.5", 11", 14.5," 16", and 18" M4's. You can't really notice a differamce between 14.5 and 16 or 18" barrels. Having said that, they're all permanently damaging with but a single unprotected shot, so one being "quieter" doesn't really matter. There is a noticeable difference in blast between the 10.5 and 11" guns and the 14.5" and longer, but again they're ALL permanently damaging with a single round being fired.
I have hearing aids now, and I shot a lot of 5.56 without hearing protection when I was a lot younger. I have hunted recently with 16 inch guns with the birdcage on the end, honestly for 1 shot it did not seem to bother, 1 shot = 1 deer, on the other hand I wore out a bunch of pigs one day and the reason I stopped shooting was not because there were no more pigs, nor because I out of cartridges. These days I keep a pair of cheap howard Leigh electronic ear pro on my cap, I know there are better models and I tried the pro ear's gold but am not impressed with the battery type, nor its performance, one ear has a buzzing sound for 4 times the money. I hope to be able to afford sordin's one day.
I am intrigued by the DD SLW light weight barrel with 14.5 pinned, its a lot lighter and I have had great experiences with their LW barrels. Another on the wish list!
