Seems the faster something is, the further I want the muzzle from my head. 16” was no issue for my 357 max single shot, and a 16” AR is far nastier on the ears than a 16” 6.8...but it’s likely more about load vs velocity vs bore size. Just my deer/hog hunting theory, but if I need a <20” barrel for ‘handiness’, then I don’t need a 3kfps chambering/load for shooting 300-600yards, either....and some mid velocity combo will do fine, and isn’t obtrusive. If I do need to reach out, then more barrel isn’t gonna hurt for any handiness and makes me feel better about blast....but that’s just my anecdotal rambling.
