cptenca, how is the muzzle blast and noise with the very short (16.5") barrel on the Ruger compact? Even with hearing protection I wonder about the blast.
I have some 20" barreled rifles and about 20" seems short enough. The 223 Mini-Mauser has a 20" barrel and to me is a noisy little bugger even with hearing protection.
I'd like to avoid blast and noise becoming an issue with a relatively new and inexperienced shooter like my DIL. But because she is not very strong; a long barrel on a rifle is harder for her to hold. Thus the questions on the Vanguard youth and its' 20" barrel and how it balances.
"It is wise, though, to remember above all else: rifle, caliber, scope, and even bullets notwithstanding, the most important feature of successful big game hunting is to put that bullet in the correct place, the first time!" John Jobson
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