JasonM wrote:
Also I'd add that even considering comparing manufacturer's sound numbers/ putting any stock in them is not worth it.
Yea, that.
Really, I think anyone nitpicking over db reduction for their AR has almost no clue what they are getting into, OR, they have lost the meaning of their hobby and now are in a less enjoyable subset based on specifications. Example, I recently heard a SF Mini and a back to back Thunderbeast in person. The Thunderbeast was quieter, no doubt, impressively-quiet actually, but not THAT much quieter. Not so much that I would claim the SF Mini to be inferior, it's shorter and steel, so that's cool. Pros and Cons. Both were tolerable. Both were not hearing safe to the shooter for more than one or two shots, so what is the difference between 2-3db when the action right at your ear is not hearing safe? Bolt guns are quieter and any modern decent can will be fine there too.
When buying a rifle can imo, it was this order of importance for me:
1. Mount (Great QD > Good QD > Thread > Bad QD)
2. Versatility / Host Factors (multiple platforms, calibers, barrel profiles/threads, blowback, etc)
3. Durability / Materials (is it a military tested can or boutique? rated for magnum or short brl?)
4. Lifetime and EOL support (design old? new model coming? company going to support in 10y?)
5. Sound reduction (the secret is... they're all loud on semi autos)
6. Cost (w/ NFA this should ALWAYS BE THE LAST CONSIDERATION, save if you can't afford it)
Of the 100 or so cans from all possible mfgs from every mfg. For my needs (556 QD and 30cal rated for magnum) I pretty much ruled out everything for me (at this point in time!) except SF Socom, AAC unreleased-cans, Silencerco's unreleased-sakers, and that was about it.
Never once did would I even have thought to consider the db rating from the mfg, or really even test results somewhere. I can't hear 2-3db difference and you can't either.