AR barrel length w/ suppressor - 10.5" vs. 16"

[MJH]

I never bought a 5.56/7.62 can for use on an AR because I was under the impression that it was not going to be hearing safe. That recently changed when I shot a 7.62 can on a 16" AR. It was quite impressive, so I just bought the AAC 7.62 SDN-6.

I have yet to hear a suppressor on the end of a SBR AR. Will it be considerably louder on a 10/11/12" barrel versus a 16"? Still hearing safe?

[TheGhost27]

I use my YHM Phantom QD 7.62 on my 11.5 AR and think it's quieter than on my SR556 (still not loud). Don't ask me why, it just sounds like that to me. I dont wear hearing protection when I use the can on anything...

[corey4]

even though it might not be hurting your years, you are still doing hearing damage.

[TheRookie]

If you are ever around montco I can let you try a 762sdn6 on both a 10.5" and 16" 556 AR as well as on a few 308's. Oh and 300 BLK. be warned, you will then be buying a 300BLK.

[RXM]

I run my SureFire SOCOM762-RC on my 18" SPR, 10.5" SBR, 17.25" .308, and 9.75" 300 blackout. On the 18" SPR, it is hearing safe in my opinion. the 10.5" and .308, not so much. The 300 blackout, you bet your sweet ass it is.

[MJH]

I use my YHM Phantom QD 7.62 on my 11.5 AR and think it's quieter than on my SR556 (still not loud). Don't ask me why, it just sounds like that to me. I dont wear hearing protection when I use the can on anything...

It's surprising that you think the SBR may be quieter. I didn't wear anything while the 16" was being shot with the suppressor, it honestly sounded quieter than a .22, for which I do use plugs.

even though it might not be hurting your years, you are still doing hearing damage.

I don't know the specifics regarding dBs, but it seemed that the 16" with a suppressor was considerably quieter than a running lawnmower, or even my work truck at times. I won't shoot an unsuppressed .22 without protection, and I felt zero need for anything while shooting with the suppressor. Without the suppressor, I always double up on hearing protection.

If you are ever around montco I can let you try a 762sdn6 on both a 10.5" and 16" 556 AR as well as on a few 308's. Oh and 300 BLK. be warned, you will then be buying a 300BLK.

Thanks for the offer. Where do you shoot in Montco?
I don't reload, so the 300BLK idea is not going to happen based on ammo cost and availability. I have enough problems keeping a comfortable supply of commonly available, and relatively "cheap", ammo.
What kind of a difference do you notice between the 10.5" and the 16"?

[MJH]

I run my SureFire SOCOM762-RC on my 18" SPR, 10.5" SBR, 17.25" .308, and 9.75" 300 blackout. On the 18" SPR, it is hearing safe in my opinion. the 10.5" and .308, not so much. The 300 blackout, you bet your sweet ass it is.

So you notice that it is in fact louder when using the 10.5" versus the 17.25"?

[RXM]

So you notice that it is in fact louder when using the 10.5" versus the 17.25"?

The 17.25 is the .308 build The 18" SPR in 5.56 is hearing safe. Contrary to the post above, it was actually very pleasant shooting with respect to sound. I would not run a 10.5" without hearing on. The minimum you should do is put foam plugs in.

[TheRookie]

I have found the SBR to be substantially louder than the 16 inch. I do not consider either hearing safe honestly, but I am picky with that stuff.

[MJH]

The 17.25 is the .308 build The 18" SPR in 5.56 is hearing safe. Contrary to the post above, it was actually very pleasant shooting with respect to sound. I would not run a 10.5" without hearing on. The minimum you should do is put foam plugs in.

Sorry, meant 18". Thanks.