AR Sponsor
Posted: Today 9:09:51 AM EDT
|
Most of the time I shoot by myself, and this sort of thing hasn't been an issue before. I've used my trunk rifle (a lightweight AR) for 3-gun practice a few times, but because it's got a weird integral compensator (ie: I can't change it), it's apparently super-loud to the other guys. The RO even asked me to consider using a different rifle. I have a few others, but I really want to use the rifle I'm most likely to use in an emergency so I can practice with it and the other ones I have are very different. My second thought was to get another upper, like a cheap PSA one, just to use for those times I go to practice with other people. I think a short barrel might be good for maneuverability and weight savings, but I don't want to have the same issue of being obnoxious to people nearby. I've never had one or used one. SO - if I bought a short barreled upper, like 10.5" or 12," would that also be extra loud? Yes, I know that the solution is to buy a whole new rifle  but I'm currently focusing money elsewhere and trying to figure out a fairly inexpensive solution. I prefer to use an AR type rifle for this. Pic of offensive rifle, since people like pics. Attached File |
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
Member
Joined:
Jun 2022
Posts:
14552
EE: 100% (30)
TX, USA
| I think the muzzle device plays more of a role than barrel length in this scenario. Those ports on the side are brutal. |
“That’s not how it works. You buy more tools and power than you need and as you fuck everything up you gain the knowledge to become a better carpenter.”
Tveddy
Tveddy
|
Originally Posted By Curmudgeon762: I think the muzzle device plays more of a role than barrel length in this scenario. Those ports on the side are brutal. That's what I'm hoping for. My next AR will be a SBR with a Rainier Arms comp and a Hoffman Tactical trigger kicker. https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-mini-compensator-rmc-2-0-black/ I wanna rattle teeth! 
|
The “Three Stupid” Rule: “Do not go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things”
Religion is a handy device for keeping the philosophically deficient in line.
Religion is a handy device for keeping the philosophically deficient in line.
|
Originally Posted By reelserious: SBR with a brake is super loud. Loud even without a brake. A brake makes it worse. Redirects the sound and muzzle blast to the sides. I won't shoot anywhere near a shooter with a muzzle brake at the range. It's just shockwave city. They are pretty useless imo. My SBRs are all flamethrowers, but loudness isn't intolerable. |
"Once Open AI is good enough we will ask it to find a way to become profitable."
- Sam Altman
- Sam Altman
|
Originally Posted By Curmudgeon762: I think the muzzle device plays more of a role than barrel length in this scenario. Those ports on the side are brutal. When I was gathering parts to build that, I was aiming for a simple, lightweight rifle. That barrel was light and a good price so it suited my intent. I wasn't even thinking of how it would impact others nearby. What's weird is that it doesn't seem louder to me. |
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
ARFCOM’s CHO
Joined:
Aug 2022
Posts:
5366
EE: 100% (1)
FL, USA
|
Originally Posted By Curmudgeon762: I think the muzzle device plays more of a role than barrel length in this scenario. Those ports on the side are brutal. another vote for the muzzle device being the main culprit. The first rifle I built was a 10.3" barrel with a Lantac Dragon on it. Mag dumping it made my teeth hurt  Fortunately, the people I shot with frequently made my change our the brake for a bird cage and they made a HUGE difference. The brake being integrated does add an extra hurtle to jump through, but that is the solution. |
"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend."
|
Originally Posted By NvrBrdWes: another vote for the muzzle device being the main culprit. The first rifle I built was a 10.3" barrel with a Lantac Dragon on it. Mag dumping it made my teeth hurt Fortunately, the people I shot with frequently made my change our the brake for a bird cage and they made a HUGE difference. The brake being integrated does add an extra hurtle to jump through, but that is the solution. ADCO can cut thread a pin a nice FH on an integrated for a good price. That's what I'd do. No need to get a new rifle. |
"Once Open AI is good enough we will ask it to find a way to become profitable."
- Sam Altman
- Sam Altman
Joined:
Dec 2022
Posts:
1619
EE: 100% (42)
SC, USA
|
All else equal, the shorter barrel will be louder, but agree the muzzle device is the primary driving factor on how loud you perceive it from the side. I have rifles with all kinds of muzzle devices, and as the shooter with ear pro, I don't see much difference in the perceived loudness level. For a "trunk gun" or something I might have ideas of having to shoot with no ear pro someday, a brake would likley not be my choice, but, it would be deafening either way unless you have a suppressor. If your gear is within the rules at a match, it isn't really the RO's place (or anyone's, really) to say something about it. If I'm running the timer for someone with a loud brake, I just stay further back; the timer will pick up from the parking lot. It happens at every single rifle match since brakes are very popular in competition. |
|
You could likely buy a new threaded barrel for not much more than the cost of having your brake removed and your current barrel threaded. I run Kaw Valley linear comps on most of my SBRs. They definitely seem to redirect much of the concussion downrange. Attached File |
|
Originally Posted By gearjammer351: Most of the time I shoot by myself, and this sort of thing hasn't been an issue before. I've used my trunk rifle (a lightweight AR) for 3-gun practice a few times, but because it's got a weird integral compensator (ie: I can't change it), it's apparently super-loud to the other guys. The RO even asked me to consider using a different rifle. I have a few others, but I really want to use the rifle I'm most likely to use in an emergency so I can practice with it and the other ones I have are very different. My second thought was to get another upper, like a cheap PSA one, just to use for those times I go to practice with other people. I think a short barrel might be good for maneuverability and weight savings, but I don't want to have the same issue of being obnoxious to people nearby. I've never had one or used one. SO - if I bought a short barreled upper, like 10.5" or 12," would that also be extra loud? Yes, I know that the solution is to buy a whole new rifle but I'm currently focusing money elsewhere and trying to figure out a fairly inexpensive solution. I prefer to use an AR type rifle for this. Pic of offensive rifle, since people like pics. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/252069/IMG_20240606_184120084_jpg-3830547.JPG Picking up a PSA or B King upper with an A2 flash hider should be good. If you are concerned about noise, 14.5” or 16” might be ideal. |
|
Originally Posted By flcracker: You could likely buy a new threaded barrel for not much more than the cost of having your brake removed and your current barrel threaded. You can get a new barrel for $75? That's what ADCO charges to cut and thread. Not trying to plug them, but they do great work and fast turnaround.  |
"Once Open AI is good enough we will ask it to find a way to become profitable."
- Sam Altman
- Sam Altman
|
Originally Posted By _DR: You can get a new barrel for $75? That's what ADCO charges to cut and thread. Not trying to plug them, but they do great work and fast turnaround. https://i.postimg.cc/qBYRnwbd/Screenshot-20260921-090019.png Add shipping as well |
|
Originally Posted By gearjammer351: When I was gathering parts to build that, I was aiming for a simple, lightweight rifle. That barrel was light and a good price so it suited my intent. I wasn't even thinking of how it would impact others nearby. What's weird is that it doesn't seem louder to me. Originally Posted By gearjammer351: Originally Posted By Curmudgeon762: I think the muzzle device plays more of a role than barrel length in this scenario. Those ports on the side are brutal. When I was gathering parts to build that, I was aiming for a simple, lightweight rifle. That barrel was light and a good price so it suited my intent. I wasn't even thinking of how it would impact others nearby. What's weird is that it doesn't seem louder to me. Stand next to the rifle while someone else shoots. You'll be impressed. |
Keep your powder dry, and watch your back trail.
|
Originally Posted By DVCNick: For a "trunk gun" or something I might have ideas of having to shoot with no ear pro someday, a brake would likley not be my choice, but, it would be deafening either way unless you have a suppressor. I didn't even think of that. It's a good point. When I get another rifle set up the way I want for this (I like to have 2 of everything, so I have one to use if a gun breaks or I need to take it apart to do some upgrades or something), I might send this one off to get threaded, as some others suggested. Originally Posted By bluedog82: An SBR with a flash hider will probably be less obnoxious than your current setup. At the very least it won’t blast your neighbors with a brake. Either swap barrels or get a new upper and add a suppressor on that SBR to make it very pleasant. I just knew some asshole would suggest this. Did you miss the part about me being poor?!
|
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
|
Originally Posted By DVCNick: If your gear is within the rules at a match, it isn't really the RO's place (or anyone's, really) to say something about it. Oh - this wasn't at a match. This was just at 3-gun practice at my club. Also, he asked politely, which is the only reason I considered it. |
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
|
Originally Posted By AeroE: Stand next to the rifle while someone else shoots. You'll be impressed. Originally Posted By AeroE: Originally Posted By gearjammer351: Originally Posted By Curmudgeon762: I think the muzzle device plays more of a role than barrel length in this scenario. Those ports on the side are brutal. When I was gathering parts to build that, I was aiming for a simple, lightweight rifle. That barrel was light and a good price so it suited my intent. I wasn't even thinking of how it would impact others nearby. What's weird is that it doesn't seem louder to me. Stand next to the rifle while someone else shoots. You'll be impressed. And maybe concussed! |
"Once Open AI is good enough we will ask it to find a way to become profitable."
- Sam Altman
- Sam Altman
|
Originally Posted By gearjammer351: I didn't even think of that. It's a good point. When I get another rifle set up the way I want for this (I like to have 2 of everything, so I have one to use if a gun breaks or I need to take it apart to do some upgrades or something), I might send this one off to get threaded, as some others suggested. I just knew some asshole would suggest this. Did you miss the part about me being poor?! You can get into a decent can around $500 these days
|
|
Originally Posted By bluedog82: You can get into a decent can around $500 these days Originally Posted By bluedog82: Originally Posted By gearjammer351: I didn't even think of that. It's a good point. When I get another rifle set up the way I want for this (I like to have 2 of everything, so I have one to use if a gun breaks or I need to take it apart to do some upgrades or something), I might send this one off to get threaded, as some others suggested. I just knew some asshole would suggest this. Did you miss the part about me being poor?! You can get into a decent can around $500 these days I joke about being poor, but I'm not super poor (I mean, how many broke-asses can do 3gun?) $500 is still a notable about of money to me. My whole rifle cost less than that - including the sight pictured! I was actually trying build a rifle that was useful but inexpensive, and it turned out that I really like it. Just about every part on that was secondhand, a blem, or an oddball on a clearance sale (like the barrel). I only own one rimfire can that cost ~$300. I know this is not the general sentiment here, but I don't enjoy suppressed shooting enough to spend that much on it. I'd rather put that money into another gun or ammo or accessories. I got the .22 can so I can shoot in my backyard without annoying the neighbors, and it is probably the only one I'll buy. I have good ear pro.
|
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
|
Originally Posted By _DR: You can get a new barrel for $75? That's what ADCO charges to cut and thread. Not trying to plug them, but they do great work and fast turnaround. My mistake - I think I must have had other work done when I last used them. I was thinking closer to $150. |
|
Like they say in real estate: location, location, location. For a bone stock 14.5 inch barrel with a bird cage flash suppressor the sound pressure levels are: shooter's ear - 158 dBP 90 degrees to the side from the muzzle at 5 meters - 154 dBP 135 degrees behind the muzzle at 5 meters - 147 dBP 180 degrees behind the muzzle at 5 meters - 139 dBP You can see that even 5 meters (16.4 feet) to the side of a regular bird cage it is almost as loud for an observer as it is for the shooter. And you can also see how fast the sound level drops off. The shooter's ear is about 1/2 meter behind the muzzle and gets 158 dBP and moving straight back 4.5 meters, it drops to 139 dBP, So, being next to a rifle being fired at less than 10 feet will be louder for you than the firer. Since muzzle brakes purposely vent gas to the sides, this effect will be exacerbated. As to the length of barrel and noise, The difference between the M16A1 (20 inch barrel, duck bill FH) and the CAR-15 Submachine Gun (10 inch barrel, duck bill FH) was from 160 dBP to about 170 dBP, or sound about two times louder. |
Member
Joined:
Oct 2024
Posts:
656
EE: 100% (9)
USA
|
As previously noted, SBRs are louder. With the comp, moreso. It is my firm belief that anybody shooting a bare comp needs to be kicked off any public range and not allowed in competitions. They are obnoxious. If you really want a comp, but want to be polite to your fellow shooters, get a surefire full comp suppressor mount and a surefire warden. There are other companies that make similar setups for cheapers, so if budget is an issue, source one of those. Your fellow shooters will thank you. |
|
Who made the ported barrel? Most are threaded on. Even JP rifles comp is removable even though you can barely see the seam where they join. I have one rifle with a comp, but I seldom shoot it without a can. |
" Don't cry, nobody shoots Glocks anymore."
"But the new Admin. is a Master in IDPA"
"MASTER in IDPA..."
"is like C Class in IPSC!"
"But the new Admin. is a Master in IDPA"
"MASTER in IDPA..."
"is like C Class in IPSC!"
Joined:
Sep 2025
Posts:
1725
EE: 0% (0)
NV, USA
|
Originally Posted By 3-gun: Who made the ported barrel? Most are threaded on. Even JP rifles comp is removable even though you can barely see the seam where they join. I have one rifle with a comp, but I seldom shoot it without a can. Faxon? They've been making integral FH/MB barrels for awhile now. ETA: I seem to remember it was only their 14.5" barrels to make them 16" though. |
|
Muzzle brakes SUCK to be next to. Seriously, go hand it to someone and let them shoot while you stand in the next lane. I almost left a class because I was betweek 2 jerks with brakes like that. My clothes were literally being buffered by their gas. Finally I just waited til they both finished before doing my shots. An SBR is louder than a regular rifle, but not necessarily more gas to other shooters. Just change that muzzle device. |
|
Originally Posted By HobbitHunter: Faxon? They've been making integral FH/MB barrels for awhile now. Originally Posted By HobbitHunter: Originally Posted By 3-gun: Who made the ported barrel? Most are threaded on. Even JP rifles comp is removable even though you can barely see the seam where they join. I have one rifle with a comp, but I seldom shoot it without a can. Faxon? They've been making integral FH/MB barrels for awhile now. I bought it from an individual (on the EE), and I don't remember the manufacturer. I think it may have been Faxon, but I'm not certain. |
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
- Herodotus
- Herodotus
|
Originally Posted By flcracker: You could likely buy a new threaded barrel for not much more than the cost of having your brake removed and your current barrel threaded. I run Kaw Valley linear comps on most of my SBRs. They definitely seem to redirect much of the concussion downrange. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/74872/16857_jpg-3830561.JPG Same here. They work very well ! |
|
Originally Posted By HobbitHunter: Faxon? They've been making integral FH/MB barrels for awhile now. ETA: I seem to remember it was only their 14.5" barrels to make them 16" though. Originally Posted By HobbitHunter: Originally Posted By 3-gun: Who made the ported barrel? Most are threaded on. Even JP rifles comp is removable even though you can barely see the seam where they join. I have one rifle with a comp, but I seldom shoot it without a can. Faxon? They've been making integral FH/MB barrels for awhile now. ETA: I seem to remember it was only their 14.5" barrels to make them 16" though. An integral FH would have been great. Nobody needs a brake with 5.56mm unless they have a hollow glass shoulder. |
"Once Open AI is good enough we will ask it to find a way to become profitable."
- Sam Altman
- Sam Altman
|
Originally Posted By NotIssued: Muzzle brakes SUCK to be next to. Seriously, go hand it to someone and let them shoot while you stand in the next lane. I almost left a class because I was betweek 2 jerks with brakes like that. My clothes were literally being buffered by their gas. Finally I just waited til they both finished before doing my shots. An SBR is louder than a regular rifle, but not necessarily more gas to other shooters. Just change that muzzle device. It's integral, hence the quandary. |
"Once Open AI is good enough we will ask it to find a way to become profitable."
- Sam Altman
- Sam Altman
AR Sponsor