benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
In terms of peak dBA, a 16" to 18" .223 is about the same as a 4" barreled 9mm/.40/.45, which is about the same as an 18" barreled 12-gauge. All are 5 to 10 dB less loud than a .357 revolver. Unless, of course, you run a muzzle brake on the carbine, or run an SBR.Ever fired an AR inside with no hearing protection? You'll wish you were shot instead.
No one considers the sound damage that their weapon will do. How often in an emergent situation are you going to stuff in ear plugs? An indoors AR muzzle blast will leave your head ringing and your vision fuzzy.
Muzzle flash can be distracting with a 16" barreled .223 with some loads if you don't use a flash suppressor (or use a brake---see above), so use a flash suppressor.