They are loud!!! I have an Ruger AR pistol. I don’t shoot at a range, but outside it’s loud. I wouldn’t (have decided and told myself) use this as a home defense gun. It’s way too loud. It would deafen you indoors with no ear protection. I have other means of protection that’s not as loud. If this was your only means of protection, then so be it. There is really no reason to SBR this pistol. No laws against shouldering it. This buffer tube is a 5 position whereas when you SBR it you can put a 6 position stock on it. I would however put in for a suppressor. Until then check out some blast diverters, it will push everything forward. I did put a hand stop on mine. Not that it needed it, it is slightly more comfortable though.