I have been using a Hardy Gen 4 for a few months now with a .308. Impressed with the size and weight compared with my old Atec Maxim. Disappointed with the noise reduction though. The Maxim (5 baffles) was significantly quieter and I didn't feel the need to use ear protection for the odd shot on a stalk. I do however with the Hardy as my ears were ringing after using it a few times. Why does the design have a muzzle break feature built in which surely makes the mod noisier to the shooter? It wouldn't be necessary for muzzle flip as a moderator dials much of this out anyway. Seems strange to me.