re: My conclusions after hours of Online AR research

Stingray, I don't own an AR15, but I've killed deer w/ a Thompson Center Contender using a 12" long 300/221 barrel; the 300/221 (actually developed by JD Jones as the "300 Whisper") was the precursor to the 300 BLK. For what you want to do, I think the 300 BLK is a reasonable choice. I'd encourage you to fully understand what you'll have from a ballistic standpoint. Many folks nowdays (don't put me in that category) think the 30-30 Winchester is useless as a big game hunting round. Factory 30-30 Win muzzle velocities w/ a 150 gr bullet run from 2200-2400 fps. Depending on barrel length, the supersonic 300 BLK velocities will run 200-400 fps less than the 30-30. My personal experience w/ the 300/221 on small whitetail deer at up to 200 yards has been favorable (my handloads get 2250 fps w/ the 125 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet). W/ a 16" barrel, you'll have a decent hunting gun for inside 200 yards; w/ shorter barrels, you'll lose velocity AND hunting range. I've not hunted deer w/ 300/221 subsonic loads but I've read of a handgun hunter who has. IIRC, he was not as impressed w/ the subsonic load for deer hunting. This was from a man who kills >50 deer/year so I trust his experience greatly.

Even the supersonic loads have VERY mild recoil and are much more quiet than most hunting loads.

What about getting a 16" threaded barrel, shoot the gun as is and see how you like it? If you're not happy, you can always add the suppressor and/or go to a shorter barrel.

300 BLK Barrel, inches Bullet Wt., gr Velocity, fps
16 125 2215
12.5 125 2150
9 125 2030