I have heard that the noise from these are quite bad when not wearing muffs/plugs. I have not yet had the cajones to take my muffs off at the range, so I have no first-hand experience. However, I tend to believe that not being deaf after shooting would be an advantage. A .45 should be quieter.

As for me, I would take the XD-9mm pistol for defense, and my M-6 rifle for food. But then again, this is what I happen to have right now. I am not sure I would want to hump my Yugoslavian SKS around.