If possible, do everything in your power to shoot a couple suppressors before you buy one. Some people buy one and expect it to be "movie quite" and are unhappy when they actually hear it shoot. You can def. shoot 5.56 without hearing protection but it is nothing like you hear in the movies. I like/shoot .22 cans alot more than any other caiber because they are so close to "movie quite" and you can usually find them for 1/2 the cost of a 5.56. In my personal experince, Gemtech (5.56,9mm rifle) are good stuff and Tactical Innovations (5.56,.22) are good for the price. The only AWC I have shot was on a .45 pistol so I really cant help you with them. Good luck with your purchase and let us know what you decide.