don't know how loud it can be outside the stand, but merely dropping a bullet or bumping your binoc's is near deafening to me inside. I went to a carpet shop and got scraps and used on the inside for quietness. laws in my hunt area in NC are must be 10ft above ground to shoot rifle. you may want to verify this also b-4 you build. other than that build it right, I prefer screws as they won't loosen over time. I love a good shooting house for all day sit's, taking kids, the wife and not so great day's