HW97 KT Backyard friendly

From the videos I've watched I'd say that .22 and heavier .177 pellets produce a good 'pop' sound typical for a Springer shooting subsonic. Cool neighbors should have no noise concerns. Nervous Nellies might be a problem - not that the shots would be too loud but someone looking to take offense will know that you're out there shootin'.

My neighbors are close on each side. About 20 yards. I own both the .22 and .177 HW97s. Both shoot between 14.5 to 15 FPE. Both these underlevers are quieter than all my other springers including AA TX200 and pro sport and various Diana's. I have received no complaints and I shoot frequently. The sound output is mechanical like a staple gun. No significant muzzle output. Compared to my Daystate Regal .22 with full Hugget shroud and ldc, the hammer slap sound output is about the same level as the mechanical sounds of the HWs. To my ears, the wooden stock seems to damp the sound output just a little bit vs synthetic.

My hw97 is louder than my gen 2 .22 mrod. But in absolute terms the mrod is very quiet and the hw97 is quiet. If your neighbors are normal, the hw97 should be no problem. If they are fussy, you might have an issue.

R

My 97 is quiet. The pellet hitting the target is louder than the gun. I shoot in the living room without disturbing the wife's TV shows.

Standing a ways off a marauder is louder. Also the 97 will sound much more like a tool ( stapler/other ) than any pre-charged rig. 
To your ear while firing it may well seem louder.
Nice rifles.
John