No ringing on mine, it's an easy fix anyway if you just file a little off one of the claws.  I wanted a straight claw demo hammer and would have purchased the 20 oz if I was younger.  Same feel on both as far as swing for me. I have my Vaughn 16 oz curved claw woodie with the original handle, a 20 oz framer (generic) for it's weight and an assortment of 16 oz claws (cheap) as loaners/dirt job hammers.  If you're a beginner or can't pound a nail in get an estwing 16 oz or 12 oz claw/rip to learn.  I consider a curved claw safer for newbees least they punch themselves in the cheek!