Cannot substantiate this either but I too have heard this as well. I've actually seen barrels like this, just never heard them. (I would think there would be some axial flash)Noise aware shooter, I wouldn't put anything except a suppressor or a thread protector on it. Anything else is going to increase noise.
I once heard an old timer tell pre suppressors they would cut the crown up to 3/4" behind the muzzle and that would make them a little quieter. Never have tried that…I need to some time.