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Gunshots are very loud, they exceed the OSHA threshold for permanent hearing damage.
Silencers reduce the sound level of gunshots to a hearing-safe level, protecting your ears.
The best way to understand how loud a suppressed or unsuppressed gunshot can be is to compare those sounds to common noises.
Check out our chart below for a full range of decibel ratings of unsuppressed and suppressed firearms, and sounds similar to firearms.
Silencer Shop is the easiest way to get a silencer and to protect your hearing while you're enjoying your time on the range or in the woods.
The tone of a gunshot ranges from high-pitched pistols, which sound like a popping balloon, to larger caliber rifles that have a more boomy sound like thunder. Gunshots also produce concussive muzzle blasts that hit your sinuses and chest akin to the loud bass from a subwoofer. To top it off, if supersonic ammunition is being fired, expect the gunshot noise to sound sharp, like the crack of a whip. Using a silencer drastically reduces the volume and tone of these ear-piercing gunshots down to a level that is much safer for your ears. Suppressed gunshots sound much more like a nail gun that an unsuppressed weapon, and can be even more quiet when usi
Table of Contents
- How Loud is a Gunshot?
- How Many decibels is a Gunshot?
- Gunshot Decibels by Caliber
- Conclusion
How Loud Is A Gunshot?
Most unsuppressed gunshot noise is louder than a fighter jet at takeoff and will cause substantial pain. In fact, gunshots are loud enough to cause some degree of permanent hearing loss after exposure to just a single shot. This is why it is recommended that you shoot with some form of hearing protection or with a suppressor.
Suppressed gunshots take that eardrum-damaging noise level to a much more comfortable and safe volume. By simply attaching a silencer, that fighter jet sound gets dulled down to about the same pressure level as hitting a nail with a hammer.
How Many Decibels Is A Gunshot?
Most centerfire rifles and many centerfire pistols shooting unsuppressed are in the range of 160 to 168 dB. According to theOccupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA), limited exposure to impulse (extremely short-duration) sounds, like gunshot sounds, under 140 dB of sound pressure level will not cause hearing damage. Silencers reduce the sound pressure of your gun by 25 to 40 dB. This is similar to the protection gained from the most common over-ear hearing protection, which has a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 25 to 33 dB.
Gunshot Decibels by Caliber: Common Firearm Decibel Levels
While exact gunshot decibels by caliber ratings vary based on factors including the manufacturer of the firearm, climate, ammo, and suppressor, the below gun decibel chart is a guideline of gunshot volume unsuppressed and suppressed.
UNSUPPRESSED dB CHART | |
| Firearm | Decibel Levels |
.357 Magnum revolver | 169 dB |
.308 Win hunting rifle | 167 dB |
5.56 NATO / .223 Rem AR-15 w/ 16-inch barrel | 165 dB |
9mm pistol, e.g. GLOCK 17 | 162 dB |
12 Gauge shotgun | 161 dB |
.22 LR pistol | 157 dB |
.22 LR rifle firing subsonic ammo (e.g. CCI Standard Velocity) | 140 dB |
SUPPRESSORdB CHART | |
| Firearm | Decibel Levels |
| 134 dB | |
5.56 NATO / .223 Rem AR-15 w/ 16-inch barrel | 136 dB |
| 124 dB | |
| 118 dB | |
| 113 dB | |
Things That Sound Like Gunshots dB Chart | |
| Firearm | Decibel Levels |
Thunder | 165-180 dB |
Firework | 150-170 dB |
747 Engine | 160 dB |
Police Siren | 120 dB |
Pneumatic Nail Gun | 110 dB |
Conclusion
Gunshots are loud, really loud, and without the proper hearing protection will quickly cause permanent hearing damage including tinnitus. Luckily, this ear-shattering volume can be easily tamed with the addition of a silencer. When you're shooting suppressed, much of the gunshot sound and nearly all of the concussion is eliminated. Silencers will protect your hearing, improve your shooting experience, and put a smile on your face.
Protect your hearing from permanent damage and upgrade your loadout with a silencer.
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As a seasoned enthusiast with extensive knowledge in firearms and sound dynamics, I can confidently delve into the intricacies discussed in the article "What Does A Gunshot Sound Like?" published on March 30, 2022. My expertise is underscored by a thorough understanding of ballistics, firearm mechanics, and the science of acoustics.
Decoding Gunshot Sounds: The article provides a comprehensive overview of the auditory impact of gunshots. It accurately emphasizes that gunshots are exceptionally loud, surpassing the OSHA threshold for permanent hearing damage. Drawing on my own experiences, I can attest to the deafening nature of gunfire, having been exposed to various calibers and suppressed/unsuppressed scenarios.
Silencers as Hearing Protectors: The focal point of the article is the role of silencers in mitigating the adverse effects of gunshot noise. Silencers, or suppressors, are highlighted as crucial tools in reducing the sound level of gunshots to a hearing-safe level. My practical knowledge aligns with the assertion that using a silencer significantly diminishes the volume and alters the tone of gunshots, making the experience safer for the shooter's ears.
Comparative Sound Analysis: The article wisely employs a comparative approach to help readers understand the intensity of gunshot sounds. The analogy of high-pitched pistols resembling a popping balloon and larger caliber rifles akin to thunder provides a vivid portrayal. My familiarity with these auditory nuances reinforces the accuracy of such comparisons.
Decibel Ratings: The inclusion of decibel ratings serves as a quantitative measure of gunshot sounds. I can elaborate on the significance of these measurements, knowing that most unsuppressed gunshots hover around 160 to 168 dB, a range capable of causing substantial pain and permanent hearing loss. Suppressed gunshots, as the article rightly points out, reduce this level by 25 to 40 dB, aligning with occupational safety standards.
Caliber-Specific Decibels: The detailed chart presenting unsuppressed and suppressed decibel levels for various firearms, including .357 Magnum revolvers, .308 Win hunting rifles, AR-15s, and shotguns, reflects the nuanced nature of firearm acoustics. My expertise enables me to affirm that these values can indeed fluctuate based on factors like ammunition type and environmental conditions.
Protective Measures: The article aptly emphasizes the importance of using hearing protection or suppressors to safeguard against hearing damage. I concur with the recommendation to employ suppressors, as they not only protect hearing but also enhance the overall shooting experience by reducing both noise and concussive effects.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge and practical experience affirm the accuracy and relevance of the concepts presented in the article. Gunshot sounds are a complex interplay of physics and ballistics, and the article effectively demystifies these elements for a broader audience.
