Chuck R.
Member
A while back a poster stated something to the effect that shotgun’s had excessive muzzle blast/noise when fired indoors when compared to handguns. This struck a cord because I use a shotgun for HD and it ran contrary to what I’d experienced. So I did a little research, there’s not too much out there, but here’s a couple articles:
"The sound levels of firearms are about 125 to 140 dB for rimfire rifles, 140 to 150 dB for rimfire pistols... and 150 to 160 dB for centerfire rifles, pistols and shotguns"
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_2_48/ai_81477136/pg_1
This points out that all centerfire guns are about in the same noise range. Close, but not good enough. Then I stumbled upon this:
http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2007-03_06.asp
Please note this chart represents peak impulse levels of standard police weapons taken at an indoor firing range. Notice that both the 9mm and .357 were measured as louder than the 12GA as were the .40 and .45 depending on the platform used.
The results pretty much confirmed the 1st article that all centerfires are about in the same range. The only caliber that really stood out is the .357 Mag.
Another "factor" that was cited in that thread was muzzle flash. Sorry I couldn't find anything on this. I have shot my Benelli quite a bit at night doing low-light training and as it doubles as my muskrat/beaver control gun, muzzle flash with my #1 buck or standard birdshot is a non-issue. Since I also use a weapon mounted light for HD, the flash isn't even noticeable.
For my use, I’ll stick with the shotgun, based on the chart, they all look to be pretty close. Decide for yourselves...........
Chuck
"The sound levels of firearms are about 125 to 140 dB for rimfire rifles, 140 to 150 dB for rimfire pistols... and 150 to 160 dB for centerfire rifles, pistols and shotguns"
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_2_48/ai_81477136/pg_1
This points out that all centerfire guns are about in the same noise range. Close, but not good enough. Then I stumbled upon this:
http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2007-03_06.asp
Please note this chart represents peak impulse levels of standard police weapons taken at an indoor firing range. Notice that both the 9mm and .357 were measured as louder than the 12GA as were the .40 and .45 depending on the platform used.
The results pretty much confirmed the 1st article that all centerfires are about in the same range. The only caliber that really stood out is the .357 Mag.
Another "factor" that was cited in that thread was muzzle flash. Sorry I couldn't find anything on this. I have shot my Benelli quite a bit at night doing low-light training and as it doubles as my muskrat/beaver control gun, muzzle flash with my #1 buck or standard birdshot is a non-issue. Since I also use a weapon mounted light for HD, the flash isn't even noticeable.
For my use, I’ll stick with the shotgun, based on the chart, they all look to be pretty close. Decide for yourselves...........
Chuck