Guys,
Noise levels in handguns is an issue that has interested me for some time, and I think it warrants some investigation.
I've heard several anecdotal stories regarding what happens when there are no ear plugs around. One regarded an undercover narc who found it necessary to discharge his .357 snubbie in a tile floored corridor. He said the effect was the same as one of those disorientation flash bangs that the SWAT Tactical entry teams use. He was knocked off his feet as a result of noise disorientation, his vision was blurred, temporarily deaf and on the verge of being unconscious for a couple of seconds. Second story concerned someone who was walking back to his home from some outdoor range through a large wooded area he knew well, he discharged a single shot from his weapon (type unknown), the first shot he EVER fired without ear protection and seriously damaged his hearing. I also understand that the LEO's who let rip with 30 plus 9mm ball in the NYC Diallo shooting recently had to be treated for minor ear damage at the local ER (which is more than can be said for Mr.Diallo of course). Personally, I fired a PT-99 recently without ear protection (by accident) and found it uncomfortable, a similar experience with a .38 snubbie was much less pleasant. I rate noise levels as follows :
Noisiest - 357 Sig / 357 mag snubs
.45 ACP / .40 S&W
.38 snub
revolvers 4" bbl plus
9mm autos at least 4" bbl
This is purely a personal viewpoint of perceived noise, but I can't help but think about the detrimental effects of noise / muzzle blast call it what you will, to an individuals shooting ability in a lethal force encounter, particularly indoors, say in your bedroom at night when confronted by an intruder.
I'm keen to get a H&K in .357 Sig, but I'm concerned that the gun has severe limitations as a house gun for this very reason, especially with a compact barrel length.
Opinions please.
------------------
Mike H
Noise levels in handguns is an issue that has interested me for some time, and I think it warrants some investigation.
I've heard several anecdotal stories regarding what happens when there are no ear plugs around. One regarded an undercover narc who found it necessary to discharge his .357 snubbie in a tile floored corridor. He said the effect was the same as one of those disorientation flash bangs that the SWAT Tactical entry teams use. He was knocked off his feet as a result of noise disorientation, his vision was blurred, temporarily deaf and on the verge of being unconscious for a couple of seconds. Second story concerned someone who was walking back to his home from some outdoor range through a large wooded area he knew well, he discharged a single shot from his weapon (type unknown), the first shot he EVER fired without ear protection and seriously damaged his hearing. I also understand that the LEO's who let rip with 30 plus 9mm ball in the NYC Diallo shooting recently had to be treated for minor ear damage at the local ER (which is more than can be said for Mr.Diallo of course). Personally, I fired a PT-99 recently without ear protection (by accident) and found it uncomfortable, a similar experience with a .38 snubbie was much less pleasant. I rate noise levels as follows :
Noisiest - 357 Sig / 357 mag snubs
.45 ACP / .40 S&W
.38 snub
revolvers 4" bbl plus
9mm autos at least 4" bbl
This is purely a personal viewpoint of perceived noise, but I can't help but think about the detrimental effects of noise / muzzle blast call it what you will, to an individuals shooting ability in a lethal force encounter, particularly indoors, say in your bedroom at night when confronted by an intruder.
I'm keen to get a H&K in .357 Sig, but I'm concerned that the gun has severe limitations as a house gun for this very reason, especially with a compact barrel length.
Opinions please.
------------------
Mike H