Report Highlights: Suppressors manage the sound of gunfire, reducing it to safer and more comfortable levels.
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Suppressors reduce the sound of gunfire by 20-35 decibels (dB), on average.
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An unsuppressed gunshot is roughly 155-177 dB, depending on the cartridge.
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A suppressed gunshot roughly averages 120-140 dB, depending on the cartridge.
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Suppressors do not make firearms more lethal. They only serve to dampen the intensity of the report.
Methodology
All data used in this article comes from reputable sources that follow standardized and replicable testing methods, including or equivalent to MIL-STD-1474D, the U.S. military’s standard for measuring firearm impulse noise.
Results may differ depending on environmental factors, barrel length, ammo type (e.g. subsonic vs. supersonic), and other factors. Data was cross-referenced and averaged across multiple reports where available.
How Much Does a Suppressor Reduce Noise?
On average, a suppressor reduces the noise of a gunshot by 20-35dB, depending on the firearm, environment, ammunition, and suppressor. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Smaller and/or subsonic cartridges tend to issue quieter reports than larger, higher-pressure ones. Although results vary depending on many factors, shooters can typically expect suppressors to reduce the intensity comparable to that of a jet engine taking off (150 dB depending on distance) to that of thunder (approximately 120 dB). 11
How Loud Is a Gunshot Noise?
On average, gunshots create sounds that are 155-170 dB. This is comparable to the intensity of a jet engine or fireworks, though gunfire occurs in short, high-pressure bursts rather than continuously.
Gunshot Noise Chart
*Disclaimer: Subsonic ammunition testing is included when available and classified accordingly.
| Cartridge | Barrel Length | Unsuppressed (Peak dB) |
|---|---|---|
| .22 LR (Rifle) | 16" barrel, subsonic ammo | 145-155 dB |
| .22 LR (Pistol) | 4.5" barrel | 140-161 dB |
| 9mm Luger (Pistol) | 4-5" barrel, 147 gr subsonic | 157-167 dB |
| .45 ACP (Pistol) | 5" barrel | 165-166 dB |
| 5.56x45mm / .223 Rem (Rifle) | 16" barrel | 165-171 dB |
| .308 Win / 7.62x51mm (Rifle) | 18" barrel | 167-173 dB |
Source: Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundatio n
How Loud Is a Suppressed Gunshot?
A suppressor reduces sound by an average of 20-35 dB. A suppressed gunshot is typically 120dB-140dB, still audible, but often below 140 dB. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Although some suppressors still allow the emission of sound as intense as 145 dB, actual results depend on the cartridge, barrel length, suppressor quality, and type of ammo being fired.
Suppressor Decibel Reduction Chart
*Disclaimer: Subsonic ammunition testing is included when available and classified accordingly.
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