How Loud Is a Gunshot? Decibel Levels by Caliber
Every firearm is loud enough to damage your hearing — usually 140 to 175 dB. Here's how the common calibers compare, and exactly how much protection that means you need.
The danger line for impulse noise is 140 dB — above it, a single sound can permanently damage hearing. Every common firearm clears that line, even a .22. The chart below shows typical peak levels at the shooter's ear.
Want to see how much a given NRR cuts your caliber down to? Enter the dB in the NRR calculator for single and double protection.
Gunshot Decibel Chart by Caliber
| Firearm / Caliber | Peak Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| .22 LR rifle | ~140 dB | Quietest common firearm — still above the danger line |
| 9mm pistol | ~159–160 dB | Typical handgun report |
| .45 ACP pistol | ~157 dB | Slightly lower pitch, similar intensity |
| .40 S&W pistol | ~160 dB | Common duty/range caliber |
| .223 / 5.56 rifle | ~165 dB | AR-15 platform; sharp, high report |
| .308 rifle | ~167–170 dB | Full-power rifle round |
| 12-gauge shotgun | ~150–160 dB | Varies widely with load and barrel |
| .44 Magnum revolver | ~164–170 dB | Among the loudest handguns |
Figures are typical published peak levels at the shooter's ear and vary with barrel length, ammunition, muzzle devices, and environment. Treat them as ballpark, not lab-exact.
Why Decibels Are Deceiving
The decibel scale is logarithmic. Every 3 dB roughly doubles the sound energy, so the jump from a 140 dB .22 to a 167 dB rifle is enormous — many times the intensity, not a small step. That's why "it's only 20 dB louder" badly understates the risk.
It also means hearing protection works on the same scale: an NRR drop of a few dB is a meaningful change in energy reaching your ear. See the full explanation in how NRR works.
Protect Your Ears at the Range
Now that you know how loud your caliber is, pick protection that can handle it. See our guides to the best earplugs for shooting and the best earmuffs for shooting, and remember to double up indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many decibels is a gunshot?
Most gunshots fall between 140 and 175 dB at the shooter's ear. A .22 LR is around 140 dB — the quietest common firearm — while rifles and magnum handguns can reach 165–175 dB. For comparison, hearing damage can begin at sustained exposure around 85 dB, and pain starts near 120–130 dB.
Can a single gunshot damage your hearing?
Yes. Any impulse noise at or above 140 dB can cause immediate, permanent hearing damage — and essentially every firearm exceeds 140 dB. That's why hearing protection isn't optional at the range, even for one shot, and even outdoors.
Why is a gunshot so much louder than the decibel number suggests?
Decibels are logarithmic, not linear. Every 3 dB increase roughly doubles the sound energy, so a 165 dB rifle isn't '18% louder' than a 140 dB .22 — it's many times more intense. That's why even small-sounding differences between calibers matter a lot for your ears.
How much NRR do I need for a gunshot?
Because gunshots run 140–175 dB and the safe threshold is far lower, you want the highest comfortable NRR — most shooters run NRR 22–34. No single protector brings a loud indoor shot fully into the safe range, so double protection (plugs under muffs) is recommended indoors. Run your caliber's dB through the NRR calculator to see your protected exposure.
Are indoor ranges louder than outdoor?
Effectively yes. The same shot is more dangerous indoors because hard walls and ceilings reflect the sound back at you, and you also absorb everyone else's shots. Indoor ranges can exceed 155 dB at the firing line, which is why double protection is the norm indoors.
Decibel figures are approximate published values and vary by setup. This page is for general information, not medical or safety advice — always wear appropriate hearing protection and follow range rules.