AFTE Store - Firearms Sound Level Measurements: Suppressed and Unsuppressed Firearms, Supersonic Bullets, and Comparable High Amplitude Impulse Sounds Part 3

Only a limited number of modern Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meters are capable of accurately measuring the peak decibel (dB) levels of gunshots and other impulse sounds. Part 1 of this series described the requirements for such meters and the use of a control firearm-ammunition combination as a practical means of verifying proper performance of an SPL meter. Part 2 described and illustrated the effects of a number of variables on dB measurements. These included barrel length, subsonic vs. supersonic discharges, muzzle pressure, microphone position, microphone standoff distance, scale selection and environmental variations. In this final Part 3, some examples are presented of suppressed and unsuppressed firearms fitted with professionally made suppressors and homemade suppressors. The matter of the sound levels of supersonic bullets in flight that pass near downrange ear witnesses is provided. Finally, several examples of common high amplitude impulse sounds are also provided to which courts and juries can relate when presented with testimony regarding the sound level of gunshots.