Why Does A 9mm Ring Your Ears More Than A Shotgun? | Shotgun vs handgun for home defense

Published on July 1, 2026
Duration: 6:20

This video explores why a 9mm pistol might seem louder and cause more ear ringing than a shotgun, despite shotguns being perceived as more dangerous for home defense. The presenter hypothesizes that the closer muzzle proximity to the shooter's ears with a handgun, compared to a shotgun, is the primary factor. While decibel meter readings were inconclusive due to equipment limitations, the personal experience of the presenter and his associates consistently indicates that handguns cause more immediate ear ringing than shotguns, even without hearing protection.

Quick Summary

A 9mm pistol may cause more immediate ear ringing than a shotgun primarily due to the closer distance between the pistol's muzzle and the shooter's ears. While shotguns are powerful, their blast characteristics and longer barrels can result in sound dissipating differently, making the perceived loudness and ringing effect less pronounced compared to a handgun.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Handgun vs Shotgun for Home Defense
  2. 00:03Shotgun Hearing Damage Concerns
  3. 00:10Personal Experience: Hunting Shotguns & Hearing
  4. 00:33First Experience with Pistol & Ear Ringing
  5. 00:38Pistols Ringing Ears More Than Rifles
  6. 00:46Hypothesis: Science Behind Ear Ringing
  7. 00:54Theory 1: Muzzle Distance
  8. 00:61Theory 2: Shotgun Blast Confinement
  9. 00:78Decibel Meter Testing Setup
  10. 00:84Firearms Used: 9mm, 12 Gauge, Rifle
  11. 00:98Permanent Hearing Damage Warning
  12. 01:06Testing the 9mm Pistol
  13. 01:31Inconclusive 9mm Decibel Readings
  14. 01:40Adjusting Decibel Meter Settings
  15. 01:55Further Decibel Meter Issues
  16. 02:06Testing the 12 Gauge Shotgun (18.5" Barrel)
  17. 02:21Shotgun Ear Position Measurement
  18. 02:30Shotgun Results Contradicting Hypothesis
  19. 02:50Testing 12 Gauge Shotgun (24" Barrel)
  20. 03:02Testing the Rifle (AR-15)
  21. 03:10Rifle Decibel Readings & Meter Issues
  22. 03:26Attempting High Decibel Reading
  23. 03:40Inconclusive Test Results Summary
  24. 03:51Handgun vs Shotgun Ear Ringing Conclusion
  25. 03:64Audience Question: Why Pistol Rings More?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a 9mm pistol seem louder than a shotgun for home defense?

The primary reason a 9mm pistol may seem louder and cause more ear ringing than a shotgun is the closer proximity of the pistol's muzzle to the shooter's ears. While shotguns are perceived as more powerful, their longer barrels and wider muzzle blast can result in sound waves dissipating differently.

Can firing a shotgun indoors permanently damage hearing?

Yes, firing any firearm indoors, including a shotgun, can cause permanent hearing damage. While personal experiences may vary regarding immediate ear ringing, consistent exposure to loud firearm reports without hearing protection is detrimental to auditory health.

What are the theories explaining why pistols cause more ear ringing than shotguns?

Two main theories exist: 1) The muzzle of a pistol is significantly closer to the shooter's ears than a shotgun's. 2) A shotgun's blast is less confined within the barrel, creating a 'thump' rather than a sharp 'pop' associated with pistols.

Is it safe to shoot a handgun indoors without hearing protection?

No, it is never safe to shoot any firearm indoors without hearing protection. Even if a pistol doesn't immediately cause your ears to ring as much as a shotgun might, the sound pressure levels are still high enough to cause permanent hearing damage over time.

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