.410 Noise Level

[Hawker]

Yea. But find a junior program where they only shoot 22s on the range. Otherwise you'll be next to someone on the range shooting large caliber. Just as bad.

Funny you mention that, as I recently posted here on Calguns asking if anyone knew of any .22-only ranges. Apparently Prado has a rimfire rifle range, but if you know of any others please let me know.

I really want my son to enjoy his first experience shooting, not just tolerate it. Someone blasting away with a large caliber rifle a few feet away would definitely detract from his enjoyment.

The first time I ever shot a gun I was just a kid and it was a 12 gauge shotgun (no earplugs!) at my uncle's ranch. The noise and recoil were too much for at that age, and I had no interest in firearms for many years as a result.

[midlife]

Don't know where you live. At the range in dulzura. South Bay gun. They take over a range for half day for just juniors w 22s. Look for junior program at local gun club.

[BroncoBob]

Not sure but I never bothered to check on my 410 upper....

[SilentPea]

You're just as well off with a standard 12/20ga shotgun and winchester's low noise/recoil rounds. Probably a lot cheaper after taking into account the cost of a new shotgun and super expensive .410 shells.

20GA 7/8oz #8 at 980fps
12GA 7/8oz #8 at 980fps

[Hawker]

You're just as well off with a standard 12/20ga shotgun and winchester's low noise/recoil rounds. Probably a lot cheaper after taking into account the cost of a new shotgun and super expensive .410 shells.

Has anyone tried the Winchester Winlites? Are they really any quieter? I've heard about them but I don't know if they actually are less noisy or if it's just a marketing claim.

A light 20 ga load might just as light as a .410.

[SilentPea]

I have the 20ga featherlite or whatever the 980fps load is. They recoil a lot less, especially in the light single shot l I was using them in.

While they aren't quiet enough to skip hearing protection, they sound very different -- a loud thud instead of the normal sharp crack.

[Darto]

A page I found online confirms that 6dB electrical reading on a meter (such as a S meter on a communications radio) is perceived as twice as loud and so is 10dB actual sound level twice as loud. Link below. (I was always told running a linear amp on an amateur radio that is ten times the wattage out would make for 6dB more on the Smeter of the receiver and double perceived loudness at the receiver).

http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-levelchange.htm

Anyway since a 12 gauge is actual 6dB louder on the chart than a 410. So it is not twice as loud as a 410 (that would be 10dB).

[lewdogg21]

For those with non-shooters, new women and new kids shooters. Beware the urge to give them a single shot 410 or 20 gauge thinking it will be a good to learn.

I have a short (youth model i guess) old 20 gauge single shot that I was playing with last year. Shooting 2-3/4" #5, and 3" #4, and such it beat the crap out of me. The short stock would move around and bump me in the face.


Also my shoulder hurts thinking about it.

[Sanderhawk]

.410 ammo is rediculously expencive. I sold my .410 just for that reason. Get a 12ga ammo is cheap