Muzzle blast/noise level - 9mm vs .380

[zaitcev]

My question is - which of these would have less perceived muzzle blast/concussion/noise:

- A 380 with a 3 to 3.75 inch barrel (ex. Glock 42, Bersa Thunder, S&W EZ 380, etc.)
- Or a 1911 9mm with a 5 inch barrel?

I haven't measured it, but to my ear a .380 out of Glock 42 is noticeably quieter overall quieter than 9mm out of a full-size with 4.5" (SIG P320, Beretta 92X). However, .380 is louder than .22LR out of a target gun like SW22.

 

[LiveLife]

I don't personally own any .22s. My 9mm 1911 is my "new shooter" gun when I'm bringing someone to the range.

I found training new shooters with GSG 1911 22LR and Glock 22 with Advantage Arms 22LR slide kit along with ARs using CMMG 22LR conversion bolts allow for easier transition to Sig 1911 45ACP, Glock 22/40-9mm conversion barrels and .223 ARs/9mm PCCs as same manual of arms are used that allow shooters to better focus on target without the distraction of recoil.

 

[Skribs]

I found training new shooters with GSG 1911 22LR and Glock 22 with Advantage Arms 22LR slide kit along with ARs using CMMG 22LR conversion bolts allow for easier transition to Sig 1911 45ACP, Glock 22/40-9mm conversion barrels and .223 ARs/9mm PCCs as same manual of arms are used that allow shooters to better focus on target without the distraction of recoil.

I realize it's a little bit blasphemous, but I just don't like the .22.

I find that if I want to work on fundamentals, an airsoft gun will do most of what a .22 will do, and I can do that in the comfort of my own home with reusable ammo. I don't personally have any real-world application for the .22; I don't compete in sporting events with it, nor do I hunt small game. So for me, the gentle options are duty-size 9mm or airsoft.

 

[LiveLife]

I don't personally have any real-world application for the .22

I do, for fast defensive point shooting drills that eat up a lot of rounds using same manual of arms Glock 22 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...shooting-for-those-with-vision-issues.891558/

Same for ARs using CMMG 22LR conversion bolts for fast defensive point shooting drills with same trigger and manual of arms.

 

[Skribs]

I do, for fast defensive point shooting drills that eat up a lot of rounds using same manual of arms Glock 22 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...shooting-for-those-with-vision-issues.891558/

Same for ARs using CMMG 22LR conversion bolts for fast defensive point shooting drills with same trigger and manual of arms.

But you can also get airsoft that has the same manual of arms. Maybe not the same trigger, I'll give you that, but a similar enough one.

 

[LiveLife]

But you can also get airsoft that has the same manual of arms. Maybe not the same trigger, I'll give you that, but a similar enough one.

I used to poo poo airsoft in decades past but in recent years, realism of airsoft has really impressed me (Along with near firearm realm pricing ).

Yes for indoor practice, airsoft would be a good alternative. For outdoor practice, especially using the same firearm with the same trigger feel, 22LR conversion allows for very functional point shooting practice that translates to 9mm/40S&W/.223 cartridges in terms of similar point of impact.

 

[doubleh]

I will never forget the first time I shot my light weight 30-06 wearing ear protection. Recoil was much less. It really wasn't but with so less much noise from the front end of the little thing it appeared to be. Darn, that was lot of years ago.

 

[ms6852]

You might consider getting her fitted for custom molded earplug than use the ear muffs. When I purchased by .380 I had shot the kimbers, sigs, picas, and bersa, they all were very snappy compared the the 911 Springfield which was the lightest of those mention but the recoil was not snappy.

In your wife's case I have one very costly recommendation for you but it might be the answer for your wife. The browning black label 1911 in .380. Comes with a 4 1/4" barrel. Just be aware that using light loads on semi-autos you run into the problems of them not cycling the action properly until a few hundred rounds or a couple of thousand rounds have been fired. Just lubricate all moving parts well and that will eliminate many problems.

 

[jar]

Just some possibly interesting data based on the guns I own.

I don't find the noise factor much different between 22lr, .380 and 9mm Luger but with the micro sized .380s the perceived recoil does make both a measurable and perceived difference. New shooters (only a sample of two I must admit) both felt the 9mm Luger and the micro .380s noisy and frightening. The micro 380s were my S&W Bodyguard, Beretta Pico, Remington RM380 and Sig P230.

However switching to the newer easy to operate and shoot .380 and they both perceived the pistols as quieter as well as softer recoil wise. Add in the significantly lighter slide effort really made a difference in the new shooters experience.



The pistols in this instance were my S&W Shield 2.0 9mm, my S&W .380EZ, Walther CCP M2 380, Ruger Security 380 Lite Rack and Ruger LCP II 22 Lite Rack.

The actual noise level between the 9mm Luger and the three .380 pistols was likely negligible but the perception and so the results were totally different.

 

[Skylerbone]

https://palmettostatearmory.com/smi...eals&utm_campaign=20230322&utm_term=afternoon

I’d look for one to rent and try and if it works well, order. My ex had a 5” M&P 9mm and could handle it without issue, including noise with standard ear plugs.

 

[hso]

Look at this data and you'll see the numbers on 9mm vs. .380 noise levels. https://earinc.com/gunfire-noise-level-reference-chart/

 

[JimCunn]

I have two 85% Browning Compact 1911-380/22 Convertibles. Barrel length 3.625".
Recoil is quite mild and very similar when shooting either 380 slide assembly or 22 slide assembly. Takes about a minute to swap calibers.

On the other hand, I have three 12 ounce S&W J-frame 9mm conversions, and recoil is extremely painful when shooting 147gr subsonic 9mm.

I like em all.

 

[JDR]

My STI Trojan 9mm 1911 is what I like to shoot if I’m shooting with a group of people who don’t have a lot of shooting experience. I put a WC 13lb Flat Wire Recoil Spring with the full size WC 1/4” dia. guide-rod & plug setup on it, so now it shoots all weights of 9mm really well.

 

[Leon tP]

Hey all,

My wife enjoys going to the range with me, but she is pretty sensitive to muzzle blast/noise.

...
She has fired my GP100 with some mild 38 special target loads, and did fine with it.

...

Conversely, I was also considering a 9mm with a long barrel, like a 5-inch 1911. But I know 9mm is generally a high pressure cartridge.

My question is - which of these would have less perceived muzzle blast/concussion/noise:

- A 380 with a 3 to 3.75 inch barrel (ex. Glock 42, Bersa Thunder, S&W EZ 380, etc.)

- Or a 1911 9mm with a 5 inch barrel?

I'm wondering if the reduced pressure of the 380 would be offset by the shorter barrel, making it a wash in the end. If so, then the 9mm would make more sense since ammo is so much cheaper. But I don't mind paying more for 380 ammo if its a noticeably milder cartridge to shoot in this scenario.

Thanks!

This is one of those subjective "depends" questions.

Depends on the ammo compared, hot 380 versus mild 9mm. Short barrel versus even shorter barrel. Locked breech versus blow back, etc...

My guess, and it’s only a guess is the S&W EZ 380 with its 3.68" barrel along with standard pressure 380 ACP ammo would have the least muzzle blast, even compared to a 5-inch barrel 9mm at standard pressure.

Point of Concern: How do you define
less perceived and
noticeably milder

In either 380 or 9mm, you'll need adequate hearing protection.

I have a Bersa 380 and it's a joy to shoot but I also shoot a 44 Super Blackhawk so by comparison the 380 is a little pop gun. I also have a GP100 357 Mag and when I shoot my own 38 reloads, it to is a little pop gun. So everything is subjective.

One thing I do know. Typically, 380 rounds are loaded with less powder than 9mm rounds, in general. Less powder generates less gases and therefore (hopefully) less muzzle pressure. The 380 starts off as a lower pressure round using less powder, but how much lower blast will be required to be Noticeably Milder or Less Perceived?

I don't know, but I'm still favoring the EZ. My only recommendation is you should visit a range were you can try before you buy.