Increased muzzle blast/noise from shorter rifle barrels

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buckchaser

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I hunt primarily in thick cover where a short barreled rifle can be a real bonus. Most of the rifles I have used have had a 22 inch barrel. I notice that some of the new "ultra light" designs coming onto the market like the Kimber Adirondack (18 inch barrel) have much shorter barrels for weight savings.

How much of an increase in muzzle blast/noise would one see going from a standard length (22 inch) barrel down to a short barrel below 20 inches? Let's assume the rifle is chambered in a moderate deer cartridge like 243/7mm08/308.
 
Because the muzzle is closer to you, you will notice the difference in muzzle blast. Small bores seem sharper than medium or large bores; my 20" .375 Ultra was only troublesome when shooting into the wind . . . yes, shooting into the wind makes a difference. The pain associated with sharp muzzle blasts will produce a flinch far faster than shooting rifles that jump around a bit. I don't much like bothering with hearing protection while in the field, and I have the hearing to prove it. Be smart, and protect your hearing when shooting. By the way the experts seem to claim that muffs are better than plugs, but in my experience a muff's seal can be broken when attempting to get a good cheek weld, where it won't if you're using plugs.
 
I have no problems shooting with earmuffs and do it all the time at the range... out in the open, while hunting I don't wear hearing protection... if you hunt in a confined space, like a box blind, then hearing protection is a must. Short barrels might be perceived as "louder" but only marginally so... I have four Ruger centerfires with 16.5" barrels (.223, 7-08, .338 Fed and .358 Win) and have no trouble with them in the field... but love the improved handling. I also have numerous rifles with 18" and 20" barrels.
 
I hunt with a .308 with an 18.5 barrel. Nothing you'll ever notice while hunting.

A day at the range on the other hand... Pretty fire balls :)
 
I had an 18" barreled 6.5x55. It was OK for deer hunting where you'd only fire one round but I couldn't stand the muzzle blast when target shooting.
 
I'm in the camp that finds the difference between short barrels and long ones quite marginal, it is not part of my decision making process when planning a build or buying a rifle, only handling is. This is for field guns are you discuss, long range rifles have a different set of concerns.
 
As with others, I've owned & hunted with rifles with barrels ranging from 12"-30" and do not have much issue as far as blast is concerned. I do however, have a dislike for muzzle brakes as they can be downright painful to both the shooter & those nearby.

I use custom earplugs at the range but not in the field, unless I'm gopher shootin' & using up lots of ammo. I don't like muffs for shooting cause I hate it when they clunk against the stock. Sure be nice to have the option of using moderators on rifles to negate the need for plugs or muffs.:)
 
Perception of muzzle blast would make us believe that the difference between under 20" and over 22" is marginal, and that seems logical. But if you measure the decibels (they are on a logarithmic scale) the instruments will tell a different story. You will certainly damage your hearing more severely and quicker if you shoot a short barrel without hearing protection. I always wear hearing protection while shooting any firearm now, after learning about hearing damage the hard way. If you always wear hearing protection, choose whatever barrel length that you like to handle.
 
I don't like short barrels. I notice a marked difference between an 18.5" Model Seven and a 22" Featherweight.

Prefer to keep the muzzle blast away from my face most of the time. I find it somewhat jarring.

As far as hearing goes, when you double the volume you expose your ears to 10 times the sound pressure.

Canada needs to legalize moderators.
 
I hunted this fall with a ruger GSR I found the 18 inch barrel very handy , for the most part I didn't notice the extra noise but I did when putting the finisher into my buck at standing over him range . That was enough to make me wish I had finished him with a knife
 
dnepr said:
I hunted this fall with a ruger GSR I found the 18 inch barrel very handy , for the most part I didn't notice the extra noise but I did when putting the finisher into my buck at standing over him range . That was enough to make me wish I had finished him with a knife
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I always finish the bigger critters with my Sykes Fairbairn to the brain stem.
 
Actually, the powder's burning rate also play a (major) role in both the blast and the flash
The pressure is also another main component of the muzzle blast.
 
philthygeezer said:
I don't like short barrels. I notice a marked difference between an 18.5" Model Seven and a 22" Featherweight.

Prefer to keep the muzzle blast away from my face most of the time. I find it somewhat jarring.

As far as hearing goes, when you double the volume you expose your ears to 10 times the sound pressure.

Canada needs to legalize moderators.
Click to expand...

My rem750 carbine 18.5bbl has a recessed crown. I guess this probably causes the escaping gasses to be reflected forward and away from the shooter. There's no "smack" to feel on your face. I've been told it's not comfortable for those beside me though.

It's got a knoxx recoil absorbing stock on it too. With proper heading protection, it's as comfortable to shoot as my 10/22. And the fireballs at sunset are a sight to behold :)

For hunting, it's fitted with a single-point sling. The short carbine barrel allows it to hang at my side at the ready, and not bump logs and rocks as I walk through the bush. Standing on level ground, this setup gives me 16 inches of clearance between the muzzle and the ground (but I still tape the barrel before a hunt obviously).
 
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