How loud is a rifle shot?
Rifles larger than .22 calibre produce mean peak sound pressure levels of about 159 to 174 dB at the shooter's ear, and small-calibre .17 and .22 rifles about 140 to 144 dB, according to a 2017 review. US Army data list 157 dB peak at the shooter for the M16A2 rifle.
- Level
- 140–174 dB peakunweighted peak sound pressure level
- Daily limit
- No safe unprotected exposureimpulse noise
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. Mean unweighted peak levels at the left ear of a right-handed shooter: about 140 to 144 dB for .17 and .22 rifles and 159 to 174 dB for larger calibres (2017 review); US Army figure for the M16A2.
Most of the energy is the muzzle blast, but a supersonic bullet also creates its own shock wave. Muzzle brakes, which redirect gas sideways, make it worse for the shooter and neighbours: published measurements range from 140 dB peak for a .22 rifle to well above 175 dB peak for a .30 calibre rifle with a muzzle brake.
The left ear of a right-handed shooter is nearer the muzzle and takes the higher exposure, which is why reviews report left-ear levels and why shooters often show worse hearing loss in that ear.
How dangerous is a 140–174 dB peak?
A peak of 174 dB is at or above 140 dB, the impulse limit used by NIOSH and OSHA and the EU and UK exposure limit value. A single exposure at close range can damage hearing.
| Rule | Peak limit | This sound |
|---|---|---|
| UK and EU lower exposure action value | 135 dB(C) | Above |
| UK and EU upper exposure action value | 137 dB(C) | Above |
| UK and EU exposure limit value; NIOSH and OSHA impulse ceiling | 140 dB | Above |
Protecting your hearing
Use plugs and muffs together for centre-fire rifles, avoid muzzle brakes near other people, and consider a suppressor and subsonic ammunition, which reduce but do not remove the hazard.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Questions
How many decibels is a rifle shot?
About 159 to 174 dB peak at the shooter's ear for calibres above .22, and about 140 to 144 dB for .17 and .22 rifles.
Why is the left ear more damaged in rifle shooters?
For a right-handed shooter the left ear is closer to the muzzle and receives a higher peak level.
Sources
- Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss from Recreational Firearms, Seminars in Hearing (2017), open access via PMC. Supports: dB_high: 174 dB peak; 159 dB.
Rifles (higher caliber than 0.22) ∼159–174
Checked 2026-11-03. - Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss from Recreational Firearms, Seminars in Hearing (2017), open access via PMC. Supports: dB_low: 140 dB peak.
Rifles (0.17 and 0.22 caliber) ∼140–144
Checked 2026-11-03. - Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss from Recreational Firearms, Seminars in Hearing (2017), open access via PMC. Supports: body: left ear.
The left ear is reported due to the higher asymmetrical exposure from a rifle or shotgun gunshot and higher prevalence of hearing loss in the left ear of right-handed shooters
Checked 2026-11-03. - The reduction of gunshot noise and auditory risk through the use of firearm suppressors and low-velocity ammunition, International Journal of Audiology (2018), author manuscript via PMC. Supports: body: muzzle brake above 175 dB.
Peak sound pressure levels have been reported for small caliber rifles, pistols and shotguns ranging between 140 decibels peak sound pressure level (dB peak SPL) for a .22 caliber rifle to well above 175 dB peak SPL for a .30 caliber rifle with a muzzle brake
Checked 2026-11-03. - Noise levels of common Army equipment: steady noise (Table A-1) and impulse noise (Table A-2), US Army hearing conservation programme, Fort Campbell (archived 2013). Supports: 157 dB peak, M16A2.
M16A2 5.56mm rifle Shooter 157
Checked 2026-11-03.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.