
That is why it’s strongly recommended to keep the range below 40 yards for maximum effect if you use birdshot. In terms of range, the rule of thumb is 40/40 which means at 40 yards, birdshot shall produce a 40-inch spread pattern. The more calls dispatchers receive, the easier it will be for police to determine where the shots were coming from so they can find the person who fired the gun. In a pinch, birdshot performs well in house invasion scenarios. Most people never call 911 when they hear gunshots, but Indiana State Police say you should report gunshots anytime you hear them. While the sound faded the further away we got, gunshots could still be heard two miles away from the range.Īnother big question people ask is what should you do if you hear gunshots? Our Call 6 Investigates photographer then headed down the road, stopping each quarter of a mile to see if he or the camera could hear the shots. Since the typical gunshot produces about 160 dB of noise, that means a suppressor will still lower the noise to 130 dB. Indiana State Police used a 45-caliber handgun and an AR-15 rifle for the test. attests their suppressors reduce the sound pressure of a 9mm gunshot to anywhere from 125.7 dB to 131.5 dB, depending on the model. Sound travels farthest when the ground is cooler, like in the late night or early morning hours.Ĭall 6 Investigates teamed up with Indiana State Police at the outdoor gun range in Pendleton to determine how far the sound of a gunshot can be heard. So how far does the actual sound of a gunshot travel?Īccording to an acoustic engineering professor at Purdue University, numerous factors – like weather and temperature – can affect how far sound travels. Last month, there were 741 calls to Marion County’s 911 Center reporting shots fired, according to reports obtained by Call 6 Investigates.



It's a common question for some who live in certain parts of Indianapolis, but trying to determine where those shots come from and how far away they are can be difficult.
