For some time I've been trying to nail down a numerical value that can be applied to almost any situation.
How many times have you heard backyard friendly"? How loud is it?
a. Pretty loud.
b. Very loud.
c. Backyard friendly.
d. Not backyard friendly.
These answers don't tell me anything.
How many articles have you read on measuring noise levels, only to be more confused after getting through the material?
There are two noise levels to consider. One at the muzzle, and one at the target. Since 99% of my targets are alive, I don't have those numbers. What I can tell you is a slug impact is far more pronounced than a pellet.
Some of my testing has been at the target. The db numbers are very similar to each other (muzzle vs. target).
If you going to get caught, I'd say the impact at the target will you in trouble. Especially with slugs.
Every airgun I've ever shot either falls between 98dB - 120dB. From a Daystate Huntsman Classic .177 (16FPE - 98.5dB) to an AEA .357 challenger (170FPE - 119.2dB).
The simple benchmark is to simply shoot at the muzzle. This means no interference with obstacles in your indoor or outdoor environment. This way we have a level playing field no matter where we live.
The Sonny dB Airgun Scale at the muzzle:
Definite Backyard friendly: 95dB - 110.9dB
Acceptable Backyard friendly: 111dB - 113.9dB
Questionable Backyard friendly : 114dB - 115.9dB
Borderline not backyard friendly: 116dB - 117.9dB
Possibly not backyard friendly: 118dB - 119.9dB
Definitely not backyard friendly: 120dB and above
This video made sense to me after experimenting with my $20 dB meter, comparing my results to the dB in the video, and comparing my results to the dB comparison chart:
Most popular dB meter on amazon:
Continuous noise pollution in an outside environment:
https://soundproofingguide.com/decibels-level-comparison-chart/
So when you are going to buy a gun, and you want to know how loud it is (in the configuration you desire). Request a dB reading at the muzzle.
