Air pistols are the quietest firearms out there. However, they can still make enough noise to draw attention to the shooter. So, what are the quietest air pistols, and what makes them so? Find out in this post.
How Loud Are Air Pistols?
The air gun community generally considers anything below 130 decibels (dB) to be “quiet”, and most air pistols fall into this category.
However, some air pistols, particularly those designed for hunting larger animals, may produce noise levels above 130 dB. These louder air pistols may still be quieter than traditional firearms.
Although air pistols are quiet relative to other firearms, they’re not silent. Air pistols can still be heard by neighbors or anyone close by when fired. So, make sure to alert them if you plan on shooting in your backyard.
Why Are Air Pistols Quiet?
The reason air pistols are quiet is that they are not powered by gunpowder and usually shoot small-caliber rounds.
The sound produced from the release of C02 or compressed air is significantly lower than the explosion made from a gunpowder charge. And since the rounds fired are often smaller in caliber, they do not make as much noise traveling out of the barrel or hitting the target.
Air pistols are also the most commonly owned firearms because they are great for target shooting and plinking. They are especially great for beginners just learning how to handle firearms. They are also very accurate. Combine these aspects with a quiet sound, and one can see why air pistols are so popular amongst gun enthusiasts.
What Produces Air Pistol Sound?
Most of the sound of an air pistol is due to the air pressure sending the bb or pellet out of the barrel along with the round hitting the target. However, other factors also play a role, including:
- Power Source: Spring-powered airguns use a spring to compress air, which creates a loud, sharp noise when the spring is released. CO2 airguns use a small canister of compressed CO2 gas, which produces a quieter sound when it is released.
- Valve: The valve is responsible for releasing compressed air or gas when the trigger is pulled. The movement of the valve can create a sharp, popping noise.
- Pellet Size and Shape: When the pellet is propelled out of the barrel of the gun, the sound of the pellet moving through the air can contribute to the overall noise level of the gun.
- Mechanical Parts: Air pistols have many mechanical parts, such as the trigger, hammer, and spring, that move quickly and forcefully when the gun is fired. The movement of these parts can produce a clicking or rattling sound.
Overall, the noise produced by an air pistol is the result of the combination of these factors. The specific design and construction of the airgun can also affect the sound it produces.
For more information, read our post How Do Air Pistols Work?
Air Pistols With Silencers
Silencers, or suppressors, attached to the barrel of the air pistol can reduce the noise it makes when fired. They work by trapping the expanding gases that are released when the gun is fired, which helps to reduce the sound of the gunshot.
An airgun silencer can reduce the sound of the airgun by up to 50%. This can be great for backyard target practice because it won’t disturb your neighbors.
However, air pistols with silencers are still not completely silent and still produce some noise when fired. Additionally, the legality of air pistol silencers can vary by country or region, so it’s important to check local regulations before purchasing a silenced airgun.
What Is The Quietest Air Pistol?
The quietest air pistols are typically those that use a “pre-compressed air” system, where the air is stored in a reservoir and only released when the trigger is pulled. These types of air pistols are often used for target practice and plinking.
In general, the noise level produced can vary depending on the type of airgun, the caliber, and the power source:
- PCP air pistols are typically the quietest of all air pistols since they use compressed air as a power source. The air is stored in a reservoir and released with each shot, making them almost silent.
- CO2 air pistols use a small CO2 canister to power the gun. They tend to be quieter than spring-powered airguns since they don’t have a spring mechanism that creates noise.
- Spring-powered airguns are the least quiet type of airgun. However, they can be made quieter with the addition of a silencer or suppressor.
The air pistol that makes the least amount of noise changes with each new model released. However, it’s important to note that even the quietest air pistols will still make some noise, and it’s important to always follow proper safety precautions when handling any airgun.
An example of a very quiet air pistol is the Browning Buck Mark URX Single Shot Break Barrel .177 Caliber Pellet Gun.
If you would like to know more information, see our post How Quiet Are Air Guns?
To Close
The sound of an air pistol is not great when compared to gunpowder firearms, but can cause harm to a person’s hearing. They can also cause serious injury to a person or animal that is shot by one. So, safety needs to be on the top of your list at all times during any situations where air pistols are involved.
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