[BUCK OFAMA]

Since I've finally renewed several of my CPLs, it's time again for my G19 to switch from being the nightstand gun to CCW. Therefore, I'm looking for a full-size replacement and was considering the G17/21/34, with a tactical light attached.

The G17 is just something I always figured I should've bought, regardless. A classic! And 9mm, in addition to being my choice for CCW, is cheap enough that I know I'll practice with it regularly.

The G34 was something I was strongly considering and I've heard nothing but outstanding reviews of it, but the 3.5lb target trigger is a bit lighter than I'd prefer for HD.

The G21 sounded like a good choice, and I'm very open to .45acp...except that I'm a bit worried about decibel overkill. Granted, in a HD situation the gun's report should be the least of your worries, but regardless of the importance of saving your own life, I'd like to be not only alive but alive and with fully-functioning hearing capacities.

I've never shot a .45 without hearing protection and certainly not indoors...does anyone know how it compares to a 9mm?

Any info or pointers would be appreciated, of course. Thanks a lot!

 

[bac1023]

The 45ACP is a MUCH lower pressure round than the 9mm is. I don't find it any louder at all. If anything, its the 9mm that's sharper.

 

[Danny Reid]

Agreed. The 45 is probably an even better choice for in house defense than 9mm for precisely that reason.

 

[Cole125]

Well I can tell you this: I've shot 9mm without hearing protection a lot, its not too bad outside.

I have never shot a .45 acp without ear protection so I can't tell you, but .45 acp doesnt seem to be a lot lauder than 9mm with protection on.

IMO the Glock 19/17 is a fine CCW/nightstand gun. Loaded with hydroshock its almost as effective as .45 acp.

I don't want to start another 9mm vs .45 debate, but I think 9mm is a better "tactical" round. Lower rocoil, more capacity, not as loud.

BTW Nice avatar!

 

[bac1023]

If you want loud, try 10mm, 357Sig, or 7.65x25 to name a few. :supergrin:

 

[striker6126]

I agree with bac. I was in a room when a local police captian had an AD with a g21 and though it was loud I still have fully functional hearing .

I also keep a g21 on my night stand.

 

[Hydraulicman]

I've heard my g21 in a closed space no plugs. I've also heard a keltec p32.

I swear the p32 was louder. Who knows they were both pretty loud

 

[-gunut-]

.45 loud? Not for me.

This is my normal bedside gun :supergrin:

 

[a_tack]

Odd's are in an HD situation, your adrenaline will be pumping so much that you wont hear the gunshot. I would imagine when your body's fight or flight response kicks in it would be somewhat like the rush you get when pulling the trigger on big game. This past year I shot a buck, twice with 7mm mag... no hearing protection.... ears didnt ring, didn't feel the recoil, don't even remeber the gun going off.... so, im gonna say that 45 acp is not too loud....

 

[OgenRwot]

Unless you're shooting .22 it's gonna be loud.

 

[metro273]

I shot my buddies (walec05) Glock 21 and I personally thought it was a bit too loud. The recoil was a bit high for me too...:whistling:

Maybe I shouldn't get a Glock?...:supergrin:

 

[JJMGlockTrumpet]

Both guns are going to be loud. If you get a 17 or a 34, those mags will work in your 19. You also will not have to stock multiple types of ammo.

 

[PlasticGuy]

I think that if you're using the noise level of the shots fired to determine your defensive firearm choice, your priorities are not even remotely close to where they should be.

The reliability of your firearm is most important. Capacity matters. Terminal effects matter. Speed and accuracy are crucial. A few decibals more or less are trivial.

 

[the impaler]

Unless you're shooting .22 it's gonna be loud.

.22s are loud inside the house.

 

[Rinspeed]

.45 ACP is no where near as loud as .357 mag. or .357 Sig. I won't even shoot the Sig round without plugs and muffs.

 

[GRR]

ALL rounds mentioned in this thread will permanently damage your hearing. Especially in a close space. Believe me. My ears have been ringing since 1974.

 

[gunsnhoses]

The .45 "seems" louder to me when I shoot it compared to the 9mm, but I could be wrong. The .45 has more recoil so I would think it would be louder, but I dunno.

One thing I can't understand is why someone would use a .357 mag or a .223 AR for defense inside the house, talk about LOUD. You fire those weapons inside with no hearing protection and I don't care how much your adrenaline is pumping, your going to mess up your hearing.

 

[carbofan21]

i would have to agree that 9mm is louder than .45 acp

 

[Cole125]

.45 ACP is no where near as loud as .357 mag. or .357 Sig. I won't even shoot the Sig round without plugs and muffs.

:rofl: Yeah I learned that the hard way. Emptied a cylinder of .357 mag without plugs on a **** and my ears were ringing for a week.

 

[reaper8154]

Like others have said, they are all loud. Especially indoors. But you will barely hear the gunfire if you have to shoot someone.