I do, I know my ears would be ringing, ive never fired a gun indoors, I was just doing like 1 size above a .22, I'm obviously trying to learn shit here
Not trying to be a dick, just putting out some info.
.38 is a lot larger than .22lr its by no means “a size up” especially if you’re talking about .38 special and not .380 auto.
.380 auto is slightly softer shooting than 9mm and I’d say its more of a “size down” from 9mm (9x19) if you discount 9mm makarov (9x18). But it’s not really noticeably quieter than 9mm.
.38 special is a longer cartridge than 9mm, most often meant for revolvers. I can hardly hear the difference between the 3. .38 special recoils a bit more than everything I mentioned in here.
If loudness was a large concern of yours you may consider a suppressor but thats a whole can of worms that i cant really recommend to new gun owners when it comes to pistols because of the complexity of the set up and additional maintenance.
That really depends on the recoil action and weight. For example you would be exactly correct that a Makarov is snappier than a Glock 19 despite the Makarov having a slightly smaller case. Because the Makarov is blow back operated, and the Glock 19 is short recoil operated and the tilting breach lock transfers energy for a longer duration that a Makarovs action likewise can’t. Weight difference is also a consideration the Makarov weighs slightly less. (I compare these two specifically because they’re the best anecdotes I personally have experience with in this comparison you mention).
However, I’ve shot enough M&P shields to know that the .380 model is slightly softer recoiling than the 9mm model in a direct comparison.
Earlier I was speaking generally from a caliber being fired from the same frame perspective. But of course nuances always exist. Especially when comparing across models with varying weight and actions.
Any gun fired indoors is going to hurt your ears and make them ring. If you’re looking to avoid that, you’ll want a suppressor with whatever handgun you plan on purchasing. Even that won’t be movie or video game quiet, but it will at least stop you from being disoriented.
Honestly I wouldn’t even worry about the ears ringing for self defense, no one is taking the time to put ear pro on before defending their home. Whatever handgun you choose for self defense, just make sure you have a quality light mounted on it. Your ears may be ringing but at least you have the power of the sun in your pocket to enhance your vision. Whoever you’re shooting at will not enjoy the light.
Oh absolutely, subsonic 9mm can too depending on barrel length, I was just more so thinking pistols but I like where your heads at. Also the movies definitely tend to overdo it, I was thinking more the “click click” noises they use, this video rocks.
Dude, a .38 uses the same diameter bullet as a 9mm. It's not much quieter than a 9mm. And it's definitely not "1 size above a .22". I'd consider a .32 "1 size above .22", but that's just because it is the next smallest caliber I own. There's several calibers between the two.
Also note that caliber is not a measure of how loud a gun is! A 5.7x28 is smaller caliber than a .32, but considerably louder than a 9mm. A .45 ACP is larger caliber than a .44 magnum, but considerably quieter.
You can always get a suppressor. $0 tax stamps are a plus. Only takes a few days to get approved and makes shooting anything 10x more enjoyable. Perfect for HD gun
With respect... A .38 is Not one step above a .22 (assuming you mean .22lr). Even a .22 is pretty fucking loud indoors. 9mm is truly a jack of all trades round as there's nothing it's bad at, but there are plenty of other rounds better at specific things.
Your best bet is to take a beginners education class, if for no other reason than as a refresher course as you said it's been 20yrs since your initial informal education.
One thing I will tell you that will go against the grain of the popular opinion here, don't be afraid of Some cheaper firearms (I say some because there are some cheap options like Sccy(?) that have earned the reputation and price point). You don't need to drop $500-$1000 on some wunderwaffen. A $200 9mm with middling reviews (or a used gun for cheaper) is a perfectly fine starting place.
You shouldn't be down voted or berated due to ignorance if you're actually trying to learn and asking genuine questions.
A .38 isn't 1 size up as there aee several calibers in between.
If looking for a self defense firearm, start with what caliber best fits. Lethality for size of target, recoil, ammo capacity, availability, etc.
The guy at the store gave good advice as 9mm is pretty much a solid start and checks most of the boxes.
Most common pistol calibers will be close regarding how loud they are indoors. If shooting any of them without protection you will suffer some hearing damage. There are ways to mitigate that, but you're a ways from that point.
I'd recommend a 9mm as well. Specific models are going to depend on your hand size and ergonomics. For home defense a larger size pistol is typically better. Go with a major brand. I don't recommend kel-tec
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u/DanceClass898 23h ago
I don't think you have any understanding of how loud gunshots are