I have a question from the more experienced smiths here. I have always carried a S&W model 19 as my defensive/close-range piece when I am hunting. I keep it loaded with full house 357mags. However, I dread the day that I actually use it to dispatch a deer or something because it is so freaking loud!
I would rather shoot five shots out of my 300winmag without ear protection, than shoot just one shot from the model 19. I can shoot several times with the 300 and my ears quit ringing after a few hours, but one shot from the 357 leaves my ears ringing for days (at least two)
I believe that the problem is the gas that escapes from the gap between the cylinder and the barrel (end shake). My mod19 has a .009" gap between the cylinder and the forcing cone. I know that's on the high side, but I have left it alone because it insures that I can fire 400 rounds without getting any binding while shooting dirty powders (OK maybe over-insures but if it aint broke don't fix it right?)
Anyway, I wonder if tightening up the end shake would help this baby out some for shooting without ear protection?
My first thought would be that any gap is going to sound about the same , but I thought I would ask someone else's opinion.
Just to clarify, I don't plan on shooting without ear protection on a regular basis. I am only concerned that one or two shots per year could damage my already questionable hearing, and anything I could do to reduce that problem would be a wise thing on my part. I always try to put in some ear protection, but there are times when there just isn't time for it.
Thanks fellers.