How do you tell the difference btwn the sound of fireworks and gunshots?

Question

I live in an inner city and this is my first summer.

Over the last couple of weeks I keep hearing these pops that sound like gunshots.

Sometimes it's just one....and then sometimes it keeps going and let's me know it's fireworks.

Last night it woke me up with a bunch of loud pops outside my window and later sirens. I am assuming those were gunshots but it would be nice to know the difference in the sound?

Answer 1

It is difficult since there are so many calibers with so many sounds that range from snaps to loud deep booms. The only way is the bright lights they cast.

Answer 2

if you have ever been shot at, you will never confuse the two again!!

Answer 3

Depending on the fireworks it's not always easy. Like the other day I had the farts so bad you would think I was putting on a fireworks show after the 4th. Didn't really sound like a gun shot and didn't smell like gunpowder either.

Answer 4

Sometimes it is hard to tell but listen for a secondary report where a bullet hits home.  It'll sound like a thud.  Bullets sometimes also make a whistling sound.

H

Answer 5

It's pretty difficult to tell. Like DC said, every gun sounds different. I usually wait for a rapid succession which typically is fireworks. Larger fireworks have more of a "BOOM" instead of a crack. As always keep alert. If it's around the 4th, it's probably fireworks, otherwise I would suspect something else.

Answer 6

The answer is truly a simple one. First of all fireworks explode in all different directions. However when a firearm is discharged the  gasses are directed in a direction much like your voice when you speak. this causes a more distinct report. lower pressure rounds are harder to tell. If you really want to know the difference here is what you do. Go into an open structure. Barn ( with no hay ) shop or large structure. take a .22 rimfire and some fire crackers ( blackcats have about the same charge as a .22) . Then while wearing adequate hearing protection fire in a safe manner out of the door. You will feel the difference in you r chest and body. Then you will understand the difference in the type of shock waves that they produce.

Answer 7

I can't explain the difference but I have no problem distinguishing between the to

I guess the only way I can explain it is that a gun shot is crackier like it's contained

A firecracker is looser like the explosion is allowed to travel a little

I know it makes little sense but that what it sounds like to me

Answer 8

Randy, you got it right. There is a difference and you know it when you hear it. It does however depend on how far away they are and caliber. Oh, if you are in LA, it's gunfire.

Answer 9

They pretty much sound the same instead of pop its and fountains that don't have poping sounds. Other then that hope for the best.

Answer 10

Ask a local person, watch the news, read your paper, and also move some where else.....Either one would be annoying at the very least. The sound a bullet makes when it breaks the sound barrier is unmistakable.