Gunshots vs Fireworks

When one refers to the difference between gunshots and fireworks, the reference is towards the difference in their sounds. Gunshots and fireworks sound very similar, and it is very difficult for an inexperienced person to differentiate between the sounds of the two. Even experienced cops and other people who have heard and are aware of the sounds of both on a daily basis are sometimes unable to identify the sound difference. People try to use common sense when it comes to identifying the sounds, but it is not always the most advisable method.

Experience with both fireworks and gunshots can be identified by people like cops. The sound of a gunshot is not always the same; it differs according to the type of gun, length of barrel, use of a silencer, shell size, and many other things. The sound of fireworks depends upon the size and the type of firework. Usually, fireworks make a popping sound and then another “pop” sound when the “shell” detonates and the bright display takes place. Cops say that the gunshot has a flatter sound, and the echoes are fewer than with fireworks. Gunshots have more of a “boom” sound whereas the fireworks have more of a “pop pop” sound. The fireworks also have a whistling sound when they soar into the sky just before bursting. Gunshots are also identified by experienced ears by their pattern. Fireworks are random, and multiple gunshots have a regular pattern.

If we consider only cops and their technology and not civilians, then things like SkyWatch Tower and ShotSpotters have been developed for the safety of a large crowd. A SkyWatch Tower is 50 feet high, and a single officer can monitor the whole crowd. Infrared technology is used to see in the dark, and it also helps in picking up muzzle flashes from gunshots. If there is any incident, the officer can alert the ground troops and direct the crowd with a loudspeaker.

A ShotSpotter uses Acoustic Incident Classification technology which uses a network of algorithms, decades of acquired data and analysis, and processing. It separates all the sounds and sends an audio to dispatchers to verify the sound. This is important because sometimes when a distant sound which sounds like gunshot is heard by cops but verified as “not a gunshot,” it saves precious time and energy for the cops in reaching the location. ShotSpotters are sometimes used to find the locations of illegal fireworks too.

Summary:

1.According to experienced ears, the sound of a gunshot is not always the same. It differs according to the type of gun, length of barrel, use of a silencer, shell size, and many other things; fireworks depends upon the size and the type of firework.
2.Cops say that a gunshot has a flatter sound and the echoes are fewer than with fireworks. The gunshots have more of a “boom” sound whereas the fireworks have more of a “pop pop” sound.
3.Gunshots are also identified by experienced ears by their pattern; fireworks are random, and multiple gunshots have a regular pattern.

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