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by mathsmath 712 days ago
I think it depends on the shockwave. Maybe someone can math it out, but it’s like the sound leaf blower makes vs standing right next to a jet engine. I have never seen a shockwave on the ground behind a “normal” firearm, but it seems commonplace with artillery.
3 comments

The question is if there is a cumulative effect from the smaller shock waves or if there is a threshold that needs to be exceeded to cause issues.
I think for SEALs in particular the issue would be cumulative large shockwaves, and how to better protect against them.
My bet is on a high threshold. There is no evidence for this at all in small arms enthusiasts.
Ex artillery officer here, the shockwaves from firing artillery can be so powerful they can knock you off your feet if you're standing in the wrong place at the wrong time and caught unawares
You can definitely see the shock wave from a .50 cal with a muzzle brake.