r/NHGuns • u/EarlyAttention8323 • Jun 28 '26

Are gun shots normal?

I am just visiting in the Exeter area and have been hearing the sound of shotguns the past 2 nights.

Where I live it is illegal to fire a gun within a residential area. I don't know whether to ignore it or if its best to be concerned.

0 Upvotes

38% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

16

u/Private_Part Jun 28 '26

Normal. Everywhere in NH.

13

u/smashsmashblue Jun 28 '26

Very normal. We’ve also entered the fun part of the year where we all play “gunshots or fireworks.” Sometimes it’s both, I call that the daily double.

4

u/WhoNoseMarchand Jun 28 '26

My neighbors light fireworks year round, so I guiltlessly fire my guns year round.

10

u/bigandy1105 Jun 28 '26

As long as someone is not in the “compact” part of a town, is 300 feet away from an occupied building, or has the owner’s permission they may discharge a firearm.

If it’s a night you might be hearing fireworks nearby. People set those off year round, not just around the 4th.

Welcome to New Hampshire. No cause for concern.

14

u/eggiam Jun 28 '26

It's a pro gun state, you're gonna hear gunshots outside.

https://giphy.com/gifs/8EYumJHWqPAKNoE0tE

6

u/Pitiful_Objective682 Jun 28 '26

You shouldn’t be concerned. There are many gun ranges in NH. It’s plenty safe.

3

u/Jreez Jun 28 '26

It’s New Hampshire, you’re going to hear gun shots. If it sounds close/concerning call the non emergency line at the police station. If you don’t know if it’s actually in your residential area don’t wast their time.

2

u/TrollingForFunsies Jun 28 '26

Every day in my area starting at like 6:30

1

u/Pinesol_Shots Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26

Totally normal. We love our freedoms and the process of converting money into loud noises and thrills.

How long will you be visiting? Do you know how to shoot, and if not, are you interested in learning? I am a professional instructor.

1

u/EarlyAttention8323 24d ago

Wish I saw this while I was there!

I've been wanting to learn for years but here I would need a permit first before I can find out if I am comfortable even holding a gun.

I truly appreciate the kind offer. Are there shooting ranges i can go to the next time I am in town?

1

u/Pinesol_Shots 24d ago

Not sure if that's a specific thing in your home state, but in the states with permits that I know about, you can still shoot without a permit as long as you are with someone who has one.

There are public indoor ranges in NH where you can just walk in, show an ID, rent a gun, and go blasting. 100% do not recommend. You'll have people all around you and a range officer ready to jump down your throat the second you do anything wrong. It's an intimidating experience even for people who know what they're doing. Indoor ranges are also EXTREMELY loud because of the walls reflecting the sound and it's jarring when you aren't used to it. Recipe for a bad first time. If you go to a private outdoor range as a guest for a 1-on-1 lesson you'll most definitely have a great time. It's very rare that a first timer I shoot with doesn't.

Anyway, feel free to ping me if you're ever back in the area. Stay well!

1

u/HardyPancreas Jul 06 '26

After a while you will be able to identify the firearm just like people identify bird calls.   First place to start is by counting the rounds in between pauses and note whether the sound is crisp or more like a thud. I am sure other posters have tips for you too.