The impulsive response of a fluid-filled finite circular cylindrical shell with both ends clamped due to waterhammer waves is analysed on the basis of the three axisymmetric shell theories and the potential theory for perfect fluid. In the analysis Mirsky-Herrmann's theory including the influence of the transverse shear deformation, Flugge's theory as the accurate classical theory and the simplified theory most frequently used are employed and it is assumed that the influence of the fluid-shell interaction is neglibible. As a result, it is shown that if the accurate bending moments and the shear force are required, the use of Mirsky-Herrmann's theory is recommended. The numerical inversion of Laplace transformation by the use of the FFT algorithm contributes the reduction of CPU time and the improvement of the accuracy of results.