To be effective foam ear plugs must be inserted correctly. Roll them tightly onto a cyclinder, use your left arm to teach around over your head, lift back and up on the back of your right ear to straighten the canal; insert the tightly rolled plug and hold your finger on it. You'll feel it begin to xpand; hold your finger there until it is fully xpanded. Repeat for the other ear.
For pistol, use or not muffs.
I asked my VA for molded plugs, but they don't provide them unless there is a trauma to the drum or middle ear. I did ask my audiologest to take impressions (I have hearing aides). He did, and by any other name they are custom ear plugs. Almost complete silence. A little trimming and to smooth the rough outside of the "cast". Now I can shoot the rifle without muffs. Insertion is a little tricky, but not hard.
Now, for the noise/vibration from bone conduction from my cheek weld, I use a couple pieces of mole skin on the stock at the point of cheek weld....also helps find my correct weld, and it is warmer than the cold stock.
