Noise at the range

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pistolpackin29

Inactive
Hey all, so I am new to this hole thing and went to the range for some target shooting and while I was there the guy next to me was shooting a shot gun and the nose went right through me. I had on both ear plugs and head phones and still could hear every thing as clear as day. Any suggestions to where I could pick up some real strong ear protection. Thanks.
 
Make a bubble wrap suit. I find that's the only thing that really stops atmospheric concussions. People will look at you funny though.
 
I had on both ear plugs and head phones and still could hear every thing as clear as day.
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You're not going to get much more than that. Just make sure that both types have the highest noise reduction rating (NRR) you can find. That, and move a couple lanes down from the guy with the shotty. If you can.
 
It can be pretty nerve rattling your first few times at the range, regardless of what kind of hearing protection you have. Especially if the dude next to you is wielding a shotgun.

I would say keep using the earplugs along with a good set of earmuffs. You should be able to find something adequate at your local gun shop or even Wal-Mart.

If that doesnt work just get a louder gun :)
 
I wear big electronic ear muffs. They are fantastic, I can turn them up and it amplifies sounds so I can hear people whispering around me and then even moderately loud sounds it cuts out the noise. Awesome deal, highly recommended.

By the way, I shoot a 44 Magnum Desert Eagle and it throws out a shockwave that will slam you in the chest even though you can't hear it. It's the concussive force of the thing that bothers people not the noise. I love the shockwave, it makes people come running and ask what I'm shooting LOL.
 
You will get used to it. I remember my first couple trips to an indoor range, and I was jumping and flinching at the sounds of the gun next to me going off. Doesn't even faze me now.
 
Also make sure you are wearing the foam earplugs properly. They should be rolled between your fingers until they are small enough to fit into the ear canal. It takes both hands to insert them. Reach behind your head and pull your ear back to open the passage with one hand. Insert the plug and hold it in until it starts to expand with the other. There shouldn't be much, if any, sticking out of your ear.

The guys running around with earplugs sticking out aren't getting a lot of help from them. They are just trying to look like Shrek to amuse their kids.:)
 
Join my range. Indoors, strong ventilation toward the targets, lots of police/deputies/federal marshals as members, sheltered positions with steel baffles that you can hide behind when your next door neighbor shoots .44 mag, no long guns. I get by with a decent set of mickey mouse ears.

Nyah nyah,
Jack
 
I continually have to remind myself that noise surprises people. My boss just got into shooting, and commented that the noise at the range had him on his toes the entire time. The first time I went to a busy range, I almost gave up shooting - every time someone fired off a shot I blinked, just from pure instinct. Now, shots going off around me don't phase me at all. It took a few 3-4 hour sessions of hanging around and shooting the breeze with other shooters behind the line to calm myself enough that the noise didn't bother me.

I still flinch and instinctively blink when I fire anything bigger than my .40 Taurus. I love shooting .44 Magnum, but it scares the crap out of me every time. I'm far more accurate with the range rental .44, though.....all my "OGODTHATWASALOUDNOISESCARY" reaction happens after the bullet is on course.

By the way, I shoot a 44 Magnum Desert Eagle and it throws out a shockwave that will slam you in the chest even though you can't hear it. It's the concussive force of the thing that bothers people not the noise. I love the shockwave, it makes people come running and ask what I'm shooting LOL.
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Thats me. I love seeing big guns go off. That's one of the best parts about visiting PA State game lands ranges. Some people bring out really nice noisemakers. :D
 
Years ago I was shooting at an outdoor range, but under a covered firing point, so I was wearing plugs and muffs.

A man set up next to me. I didn't think much of it until he touched off the first round. He was shooting a 7mm Magnum with a muzzle brake. I seriously thought that the concussion and sound had driven the plugs all the way into my ears.
 
Soon as I get a handgun I'll be hitting up the ranges myself :D The one closest to my house is an outdoor one though and doesn't look all that crowded. My neighbor goes to one where the police practice and have drills and such, maybe I'll be able to watch :| who knows. All I know is once stood next to my shotgun as my bro shot it with just my hands over my ears....very loud, very annoying. I'd be annoyed if some guy was pumpin off rounds next to me with a 12ga :D
 
I had a similar experience at my range last year. It was the beginning of hunting season, and alot of folks came out to sight in their deer rifles.

Between a 308 with a muzzle break and a 450 marlin with a ported barrel, I had to leave early that day. I was flinching so badly I couldnt shoot.
 
foam plugs with a 29 db reduction, coupled with over the ear muffs with a minimum 29db reduction.....then ask to relocate away from folks with shotguns, especially those with muzzle breaks
 
I find that plugs alone or muffs alone are no good for me at an indoor range. I definitely use both and have for about 20 years. My plugs are NRR 33 and my muffs are NRR 29. I find that even with that protection, some of the boomers are yet uncomfortable. My Magnaported .45-70 Contender is completely out. (Not that I miss it!) .50 AEs like the Desert Eagle are decidedly spooky, and even snubby .357s with FH loads are nasty, and that's not even bringing up the Alaskan type .44s. With the advent of the .500 and .460S&W and all the other hunting types that appear to be making their way into even the indoor ranges, I expect there to be a cry for even better noise reduction equipment. Personally, I am staying tuned for that just right for me E-muff that I can wear over 33dB plugs.
 
Join my range. Indoors, strong ventilation toward the targets, lots of police/deputie

jaydubya where are you located
 
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