I learned very early on about ear protection. I've had severe tinnitus since 40 years ago.
TWO 1911s fired side by side at hip level with NO ear protection.
Very ODDLY.... The very next day the ringing did NOT stop as it "usually" did. Still hasn't.
FAST FORWARD TO TODAY......
As I type this, I am in the "nerve death" portion of hearing loss from gunfire.
Last Friday (6 days ago) I went to the range.
I was equipped with my 3M Peltor active muffs as I ...always.. am since losing so much of my hearing so long ago. I even put them on before I get out of the car. These muffs have made SUCH a difference that it is almost unbelievable.
The range is OPEN AIR..... BUT.... has a ROOF !!
The shooter 2 benches down was firing a VERY high intensity rifle. And it was ported.
Although reduced greatly by my Peltors, the sound was still very noticeable. But I stayed and finished.
When I got home, my hearing was just fine.
By 7 PM, my hearing was going NEARLY completely out.
By next day, I would estimate I had ..maybe...3-5% hearing. IN BOTH EARS! It ..varied...through the day. Sometimes as high as about 40-60% of hearing and back down to the 3-5%
Plus I lost directional sensing. As the FIRST DOCTOR was speaking, it sounded as if it were coming from my wife on the side of me.
Next day....next doctor... at Emergency Room because the hearing dropped out completely.
He referred me to another doc who will most likely be 2 docs from my FINAL one who will fit me with the hearing aids.
So..... I would highly advise ALL shooters at ALL ranges to get up and leave if a ported or compensated gun is being used anywhere NEAR you.
Some ranges are VERY bad. Especially indoor ones that do not have SOLID and THICK dividers between positions.
At my orientation for the club, I brought up that I noticed sewer pipe sections at the end of the benches and asked if they were used for comped guns. I was told that's what they are there for, but it's up to the RO to decide whether to REQUIRE comped guns to be used with them.
Summing up, I have sent an email to the club advising of my situation and that I will NEVER again be able to use the range unless sound directors "pipes, etc.) are required for ported guns.
Where it all ends up is anyone's guess at this time.
I do NOT believe ANY type of firearm should be BANNED from a range, but I ...DO...think these ported guns (since the info is widespread) should be required to use whatever means necessary to force the sound FORWARD!
I will continue shooting as I love the sport.
I will most likely confine it to individual trips to the fields and meadows. (WHERE AVAILABLE)
But will NEVER AGAIN use a range that doesn't value its users' hearing and regulate ported guns.
End rant. Hopefully of use to EVERYONE to save THEIR hearing.
Thanks for reading.
Good shooting.
TWO 1911s fired side by side at hip level with NO ear protection.
Very ODDLY.... The very next day the ringing did NOT stop as it "usually" did. Still hasn't.
FAST FORWARD TO TODAY......
As I type this, I am in the "nerve death" portion of hearing loss from gunfire.
Last Friday (6 days ago) I went to the range.
I was equipped with my 3M Peltor active muffs as I ...always.. am since losing so much of my hearing so long ago. I even put them on before I get out of the car. These muffs have made SUCH a difference that it is almost unbelievable.
The range is OPEN AIR..... BUT.... has a ROOF !!
The shooter 2 benches down was firing a VERY high intensity rifle. And it was ported.
Although reduced greatly by my Peltors, the sound was still very noticeable. But I stayed and finished.
When I got home, my hearing was just fine.
By 7 PM, my hearing was going NEARLY completely out.
By next day, I would estimate I had ..maybe...3-5% hearing. IN BOTH EARS! It ..varied...through the day. Sometimes as high as about 40-60% of hearing and back down to the 3-5%
Plus I lost directional sensing. As the FIRST DOCTOR was speaking, it sounded as if it were coming from my wife on the side of me.
Next day....next doctor... at Emergency Room because the hearing dropped out completely.
He referred me to another doc who will most likely be 2 docs from my FINAL one who will fit me with the hearing aids.
So..... I would highly advise ALL shooters at ALL ranges to get up and leave if a ported or compensated gun is being used anywhere NEAR you.
Some ranges are VERY bad. Especially indoor ones that do not have SOLID and THICK dividers between positions.
At my orientation for the club, I brought up that I noticed sewer pipe sections at the end of the benches and asked if they were used for comped guns. I was told that's what they are there for, but it's up to the RO to decide whether to REQUIRE comped guns to be used with them.
Summing up, I have sent an email to the club advising of my situation and that I will NEVER again be able to use the range unless sound directors "pipes, etc.) are required for ported guns.
Where it all ends up is anyone's guess at this time.
I do NOT believe ANY type of firearm should be BANNED from a range, but I ...DO...think these ported guns (since the info is widespread) should be required to use whatever means necessary to force the sound FORWARD!
I will continue shooting as I love the sport.
I will most likely confine it to individual trips to the fields and meadows. (WHERE AVAILABLE)
But will NEVER AGAIN use a range that doesn't value its users' hearing and regulate ported guns.
End rant. Hopefully of use to EVERYONE to save THEIR hearing.
Thanks for reading.
Good shooting.