What type ear protection do you wear while firing a weapon?

A

Ala Dan

Member in memoriam
Don't think this one has been discussed yet?
When shooting sports are undertaken by you as an individual, what type of ear protection
do you prefer? I know a few folks that just
stuff cotton in their ear's; looks like this
idea doesn't offer any protection against
the report of modern day firearms? All replies are certainly welcome. :)

Best Wishes & Have A Happy 4th of July!!!
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

"Make mine Smith & Wesson revolver's;
and Sig-Sauer semi-auto's"
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ala Dan:
Don't think this one has been discussed yet?
When shooting sports are undertaken by you as an individual, what type of ear protection
do you prefer? I know a few folks that just
stuff cotton in their ear's; looks like this
idea doesn't offer any protection against
the report of modern day firearms? All replies are certainly welcome. :)

Best Wishes & Have A Happy 4th of July!!!
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

"Make mine Smith & Wesson revolver's;
and Sig-Sauer semi-auto's"[/quote]

Good quality disposable ear plugs...
I don't care much for the "Mickey Mouse" Ears, but I reckon ear plugs and the sound attennuators in combination are the most protective.
 
I bought some of the new Dillon electronic muffs (HP1, I think). Nice low profile, like the Peltor shotgunners. Took them to Knob Creek this spring for a test :) Use them a couple of times a week and usually all day on sundays at a match some where. Still on the first set of batteries.

The only drawback to muffs (IMHO) is they tend to be hot and press your shooting glasses against your temples.

If I'm outside on a range by my self I can get by just fine with foam plugs.

I've also been on some indoor ranges with people shooting lots of .357, .44 mag where I had to wear plugs and muffs to keep from flinching.
 
When I got into shooting, at different times old shooters have told me to be sure to have good ear protection. In every case, these were people who had lost some hearing due to firearms.

My personal choice is Leighting muffs. They cost about $25 and provide the highest rating available right now, 31. Most only rate 25-29. I also double up and wear foam ear plugs as well (rated around 20-25). These are especially useful for shooting at inside ranges or where the shooting area is partially enclosed and sound waves are reflected back on you.

Why so much ear protection? The answer is simple. With hearing, damage is cumulative. Without enough protection, small amounts of damage can occur with successive visits to the range.
 
I wear good old OSHA approved ear muffs. My so wears the disposible type ear plugs, OSHA approved also :D Neither of us have any problems with what we use.

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
I got molded ear plugs that fits quite a ways down into your ear. Got these from the ear man that does electronic molded plugs, he was set up at the Bianchi Cup. These really muffle the sound and very comfortable to wear.

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WHEN IT COMES TO FRIENDS THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT
 
Depends what I am shooting. For shotgun, light Peltor ear protectors in the winter and fitted ear plugs in the summer. Handgun usually means fitted ear plugs. Rifle usually the plugs and ear protectors. I keep a large set of protectors and plugs with me while at the range for when the guy with the .300 Mag with a BOSS shows up.
 
Peltor Tac-6's. My wife likes her Tac-7's.

I never realized just how great electronic hearing protection was until I bought some.


A
 
Ususally wear muffs (only rated 25), but find them difficult to wear when shooting my AR, so use disposable foam ones for rifles. I wouldn't mind trying out some electronic muffs.
 
I'll second Gopher's recommendation of Leightning muffs. I got the new 31 rated pair about six months ago and I can definitely tell the difference between them and my old 25 rated Silencios.

Indoors with pistols and outdoors with rifles I still wear plugs underneath just to be safe.

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"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise."
--Proverbs 10:19
 
I wear "Max-1" disposable plugs from Howard Leight. NRR of 33. I've tried the muffs, but they tend to be uncomfortable with my shooting glases. I did some research in a couple of safety catalogs and found out that as a rule, plugs are slightly better at reducing noise, but only if they are put in correctly.

Eric

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Teach a kid to shoot.
It annoys the antis.
 
I use double hearing protection. Plugs + Peltors. Shooting .50's for so long has kind of messed up my high range hearing.
 
Depends on what and where I am shooting or spectating. Anything from 29nrr earplugs to 29 nrr Silencios to both for shotguns. I always make my daughter wear both while she is shooting herself.

Sure am interested in a pair of Tac-7s though.

Ledbetter
 
Smith and Wesson earplugs, available in the sporting goods section of a Wal-Mart near you. They're comfortable, effective, and have a plastic cord connecting them.
 
Cheapy disposable ear plugs that are inserted correctly (lift ear as you insert). Still have excellent hearing (about the only "excellent" sense I own, other than common sense).
 
Dillon HP-1 electronic muffs. They never shut off completely yet clip the big noises. Adjust the stereo volume to suit you.

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Either you believe in the Second Amendment or you don't.
Stick it to 'em! RKBA!
 
Ummm.......I'm deaf as well as blind. Went deaf age 6. Total loss in rt ear and 0% in left. I just turn off the hearing aid. Seems to work fine.


Huh? Whadidja say? ;)
 
foam protection that fits inside your ears, and then the full size ear muffs over that.

I am only 31, and have a 10% loss of hearing due to working on a Aircraft Carrier flight deck for 10 years, I say protect what you have.

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"Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property...Horrid mischief would ensue were the law abiding deprived the use of them" --Thomas Paine, 1775

www.2ndamdlvr.homestead.com/home.html
 
The disposables also work when your spouse wakes all living creatures within a ten-mile radius :eek: by sawing logs all night... :D
 
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