Ear Protection

tripod3

tripod3

New member
What is the best brand/style ear protection for shooting rifles. We use the plugs that sometimes fall out and the ear muffs sure can get in the way. A piece of kleenex wadded up works good.
 
My amplified Peltor's work real well for me. They don't get in the way but they still allow me to hear brass hit the concrete and people's speech.

If you like more of the plug idea, you might look at the Walker's Game Ears.

I find the worst noise is at the shooting range but if your out in the middle of E OR. or WA. or Central Montana banging away with 22-250s you don't need as much. Deer hunting I've never worn ear protection since your in the open and probably taking only one shot. But now that I have the Peltors that amplify noise, I might consider wearing them if the weather was cold.
 
If your plugs are falling out then they were not placed in the ear right. The proper procrdure is to roll the plug into a small cylinder-reach over your head with the off hand pull up & out on the ear then insert plug most of the way into the ear-remember to leave enough to be able to pull it out. Properly done foam plugs cut about 20 decibals.
Muffs are even more protection.TP stuffed in the ear is probably next to worthless. Take it from somebody who has shot out a lot of my hearing anything that prevents hearing loss is worth the effort.
 
I use plugs. Cheap and effective, but as mentioned, you have to use them right. If they're "falling out", you ain't doing it right.
 
I learned something from watching the NASCAR drivers. Before they get put their earplugs in, they moisten(lick) them. I fly an ultralight and it really cut down on the noise level after I started doing this.
 
Yep the moisture is the key to the plugs. Whether they are foam or rubber. I like them alot on the range as they do not get in the of the helmets, sunglasses, goggles or whatever I find myself wearing...
 
I like the plugs that have a plastic string between them. I cut the string off about 1/2" long and it makes them easy to remove,

Jack
 
It really bothers me when working with a group of kids and they cannot comprend how to properly install the plugs. Most of the time the dads are at fault. Some of them come to the line and they are sideways just stuffed against the canal. Worthless. I stop and explain to the dads and kids, and then they still come to the line with them just placed in the outer ear.
 
I highly recommend not firing a shot from anything unless you have hearing protection period! You will go deaf!

With that said, I recommend the electronic ear muffs such as Peltor, Pro Ears, Silenco, Dillion, etc.... Some are better than others in that you can blow a call and it does not sound funny. I have some Peltors that have a built in radio that reaches 2 miles. They are great when hunting with a partner on stands.
 
When I'm shooting the big boomers or competing with anything to include rimfires, I wear foam plugs and Peltor amplified muffs. It keeps Mr. Flinch away and aids concentration in competition.
 
I started shooting when only wimps, and sissies wore ear protection. Now you can tell the real men. They keep saying "Huh, What". Like SteveM said "don't shoot without them". The foam plugs are hard to beat when properly installed. It is a little late, but now I use both now for the big boomers. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
 
I prefer the soft foam plugs, but see the advantage of muffs in some settings. In high noise areas muffs and plugs may be required to get the desired noise reduction rating.
THA, if it really bothers you that children and dads do not know how to properly wear hearing protection. Give them a short effective class or hearing protection and use. If you need I can probably locate an on line presentation for you to use.
 
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I highly recommend not firing a shot from anything unless you have hearing protection period! You will go deaf!



SteveM, what did you say? I couldn't hear you.

Seriously, I am 31 years old. I didn't use ear plugs for most of my life. As many of you can tell, I am almost deaf in my left ear and have reduced hearing in my right. I know have some of Tony Timonte (Tonlocus) special ear plugs. I got another set this year too. I guess I am trying to make up for the damage, but the phrase to little to late comes to mind.
 
My dad went through basic training in the early 1960s while the Army was still using the M1. I cringe when I hear him tell about twenty or thirty guys on the firing line shooting 30-06 simultaneously with no hearing protection!
I told him that they train with .223 and plugs now and he says "wow, that would have been nice"!
 
Anyone seen the $30 specials at Wal-Mart? Other than the poor fitting looking ear pieces, they look like they just might work. They have some amplification, while I'm sure the frequency range isn't great, they have limiting circuitry that cuts sound at 85dB. For $30, they might be worth a try. If they work, they would be the ticket for hunting... Hell, sometimes I get my ears ringing with the call...
 
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