Hearing protection

[OliveCookieMonsta]

What do you use? I was thinking of picking up some Surefire plugs... Just wondering what other options people like. Thanks

[kermitz]

I use custom molded earplugs and ear muffs. I had the earplugs made for my bike, but I use them for the range too.

[joelogic]

I wear surefire plugs under my Sordins. The surefire plugs are not good enough for indoor or rifle fire alone.

[Cyc Wid It]

I wear surefire plugs under my Sordins. The surefire plugs are not good enough for indoor or rifle fire alone.

+1. I double up with some earmuffs. The Surefire's are pretty comfortable though.

[ir0nclash86]

I use the walmart blue reusable earplugs. It blocks the noise so so which is why I like them. I love hearing the sound of the gun shots that are just muffled enough to not make my ears ring. That's for handguns though. When I'm at the rifle range I gotta use those disposable earplugs. They're cheap and block rifle shots really good.

[Ergo the Qualmed]

I use these weird passive things I bought from the NRA. Basically like an extension of your ear canal or something; looks like a headset of some kind. Works pretty nicely; I can hear speech, but gunshots are muffled quite nicely indoors. And no batteries, and quite light. Link:

http://www.nrastore.com/nra/Product.aspx?productid=SS%20302

[THT]

I use foam ear plugs under Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic muffs. They're low-profile enough to not interfere with getting a good cheekweld, are relatively cheap and effective provided you aren't shooting a machine gun. Nice thing about them is I can turn up the amplification and hear people talking just fine but when there's a gunshot, the muffs immediately cut the sound.

[iareConfusE]

Bulk foam ear plugs from the hardware store underneath some cheap Big 5 Howard Leight low profile muffs.

[BigFatGuy]

I hate the foam plugs, I can never get them in right. I use rubber ear plugs that I got on sale at Turners (the kind with multiple round... "sound blockers" on them and a string tying them together).

For indoor ranges, I also use headphones. People need to speak up when they talk to me, but my hearing should stay safe...

[Boltz]

I'm not a fan of muffs since they get in the way when I'm shooting a rifle, so I use them only when I have to. I prefer to use my Surefires or combat earplugs, which have worked fine for me even indoors.

[WILDMAN442]

Surefires when just shootin pistola and Electronic Howard leights any othertime.

I like the low pro design.

Justin

[sevensix2x51]

i wear the surefire ep4(i think thats the nomenclature for them)'s open when outdoors, and when indoors, i cap them and cover up with the leight lowpro electric ones. they were tough to get used to at first, but their design does not really impede my cheekweld, so i put up with them. the nice thing is that they can amplify normal sounds through the plugs, so you can hear as if you didnt have any ear pro on at all. then, double protection when a blast occurs.

[thomashoward]

I use Peltor Tac 7's because I'd like to keep what is left of my hearing. Roll up foam plugs won't do it. I wish I knew that 40 years ago Eh?

[tpuig]

Sorry for the long post, but I'm sort of a fanatic about my hearing. I almost always double up. I've tried a lot of different types. You GOTTA wear something, so buy a couple cheap sets and keep them in the range bag and glove box.

Got a set of these, and they stay in the range bag/truck. Custom fit, got them through work, and they are pretty comfortable. This particular one is designed for musicians, but they make a lot of different styles. Good product, and nice folks.

http://www.earinc.com/p2-specialty-musician.php

On top of those, I wear some electronic ears. The Peltors and Howard Leights are certainly much nicer, but I got a set of these stereo electronic muffs (green) from Midway for $19, and two more sets (black) from Sportsman's Guide for $15 on sale. They look identical except the color. I lend them to newbies I take to the range. Not really comfortable for long periods, but they work great with the other in ear plugs or foam plugs. Can't beat the price, either.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=774928

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=359175

I also got a set of these directly from Sensgard. They are like the NRA ones mentioned above. Very happy with these, although tough to wear a hat with them. I didn't expect them to be very effective, but I bought the 31db version and LOVE them. They also stay in the range bag. You just need to twist them into the ear for an effective seal.

https://www.tmtsafetyproducts.com/Store/tabid/58/List/0/ProductID/15/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductNumber

Finally, I waited and got a set of Walker's Game ears (Quad) on sale. These are fantastic for the outdoors, but not so great for the range. They amplify sounds in all directions, so front to back and left to right are actually discernable. I'll use them for hunting. The drawback about using them at the range is that they amplify all the other shooting going on, so you get a constant noise that cuts in and out. Close to natural sound. But very lightweight and comfortable.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=118726

Hope this helps. I have friends who play in bands and have been going to concerts for 40 years, most of whom have significant hearing loss. They used to laugh at me in high school for wearing ear protection. Not so funny now...
I get my hearing tested every year and it's nearly perfect. So while I know that won't last forever, I take fanatical care of my hearing if at all possible.

[Bigtwin]

El cheapo yellow ear plugs for me! Twist'em up, shove'em in, and shoot! For out door range any how. I do not like the ear muffs when shooting rifle(too bulky).
Indoor I usually only shoot pistol and the ear muffs are fine.