Ear protection. Help!

[jdwhittles]

I am new to this long range shooting thing. I was wondering how everyone deals with hearing protection. I am using the foam plugs and it seems that they are working fine but when I am in a quiet room after shooting it seems that my ears are ringing more than normal. Has anyone else dealt with this? I there a good solution?

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[SlowFarmer]

Many people will wear muffs over plugs especially if using a muzzle brake.
Ive had good luck with my sordin msa supremes really cut down the ringing I used to get sometimes.

 

[bogeybrown]

LMAO. When I saw this thread I was going to post something like: Surefire earplugs work great for a few bucks, but on this forum everyone is going to recommend MSA Sordins for a few HUNDRED bucks.

Yes, MSA's are badass, no argument at all, but if you just need something to keep your ears from ringing then the Surefire plugs and maybe some decent muffs over them as needed should be fine, and will save you a case of ammo in price difference.

 

[117D-RTO]

LMAO. When I saw this thread I was going to post something like: Surefire earplugs work great for a few bucks, but on this forum everyone is going to recommend MSA Sordins for a few HUNDRED bucks.

Yes, MSA's are badass, no argument at all, but if you just need something to keep your ears from ringing then the Surefire plugs and maybe some decent muffs over them as needed should be fine, and will save you a case of ammo in price difference.

Yes, the Sordin are not really something i'd recommend to a guy that starts his thread with 'Hi i'm new', although it's worth noting that there's a high probability you will end up with a pair if you're still shooting years later.

 

[Jimmy31593]

Surefire plugs work nicely... so do sordins

 

[HoustonB77]

I generally double up with plugs and muffs.
Well that is untill I save enough cash for that can.

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[sjoliat]

I use the Howard Leight Impact Sport electronics and Leight Max foam plugs. I really like the Impacts, but I find that when shooting prone the stock-side muff gets pushed out of position and greatly reduces the effectiveness. With a NRR of 33, and $.10/pr when you buy the bulk pack, the Max plugs are great but it is much harder to hear range commands. I need to try doubling up the two and turning up the volume on the electronics to see about hearing talking.

 

[NY700]

Foam plugs and Peltor sport tacs


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[Cartman]

I use the Howard Leight Impact Sport electronics and Leight Max foam plugs. I really like the Impacts, but I find that when shooting prone the stock-side muff gets pushed out of position and greatly reduces the effectiveness. With a NRR of 33, and $.10/pr when you buy the bulk pack, the Max plugs are great but it is much harder to hear range commands. I need to try doubling up the two and turning up the volume on the electronics to see about hearing talking.

Pretty close to what I have.

I may not be as high speed, low drag, as everyone here. But I was a competitive shooter for a few years. And probably fired about 30,000 + or - rounds a year. Usually with people shooting next to me. And my ears don't ring (I shot .22 when younger with nothing and I seriously regret it now). Mind you, this was outdoors. I make no claims about shooting next to someone using a muzzle brake next to a wall next to you on an indoor range. Ouch.

By all means DOUBLE UP. Plugs in the canal and muffs over.

I once tried the silicone molded plugs you see at gun shows. I do not recommend them personally, though some people seem to be happy. First, I don't think they attenuate the sound as well as the MAX plugs I link to below. Second, when I would make a good cheek weld they would often lose their seal a little bit. It may have been because my canals are big, wet with wax on a hot day, or whatever. I don't care. Not worth the risk. A few times in competition this happened and I didn't do anything about it and kept shooting and I regret that too.

As you work up to figuring out just how much you want to spend and what your needs and wants are, buy this right now. Don't even think about it (well, maybe, do read on).

https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leigh...s=howard+leight+max&psc=1&smid=A1UMBRA5ZTBCX8

If you have small ear canals (or female or child), get these (I also use these when needed while sleeping (they are more comfortable than the ones above):
https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leigh...1494206497&sr=8-4&keywords=howard+leight+lite

Read the reviews and decide:
https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leigh...&keywords=Howard-Leight-Honeywell-+electronic

These are not low-profile, however.

Lower profile:
https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leigh...&keywords=Howard-Leight-Honeywell-+electronic

Not low profile:
https://www.amazon.com/Peltor-Sport...1494206839&sr=8-1&keywords=peltor+ultimate+10
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-H1...1494206855&sr=8-2&keywords=peltor+ultimate+10

Lower profile (several sizes and levels of effectiveness):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPCHADQ/ref=twister_B06Y3YSCSF?th=1

Seems well worth a roll of the dice:
https://www.amazon.com/Walkers-Game...qk&pd_rd_wg=AH4AW&refRID=WNPMW9GP85A1AF7BXZH7

With the first and last links here you're out just a tad over $50. It's quite unlikely that you'll get a better bang for your buck in the shooting sports. In the future, you may decide to spring for better electronics. In the meantime, these will get you started.

And welcome.

 

[ZombieMonkey]

As everyone has said, make sure you double up. If you want a set of electronic muffs you can get into the Howard Leight Impact Sports and not be out too much money. However, over time you will likely find yourself moving to a nicer pair like the MSA's as they really are worth the money if you shoot often.

 

[jdwhittles]

Wow. Thank you for all of the responses. You have educated me and greatly reduced my research time. Cartman thank you for all of the links.

 

[Threadcutter308]

As everyone has said, make sure you double up. If you want a set of electronic muffs you can get into the Howard Leight Impact Sports and not be out too much money. However, over time you will likely find yourself moving to a nicer pair like the MSA's as they really are worth the money if you shoot often.

Among the many nice features of the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X's is the level of comfort when wearing for extended periods of time. Get them with the Gel earpads. You'll never get me to give mine up.

Oh, and the other fun thing is when you leave the electronics powered up while you're shooting. I shoot my .223 with an Omega and can clearly hear the bullet strike the backstop/berm. With the can on the .223, it's like shooting a pellet gun. And, hearing the bullet strike is giggle city.....

 

[700smooth]

impact sport muffs all a guy needs

 

[pineoak]

Foam plugs and Peltor sport tacs

+1

The sport tacs are my favorite. I'd double up if running a brake.

what costs even more and is my best advice is Peltor Sport Tacs + quality silencer

rilfes are LOUD and the hearing damage is cumulative. a long day at the range using a braked gun will add up even doubling up.

I come home sometimes after a really long day of shooting rifles (suppressed + muffs, no plugs) and my ears are still ringing (rotating between 3 rifles and using up LOTS of ammo)

 

[sheepdog697]

I really like the silencer co omega . Kidding aside i bought the howard light sport ear pro, and they fill my purpose better than i expected for the price.

 

[Rangemaster]

Surefire ear plugs work so good, i find myself pulling them out a little bit so i can hear people calling out the targets.
I have all the finest electronic muffs and they work great but I have issues with the cheek rest knocking them off.

 

[Polizei45]

A 2nd vote for the Sordin MSA, but the the gel ear seals. So much better.

 

[softcock]

A crapload of people have the Howard Leight electronic muffs . hey just a heads-up . I think a lot of guys are over looking the Howard Leight ( Gel Pads ) offered for sale by member Kaiser.Shooter

I have bought replacement foam ear pads for the Howard Leight muffs when the Foam gets a little flat, hard and old. The replacement Foams, they are just adequate OK . but These 'Gel Pads' replacements offered are comfortable plush and 10x the quality wrapped around the ears .
.