[SJ1]

I shoot at an indoor range and need to protect my ears. I am a classical musician. I have been using 3M foam ear plugs and the muffs at the range. They are not at all sufficient.

Could you please recommend the most effective ear protection?

Thank you very much.

[Jim Watson]

Those rental range muffs are seldom the best.

The highest NRR I know of is 33 dB available as
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=553514&t=11082005

In general, muffs over foam plugs are about as good ear protection as you can get, and those are the most effective muffs I can find.

[.38 Special]

You may have better luck with custom plugs. The foam jobs can be effective, but for various reasons, often are not. Combined with a top-rated set of muffs, custom plugs give you the best results I am aware of.

[LiquidTension]

Get a suppressor for the gun and custom plugs covered with muffs for your ears :)

[JohnBT]

The Pro-Ears, the similar Howard Leight model or the ones I use (with Remington plugs underneath), the Peltor Bullseye 10...

www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0012828220681a.shtml

[SJ1]

Thank you. I'll order the custom plugs and the muffs. It's not my gun that's loud. It's the neighbors. I shoot a .22 rifle and mostly Aguila Super Colibri or CCI CB shorts. I sometimes shoot a .22 revolver with the .22 shorts or LR. It's the folks with high calibers in the next lanes.

It's been over 24 hours and my ears are still sore and ringing.

I appreciate very much your recommendations.

[taliv]

i also use the custom plugs, but have no idea how you'd order them. i thought you had to go to some big event where one of the dealers happens to be. a lot of gun shows have them. i got mine at camp perry. you have to sit there while they mix the stuff, stuff it in your ear, wait a while, apply hardener, etc.

they are VERY effective.
then you put some muffs on top of them if you want to block out nearly all sound. if you do this, it is unlikely you will be able to hear range commands, etc. so an electronic set of muffs might be a better thing to put on top of the custom plugs

[PotatoJudge]

For muffs, I've been happy with the Howard Leight L3 (NRR 30). They're very comfortable and seal around the ears well. I just use standard foam plugs underneath (about NRR 28 I think).

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(redlvsamrz0loe55epfv0345)/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=1000005030

[Defensory]

I tried the expensive custom plugs once, but didn't find them to be worth the money. I use Flents "Quiet! Please" foam ear plugs, that are available at virtually any drug store, Wal-Mart, K-Mart etc. They're rated at 29 DB, which is good protection.

If you use foam plugs, get the soft, circular cylinder shaped ones. Don't get the harder foam plugs that are shaped somewhat like a bullet. I've found the latter to be virtually worthless.

Combined with a good quality set of muffs, you shouldn't have any problems.

[.38 Special]

I tried the expensive custom plugs once, but didn't find them to be worth the money.

These often don't come out right the first time. Ensure that the audiologist/dispenser is willing to remake at no charge: the manufacturers are, but sometimes the professional will make something up so as to keep you from coming back after he's got your money.

[DRYHUMOR]

Industrial supply houses, like WW Grainger sell a variety of foam plugs, I'm thinking the highest rating is 33db.

Adding muffs over the foamies gives another 3-5 db reduction.

There is a "proper" way to insert the foam plugs. Roll the plug to compress it, reach over your head with the opposite hand, grasp the top of the ear a raise the ear to elongate it. Insert the compressed plug, hold it until it expands. This helps to get the best fit.

I tried custom fit plugs, and the rubber triple flange plugs, I seem to have settled on the foamies.

Good luck.