[ArmaLube]

The need for consistent and effective hearing protection during shooting exercises cannot be over-stressed. While most shooters are familiar with the need for effective hearing protection, some newer participants may not be aware of the seriousness of the issue.

Repeated exposure to excessive noise levels is very likely to produce permanent damage to hearing. Thus, it is essential that shooters own and use good quality hearing protectors.

Also, eye protection is often overlooked. Shooting glasses should always be worn when engaged in recreational shooting.

The same precautions apply to bystanders. It is much better to be SAFE than SORRY.

This site: http://www.pressenter.com/~audiodr/noise.htm presents useful noise level information, including data for some common firearms.

Shoot safely! Stay happy! :)

"ArmaLube (http://www.armalube.com) Hits The Mark!"

[dairycreek]

I've been shooting over 40 years now and one would think folks would pick up on the importance of good hearing and vision protection. But, often they don't. I can't tell you how many friends I have now who are in their golden years now and are suffering from failing hearing. Of course not all of this was caused by shooting. Many also failed to heed the warning of protecting their hearing in the work place. Protect your vision and hearing. Good shooting;)

[Rival]

Well I had some flying brass stopped by my glasses, but that is not impressive enough.

But there was that one very convincing time when I forgot my hearing protection and someone shot a .44Magnum in the same closed room...

[EJ]

I was a range officer for a Southern Wisc PD for 15yrs and I seldom used Ear protection-- (After all we were only using light 38s)
So I suffer with really bad hearing in my left ear now--

It is a real concern and shouldn't be dismissed--
You are right!

[10-Ring]

Hearing & vision can never be replaced! Thanks for the reminder. Every now then, I run into people at the range who try to go w/o protecting their eyes, ears or both. Usually after the 1st round, they understand what I mean.
Darwin at work I guess :banghead:

[Standing Wolf]

I've lost well over half my hearing. It's partly genetic; it's partly a function of being male; it's partly a function of aging, but it's also partly attributable to wearing inadequate hearing protection years ago.

It's not quite so much fun as you may have heard.

[Beorn]

I know of a few indoor ranges that "request" that you wear plugs AND muffs. I can vouch to the loudnss factor. I merely ADJUSTED my muffs when a fellow was shooting a shotgun next to me. The ringing didn't stop in that ear for 30 minutes!

ouch, ouch, ouch!:(

[Zundfolge]

At one of the ranges I used to shoot at when I lived in Wichita, I got a strong reminder of this every time I walked in.

The guy behind the counter has a hearing aid stuffed into each ear :(

[denfoote]

I know of what you speak!! During the 1960's they had no idea what the "slight" crack of a .22RF did to adolescent boy's hearing!! :(

[Kahr carrier]

At the range I shoot at Eye and Ear protection is required. But I would wear them anyway.:)

[Freightman]

At our range you get one warning the second time you will be ask for your key and be supended for six months.

[ArmaLube]

Thanks for the positive comments, fellow HighRoad travellers! If this thread saves just one or two people their eyesight or some of their hearing, the reward will be clear.

It is easy to forget or omit the eye protection. But, one need consider for only a moment the value of being able to see. Take no chances with vision protection.

Too often, as many of us know, we have to learn the hard way: from personal experience. Where safety is concerned, constant vigilance is needed.

ArmaLube

[New_comer]

Say what? :evil: :D :cool:

[Smoke]

I'm paying the price at age 37.

Shotguns and rifles were routinly shot without hearing protection. .22's weren't even considered loud. Only the extensive range session with large caliber handguns (and not always then) were muffs used.

I don't do that anymore. I even wear plugs to the dove fields. 98% of dove hunters around here would never consider that.

They too, will learn.

[Still Learning]

In my teen years we thought it was not cool to wear ear plugs or shooting muffs, much less safety glasses. I'm in my mid 40s and need a hearing aid.

Thank the Good Lord I didn't lose my vision! A local kid lost one of his eyes some years ago because he wore no eye protection.

Today I won't even use power tools without safety glasses. If I'm indoors or going to be using them for extended periods of time, I also use hearing protection with them as well.

I keep multiple sets of protection on hand in case people drop by and want to shoot or watch while we shoot. No eye/ear protection=no shooting or even watching nearby. Period.

[Bainx]

Eyesight and hearing protection. I could not agree more.
When he strolled up to the rifle range benches, our club secretary brought eveybody's attention, pointing to me. I thought for a second I had done something terribly wrong.
"This guy is a role model member wearing his hearing protection and eye protection."
I then noticed that the four other shooters did not have eye protection although two of them were wearing glasses.
I wear glasses but still, protection over them.:D

[.45Ruger]

When out plinking in the desert on several occasions I have seen shooter's not using ear protection. I keep some cheap ear plugs in my range bags. I gave them each a pair and wished them good shooting.