HOWARD J
Member
What ear plugs do you use when shooting an AR 15
If I use Muffs they block me from using the scope
If I use Muffs they block me from using the scope
EAR PLUGS FOR AR15
- Thread starter HOWARD J
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bikemutt
Member
I had a pair of custom fit plugs made that really knock down the noise. They weren't cheap, $60 if I remember right, took about 30 minutes for the fitting. Once properly installed in the ears, even the 300 win mag, braked rifles don't bother me at the range.
I do used a pair of 30db noise reduction ear muffs for pistol but, as you said, those aren't the best fit for rifles.
HOWARD J
Member
I use Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs BUT what model
do you use for ear plugs?
do you use for ear plugs?
TrickyDick
Member
Why not use cheap disposable foam ear plugs? They work just fine and don't get in the way of anything.
Panzerschwein
member
Orange ones from the store. (wal mart).
1KPerDay
Member
Howard Leight makes very good earplugs which is what the gentleman above meant. Howard Leight MAX (orange) or MAX-lite (green) are my choices. 31 and 27db NRR respectively I think. Then get some slim rifle profile muffs to go over them.
entropy
Member
I bought a custom fit do-it-yourself kit on clearance at Walmart for @$10, they work great, especially in summer when wearing muffs is sweaty! Caveat: get a case you can easily find for them, I keep loosing them in my range bag.
Everready73
Member
The foam ones never seal right in my ears. I use the Peltor rubber ones and double up with regular low profile over the ear ones so they don't mess with my cheek weld
HOWARD J
Member
I have been shooting around 70 years
An AR 15 is the first weapon that my ear muffs do not like
sh happens
An AR 15 is the first weapon that my ear muffs do not like
sh happens
1KPerDay
Member
You have to "install them" correctly; try this: roll them between thumb and forefinger as small as you can, then reach over your head with your other hand and lift up on the top of your ear to straighten out your ear canal, then insert the foam deep, and hold it until it expands to seal. it should feel like it's touching your pituitary gland. This is how they are meant to be used and how they arrive at the NRR. If you just take a plug and stuff it in the outside of your ear it's probably doing about 5-10 db reduction and will give you a false sense of protection.
If you have super tiny ear canals you might need to buy child's size foam plugs. Some people do.
herrwalther
Member
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That isn't all that bad of a price. Where I used to work would give us a "discount" on custom molded ear plugs for about $115. NRR was advertised at 32.
I don't like the foam ones either. Most of them have a NRR of around 30. The issue is that high of a rating revolves around correct installation. Which the vast majority of people do not do. I usually use the rubber stick shaped kind of earplugs that are significantly easier to put in. When I was still wearing earplugs for work, I liked the Surefire EP3s.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
When shooting rifles I will sometimes use Radians custom ear plugs with Howard leight slim/electronic muffs on top.
I always use that combo indoors.
I always use that combo indoors.
3M Tekk brand disposable earplugs. 29db NRR. I get them packaged two to a box from an industrial supply company and just have them hanging next to the ammunition cabinet so nobody forgets them. But keep in mind, I have tinnitus and pronounced hearing loss from unprotected exposure to gunfire and the doctors tell me that using anything more will offer me no practical benefit.
For my sons, we do a belt and suspenders approach where they use the foam earplugs and then augment them with either a set of muffs or a Howard Leight electronic muff.
The roll-up plugs have the best NRR, but are hard to install. When I used them, someone was always walking up and talking softly enough that I had to pull them out.
I changed to 'push in' ones - slightly lower NRR, but easy to insert. For example:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200498619_200498619
(not an endorsement of any particular brand/vendor, just one seller of the brand I use)
I changed to 'push in' ones - slightly lower NRR, but easy to insert. For example:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200498619_200498619
(not an endorsement of any particular brand/vendor, just one seller of the brand I use)
bassjam
Member
I use the classic yellow 3M ear plugs, I buy a box of 200 at a time and keep it in my garage. If you install them like 1KPerDay instructed they work great and I find them comfortable.
In addition to when I shoot, I use mine anytime I use a power saw or a hammer drill in concrete or when running the weed trimmer and chainsaws.
In addition to when I shoot, I use mine anytime I use a power saw or a hammer drill in concrete or when running the weed trimmer and chainsaws.
GarySTL
Member
Walker has some electronic in the ear units available
Walkers Game Ear Razor Silencer Earbud https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMQTWQL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_GBrEzbMQKVSC8
Has anyone tried them yet?
Walkers Game Ear Razor Silencer Earbud https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XMQTWQL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_GBrEzbMQKVSC8
Has anyone tried them yet?
jmorris
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2005
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- 24,211
All ears are different even from your right to your left ear. That's why what works great for one person might need t work for another or be uncomfortable and not work.
One of the best things I ever did was get an assortment of all types of ear plugs. And try them out one after another, some were a fail as soon as I put them in and once I found a winner I bought boxes of them. At the farm, in the shop, in my truck, the most important thing about ear protection is that it's available when you might need it. Just by looking I would have never thought the EAR "Push-Ins" would work better than the roll up style I had used for years and they are also instant, you don't have to roll them and wait for them to expand.
For reference, the ones my ENT molded in my ears are the ones on the left side below the box and you can see why they are the most effective.
One of the best things I ever did was get an assortment of all types of ear plugs. And try them out one after another, some were a fail as soon as I put them in and once I found a winner I bought boxes of them. At the farm, in the shop, in my truck, the most important thing about ear protection is that it's available when you might need it. Just by looking I would have never thought the EAR "Push-Ins" would work better than the roll up style I had used for years and they are also instant, you don't have to roll them and wait for them to expand.
For reference, the ones my ENT molded in my ears are the ones on the left side below the box and you can see why they are the most effective.
I have been looking at custom molded plugs. I LOVE my surefire earplugs, fully stoppered, they offer nrr of 24-26 depending on which model, and when hunting, I can unstopper them to let most sounds in (I.e. conversing with my party and they still muffle the gunshots) but I've been looking at decibullz lately nrr31 for dedicated range time plugs.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/bs/sto...ullz&slashargs=default&pageId=TO2OFRFSKB6D0XW
Here's the surefire plugs variety of anyone is interested in them too
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_11?k=surefire+ear+plugs&sprefix=surefire+ea
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