Would like some recommendations on ear protection. Shoot only at a 100 yd. indoor range. (Savage MK II, .22LR). Presently using molded ear plugs, but not adequate when others are shooting .50, .308 and other large caliber rifles. Only 7 lanes, so it can get quite loud. Have left on some occasions due to volume of noise. So, want to buy a good set of muffs. However, with all the brands and types, it becomes confusing. Don't want to buy and then have to re-buy. Would rather spend the money and get a good set the first time. Let me know your thoughts and what you find muffles the sound sufficiently and protects my ears. Appreciate.
Ear Protection
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OilyPablo
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Easy. Good earplugs. I like 3M Head screws. PLUS good electronic muffs. I have two kinds that have served me well. Both in the $40-$70 range as I recall. I can get Makes and models later. The combo is perfectly comfortable and normal conversations are easy.
trentcwwilson
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I'd look into a good set of electronic muffs. I've got a set of Howard leights that I love. Turn the mic on and you can have a normal volume conversation. Don't know if you could use them around the higher calibers because I've never been to an indoor range that allows those two calibers. I know they work on them outdoors.
OilyPablo: Thank you for the quick reply. Sounds like a start for me. If not to much trouble, would be interested in the make and model of your muffs.
trentcwilson: Wish the local indoor range would put a stop to those high calibers. Really tough for us others in a small area. Will look into the Howard Leights. Appreciate your post.
trentcwilson: Wish the local indoor range would put a stop to those high calibers. Really tough for us others in a small area. Will look into the Howard Leights. Appreciate your post.
ClickClickD'oh
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trentcwwilson said:
I wear those over plugs on indoor ranges and it's wonderful. I wear them without plugs and with the volume turned up while hunting and it's like cheating.
trentcwwilson
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Amazing aren't they? I wear them while mowing so it muffles the sound and I can listen to music. And we had a guy with a ported 357 Coonan. That made me wear ear plugs under my muffs.
Jim Watson
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You can get 30 dB passive muffs from Peltor or Pro Ears a lot cheaper than any electronic, most of which are not as quiet as the passives anyhow. Wear them over foam plugs for the most protection.
Who are you talking to on an indoor range to need the electronics?
Who are you talking to on an indoor range to need the electronics?
ClickClickD'oh
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Jim Watson said:
My students.
trentcwwilson
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Think that was directed at me. I second the statement though. Usually myself, but students, friends, competitors...the list goes on.
ClickClickD'oh
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trentcwwilson said:
Lol, I completely forgot how much easier IDPA is with electro muffs on. Don't have to keep sliding them off an on between matches to call scores. Never going back to normal muffs again.
trentcwwilson
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In comp, it's the only way to go.
Jim Watson
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Agreed, if you are a coach, student, range officer, or chatty competitor, the electronics are very handy. That is not what the OP described.
I had a Peltor 7S electronic which was very nice in those applications.
I now have Howard Leight Pro (NOT the dinky Sport) which are kind of ok, but I wish I had splurged on Peltor Tactical Pro or Pro Ears Mag Gold.
I find myself wearing my passive Pro Ears Ultra and Peltor Ultimate 10 more often unless I really need to communicate.
I had a Peltor 7S electronic which was very nice in those applications.
I now have Howard Leight Pro (NOT the dinky Sport) which are kind of ok, but I wish I had splurged on Peltor Tactical Pro or Pro Ears Mag Gold.
I find myself wearing my passive Pro Ears Ultra and Peltor Ultimate 10 more often unless I really need to communicate.
ClickClickD'oh; Trentcwwilson;& Jim Watson: Gonna jump in on your exchange and let you know how much I appreciate the dialogue. Picking up good information and making notes. Names, models, passive vs electronic, foam plugs. Learning a lot from you all. At the range, not interested in talking. Say Hello, How You Doing---not much more. Range time is my time. Just my rifle and me. Pretty much says why I am coming to You guys. Feel more comfortable than broaching the topic with guys that may not have the expertise of the guys on this forum. Thanks--Appreciate.
SwaneeSR
Member
I purchased a pair of the 3M Peltor Tactical Pro last year.
I was stupid when younger and because of working in and around factory equipment And personal activities like shooting, I have some hearing loss and ringing in my ears.
Electronic is the way to go. Prices have come down.
Auto shutoff is a must
Don't care if they have an iPod jack, I am shooting, pay attention.
Wear them, always. As important as safety glasses.
I was stupid when younger and because of working in and around factory equipment And personal activities like shooting, I have some hearing loss and ringing in my ears.
Electronic is the way to go. Prices have come down.
Auto shutoff is a must
Don't care if they have an iPod jack, I am shooting, pay attention.
Wear them, always. As important as safety glasses.
AzShooter1
Member
I recently picked up two pair of Howard Leights so my friend and I both had good muffs when we shoot. They work real well. Cut off the sound of the guns but we can still talk to each other with no problems.
I can also hear the commands from the Range Master.
I got them from Amazon.com.
I can also hear the commands from the Range Master.
I got them from Amazon.com.
OilyPablo
Member
Howard Leight Impact Sports have been my go to emuffs for 3 years now. Battery life is superb. I really never use them without earplugs, so I can't review them alone, if you know what I am saying. It's just too easy and good combination for me. Before that I used Caldwell emuffs, that are still quite serviceable, but battery life is not great. Some reviewers have had the circuits die. Mine seem to be doing fine after 7-8 years or so.
After trying a bunch of disposable ear plugs, I decided to try some (free sample!) 3M Skull Screws - 32dB. I really thought they are a gimmick. But by far (for me) they fit the most comfortable, easy to REMOVE, and they really cut the CRACK alone better than others. So I bought a box of 120 pairs without strings.
Now WHY the combo?
1) Ear muffs almost work alone but just don't seal all the gaps in your head around your ears. I have a nice bald patch going on, and keep my hair high and tight - so I pretty much always wear a hat when shooting. Hats interfere with muff seals.
2) Good plugs almost work alone.
3) E-muffs have been pretty darn good for the last 10+ years. I almost always talk to folks at the range. Our church gun group would be no fun without banter.
4) Still I may get the best regular muffs for ultimate sound deadening when shooting high power alone, and wear those with plugs. My ears are OK at 57, I have lost just a little. When we went shooting with my dad as a kid he gave us cotton plugs! Luckily it was mostly all .22. But that and amplified music have cut some tiny bit of ability at some narrow frequencies ranges.
5) I'm going to check out molded plugs, those look nice. Easy removal is important. One time I had to go home and have my wife fish one out!
After trying a bunch of disposable ear plugs, I decided to try some (free sample!) 3M Skull Screws - 32dB. I really thought they are a gimmick. But by far (for me) they fit the most comfortable, easy to REMOVE, and they really cut the CRACK alone better than others. So I bought a box of 120 pairs without strings.
Now WHY the combo?
1) Ear muffs almost work alone but just don't seal all the gaps in your head around your ears. I have a nice bald patch going on, and keep my hair high and tight - so I pretty much always wear a hat when shooting. Hats interfere with muff seals.
2) Good plugs almost work alone.
3) E-muffs have been pretty darn good for the last 10+ years. I almost always talk to folks at the range. Our church gun group would be no fun without banter.
4) Still I may get the best regular muffs for ultimate sound deadening when shooting high power alone, and wear those with plugs. My ears are OK at 57, I have lost just a little. When we went shooting with my dad as a kid he gave us cotton plugs! Luckily it was mostly all .22. But that and amplified music have cut some tiny bit of ability at some narrow frequencies ranges.
5) I'm going to check out molded plugs, those look nice. Easy removal is important. One time I had to go home and have my wife fish one out!
SwaneeSR; jmorris; AzShooter1; OilyPablo; Wish to thank each of you for your posts and excellent insight/information. As a recreational shooter, 2-3 times per month, (indoor range) I have decided on purchasing a set of Peltor x-series (X5A) from Midway. They are the passive muffs. One of the newer Peltor line I believe and will double up using my molded plugs. Everyone on this thread has been great in educating me on ear protection. Look forward to receiving my new muffs and trying them out at the range. Appreciate.
FL-NC
Member
I like electronic Howard-Leights. Been using mine regularly 2 years, cheaper version of Peltors. I think I got mine on amazon for $50.
FL-NC: Appreciate the post on your Howard-Leights. Although I have ordered a set of Peltor's X5A (passive muffs), I have not ruled out electronic muffs sometime in the future. Changing our minds and trying something new seems to go with guys and guns. Appreciate 
readyeddy: Very good advice and much appreciated. That is my plan. Particularly for indoor shooters like myself, I think all the protection you can give your ears is smart. I have done quite a bit of reading on ear protection since I began this thread, and the damage that can occur due to improper protection is frightening and permanent. Not worth any shortcuts when it comes to protecting your ears. Appreciate you posting your thoughts. It may save someone's hearing.
Non electronic.
http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight...sr=8-11&keywords=howard+leight+ear+protection
http://www.amazon.com/FSL-Safety-Ea...d=1447456107&sr=8-3&keywords=safety+ear+muffs
Have both, like both.
I use these Howard Leight electronic muffs with plugs under them if I need to communicate. They are not good enough by themselves IMHO.
http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight...sr=8-11&keywords=howard+leight+ear+protection
http://www.amazon.com/FSL-Safety-Ea...d=1447456107&sr=8-3&keywords=safety+ear+muffs
Have both, like both.
I use these Howard Leight electronic muffs with plugs under them if I need to communicate. They are not good enough by themselves IMHO.
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