Hearing protection in a HD sitiuation?

[KevinB]

I was just wondering what everyone thinks the pros and cons to wearing hearing protection in a HD sitiuation would be. Right now my primary HD weapon is a .357 magnum SP101. After reading many threads over at TFL about the .357 and hearing loss I have starting keeping a pair of ear plugs alongside my revolver in the gunguard. I'm worried though about being able to hear whats going on, where the BG is at etc.

Do you think there could be any legal ramifications if I was forced to shoot someone and was wearing the plugs? Prosecuter might suggest that my assailant was wanting to surrender but I couldn't hear him. Who knows?

I would like to have a pair of electronic earmuffs but my budget is extremely tight. I think I'm going to go today and buy a pair of baffle type plugs. Supposed to be able to hear normal conversation but blocks out loud noises.

Any and all opinions on the subject would be greatly appreciated. This is my first online post ever, and I just want to say I think the board is great. You guys have really created a wealth of information. Thank you all in advance.

-Kevin

 

[fix]

Welcome aboard.

Hearing protection should take a backseat to life protection. That said, if you have the time to toss the muffs on, legal protection should take a backseat to both.

 

[Smoke]

Check this thread

I say, emphatically, NO.

But thats just my $.02

Smoke

 

[strambo]

Save up for electronic ones. Dillon HP-1s (what I have) are decent and cost about $139. They sit beside my gun, flashlight and spare mag. Truly the best of both worlds, you can hear them better (BGs) than without them, they protect your hearing and preserve your hearing beyond the first shot. It would also take care of the legal question. Obviously you grab the gun first, and if you don't have time to put on the ears...well then I guess you do what you gotta do.

...BTW they are great at the range too

 

[mr_dove]

I have three options.

1. no protection

2. electronic protection: will amplify many sounds but you may lose directionality.

3. save up your cash and get set up for a sound supessor (best option).

 

[grnzbra]

Dillon HP-1s (what I have) are decent and cost about $139.

I just got a set but haven't used them. However, they seem to be Peltors which have been rebranded for Dillon. Natchez Shooters' Supply, or is it Shooters' Emporium, has the Peltor set for something like $99.

 

[strambo]

I think the Peltors are actually better. When I got my HP-1s (as an X-mas gift) the Dillons were the cheapest I knew of at the time. They amplify well and are truly stereo for direction of sound, but they aren't quite as comfortable as the Peltors I tried once, and have a slightly "metallic" type sound to them.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

When presented with the opportunity and time, smart people put on their muffs/plugs. Next time you get to see the more extensive footage of the North Hollywood Bank Robbery, look for the scene pans LEOs behind their cars, firing at the bad guys. You can tell some of the cops in the scene came later or took time to prepare as they have shooting glasses and muffs.

We have Peltor ComTacs at home for this very reason. A huge benefit beyond hearing protection is being able to ramp up the volume and have something akin to super hearing. You can actually use the muffs to aid in threat identification. You can accoustically search a room with some practice. For example, I can stand in the hallway outside my daughters' room and hear both of them breathing without actually having to walk into the room or being directly in front of their door. I can hear the footfalls of my cat on the carpet as she comes down the hallway.

If somebody is activily breaking in your house right now, then you don't grab the electronic muffs as the situation is immediate. If you hear a bump in the night and decide to investigate, grab your gun and put on your electronic muffs. It really is in your best interest.

 

[10shooter]

Look at different HD weapons. I use a 5" S&W 625-5 45 long colt. My loads are a 230 jhp at 950 fps and the sound level at the range is pleasant. I also have a 4" GP-100 full loads are very load even with hearing protection. I thought about what would happen to my hearing after the first shoot, would I just hear ringing for the next few minutes when I needed to have good clear hearing. I don't know but I also picked a larger weapon for these reasons.
1. reliable stopper.
2. revolver for the most reliable first 6 shots.
3. intimidation factor, a surrendering invader is better than shooting someone.
4. relatively mild recoil and blast.
shotguns properly loaded also fit this catagory.

 

[HankB]

Do you think there could be any legal ramifications if I was forced to shoot someone and was wearing the plugs?

Assuming the shoot happens at home, how will the authorities know you were wearing ear protection unless you tell them? (You do know that you should say nothing beyond identifying yourself as the homeowner and asking for an attorney, right?)