I forget if I shared this info before. Sorry if I did.
But I got an email in answer to my question from the FCSA (Fifty Caliber Shooters ass'n) at wwwDOTfcsaDOTorg, which asked if you need to shoot a 50 with your mouth open.
Here is the info:
cpileri: "I searched and found only conjecture and unreferenced statements that you must (or should) fire the 50bmg with your mouth open to equalize pressure in your inner ears.
First, is it true?
Next, is it (i.e. mouth open) necessary when wearing earplugs or earmuffs? When wearing a combination of both?"
FCSA response:
"Ummm....no. Otherwise I'd have been deaf since 1994.
Double ear pro is recommended though. AND, to make sure that's crystal clear to the students at last week's (ed.removed) Class on .50 caliber, the (removed) Instructor pointed out that "double ear pro" doesn't mean TWO sets of foam pluggies in the ears. You'd have to drive them into your head with an ice pick. Best use a set of foamies AND a set of ear muffs.
Now, if they get tired of whacking at the target with a .50 to no effect and call in a JDAMs strike, then opening your mouth & plugging your ears would be called for.
Have also heard rumors that the .50 will break your shoulder (might bruise you a bit without a muzzle brake, but otherwise, no dice). And that the .50 will detach a retina. (If you're a diabetic, maybe. But if you're a diabetic, there's a list of strenuous activities you should avoid, like demolition derby.)"
Happy to share.
C-
But I got an email in answer to my question from the FCSA (Fifty Caliber Shooters ass'n) at wwwDOTfcsaDOTorg, which asked if you need to shoot a 50 with your mouth open.
Here is the info:
cpileri: "I searched and found only conjecture and unreferenced statements that you must (or should) fire the 50bmg with your mouth open to equalize pressure in your inner ears.
First, is it true?
Next, is it (i.e. mouth open) necessary when wearing earplugs or earmuffs? When wearing a combination of both?"
FCSA response:
"Ummm....no. Otherwise I'd have been deaf since 1994.
Double ear pro is recommended though. AND, to make sure that's crystal clear to the students at last week's (ed.removed) Class on .50 caliber, the (removed) Instructor pointed out that "double ear pro" doesn't mean TWO sets of foam pluggies in the ears. You'd have to drive them into your head with an ice pick. Best use a set of foamies AND a set of ear muffs.
Now, if they get tired of whacking at the target with a .50 to no effect and call in a JDAMs strike, then opening your mouth & plugging your ears would be called for.
Have also heard rumors that the .50 will break your shoulder (might bruise you a bit without a muzzle brake, but otherwise, no dice). And that the .50 will detach a retina. (If you're a diabetic, maybe. But if you're a diabetic, there's a list of strenuous activities you should avoid, like demolition derby.)"
Happy to share.
C-
