when_shtf 4 Posted May 10, 2012 I'm going to Heritage Guild to check out some hand guns. I've actually have never been to a range, but if I enjoy shooting there I can see myself going more often. When I shoot I always use foam plugs. But since I'll be dealing with a lot more noise, should I wear over-the-ear protection? If so, active or passive? Gun specific or general? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,872 Posted May 10, 2012 In-ear protection is generally better. When in doubt, double up. Use plugs and muffs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
henrym 19 Posted May 10, 2012 Indoors I always use plugs under electronic muffs. Outdoors is usually just plugs, due to the cheekweld issue/less echo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Qel Hoth 33 Posted May 10, 2012 Indoors I use foam plugs + earmuffs. Outdoors I just use muffs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M2AX 0 Posted May 10, 2012 I doubled up on my last range visit (indoors), and found it much better than over the ears alone. I felt a lot more focused and relaxed. YMMV But I'm not a fan of loud noise in general -- I make an exception for firearms. :-) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OnefastNotch 0 Posted May 10, 2012 depends what i shoot. if its just a 5.56mm or something small cal. I just use ear plugs. When shooting something larger or espcially my Mosin I double up on hearing protection. my M44 is one loud bang Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnp 45 Posted May 10, 2012 No one else uses this method? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gunguynj 0 Posted May 10, 2012 Double up for sure indoors. Even outdoors since its guaranteed someone will be lasting off copious amounts of high powered 556 ammo off right next to you for hours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeorgeHM 5 Posted May 10, 2012 Thanks for the this topic. Was goign to ask the same question myself. I'll pick up some small foam ones for back up and extra protection. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodentoe 14 Posted May 10, 2012 No one else uses this method? Whoops. The ATF guy has poor trigger discipline. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheLugNutZ 21 Posted May 10, 2012 LOL ^ I also double up indoors. Keep the muffs close outside as well, esp at the new Dix range. Echos like sh*# there now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JonF 79 Posted May 10, 2012 I double up as well but you have to look at the DB ratings of your ear pro as some suppress more than others. Lately i've been using some Surefire Ep5 silicone ear plugs which are super comfy and suppress in teh upper 20's range (28 db NRR i believe). Then i use some thick passive muffs in the low 30's range to top it off. The thin ones are only good for low 20's db suppression so the thicker the better in this case but again, check your ratings to be sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BullzeyeNJ 104 Posted May 10, 2012 I use Pro-ears electronic ear muffs but I still usually double up with those when shooting indoors. Outdoors I use pro-ears that are a slanted contour so they dont interfere with the rifle stock. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
when_shtf 4 Posted May 11, 2012 That photo of the range officer is GREAT. I went to Heritage this morning. On my way I stopped off at Lowes and picked up some nice low-profile muffs (25 NRR) for $18. I used these with foam ear plugs. I had a woman with a 9mm on my left and a guy with a 45 on my right and I was very comfortable. Thanks for all of the help. I don't think I would have thought of double protection on my own. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rifleman1 32 Posted December 6, 2012 Had a question on Hearing Protection... I understand that OSHA says noise protection is required at 140 decibels and that the typical gunshot noise rating is 160 or so decibels. So wearing plugs or muffs should reduce the decibels below the 140 range. I have seen the decibel reduction for ear plugs around 30 decibels and the reduction for ear muffs at about 30 decibels. If you double up and use both do you get a decibel reduction of 60? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NJDrew1 0 Posted December 7, 2012 While the use of ear plugs and muffs at the same time doubles your protection, I read in several places (http://www.coopersafety.com/NoiseReduction.aspx) that it doesn't actually provide db reduction of the total of the two combined. Someone also shared an interesting web page on hearing loss and the shooting sports. http://www.earsoftexas.com/hearingear_disorders/shooting.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,872 Posted December 7, 2012 If it was a 60db reduction, you'd never hear anything Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Secret Squirrel 3 Posted December 9, 2012 I double up Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A-Tech 8 Posted December 9, 2012 Me and my wife both use these custom molded plugs that work great, even when shooting rifle. Made by Radians and can be had for about $10 per pair. Fit perfect and mold to your ear canal. Haven't had a problem yet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites