Can anyone recommend an alternative to ear muffs? I've always used muffs, but they seem to get in the way when firing a long-gun. I've seen guys wear those things that wrap around the neck and it looks like plugs go in each ear, but I don't now much about them.

I seen them on amazon. lots of people complain it's less effective. of course, it's probably better to use them outdoors like hikcock45.

I would not

The molded putty kind really block the noise well. There are some you make a mold of your ear and when it dries, it is your earplug.

I just use the orange foam plugs when outdoors. When I was in the army and we would go to the range and there were no plugs we would just smoke two cigarettes and stick the butts in our ears. I'd recommend the orange plugs over the butts.

I just use the orange foam plugs when outdoors. When I was in the army and we would go to the range and there were no plugs we would just smoke two cigarettes and stick the butts in our ears. I'd recommend the orange plugs over the butts.

 

My father is a Viet Nam vet and is deaf as hell. I asked him what kind of hearing protection he was issued. He said none, but some of the guys would put 45ACP rounds in their ears to use as plugs. Needless to say, I now double up on protection.

I have some of the self-molded plugs too and they're plenty nice for 22's or mild pistol outdoors, but if find they dont make quite the seal as foam plugs and if you press anywhere on or near your ear, they easily come out of alignment and dont block as much sound. Lately though i double up with both those and muffs when shooting any rifle or magnum pistol outdoors or anything at all indoors. IF i don't, my ears ring the rest of the day.

I use Hearos foam ear plugs.

I actually use these.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W2CPCC/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details

 

I think they work great. We were issued them in Iraq. The black side is used for indoor use and the yellow for outdoors. They are also much easier to insert then the foam ear plugs.

I actually use these.

 

http://www.amazon.co...s00_i00_details

 

I think they work great. We were issued them in Iraq. The black side is used for indoor use and the yellow for outdoors. They are also much easier to insert then the foam ear plugs.

 

Foam plugs work better - those ones you linked are only 22db.

These are 32db - I use these

http://www.amazon.com/Hearos-Ultimate-Softness-20-Pair-Foam/dp/B001EPQ3H4/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1332535158&sr=1-1-catcorr

Not hard to roll/insert as well.

I use foam plugs as well. They work the best. I do double up indoors.

 

When it gets hot out wearing the plugs is so much nicer.

Zem Sensgard SG31 model. NRR of 31. That's all I use, indoors or out. Takes some getting used to, because it still sounds loud, but they apparently "filter" any damaging waves. There is an explanation on their site - just don't expect them to block your hearing, as plugs or muffs do. Comfortable for all day wear and they don't get in the way with a long gun. They are an acquired taste.

 

http://www.sensgard.com/products-1

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Zem Sensgard SG31 model. NRR of 31. That's all I use, indoors or out. Takes some getting used to, because it still sounds loud, but they apparently "filter" any damaging waves. There is an explanation on their site - just don't expect them to block your hearing, as plugs or muffs do. Comfortable for all day wear and they don't get in the way with a long gun. They are an acquired taste.

 

http://www.sensgard.com/products-1

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

 

Bob beat me to it... ^^^^^ This^^^^^

Surefire Sonic Defenders

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

for shotgun use I had moulded plugs made at a hearing aid retailer they are more exspencive than the ones that you do yourself or get at a shoot .I didnt want to cheap out on glasses or hearing protection

I read (and after buying and trying them myself agree with) that the fit/use of the Sensgards isn't for everyone. Doesn't hurt to try them though.

I went to Home Depot and bought a pair of 3M rubber/plastic earplugs. After going to RTSP and having people fire shotguns/AR's in a 25 yard indoor range I didn't have ringing in my ears.

I've been using 3M E-A-R 33nr foam plugs for some time now. If you order them from industrial supply places you end up paying like $30 for a 200 count box.

Thanks again everyone. I'm not a real big fan of "sticking something in my ear", so I may have to stay with the muffs. I'll start looking around to see if they make smaller/narrower muffs that are still effective, but allow me to properly short a long-rifle.

Surefire Sonic Defenders

 

I just picked those up.. they seem really comfortable..

Foam plugs work better - those ones you linked are only 22db.

These are 32db - I use these

http://www.amazon.co...&sr=1-1-catcorr

Not hard to roll/insert as well.

I use radians, pretty much the same thing. 32db reduction. I've never had an issue using them indoors with nothing else.

I'm not a real big fan of "sticking something in my ear",

 

Just so you are aware - the Sensgard do not go "in" your ear. They rest against the ear canal and seal via the replacable foam cuffs.

OK, thanks Bob.

Zem Sensgard SG31 model. NRR of 31. That's all I use, indoors or out. Takes some getting used to, because it still sounds loud, but they apparently "filter" any damaging waves. There is an explanation on their site - just don't expect them to block your hearing, as plugs or muffs do. Comfortable for all day wear and they don't get in the way with a long gun. They are an acquired taste.

 

http://www.sensgard.com/products-1

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

These things are great for outdoors. I can hear people speak perfect, and cuts down the 12 guage blast extremely well at a crowded trap range. I had them on for about 3 hours, forgot they were even there. No problem wearing a hat over these. +1