What's everyone's preferred hearing protection?  I always use the foam plugs, they seem to work well enough ...I'm not deaf yet.

How about the electronic products? ...any one had luck with those?

[img]http://www.peltor.com/pics/tac6s.gif[/img]

Peltor Tac 6's, love em.  No more range shouting.

I spent a day on the line at the last Bulletfest next to a guy shooting a shorty M16 with a "blast enhancer" MB. I used electronic muffs and just about failed my hearing test at work 1 month later.
I now use both foam plugs and regular muffs.
YMMV

I use Dillon HP1's.  They work great, and I don't spend the day shouting to others at the range.  

I use custom molded plugs for most shooting of the less abusive calibers.   When dealing with louder situations, like trips to the local (and usually busy) covered rifle range which is louder than hell, I also add on a good pair of muffs for a total of almost 50 dB protection.

CJ

Plugs for me. I can't stand banging muffs against buttstocks.

Damn, that sounded a little sick, in a sexual kinda way.

[green][b] Hey CJ
Where did you get the molded plugs from ? I'd like to get a pair made . Thanks

[/green] [red]
MeRrY ChRiStMaS [<|:D>]
Jerry [/red][/b]

There's probably someone who makes them for you at gun shows,  or visits the major local ranges in your area from time to time.   They do both in my area.   It only takes a few minutes for them to be made, and the procedure is not unpleasant, it's just a little strange feeling.

CJ

muffs for the pistols and foam plugs for the rifles.  Both for a .50cal.

Mark

Foam plugs only!  Can't stand those huge ear muffs.  Even then I only use them with larger calibers, 7.62x39 or 223.  Never need them for 22LR or my .38 Rossi lever.

PRO-EARS PRO-TAC DLC...

NRR 20, good enough for outdoors, but I double plug if I shoot indoors.

[img]http://www.pro-ears.com/E-DSC.jpg[/img]

Peltor Tac6s &/or plugs for me too.

Are you saying that you don't use ANY protection when shooting your .22LR or .38 Rossi?

That is most unwise.  Although these rounds may not be painfully loud to you,  even a .22 out of a long barrel is loud enough that repeated exposure will damage your hearing over time.  And you don't get that back.  

If you want to be really sure, get a sound level meter with a peak hold function and use it when shooting.  If the meter reads more than 100 dB peaks, you should definitely have hearing protection.  I'd lower the threshold to 85 or 90 dB myself, because I really LIKE having sensitive, high performance ears.  Being a music lover, I want to continue to get maximum enjoyment out of that hobby.

I wear ear protection even when mowing the lawn or when operating almost any power tool, and I run a lot of them as I use them when I build guitars, which is my main line of work.

CJ

Does anyone know anything about the ESP Silencers? (bottom of page) [url]http://www.espamerica.com/products.html[/url]

cmjohnson, the .22 rifles don't even sound loud enough in the forest (which is were we shoot since we're camping) to need ear protection.  None of my friends use ear plugs for .22 out of a rifle, only pistol.  My new .357/.38 lever is a copy of the old Winchester (1892?) and it's just as quiet as the 22 I think.  Maybe my ears are already shot, (pun intended).

I hear you (another pun [:)]), I'll try and use it more often.

The BEST hearing protection I've used for all
firearms have to be the USGI orange 3 lug hearing
plugs that come it the OD green plastic case.
(I'm sure SOMEONE will quote this)

If their good enough for 105mm howitzer crews thy're good enough for me! I've never had the slightest ringing in my ears after wearing these.
Under 5 bucks.

2nd best have to be plain Jane foam plugs.
@25 cents.

I always thought paying $130up for Peltor "tactical" ear muffs was just shy
of ridiculous.

Peltor Tac 7's.

I loved my Peltor 7's, but switched to Pro/Wolf Ears because the Wolf Ears compress the sound, never turning completely off like the Peltors, so no cut outs period - you can always hear at an appropriate level.

When it gets noisy, I go back to my Peltor 6's, and with the .50BMG I wear those plus ear plugs...