I need some earmuffs.

[JRMills]

Finally got to shoot my ar today!! I will be smarter next time though. It was extremely loud. Idk why really, bc Ive shot at other one I don't think they were this loud. But anyways. I got to shoot finally! Yeahhhh!

[fivepointstar]

try a sporting good store, they're not that much $$

[Mark392001]

Finally got to shoot my ar today!! I will be smarter next time though. It was extremely loud. Idk why really, bc Ive shot at other one I don't think they were this loud. But anyways. I got to shoot finally! Yeahhhh!

You were shooting it without hearing protection I take it? I did that once by accident for a couple of shots, it's pretty loud.

[pskryja]

WHAT DID YOU SAY!!!?? ;-)

[platoonDaddy]

There are lots of electronic hearing protectors on the market costing anywhere from $20.00 to several hundred bucks. The first driver is price - how much are you prepared to spend. The better units cost more but some of them give you better value for the money.

The electronic protectors come in the standard over the head band versions and in versions that use a band around the back of the neck with a thin support strap across the top of the head. The latter type are good for people who wear hats, electronic units also come in version with normal sized muffs and versions with thinner muffs designed to not interfere with rifle or shotgun stocks. The thin versions unfortunately have lower noise reduction ratings and I'm not convinced that they're really much better at not interfering with a gun stock.

Other features to consider are an automatic shutoff, usually after about two hours and a battery compartment on the outside of one muff that makes changing batteries easier. The relative battery life is also an issue. Some of the less expensive units have battery lives as short as 30 hours while the better ones can run 200 hours or more on the same set of batteries. From experience, I prefer push button controls because they're less likely to get accidentally turned on in the range bag. The auto shutoff keeps the batteries from being run out if the unit gets left on accidentally.

My favorite - Peltor Tactical Pro neckband hearing protector from Optics Planet for about $160.00. It has a 25 db noise reduction rating, auto shutoff, pushbutton controls, external battery compartment and an estimated 200 hour battery life. It also comes in an over the head version for about the same price. There are more expensive units on the market but this one seems to be a good value for the money.

When shooting trap, I have a pair of Insta-Mold Custom Ear Plugs. Any major gun show will have someone there ready to mold a pair for you.

You are going to read many comments about mine only cost $30 and on and on, you might as well grab a few cotton balls and insert into your ears. What is more important: hearing or cheap muffs, only you will be the judge.

My two hearing protectors are: Peltor Tactical Pro and the molded ear plugs.

[Threeband]

I mostly use a cheap pair of "Winchester" brand earmuffs from WalMart.

They have a better noise reduction rating than my fancy electronic muffs.

[PJDiesel]

Caldwell, $21.00 from Midway.

[BRONZ]

Dont use electronic muffs in the rain even lite rain. They wont work long.

[stu929]

I believe its the short barrel and the muzzle break. I noticed last time I got out to the range that we had a 30 carbine an AR and a M1 Garand the AR was by far the loudest hands down!

[jmira]

I used to use 'cheap'(er) ones, but since buying the MSA sordin's I think to myself that I should have listened to the buy once cry once crowd sooner..

[Mooseman]

I have electronic muffs and non - electronic muffs. If you are really concerned about your hearing, wear ear plugs under your muffs. Many of the cheaper muffs have better hearing protection than the more expensive ones. Just chech the dB rating before you buy.

[JRMills]

Thanks for all the replys. And yes I wasn't not wearing anything bc the other ARs I shot didn't seem this loud to me. I am however going to buy plugs and muffs. I'm thinking maybe $40-70 on a pair. Any suggestions in that price range?

[Mooseman]

Just check the dB rating. The bigger the number, the better.

[PJDiesel]

Thanks for all the replys. And yes I wasn't not wearing anything bc the other ARs I shot didn't seem this loud to me. I am however going to buy plugs and muffs. I'm thinking maybe $40-70 on a pair. Any suggestions in that price range?

$21.00 at Midway for Caldwells. I've seen them as cheap as $18. They serve me well, and get very good overall reviews (hundreds of them) on Midway.

[Biggfoot44]

For simply protecting hearing every sporting store , every hardwear , home imporvement , and farm store sells muffs starting under $20 , often under $ if it's WalMart. They're not just for guns , but derigor for landscapers and chainsaws too.

Soft foam pulgs start at .99 for single pair , and in bulk are nearly free. Keep a handfull in each vehicle , etc for guests or unplanned shooting session. For particularily noisy gun or environment wear plugs and muffs both.

[BamaBob]

I always double up with soft foam inserts and then $20 muffs over them. I must already be deaf bc I never heard the sproing from the buffer spring that so many talk about.

[JRMills]

$21.00 at Midway for Caldwells. I've seen them as cheap as $18. They serve me well, and get very good overall reviews (hundreds of them) on Midway.

Is it just me or Is there one on the site, 3 dollars cheaper and rated better.

[mbz300sdl]

I have the Pro-ears 33dB yes they are big and bulky but I like my hearing.

[Jasonshooter]

The surefire ear buds work great, plus you can hear average noises such as range commands and your buddy talking to you .

[PJDiesel]

Thanks for all the replys. And yes I wasn't not wearing anything bc the other ARs I shot didn't seem this loud to me. I am however going to buy plugs and muffs. I'm thinking maybe $40-70 on a pair. Any suggestions in that price range?

Is it just me or Is there one on the site, 3 dollars cheaper and rated better.

Electronic? The Caldwells are the cheapest they sell (two different versions)

[Mark392001]

Electronic? The Caldwells are the cheapest they sell (two different versions)

I wear Caldwells, love them. Nice to hold conversations at normal tone and hear background noises while canceling out the shots.

[jmira]

I have 3 broken pair of those caldwell low profile.. they all snapped at the plastic joint/connection between the ear cup and headband.

[PJDiesel]

I really appreciate them in the winter, keep my ears toasty in there. I'll probably switch back to disposables for the really hot summer days. I'll also say they can be annoying indoors, with all the shots in close proximity, they can be annoying.

[gotguns]

we just got in peltor/glock H7F hearing protection in! total of six. NRR rated @ 26 decibels.
MD shooter discount CASH PRICE $15.00 plus tax each; till they're gone!