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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47 |
First, a few qualifiers. Will be hunting with a S&W 8 3/8”, 460.....inserting ear plugs, immediately before a shot is not practical. I cannot/will not hunt with hearing protection permanently inserted, as I want to hear but save my ears when shooting. So, at reasonable prices (cheap)...what do you folks recommend? Walker’s or something else! memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,104
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,104 |
I tried all of the latest and greatest over the last 48 years or so, and I am now functionally deaf in all but the lowest frequencies--and there is a lot of hearing loss down there, too. I am convinced that the relatively new electronic muffs are the only way to go. My audiologist has told me that if I don't give up shooting, period, I am going to lose my hearing completely.
I wear a set of Howard Leights for all of my shooting, be it sporting clays, load development or hunting. I have had annual audiograms for the last dozen years or so, and the electronic muffs have been the most effective at minimizing the loss of what hearing I have left. They also make it possible to hear elk talking again and conversation with hunting and shooting companions.
Ben
Some days it takes most of the day for me to do practically nothing...
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47 |
Keep the comments, recommendations, and suggestions coming....I’m all ears (pun intended))! memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,321 Likes: 10
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,321 Likes: 10 |
I use Walker electronic ear muffs at the range and 2 things I learned about them.
There are no secrets at the range, you can hear everything.
You just can't tell which direction it's coming from.
I have hearing loss and think the game ears or similar would be great except for not telling which direction the sound is coming from. But they do work.
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8,109
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8,109 |
I found a pair of these in the woods this past weekend. https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/walkers-game-ear-alpha-power-muff-360-quadFrom the specs, they are safe for gunshots and amplify sound. The Mikes are directional.
An unemployed Jester, is nobody's Fool.
the only real difference between a good tracker and a bad tracker, is observation. all the same data is present for both. The rest, is understanding what you're seeing.
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 26,236 Likes: 5
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 26,236 Likes: 5 |
I just picked-up a set of these https://otistec.com/earshield-hearing-protection/ ( about $20.00 @ Cabelas )a week or so before season and used them during one practice session. No ear ringing after better than 100 rounds of .308, 30-30, .44 and .45 acp combined. With them in your ears , they do muffle normal sound a little, but not near as much as regular muffs. While hunting I have just been leaving them around my neck. I find them much more comfortable than the Howard Leights. The H.L.'s give me a headache if I leave them in very long and are tight enough on my neck to feel like they are choking me. Plus, I have lost several of the replaceable plugs on the H.L's by just wrapping them around my neck. For me, they are a happy in between for hunting, for regular range sessions, I'll stick with a good pair of muffs.
Those who are always shooting off at the mouth usually aren't shooting straight. What do you get when you cross a polar bear with a seal? A polar bear. Did you hear they arrested the devil? Yeah, they got him on possession. www.wvcdl.org
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,301 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,301 Likes: 2 |
I use the Walker electronic muffs too. But I don't hunt in warm weather.
Lunatic fringe....we all know you're out there.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,266
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,266 |
Walker's are the way to go. My hearing is just about gone, but these help to save what I have left. I also keep a pair by the bedside encase there is a bump in the night. Also have a pair in the car just for the same reason.
The foundation for old age is good memories.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47 |
Still watching responses....Thanks, and keep them coming. I may get around to asking about specific models.....if that info was not included with the comment. Thanks again, I’m a cheap @$$, and want to do it right the first time.....even (especially) if I have to drop a couple of hundred bucks! memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 18,510 Likes: 6
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 18,510 Likes: 6 |
I dropped $1700 on in ear Sport Ear devices, they were awful in terms of hearing understanding a conversation. They were OK in terms of amplification, I thought so so for muting, I sent them back. I would like to try a pair of the $140 new in ear walker game ears.
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,034
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,034 |
I just bought the Axil Ghost Stryke Essential. goaxil.com
Haven't tried them out as they just arrived today. I selected them based on my own research. So you know what that's worth:-)
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,404
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,404 |
memtb,
Not a fan of Walkers electronic (low end) muffs. I bought two pair, only opened one, they did not seem to shut off as quick as my old (low end) Howard Leight's or Caldwell's.
My Howard Leight's and Caldwell's are eight to ten years old and are usable only as muff's now... so am going to give the Howard Leights a try again.
For Rifles (centerfire & rimfire) and .22lr pistols I've gone to suppressors for hearing protection while hunting, and suppressed rimfire mostly at the range. Wish I'd done this 30 years ago!
I just do not see the point of centerfire pistols and suppressors... you've taken a handy easily carried gun and turned it into the length of a rifle (well almost).
YMMV,
Jerry
Let Curiosity Be Your Compass
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,301 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,301 Likes: 2 |
Walker's are the way to go. My hearing is just about gone, but these help to save what I have left. I also keep a pair by the bedside encase there is a bump in the night. Also have a pair in the car just for the same reason. I keep a set by my bed too. Good point about the vehicle.
Lunatic fringe....we all know you're out there.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,301 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,301 Likes: 2 |
memtb,
Not a fan of Walkers electronic (low end) muffs. I bought two pair, only opened one, they did not seem to shut off as quick as my old (low end) Howard Leight's or Caldwell's.... Jerry - the Walkers don't shut off. They're sound compression devices. That's why I like them better than the Peltors I have, which shut off to control the noise. Much easier to have a conversation over gunfire with the Walkers.
Lunatic fringe....we all know you're out there.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47 |
I do appreciate all of the comments. “If”, I go with the Walkers, in the ear, behind the ear, the ear buds, or my least favorite ....the muffs. I read (Amazon comments) good and bad with all....it seems. The jury is still out, for me. I’ve read, though hard to believe, that the inside the ear is more secure. I’m, kinda, leaning toward the in the ear.....just seems less intrusive! Again.....any input appreciated! memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 927
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 927 |
Get comfy ones so you’ll actually wear them all the time.
I swear by my MSA Sordins with gel cups.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,505 Likes: 50
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,505 Likes: 50 |
Their rating is almost as low as Paddler's. Probably why you found them in the woods.
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,674
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,674 |
I've got the latest Walker's as well. They hang around one's collar and they are directional. As others have said, they allow one to hear what's being said while others shoot, etc. I have lots of other hearing protection for the range, etc. These are the only ones I've tried that I will take hunting. While my hearing is plenty good enough for the hunting I do, one round from my 18", M1A Scout, and my ears will ring for hours. Eighteen inch barreled .308's with a muzzle brake do that to you. If you get them, make sure you use the proper size inserts. And follow their direction for inserting them. The batteries seem to last one plus hours, but they will protect your ears even when they quit. E
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 11,436 Likes: 47 |
Get comfy ones so you’ll actually wear them all the time.
I swear by my MSA Sordins with gel cups.
Do they provide amplification of speech or typical sound ( example while hunting), while minimizing the sound of gunfire? memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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