Firearms enthusiasts definitely need to employ hearing protection at all times when shooting or visiting an active range. Just a few moments of unprotected sound exposure can have permanent negative effects. For best protection, consider “doubling up” — wearing good foam plugs under quality muffs. This allows max sound reduction — as much as 5-6 dB quieter than good muffs alone. If the muffs are electronic (with filtered microphones that block extreme sounds), you can still hear range commands.
So How Loud Are Gun Shots?
A pistol gunshot can reach 160 decibels (dB), and rifle gunshots can be even louder, exceeding 170 dB. This means you can do permanent damage to your hearing with just a few shots fired. 160 dB is 20 decibels over OSHA’s threshhold for safe noise levels. This is why it’s essential to always use hearing protection when you are anywhere near firearms being discharged.
“Science tells us that exposure to continuous noise of 85 dB for eight hours is enough to cause permanent hearing loss, and worse, spikes of 130 dB and more can result in permanent hearing damage instantly.” Source: NRA Blog.
This American Suppressor Association (ASA) Video explains that gunshots can measure 160-170 decibels, high enough to cause permanent effects. (See: 00:20 time-mark)
The Risk of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be progressive and irreversible. If you are a shooter, this is serious business. As the NRA Blog cautions: “You may not even realize you’re harming your hearing. Hearing loss occurs gradually, and can go effectively unnoticed until symptoms become severe. By then, the damage is done. Effective hearing protection is a must whenever you are shooting firearms or when you are in the vicinity of gun-shots. For ultimate protection, we recommend a good set of tapered foam earplugs, topped by ear-muffs. However, there are situations when you may prefer lighter-weight hearing protection that can be quickly removed. For example, if you are standing well behind the firing line as an observer, or if you are working as a rangemaster or waddie some distance away from the shooters.” Good muffs or plugs will reduce sound by 23 to 33 dB.
Sound Levels for Common Noises:
9mm Luger pistol: 160 dB
Jet aircraft engine (near): 140 dB
.22 LR pistol: 134 dB
Normal human pain threshold: 120 dB
Noisy Nightclub: 110 db
Riding Motorcycle at 65 mph: 103 db
Power Lawnmower: 95 dB
Hearing damage possible: 85 dB (sustained for 8+ hours)
Ringing Telephone: 80 dB
Normal conversation: 60 dB
Hearing Protection Product Reviews
Shooters should have comfortable, effective muffs, preferably that allow normal conversations to be heard through internal electronics. For best protection, run good earplugs under electronic muffs. There are also electronic earbuds that provide protection, but these do not provide all the benefits of good muffs as some noise energy can be transferred through bone conduction.
The following videos evaluate a wide variety of earmuffs currently on the market. Some of the big muffs boast a 30 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), while thin, muffs may only have a 22-23 dB NRR. Remember that decibel scale is logarithmic, so, according to the experts, a 3 dB gain represents twice the sound energy. So “this means that a small change in the number of decibels can result in a significant change in the intensity of noise and hence its potential to damage a person’s hearing. [F]or every 3 dB the sound level increases the impact on hearing health which is doubled. For example, 63 dB is twice as noisy as 60 dB. For every 3dB the noise level increases, the exposure time must be halved to keep the worker safe from harm.” Source: Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
Yes Hunters Need to Employ Sound Protection
According to Dr. William W. Clark, the current Director of the Washington Univ. School of Medicine’s Audiology/Communication Sciences Program, a “serious threat to hearing comes from recreational hunting or target shooting”. This is in large part due to the fact that many people choose not to use traditional hearing protection devices like earplugs and earmuffs because they want to be able to hear their surroundings. Multiple studies have found that between 70 to 80% of hunters never wear earplugs or earmuffs, and nearly half of all target shooters don’t consistently wear traditional hearing protection. Thus, it should come as no surprise that for every five years of hunting, hunters become seven percent more likely to experience high frequency hearing loss.
We recommend that hunters carry quick-insert plugs on a cord around your neck. These can be quickly deployed when you are getting ready to shoot. Or, get a lightweight neck band with earbuds, such as Howard Leight Quiet Band QB2HYG, Sellstrom Band, or 3M Safety Band, all with good Noise Reduction Ratings of 25 dB or higher. You can keep these lightweight bands around your neck for quick deployment.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Bruno Shooters — Primers on Sale, Free Shipping, Free Hazmat
⏺ With 5K Primers Sealed Case $0 Hazmat and FREE Shipping
Primers are still in short supply these days. Some sellers are still charging over $200 per thousand. But Bruno’s is running a Springtime Primer Special that can save you big bucks. And if you purchase a sealed box of 5000 primers Bruno’s includes FREE HAZMAT and FREE Shipping. That can save you $50-$70 per shipment. In stock now are a variety of CCI, Federal, and Remington primers, with some European primers due soon. Prices start at $92.95 per thousand, with 5000 minimum for free shipping with $0 hazmat fee.
2. Creedmoor Sports — American Bullet Company Match Bullets, $18.95 – $38.95 per hundred
⏺ Top-quality bullets at half what some others cost
Creedmoor Sports has a new line of American Bullet Co. Match-Grade Bullets. These .224- and .308-caliber bullets are first run — no blems or seconds — with all bullets in each box from a single lot. A great value, these bullets let you shoot more without breaking the bank. The .224 bullets are offered in 75gr HPBT, 77g HPBT, and 77gr Tipped. The .308 bullets are 155gr, 169gr, and 175gr HPBT.
3. Midsouth — New Frankford F-1 Single-Stage Press, $128.99
⏺ Versatile press, built-in light, good primer exit, plus FREE shipping
Here’s a handy, single-stage press with some cool features. The new Frankford Arsenal F-1 press has an open front for easy case placement, plus a built-in LED lamp at the top (great for inspecting cases). And after decapping, spent primers go straight down a tube into a catch cylinder (as on a Forster Co-Ax). We think this would be an excellent secondary press used for decapping or bullet seating. The intro price — just $128.99 at Midsouth — is a great deal as you get FREE Shipping. NOTE: This press does NOT have priming capability — you must prime cases with a separate tool. Also, the power cord for the LED light is NOT included. For more details see Frankford Arsenal F-1 Press Review. Here is a review from a recent purchaser: “Amazing press for a great price. The ball bearing ram is smooth and feels right. The leverage is great and all-around operations of the press are [excellent].”
4. EuroOptic.com — Vortex Scope Close-outs, Save 44-54%
⏺ Massive discounts on Vortex scopes for PRS/NRL, varminting, and tactical
5. Midsouth — Aguila .22 LR Ammunition, $34.99 500 rounds
⏺ Large variety of Aguila rimfire ammo at great prices
With the high cost of centerfire components (bullets, brass, primers, powder), more folks are shooting rimfire rifles and pistols. Right now, Midsouth is running a major sale on Aguila rimfire ammo. Choose standard velocity (1130 fps) or high-velocity (1255 fps), solid point or hollowpoint. Ammo starts at just $3.49 for 50 round boxes of 38gr or 40gr ammo. And if you need large quantities, you can get 2000-round bulk packs for just $119.99. That works out to just $0.06 per round — a steal. For varmint work, consider Aguila’s 1700 fps Hyper Velocity Supermaximum 30gr ammo, priced at $7.49/50 rounds.
6. Precision Reloading — Lee PRO 1000 Press Package, $189.99
⏺ Amazing deal on Progressive Press with case feeder for loading pistol ammo
If you want the efficiency of a progressive press, but have a limited budget, consider the Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Reloading Press. This reloading kit includes 3-station press, dies (Carbide FL Sizing, Powder-Through Expanding, and Bullet Seating Dies), 3-Hole Turret, Shell Plate, Powder Measure, Universal Case Feeder, and priming system. Yes that’s right this $189.99 Kit includes the case feeder! Foe the $189.99 sale price you can order the kit for these cartridge types: 9mm Luger (9x19mm), .38 Auto/.38 Super, .38 Spl/.357 Mag, and .45 Colt. Just get other dies to load other cartridge types. NOTE: Lee cautions that “Only CCI or Remington brand primers are safe to use with this press”.
7. Palmetto SA — Leupold LRF and Binoculars Combo, $50 Off
⏺ Great price on Laser Rangefinder and Binoculars bundle
Here’s a nice Leupold Optics Combo for a hunter/varminter. For just $279.99 you get BOTH the Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Laser Rangefinder (LRF), plus the quality Leupold BX-1 McKenzie 10×42 HD binoculars. The RX-1400i LRF is rated for 1400 yards, and offers angle ballistics correction. The display is bright red — good for both sunny days and darker dusk/dawn conditions. The binoculars come with GO Afield shoulder strap, binocular case, lens covers, and lens cloth.
8. Palmetto SA — Taurus TX22 Competition, $415.36
⏺ Affordable .22 LR match pistol with compensator has earned positive reviews
Rimfire pistols let you enjoy action pistol competitions without spending a ton of money. Among .22 LR pistols, the Taurus TX22 Competition SCR offers great performance for the price. The TX22 Competition SCR builds features a precision-engineered slide and match-grade bull barrel. The “skeletonized” slide with enlarged ejection port is designed so that a red dot optic can be mounted to the barrel. That helps prevent problems during ejection of empty shells. Taurus claims this mounting configuration enhances accuracy compared to a slide-mounted optic platform.
9. Amazon — NEIKO 6″ Digital Calipers, $25.89
⏺ Good, reliable digital calipers at attractive price
Every handloader needs to measure shoulder bump, cartridge length, and other dimensions. A good set of calipers is essential. If you need calipers, check out the NEIKO Electronic Digital Calipers. The tool’s body/frame is constructed of finely polished stainless steel with a knurled thumb roller and locking screw that ensures smooth sliding and accurate positioning. If you’re getting started in reloading or are looking for a back-up set of calipers, this is a good option.
⏺ Good compact muffs for the price with a good 26dB SNR
We say it all the time but don’t ever shoot without quality hearing protection. Consider these Vanderfield folding ear muffs. Priced at just $15.99, these come in a variety of colors (black, brown, green, gray, red, purple, pink) so you can easily tell yours apart from others. The 26dB SNR sound protection rating is above average for compact muffs. For maximum protection use plugs under the muffs. (FYI, “SNR” or Single Number Rating, is the EURO equivalent of the NRR noise rating in the USA.)
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
⏺ Electronic earbuds are good for hunters, Muffs are tough yet comfortable
Good hearing protection is essential whenever you go to the range. We recommend muffs and/or plugs with at least a 24dB NRR (noise reduction rating). Having electronic amplification is very valuable as it allows you to hear range commands while still protecting against dangerous noises. Right now MidwayUSA is offering two excellent Walker’s hearing protection products. For a lightweight solution, the 29dB NRR Electronic earbud-type plugs on a rope-style connector are now just $44.99, a 50% savings. Or choose the 27db NRR electronic muffs for $59.99, a huge 66% savings over the regular $159.99 price.
2. Midsouth — Vihtavuori Powders with FREE Reloading Guide
⏺ Vihtavuori powders in stock at good prices with FREE Load Manual
Right now Midsouth has a large selection of rifle and pistol powders IN STOCK at attractive prices. And, this week, purchasers of Vihtavuori powders from Midsouth will get a FREE official Vihtavuori 100th Anniversary print reloading guide. Vihtavuori makes many great powders. N133 is the top choice of most short-range benchrest-for-group shooter. N320 is our favorite .45 ACP powder, and N550, with a burn rate between H4350 and H4831, works well for a variety of medium and large rifle cartridges.
3. Sentry Ammo — Norma 9mm Ammo, 1000 Rds $207.99
⏺ Very high quality 9mm Norma 124gr FMJ 9mm ammo at fantastic price
Here is an absolutely GREAT DEAL for high-quality 9mm Luger ammunition. Right now Sentry Ammo is offering 1000 rounds of quality Norma 124gr 9mm bulk pack ammunition for $207.99. That’s just $0.21 (twenty-one cents) per round! With this special deal you even get a nice hinged polymer ammo can.
4. Locked & Loaded — Savage A22 FV-SR, $287.56
⏺ Good deal on reliable, semi-auto .22 LR rimfire rifle
NRL22 and PRS 22 disciplines are America’s fastest-growing forms of rifle competitions. If you want to try your hand at NRL22 without sinking a fortune, check out the Savage A22 FV-SR now on sale for $287.56, 18% OFF. This semi-auto rifle has shown good accuracy, and it comes complete with a Picatinny rail on top. The .22 LR Savage FV-SR model upgrades the original A22 platform with a button-rifled, 16.5″ medium-contour barrel, and threaded muzzle. The A22 FV-SR features a user-adjustable AccuTrigger and reliable straight blowback semi-auto action for fast follow-up shots.
5. Graf & Sons — CCI .22 LR Ammunition from $3.99/50
⏺ Quality CCI .22 LR ammo in stock at very good prices
With the growth of NRL22, PRS 22, and rimfire F-Class, more and more shooters are competing with rimfire rifles. And with action steel matches, rimfire pistol shooting is hugely popular these days. Thankfully, its still possible to get good rimfire ammo at reasonable prices. At Graf’s you’ll find good CCI .22 LR ammunition starting at just $0.08 (eight cents) per round. CLICK HERE for CCI .22 LR Deals.
6. Midsouth — RCBS Reloading Presses on SALE
⏺ Quality RCBS Presses in stock now at very competitive prices
Midsouth Shooters Supply has discounted its line-up of RCBS Single-Stage Presses. For example Midsouth has the Rock Chucker Supreme Press at $169.99. That’s over forty bucks less than some other sellers charge. And you can get the new RCBS Rebel Press for $179.99, a solid deal. The innovative compact RCBS Summit press is now $199.99. We’ve used the Summit press. We like the open front and it works well for small reloading areas or at the range.
7. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Priming Tool, $52.59
⏺ Precise Depth Control, 12 Shell Holders, Quick-Change, Carry Case
Seating primers to a consistent depth helps deliver enhanced accuracy and low ES/SD. However, most priming systems don’t allow precise depth control. If you’re looking for a priming tool that allows you to adjust primer seating depth, check out the Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer. This tool comes in a protective case along with a full set of case holders and primer flip tray. A quick thumb release system allows you to switch from small to large primers quickly. Get this now for $59.99 on Amazon.
⏺ Self-resetting targets made from good AR500 steel
Shooting at reactive targets is ton of fun, but no one likes trekking down range to reset them. Here’s the answer — sturdy, self-resetting AR 500 steel targets. These come complete with frames that raise them off the ground. Grab the Caldwell Prairie Dog Popper Target at $99.99 or the Caldwell Pepper Popper Target at $86.99. Both these targets tilt when hit for instant confirmation. Then the built-in, automatic reset spring lifts the steel back up so you don’t need to go down range.
9. CDNN Sports — Grid Target Packs starting at $1.99/12
⏺ Great deals on colorful Champion grid target packs
⏺ Good compact muffs for the price with a good 26db SNR
We say it all the time but don’t ever shoot without quality hearing protection. Consider these Vanderfield folding ear muffs. These come in a variety of colors (blue, black, brown, green, gray, red, purple, pink) so you can easily tell yours apart from others. The 26db SNR sound protection rating is above average for compact muffs. For maximum protection use plugs under the muffs. (FYI, “SNR” or Single Number Rating, is the EURO equivalent of the NRR noise rating in the USA.)
“Science tells us that exposure to continuous noise of 85 dB for eight hours is enough to cause permanent hearing loss, and worse, spikes of 130 dB and more can result in permanent hearing damage instantly.” Source: NRA Blog.
The Risk of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be progressive and irreversible. If you are a shooter, this is serious business. As the NRA Blog cautions: “You may not even realize you’re harming your hearing. Hearing loss occurs gradually, and can go effectively unnoticed until symptoms become severe. By then, the damage is done.”Effective hearing protection is a must whenever you are shooting firearms or when you are in the vicinity of gun-shots. For ultimate protection, we recommend a good set of tapered foam earplugs, topped by ear-muffs. However, there are situations when you may prefer lighter-weight hearing protection that can be quickly removed. For example, if you are standing well behind the firing line as an observer, or if you are working as a rangemaster or waddie some distance away from the shooters.”
Sound Levels for Common Noises:
9mm Luger pistol: 160 dB
Jet aircraft engine (near): 140 dB
.22 LR pistol: 134 dB
Normal human pain threshold: 120 dB
Noisy Nightclub: 110 db
Riding Motorcycle at 65 mph: 103 db
Power Lawnmower: 95 dB
Hearing damage possible: 85 dB (sustained for 8+ hours)
Ringing Telephone: 80 dB
Normal conversation: 60 dB
What about suppressors? If you use a suppressor is it OK to dispense with hearing protection? Not really. Even the most effective suppressors, on the smallest and quietest calibers (.22 LR), reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to between 110 to 120 dB. To put that in perspective, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), that is as loud as a jackhammer (110 dB) or an ambulance siren (120 dB). For normal caliber handguns and rifles, suppressed sound levels routinely exceed 130 dB, just shy of OSHA’s “hearing safe” threshold of 140 dB. Accordingly, we recommend use of hearing protection even when shooting suppressed.
Compact, Low-Profile NRR 27 dB-Rated Ear Muffs
Many hunters and competitive shooters prefer low-profile ear muffs. As these typically have a lower Noise Reduction Rating, perhaps NRR 22-27, we recommend running earplugs under muffs. If you use low-profile electronic muffs, such as Howard Leight Impact Sport Muffs, you should still be able to hear range commands even with plugs underneath.
Another good option for hunters and range visitors are hearing bands, basically earplugs connected with a semi-rigid plastic band. These banded products provide “quick access” hearing protection for hunters. You can keep them handy around the neck while spotting game, and then insert the plugs before shooting.
Howard Leight MAX NRR 33 Earplugs, Just $9.40 for 20 Pairs
20 Pairs
50 Pairs
These Howard Leight NRR 33 Max-1 Plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Howard Leight foam plugs in my ears 3-4 days a week. They are comfortable and the flared outer edge helps the NRR. There is also a Max-30 corded version, with the same excellent 33 dB Noise Reduction Rating. Get five pairs of Max-30 Corded Plugs for $6.80 on Amazon, or 25 pairs of Max-30s for $14.50.
Note, if you prefer thin, light-weight earmuffs, we recommend running earplugs underneath for double protection while shooting firearms (or when you’re on the firing line). Sound experts tell us that running plugs and muffs together can effectively improve your effective noise reduction by 4-7 dB NRR.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Midsouth — 6mm 108gr ELD Bullets, $105.99/250
⏺ Good 6mm bullet choice for PRS/NRL and club matches
Midsouth now offers the 6mm .243 Diameter 108 grain ELD (Extremely Low Drag) Match bullets in a convenient 250-count bag for $105.99. The 108gr ELD Match has a high quality, uniform jacket for good accuracy. The plastic tips boost BCs for flatter trajectories and less wind drift. The impressively high BCS are: 0.536 (G1), and 0.270 (G7). NOTE: These are brand new bullets delivered from Hornady and re-packaged into secure clear polymer tube-style bags. These “bulk breakdown: bullets are exactly the same as the Factory-boxed bullets, just less expensive for Midsouth customers.
2. Amazon — RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme, $174.97
⏺ Strong, versatile full-size press with lifetime warranty
With the shortages of good factory ammo, more shooters are hand-loading than ever before. That means that good reloading presses have been hard to find at reasonable prices. But here’s a good deal on a great press. Right now Amazon has the legendary RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme for just $174.97. This strong, capable press and allows you to do myriad reloading tasks: decapping, neck-sizing, FL-sizing, crimping, and even swaging bullets. RCBS offers a rock-solid lifetime warranty. This is a very good deal — the Rock Chucker sells elsewhere for $210.
3. Palmetto SA — 6.5 Grendel Upper with Vortex Scope, $579.99
⏺ 6.5 Grendel is good option for Deer Hunting with AR
Here’s a great deal if you want an AR-platform rifle for hunting or tactical use and you want something more powerful than a .223 Rem. This PSA 6.5 Grendel Upper features a 416R stainless, 1:8″-twist 6.5 mm barrel chambered for the accurate 6.5 Grendel cartridge. On top the upper ships with a mounted Vortex Sonora 4-12x44mm scope. This upper includes a 15″ M-Lok free float handguard with extended rail. The total price, including the scope, is just $579.99 — a great deal that’s $240 off the regular $818.99 price.
⏺ For Valentine’s Day — nice eye and ear protection set with carry kit
Valentine’s day is just one week away. Perhaps you’d like to take your significant other to the range on February 14th. Well here’s a great combo kit that can protect your lady’s eyes and ears. The TradeSmart muffs/eyewear kit includes an excellent 28dB NRR set of muffs, TWO sets of ANSI Z87.1 safety glass, plus a dozen pink NRR33 earplugs. And all this comes with a nice, fitted carry case. This Kit is offered with two (2) sets of safety glasses (clear + tinted) for $42.99 on Amazon, or with clear eyewear only for $37.99. Either way, for the price, this is a great kit that your lady will appreciate. In addition to hot pink, this kit is offered with blue, grey, bright yellow, and purple color highlights.
5. Costco — Cannon CS72 Gun Safe, $1099.99
⏺ Very large capacity safe at $200 discount — excellent deal
Got lots of guns? Here’s a very large safe at an very good price. Rated to hold 72 firearms, this 48.8 cubic-foot safe measures 59″H x 45″W x 28″D and weighs 696 pounds. Now through 10/24/21 this Cannon safe is $1099.99 at Costco, $200 off the normal price. And yes, this $1099.99 price includes curbside delivery to your home or business! Strength/security features include UL-Listed electronic lock, patented TRUlock internal hinges, a triple hard plate to shield against drill attacks, six 4” locking bolts, and 14 gauge steel through the body. The CS72 safe has a 60 minute fire rating. Sale price good through 2/21/2022.
6. CDNN Sports — Savage Rascal .22 LR Patriotic Rifle, $239.99
⏺ Great patriotic choice as First Rifle for young shooter
Here’s a very good choice for a young family member’s first rifle. We like the patriotic American flag pattern red, white, and blue synthetic stock. And Savage calls this .22 LR Rascal rifle “the industry’s safest micro rimfire”. Shooters cock the rifle by lifting the bolt and unload without pulling the trigger. This eye-catching rimfire rifle features adjustable peep sights and user-adjustable AccuTrigger.
⏺ Good reviews for budget spotter, now discounted $180 (53%)
The Athlon Talos 20-60x80mm is a solid, affordable spotting scope. And right now you can save $180.00 (53%) with the EuroOptic Athlon Sale. This spotting scope has multi-coated lenses and is fog-proof and waterproof. Verified purchaser reviews have been positive: “This scope is a GREAT value for the money” and “I really like this scope … it is better than most spotting scopes below about $400.” This spotter is also available with tan scope body for the same $119.99 price.
8. Amazon — Caldwell The Rock BR Rest, $131.99
⏺ Good basic rest for varmint work and sighting-in rifles
Right now the green-framed Caldwell Rests are deeply discounted on Amazon. If you’re looking for something you could use in competition as well as varminting, check out the Caldwell Rock BR at $131.00. The Rock BR model is stable and works well for varmint shooting. If you want something lighter and more basic, the Rock Deluxe at $75.19 is an excellent value. Or if you prefer a compact, lightweight front rest for basic rifle and pistol work, consider a Rock Jr. at $32.99.
9. Amazon — Neiko Digital Calipers, $26.99
⏺ Very popular calipers — good for numerous reloading tasks
Even if you have a good set of calipers, you may want to get one of these Neiko 01407A Digital Calipers. A top-selling digital caliper on Amazon for many years, this Neiko tool features a large LCD Screen and measures up to 6.0 inches. With over 16,000 customer reviews, this product has earned an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. It’s hard to go wrong for $26.99, even if you just use these as a spare set for measuring group sizes and case trim lengths.
⏺ Great deal on very comfortable, Doctor-recommended earplugs
These are excellent earplugs. Our Forum members say these Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are considerably more comfortable than most earplugs, and they offer an excellent 32dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Right now you can get ten pairs of Mack’s Ultra Soft Plugs for $1.99 at CDNN Sports. And if you need more, you can get 50 pairs of Mack’s NRR32 Ultra Soft plugs for just $8.99 on Amazon. For maximum protection we also recommend the Howard Leight Max-1 NRR33 flared earplugs.
“Science tells us that exposure to continuous noise of 85 dB for eight hours is enough to cause permanent hearing loss, and worse, spikes of 130 dB and more can result in permanent hearing damage instantly.” Source: NRA Blog.
The Risk of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be progressive and irreversible. If you are a shooter, this is serious business. As the NRA Blog cautions: “You may not even realize you’re harming your hearing. Hearing loss occurs gradually, and can go effectively unnoticed until symptoms become severe. By then, the damage is done.”Effective hearing protection is a must whenever you are shooting firearms or when you are in the vicinity of gun-shots. For ultimate protection, we recommend a good set of tapered foam earplugs, topped by ear-muffs. However, there are situations when you may prefer lighter-weight hearing protection that can be quickly removed. For example, if you are standing well behind the firing line as an observer, or if you are working as a rangemaster or waddie some distance away from the shooters.”
Sound Levels for Common Noises:
9mm Luger pistol: 160 dB
Jet aircraft engine (near): 140 dB
.22 LR pistol: 134 dB
Normal human pain threshold: 120 dB
Noisy Nightclub: 110 db
Riding Motorcycle at 65 mph: 103 db
Power Lawnmower: 95 dB
Hearing damage possible: 85 dB (sustained for 8+ hours)
Ringing Telephone: 80 dB
Normal conversation: 60 dB
What about suppressors? If you use a suppressor is it OK to dispense with hearing protection? Not really. Even the most effective suppressors, on the smallest and quietest calibers (.22 LR), reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to between 110 to 120 dB. To put that in perspective, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), that is as loud as a jackhammer (110 dB) or an ambulance siren (120 dB). For normal caliber handguns and rifles, suppressed sound levels routinely exceed 130 dB, just shy of OSHA’s “hearing safe” threshold of 140 dB. Accordingly, we recommend use of hearing protection even when shooting suppressed.
1. Ear Muffs — Max Protection and Compact Options
The highest current USA Noise Reduction Rating is 34 dB NRR. To get that kind of protection, you need pretty big muffs, but thankfully, you don’t have to spend big bucks. For under $15.00 you can buy quality ANSI-approved muffs with a 30+ dB Noise Reduction Rating. Chose the 34 NRR G&F Pro Muffs at $10.99 or the more comfortable 30 NRR Walker EXT Range Muffs for $12.75. Both products have padded head-bands which retract.
Many hunters and competitive shooters prefer low-profile ear muffs. As these typically have a lower Noise Reduction Rating, perhaps NRR 22-24, we recommend running earplugs under muffs, particularly when you are at a busy range or shooting a match. If you use low-profile electronic muffs, such as Howard Leight Impact Sport Muffs, you should still be able to hear range commands even with plugs underneath.
2. Electronic Plugs — New Technology with Adjustable Volume
For maximum hearing protection we still recommend good muffs over quality foam ear plugs, there is a new option available. A variety of companies now offer electronic ear buds that include small speakers so you can hear range commands and conversations. Please note — these MUST be specially-designed protective in-ear devices. Do NOT just use ear-buds designed for music playback!
Howard Leight recently introduced new Impact Sport In-Ear plugs with an impressive 29 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). That NRR is better than most compact ear muffs. The plugs automatically compress amplification when loud impulse sounds (like gunshots) exceed 85dB. Internal amplification allows you to hear range commands and conversations. The cord connecting the plugs includes twin, handy volume controls. These plugs come with moldable earhooks with 3 different ear tip sizes. The base unit (dark green color) is $85.39 on Optics Planet. A deluxe model with BlueTooth is also available for $113.62 on Amazon. With the BlutTooth version you can take phone calls.
3. Foam Earplugs — Small, Inexpensive, but Essential
20 Pairs
50 Pairs
Quality foam earplugs offer great hearing protection at low cost. These Howard Leight NRR33 Max plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Max plugs in my ears 3-4 days a week. These Leight Max plugs are very effective, easy to insert/remove (with the flared ends), and they seem to be less abrasive in the ear canal than some other brands. Right now you can get 20 pairs of these NRR33 Leight Max plugs for just $8.88 or 50 pairs for $11.90.
Note, if you prefer thin, light-weight earmuffs, we recommend running earplugs underneath for double protection while shooting firearms (or when you’re on the firing line). Sound experts tell us that running plugs and muffs together can effectively improve your effective noise reduction by 4-7 dB NRR.
Hearing bands are inexpensive, lightweight, and are handy for special situations, such using hedgetrimmers and noisy power tools, when you may need to frequently remove the protection. These banded products are a also a very good form of hearing protection for hunters. You can keep them handy around the neck while spotting game, and then insert the plugs before shooting. We have tried two types of banded hearing protection, the Howard Leight Quiet Band (shown above) (25 dB NRR), and the Radians Rad-Band (23 dB NRR). The Leight Quiet Band is quite durable and the plugs can be replaced.
Radians Rad-bad is very light-weight, with Jelli™ Plugs that are comfortable, washable, and reusable. Peltor also offers Sport Banded Earplugs but we think those are a bit flimsy and the NRR seems exaggerated.
“Science tells us that exposure to continuous noise of 85 dB for eight hours is enough to cause permanent hearing loss, and worse, spikes of 130 dB and more can result in permanent hearing damage instantly.” Source: NRA Blog.
The Risk of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be progressive and irreversible. If you are a shooter, this is serious business. As the NRA Blog cautions: “You may not even realize you’re harming your hearing. Hearing loss occurs gradually, and can go effectively unnoticed until symptoms become severe. By then, the damage is done.”
Nobody wants to go deaf. But we often see shooters without effective hearing protection when they are walking around a few yards behind the firing line. That’s bad — even if you are away from the firing line, gunshot noises can damage your hearing. You MUST use effective hearing protection every time you go to the range. Good foam earplugs costs mere pennies but they can prevent deafness in your later years. Many folks also wear muffs over plugs.
Sound Levels for Common Noises:
9mm Luger pistol: 160 dB
Jet aircraft engine (near): 140 dB
.22 LR pistol: 134 dB
Normal human pain threshold: 120 dB
Noisy Nightclub: 110 db
Riding Motorcycle at 65 mph: 103 db
Power Lawnmower: 95 dB
Hearing damage possible: 85 dB (sustained for 8+ hours)
Ringing Telephone: 80 dB
Normal conversation: 60 dB
The Myth of the “Quiet” .22 LR
The NRA Blog notes that “many rimfire shooters, particularly those using the beloved .22 Long Rifle cartridge, argue that the small .22 LR caliber doesn’t produce enough sound to damage your hearing”. So, is that really true … or is it a myth?
In fact, a .22 LR can be much louder than you think — a .22 LR pistol can produce sound levels of 134 dB. That’s well above the normal human pain threshhold.
Compact, Low-Profile NRR 27 dB-Rated Ear Muffs
Many hunters and competitive shooters prefer low-profile ear muffs. As these typically have a lower Noise Reduction Rating, perhaps NRR 22-27, we recommend running earplugs under muffs. If you use low-profile electronic muffs, such as Howard Leight Impact Sport Muffs, you should still be able to hear range commands even with plugs underneath.
Another good option for hunters and range visitors are hearing bands, basically earplugs connected with a semi-rigid plastic band. These banded products provide “quick access” hearing protection for hunters. You can keep them handy around the neck while spotting game, and then insert the plugs before shooting.
Howard Leight MAX NRR33 Earplugs, Just $11.50 for 50 Pairs.
20 Pairs
50 Pairs
These Howard Leight NRR33 Max-1 Plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Howard Leight foam plugs in my ears 3-4 days a week. They are comfortable and the flared outer edge helps the NRR. There is also a Max-30 corded version, with the same excellent 33 dB Noise Reduction Rating. Get five pairs of Max-30 Corded Plugs for $6.65 on Amazon, or 100 pairs of Max-30s for $27.86.
All shooters, even rimfire enthusiasts, should always wear ear protection when at the range. A typical rifle gunshot is very loud — in the region of 140 to 170 decibels (the pain threshold is 130-140 db). Without ear protection, you can permanently damage your hearing during a single shooting session. We all know older shooters who are partially deaf, or who suffer from Tinnitus, because they didn’t use earplugs or muffs when they were younger.
How Humans Hear Sounds — Amazing Video Reveals All
The human sense of hearing involves multiple delicate internal membranes, bones, organs, and nerves. Shooters understand the importance of protecting their hearing, but they may not understand the bio-mechanics of human hearing. We hear sounds through Auditory Transduction. Sound waves vibrate the ear drum (tympanic membrane), but that is only the beginning. These vibrations are passed along via tiny rocker-arm-like bones to be “processed” in a spiral chamber, the cochlea.
This remarkable VIDEO explains how humans hear sounds. We strongly recommend you take the time to watch and learn. The hearing you save may be your own!
Click Speaker Icon to turn on the video’s soundtrack.
Vibrations moving through the cochlea are separated into frequencies and then sent as neural messages to the brain. It is an astonishingly complex process, one that truly seems miraculous when you examine the bio-engineering involved. In the video above, the process of human Auditory Transduction is explained and illustrated with 3D animation. You really should watch this amazing video. By the end you will have a new-found appreciation for your ability to hear.
Every shooter should own a pair of Electronic muffs, even if you prefer shooting with earplugs and/or standard muffs. Electronic muffs are great when you are spotting for other shooters or are working near the firing line. They let you hear ordinary conversations while still providing vital hearing protection. You can also wear ear-plugs under muffs for extra sound attenuation.
Plugs PLUS Ear-Muffs — Benefits of “Doubling-Up” Hearing Protection
According to OHS Online: “The combined attenuation of an ear plug and an ear muff is not simply the algebraic sum of the performance of each individual protector. This is due to an acoustic and vibratory interaction between the ear muff and the ear plug that causes them to behave together as a system rather than as independent hearing protectors.
Generally speaking, when you combine two hearing protectors, with muffs over ear plugs, you can expect a Noise Reduction Rating improvement from 3 and 10 dB compared to the higher-rated hearing protector by itself. OSHA [now advises] 5 dB as the [typical] benefit offered by combining hearing protectors.” Source: OHSonline.com
Here’s a product we’re pleased to see on the market. Walker’s, a major supplier of hearing protection for shooters, offers smaller-sized NRR 23 ear muffs specifically designed for small children from six months to eight years of age. Walker’s basic Kid’s Folding Muffs provide protection for children against dangerous loud noises. The muffs are designed to fit smaller heads properly, and protect the sensitive hearing of youngsters. Priced under $15.00 on Amazon, these are very affordable so there’s no excuse not to protect your childrens’ hearing.
The adjustable headband on these muffs is designed for the smaller heads of kids up to age 8. These Kids’ Folding Muffs have a 23 NRR noise reduction rating. We wish that were at least 25 NRR, but this can be supplemented with foam plugs for extra protection (plugs under the muffs). The important thing is that these muffs are sized right for youngsters and fit properly (for a good sound-seal). Walker’s Kids’ Folding Muffs start at $14.99 MSRP and come in seven color choices: Coral, Highlighter Yellow, NEXT Camo, Blue, Green, Orange, and Pink. (Other colors are offered on Amazon including Purple and Black.)
In addition, Walker’s has a new series of Youth and Infant Muffs, designed expressly for smaller kids. These fit the smaller heads of youngsters and have comfortable padding so the young ones will tolerate them for longer periods. There is an Infant Muff for children 0-2 years, and a larger Youth Muff for kids 3-7 years. CLICK HERE for Product Info.
Baby BANZ for Children 0-2 Years Parents of very young infants should consider Baby BANZ Muffs, which are designed for infants 0-2 years. These small-sized muffs can protect toddlers’ hearing during rock concerts, when loud machinery is running, during fireworks displays, or other noisy activities. With an impressive NRR 31 dB rating, these really work for tiny tots and toddlers.
One mother reports: “I bought these for my two-month old and they work great! He’s never fought us putting them on. He’s now falling asleep with them. He’s slept through a demolition derby and a rowdy wedding reception. I’m ordering another pair for my nephew.” Another mom says: “We bought these when we took our four month-old to a loud event. They fit her head well and were well-padded. She looked very comfortable, so comfortable in fact that she slept for most of her first rock concert. I’d say they worked exceptionally well!”
“Science tells us that exposure to continuous noise of 85 dB for eight hours is enough to cause permanent hearing loss, and worse, spikes of 130 dB and more can result in permanent hearing damage instantly.” Source: NRA Blog.
The Risk of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be progressive and irreversible. If you are a shooter, this is serious business. As the NRA Blog cautions: “You may not even realize you’re harming your hearing. Hearing loss occurs gradually, and can go effectively unnoticed until symptoms become severe. By then, the damage is done.”Effective hearing protection is a must whenever you are shooting firearms or when you are in the vicinity of gun-shots. For ultimate protection, we recommend a good set of tapered foam earplugs, topped by ear-muffs. However, there are situations when you may prefer lighter-weight hearing protection that can be quickly removed. For example, if you are standing well behind the firing line as an observer, or if you are working as a rangemaster or waddie some distance away from the shooters.
Sound Levels for Common Noises:
9mm Luger pistol: 160 dB
Jet aircraft engine (near): 140 dB
.22 LR pistol: 134 dB
Normal human pain threshold: 120 dB
Noisy Nightclub: 110 db
Riding Motorcycle at 65 mph: 103 db
Power Lawnmower: 95 dB
Hearing damage possible: 85 dB (sustained for 8+ hours)
Hearing bands are inexpensive, lightweight, and are handy for special situations, such using hedgetrimmers and noisy power tools, when you may need to frequently remove the protection. These banded products are a also a very good form of hearing protection for hunters. You can keep them handy around the neck while spotting game, and then insert the plugs before shooting. We have tried two types of banded hearing protection, the Howard Leight Quiet Band (shown above) (25 dB NRR), and the Radians Rad-Band (23 dB NRR). The Leight Quiet Band is quite durable and the plugs can be replaced.
Radians Rad-bad is very light-weight, with Jelli™ Plugs that are comfortable, washable, and reusable. Peltor also offers Sport Banded Earplugs but we think those are a bit flimsy and the NRR seems exaggerated.
2. Ear Muffs — Max Protection and Compact Options
The highest current USA Noise Reduction Rating is 34 dB NRR. To get that kind of protection, you need pretty big muffs, but thankfully, you don’t have to spend big bucks. For under $15.00 you can buy quality ANSI-approved muffs with a 34dB Noise Reduction Rating. Chose the G&F Pro Muffs at $13.08 (Amazon’s Choice), or the dark green Walker EXT Range Muffs for $14.99. Both products have padded head-bands which retract.
Many hunters and competitive shooters prefer low-profile ear muffs. As these typically have a lower Noise Reduction Rating, perhaps NRR 22-24, we recommend running earplugs under muffs, particularly when you are at a busy range or shooting a match. If you use low-profile electronic muffs, such as Howard Leight Impact Sport Muffs, you should still be able to hear range commands even with plugs underneath.
3. Earplugs — Small, Inexpensive, but Essential
20 Pairs
50 Pairs
These Howard Leight NRR33 Max plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Max plugs in my ears 3-4 days a week. These Leight Max plugs are very effective, easy to insert/remove (with the flared ends), and they seem to be less abrasive in the ear canal than some other brands. Right now you can get 50 pairs of these NRR33 Leight Max plugs for just $8.40 (with free shipping).
Note, if you prefer thin, light-weight earmuffs, we recommend running earplugs underneath for double protection while shooting firearms (or when you’re on the firing line). Sound experts tell us that running plugs and muffs together can effectively improve your effective noise reduction by 4-7 db NRR.
The Risk of Hearing Loss
All shooters, even rimfire enthusiasts, should always wear ear protection when at the range. A typical rifle gunshot is very loud — in the region of 140 to 170 decibels (the pain threshold is 130-140 db). Without ear protection, you can permanently damage your hearing during a single shooting session. We all know older shooters who are partially deaf, or who suffer from 
