Ear protection

[hans g./UpS]

Have been using the Peltor 6S over the last year.Reasonably happy with them.
They don't magnify sound,but they do cut out muzzleblast from magnum handguns and rifles.With the wire frame,they can be worn under hats.
At ~$140 delivered they're worth it.
The rest of the time[and before the Peltor's],I carry EARs looped/tied onto my hat.Less convenient,but cheap.

[thomas]

I believe it would be rare when one could not use ear protection while hunting or shooting. Protecting your ears and teaching safe shooting skills to the younger generation is very important.
I followed a thread some time back in BRAND X forum where most would lead you to believe that ear protection cannot be used for hunting and shooting in general and excuses ran wild.
Nice to see that saftey is taught and practiced here.
tom

[HappyHunter]

I believe that I injured my hearing shooting a 25-06 encore 15 inch handgun.    I was developing a load and shot only 6 times, my ears began ringing so I stopped and went home (40 miles).  This happened nearly 1 year ago and my hearing has not returned to "normal".

Needless to say I advocate the use of hearing protection any time a gun is fired.  

It is most difficult to use hearing protection when hunting you want to hear the critter before it sees you.   This is no excuse,  with the high tech amplified ear muffs with cut outs.  

I have been borrowing a set of these to use when hunting and have just ordered a set of Walker's power quad muffs from  www.Natchezss.com.  They cost $169.00.  A small price compared to the cost of a handgun or your hearing

There is no  reason not to use some type of hearing protection...we all know the dangers.

Fred

[themixedgamebag]

I fully believe that ear protection is required on the range/practice shooting. I work at a facility that checks your hearing twice a year. I noticed that the guys that work back in the press areas where the impact of a large press sounds like a small 22 rifle blast every time, hundresd of times an hour. They tend to score poorer than the rest of us and they do use protection. Imagine what it would be without it? As several of the folks mentioned above from experience, it can cost you your hearing permanantly. Hunting, you have options, some expensive but it is a good idea. Not as critical due to the amount of shooting required to kill a game animal, (unless you shoot like my cousin Scott :lol: ). Have a good one.

[farmplinker]

I thought I would re-start this topic and ask if anyone out there has any experience with the Woodland Whisper 2 hearing protection devices? Are they comfortable to wear for long periods while hunting? Do they provide adequate protection from handgun blasts?

On a related note, are there any recomendations for electronic muffs for range use?

[Charlie Detroit]

Guess we did go a bit astray, there.
OK, here goes: What I've heard SINCE all this stuff got posted is that the Woodland Whisper 2's are pretty good if you're out in the open without too much going on, but the fella who wrote me (Dang! Wish I could remember his name and what forum we were on!) said that for a range with covered firing points, shoulder-to-shoulder competition with lots of noise, he'd prefer something better. I have not had the opportunity to check this out first-hand. In any case, for what it's worth, my latest Cabela's catalogue has no listing for them, but that might not mean anything; they do funny stuff in their catalogues sometimes.
On the other hand, my Pro-Ears electronic muffs with the compression (not cutoff) circuit work just fine. In really cold weather I can wear a stocking cap. In decent weather, my ears still sweat like crazy. Maybe a cloth cover for the sealing ring, to wick the moisture out? Hmmmm...

[Jim n Iowa]

Happy Hunter
I saw your post on the Walker Quad. My hearing is shot around to many jets. I have been interested in these Quads but never found a owner to relate with. Is this for the range only, or could one use them in the field?
Will it enhance the sound in the field?
Jim

[TScottO]

I use Pro Ears Dimension1 for range and field use. Of the electronic muffs I've used and seen the Pro Ears are the best. If these ever break, I'll  buy another pair of Pro Ears to replace them.

Scott

[HoCoMDHunter]

a SINGLE report from a .44 mag. handgun can do termendous damage to the unprotected ear of the shooter. I shoot a FA .454 with a ported barrel, imagine what kind of noise level that produces.

I can tell you.  A lot.  I forgot to put my ears back on after changing targets at the range.  As luck would have it, my next round was a full house 454.  This is all in a covered range.  At first I saw stars, then followed confusion, then absolute disgust.  I was done shooting and my ears rang for the rest of the day.  My hearing is OK now, but it is hard to tell if there was any permanent damage.  I still kick myself for that mistake.

[HappyHunter]

Jim in Iowa.

I use the Walker quad for both indoor and outdoor range shooting.  I plan to use them hunting this fall.  

In outdoor use they perform better than the Remington electrics that I have borrowed in the past.  

The only dislike I have is in windy conditions the wind noise is amplified.  

The advantage of enhanced hearing, beyond normal human hearing is remarkable.  A walk thru the woods will amplify the noise you make and you will become more aware of every movement made.

Hope this helps,

Fred a/k/a  HappyHunter

[hans g./UpS]

Here's a second thumbs up fo the Peltor 6S-still allows one to wear a hat
[ topknot is thinning a mite-gets a bit cool in winter on a stand] and blanks out most of the roar from a handgun.Discounted,they're available for ~$120.
Now don't forget the eye protection either-a thorn or piece of percussion cap in the eye will totally ruin your day.Get the eyes checked regularly too-glaucoma sneaks up on a person:BAD NEWS.