Remington Ear Plugs or Earmuffs: Opinions.

[coyote trapper1929]

Hi.

  I was looking to buy some new earmuffs when I was looking at the Remington and Browning websites. I noticed that they have not only the regular earmuffs , but also those little earplugs. Which are better? I need to get a new pair for practicing with my new 30-30 Winchester.

Thanks,

[mountainview]

I'd wear muffs and plugs at the range for the best possible protection (if you get tinnitus and/or have hearing loss, you'll understand why). While there are other factors to consider, NRR or noise reduction rating is the key thing to look at. Higher NRR is generally better in either muff or plug.

[TNrifleman]

I have used the Remington muffs for several years now. The are made by the Howard Leight Company and are well made and very comfortable to wear foe hours at a time. The ones I use are the same as Leight 31s except for the color and logo. I am a firearms instructor and use muffs on a regular basis. The NRR (noise reduction rating) is an important consideration. I only use muffs that have a NRR of 31. My hearing is checked on a regular basis and is still excellent after many years of shooting. Plugs are okay, as far as protection goes, they just bother me for extended range sessions. I do occasionally use both muffs and plugs when shooting at a local range that is covered and enclosed at the rear which makes the effects of muzzle blast much worse. Remington markets several models of muffs, get the ones I mentioned. They cost a bit more, but are worth it.

[JPSaxMan]

I have the 31 pair of earmuffs...don't have hearing problems to date :grin:

[Savage .250]

Earmuffs for sure.................. the little "plugs" seem to get lost before you ever get a good build up of ear wax on them.
 
 " The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

[RaySendero]

I'd wear muffs and plugs at the range for the best possible protection ......

I also wear both.

[mountainview]

I'll add to my previous that while I wear both muffs and plugs, if'n I had to choose one, I'd go with the muffs since even while they are more prone to interfere with the stock, they do offer:
a) better seal around the auditory sensors (ears)
b) they are easy to insert (especially if you have dry ears)and they don't tend to work their way out like plugs do and leave the ear with reduced protection.

One caveat though, and one I learned the hard way, avoid at any and all costs being close to or beside a muzzle brake with either or both muffs/plugs on. Muffs and plugs will reduce the noise level (dB). But  they will transmit sufficient energy from the shock waves that result from the gas being ported out the sides of the brake into the ear canal (even if a muff/plug combo is worn). This can and will damage your hearing in some rather exquisite ways. The shooter is shielded from the gas for the most part but adjacent shooters, particularly when short barreled firearms/handguns are going off, tend to be in line for a lot of the gas blowout.

[Marty]

My suggestion is wear as much protection as possible. Get good quality hearing protection.
Recently I went to my Audiologist to have my hearing checked. I ordered a set of custom moulded plugs. They work great. They fit better than the standard off the shelf plugs, and work well with ear muffs. It is a good idea to have hearing checked on a regular basis in case loss of hearing  has started. After 40 years in the shooting game, I found I have some loss in my left ear. I guess it is normal for that  to affect the left side from firing rifles as a right hand shooter. Once its gone, you can't get it back.

My 2c. worth.

Marty

[cal sibley]

I've worn muffs for some years now, but recently have noticed that I'm scratching my stocks from long use,  I want to switch to the plugs because of this.  My current muffs are Peltors rated at 29.  Will I be giving up a great deal of protection?  Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Lawdog]

Hi.

  I was looking to buy some new earmuffs when I was looking at the Remington and Browning websites. I noticed that they have not only the regular earmuffs , but also those little earplugs. Which are better? I need to get a new pair for practicing with my new 30-30 Winchester.

Thanks,

I wear both at the range but now Remington brand.  Walker's is what I and my family use.  I do own a couple of pair of Remington Ear Plugs but find them extremely unconvertible.  Never owned Remington muffs.  Lawdog