Ear muffs for prone shooting?

[Leaddog]

For years, I have been using the yellow foam ear plugs. These work fine, but I would like to find a good set of muffs to use at the same time.

Have any of you prone shooters (more specifically, F Class), found something that is acceptable? Most muffs seem too thick and interfere with the stock. I shoot a Master Class Prone Stock.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Forum Boss]

These won't replace your earplugs, but as an addon try the Peltor Shotgunners. With Gel Cups, they are very comfortable. The sides are "carved out" for extra clearance.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/10/peltor-folding-muffs/

 

[effendude]

I have struggled with the same challenge. I have a large head, so i have been told, or was it a fat head? Anyway, I use foam ear plugs and then have had great luck with some inexpensive ear muffs with the rotating head band so I can have the headband behind my head, not over my shooting cap. The latest I found were branded Winchester and cost $7.00 a pair so I bought 4 pair. Just make sure to try them on with your shooting gear (hat, glasses, etc.) before you leave the store, or make them unreturnable.
Scott

 

[TNBilly]

You should also try the orange soft foam type, if it's the yellow "EAR" brand you've been using. The orange are softer and seal well, reducing the sound level really well. just my 2 cents

 

[NateG]

I use the same Peltors that our host recommended. They're definitely not up to the job for use by themselves, but for taking that extra little bit off the report, they work great for position shooting. I use them over plugs (molded or foamies) for both HP and smallbore.

 

[normmatzen]

First, I worked in the hearing field for the last 10 years of my career. I did the graduate program in audiology at San Jose State and was a licensed hearing aid dispenser. I am an electrical engineer and designed hearing aid amplifiers.

First, properly inserted yellow foamies are still the best protection. With proper insertion, you don't need ear muffs too.

Second, ear muffs DO NOT offer the best protection.

What do I wear? I used to wear generic ear plugs like yellow foamies. Now that Blast protectors are available from my old employer ( I designed the amplifier in them) I use the EB-15 exclusively. They offer normal hearing for conversational levels, reduced gain for mid levels and clamped level for gun shots. They are small. insert like hearing aids and also have a switch to increase gain 15 dB. They are expensive, but so are Night Force scopes, and you are protecting your hearing. By the way, Etymotic Research (my old employer and the supplier of the Blast plugs) do not take advertising claims loosely. Every thing they advertise is based on clinical research. Check out etymotic.com.

 

[Bobr]

F/o shooter Peltor, plugs, and safety glasses works for me

 

[Leaddog]

Good information all. Thank you.

 

[lal357]

i use a cheap set of caldwell electronic earmuffs paid 17.00 for them from midway they fit good and dont interfear with my cheek weld . tried others but these fit me better .may not be for you (son cant waer them guess its my head shape lol).

 

[dblinden]

http://www.issf-sports.org/photoplayer.aspx?gallerykey=1183-7485

Great photos of arguably the best two prone shooters in the world - Martynov and Uptagrafft. Each wearing muffs in competition. Check out the modern technology, especially the high-tech sling Martynov uses.

Dennis L

 

[FroggyOne2]

I use those handmade earplugs that you get at Perry.. the Lady does a super job

 

[normmatzen]

By the way,

The custom "show" plugs are simply $50 yellow foamies.

To get premium custom plugs, go to an audiologist and say you want solid plugs that extend to the second bend. Then, you won't have the occlusion effect boominess. The audiologist will make an impression and send it to a professional earmold lab to make the plug.