Charlee37

I normally just wear ear plugs but figured I might invest in something that is easier to wear and offers better protection. I'm looking at the two options on the ruger site.

1.PM5010-Shooters-Muff-Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

2.PM4011-Electronic-Shooters-Muff-Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

I've never used muffs at all before but I have heard good things about the electronic ones.

Any suggestions?

Waveform

My biggest complaint about muffs is they get hot here in Florida and I'm sure the same applies to AZ. I do like the electronic muffs for the amplification they have when I'm hunting - sitting in a tree stand or blind and listening for sounds of movement. It's also nice to be able to still have a conversation with people at the range while wearing the electronic muffs since they still block the loud noises but pass through the normal sounds.

All in all I like the electronic muffs except for the heat factor and sometimes they feel a bit cumbersome. I bought mine at Bass Pro and didn't invest in real expensive ones. The small electronic devices that fit in the ear may be the better option still, but I haven't tried them so I don't know.

Wave

CJS1945

I like the Peltor Tactical 7, i have not had a problem with them, even on the hottest days. They do a great job even with the loudest handguns and their sound amplification is great. I will be getting another set of them sometime soon. The electronic ones on the Ruger sight look to be good for the price, but might not handle really loud sounds completely.

IRONHEAD61

I use the Caldwell E-Max Electronic Hearing Protections. They are less than $ 24.00 from Caldwell E-Max Electronic Hearing Protections 497700, 487557. Caldwell Hearing Protection.

A few times when the range was full of magnums I have also used the insertable foam plugs with the muffs. The outdoor range that I go to has a concrete floor and is enclosed. Very loud at times.

heymatthew

I use Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs. They're found on Amazon here. They've been great so far and offer up more than satisfactory hearing protection. If I'm shooting indoors or if someone at the range is shooting a large caliber (308 or larger), I will typically double-up with plugs under them. But I'm very sensitive about my ears because I had chronic ear infections (probably 3 a year until I was 13 or so), two ruptured eardrums and some residual hearing loss as a result.

They are more than adequate for most people by themselves, though. I always feel rude wearing them while someone is talking to me, but I can hear what they're saying and when someone shoots, it clips it out. They're a good value and they're compact. My only complaint is along with Wave... They get hot and sweaty in the summer here. Then when I pack them up, the sweat dries and they stick together so when I pull them apart, it pulls the muff away from the rest of the unit and I have to put it all back together again. It's kinda gross. But more annoying than anything.

Give them a try, just be prepared to sweat it out.

RetiredSeabee

I use a set of Sensgard zem sg-31 hearing protectors. They are a different type altogether. I got them for work in a very high constant noise workspace. Tried them at the range and got a second set for the range bag. They allow you to hear conversation well while blocking out loud noise. They make 2 models one for lower noise and out door shooting model 26. They are worth checking out at sensgard.com and they are on Amazon for 29.99 with free shipping. Another bonus is they fold up and fit in a pocket.

bearcatter

I have two sets of Howard Leight LOF muffs. Slim cups, they fold up, and I could get extra ear cushions for them. Very well made. The headband is padded nylon fabric rather than vinyl, and the frame is metal instead of plastic like most are.

These have been adequate at outdoor ranges with every imaginable caliber next to me.

SafetyFirst

I prefer slim muffs (LeightningŪ L1) over plugs. Thick muffs can get in the way when using long guns.

WGolf

The indoor range I frequent allows LARGE caliber rifles and rents out full autos. This is what is known as "double-up day" at the range. With the confined space, and large caliber, you really need both plugs and muffs. I've decided that's the best way to go for hearing protection even outdoors. It takes awhile to get used to muffs, but now I won't shoot without both plugs and muffs.

Bryman31

anyone know of a company that makes PINK electronic muffs?? the only way i get my wife interested in shooting is to show her all the pink accessories!

heymatthew

Radians Pro-Amp Electronic Earmuffs Pink

heymatthew

And here: Amazon.com: Champion Pink Electronic Ear Muffs: Sports & Outdoors

Bryman31

thanks Matthew!!

funkymonkey1111

of the two ruger muffs, get the non-electronic one--superior noise reduction.

jlh820

+1

Howard Leight are the ones I use. They're light weight and perform very well. You can also plug in your cell phone or mp3 player to listen to and use them like headphones. I live in Phoenix and it's hot almost year round. I don't notice them being any hotter that the rest of me and I'm pretty sensitive to heat. The spring clamps them firmly but comfortably on your head, even over goggles or glasses and the padding seals the space to it doesn't let noise in. My only complaint is when I'm shooting next to a loud gun like a large caliber revolver. There's been times when I've had to use ear plugs under my ear muffs. I keep a bottle of the soft orange squishy ones in my range bag. Together I can shoot comfortably next to any gun.

I also got mine on Amazon.

I bought an extra set for friends from Walmart. Don't know what brand, maybe Winchester? Any way they work the same and just as good, but they aren't nearly so slim as the Howard Leight. Seems like they were less than $20.