Monday evening, a friend asked me to help him thin some pigs out on his aging parent's farm. Of course I said yes. We both had M4 clones. We were about a 100 yards out from the group of hogs we found and waiting for them to feed closer since it was pitch black and our spotlights were really only effective to around 50 yards.

While waiting, a boar separated from the group and came way too close for comfort and spotted us. He came out of some thick brush and we had no idea he was there until we were worried that he was bout to charge. I laid him down with a well placed round to his head and we then started trying to tag as many of the others as they fled.

I always bring hearing protection, but this go around I didn't have enough time to put it on before the shooting began since the one pig busted right up on us forcing a shot.

As soon as I shot my right ear began to hurt and ring. My buddy shooting the other pigs (I let out 2 shots as well) only made things worse. Now, nearly 48 hours after the fact, my right ear is better, but still very sensitive to noise.

I now know that I need to invest in some sort of electronic ear muff for these type of hunts. I'm only 27 and still have good hearing. I want to keep it that way.

For the range, I prefer my muffs with a 33 decibel reduction rating. I know the electronic muffs usually have around a 18-20 reduction rating, so I will be sticking with my low tech ones for the range where I know I will be subjecting myself to a lot of shooting and noise.

But for still hunting hogs with a buddy or even squirrel hunting with a buddy I want some electronic muffs that will allow me to hear well enough yet cut out the bang of the shot. I bought my dad some years ago, but I didn't like them much. Every time I took a step on dry grass/leaves, it would amplify that sound so much that it annoyed the fool out of me.

Does anyone have any electronic muffs that they use for hunting? Which pair should I look at? I'm not sure how much I want to spend, but I'm always looking for the best bang for my buck! Thanks.

I use Howard Leight, Impact Sports model. I use for everything, and they are great. I can be carrying on a conversation with someone, but if a .22 RF goes off within 50 ft. it will shut off and I only see lips moving. I don't have the paperwork any longer as for the numerical rating, but they are among the more often recommended. Also, they aren't overly expensive, if I recall correctly, under $50. Midway has them, and probably lots of other places.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Eh? Say what?

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Georgia On My Mind

There are quite a few electronic muffs with NRR's of greater than 25. I own two pair that are outstanding:

First is a pair of Peltor Tactical Pro. They have a single on/off/volume control, and have a 3mm jack for iPod, etc. They're lightweight, and work great.

Second is a pair of Walker Pro Ears Gold Magnum. They have a 3mm input jack, and are rated at least to 30db NRR. The have individual controls, and provide good 360 degree hearing.

Both shut off completely @ 85db. The Peltors use AA's and the Walkers use N's.

Neither is cheap. But ask how much your hearing is worth.

Finally, in addition to the muffs, you should wear custom-molded ear plugs. They have a NRR of about 36. The impact wave is also transmitted to the ear drum via the mastoid bone, and the stock of any long arm will unseal the muffs in addtion to long hair and shooting glasses. Custom-molded plugs run about $60/pair.

Wear both.

I have 2 pair of Peltor Tactical 6.5's they use 2 AAA on each muff. I use lithium batteries so as not to get leaking batteries when the kids leave them dead for awhile. I also have a junk Caldwel pair and notice on all 3 that they get staticy and screech as the batteries get low. Ivan

Peltor Tactical 6-S FTW!
Slim, use AAA, and just look kewl.
My wife loves hers.
Gratuitous pic of wife

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Hold my beer and watch this!

Thats three that recommended the Peltor ones. Walkers use N batteries? Thats an odd choice on their part.

From what I'm gathering, Peltor gets the nod. Thanks all.

I have a cheap Caldwell set.( ~35.00). Does great! I can hear people talking from 50 yards away, but gun fire does't bother me at all. I like the electronics ones over everything else.
Just me!
Guy22

Sorodin Pro X

About $280 with the optional Gel Ear packs.

Great electronic muffs.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

MSA Supreme Pro X with gel cups. Then add a headband wrap from Original SOE.....

I love my pro X's, gel cups and Original SOE headband wrap.

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estybreaching