YAGT: OMG I love guns

[rudeguy]

What do you guys recommend for earmuffs and safety glasses?

I hate muffs. I prefer plugs and use these
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000W2CPCC

Glasses are either a cheap pair I bought. I found Dewalt makes some really nice ones that are only $7. Might pick those up soon.

 

[CurseTheSky]

3M Skull Screws are my favorite. They're expensive for ear plugs, but they work well and they're very comfortable.

 

[Tiamat]

What do you guys recommend for earmuffs and safety glasses?

I always double up hearing protection. Cheap purple foam ear plugs rated to NRR 33 dB from walmart in addition to dewalt safety glasses for eyes and pro-ear pro mag gold electronic muffs for another NRR33 dB rating. Combined is roughly 38-43dB reduction total. For a 150-170dB noise source, you need everything you can get to protect your hearing and vision.

 

[Kelvrick]

For eyes, I usually use my ess ice's or sometimes my oakley flak jackets when outdoors.
http://www.esseyepro.com/ICE-Series_18_category.html

For ears, I double up (especially indoors) with howard leight electrics and surefire earpros.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CWGDKE/
http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-.../dp/B001T7QJ9O

Amazon just used for convenience. You can usually find them a little cheaper elsewhere. Around $11 for surefires and low 40's for the howard leights. Try optics planet. You can often just ask CS for a 10% coupon. If that doesn't work, send me a PM and I'll get you one.

EDIT: For those of you guys who drive nothing but gtr's and m3's as daily beaters, I want some reviews on these guys.
http://www.ghoststryke.com/

 

[Zargon]

I hate muffs. .

D:

 

[rudeguy]

D:

I seriously get claustrophobic when I wear them. I love my plugs, just wish they had a string. They are awesome at the indoor range. I have yet to try out the yellow side for outdoor use but the super side is great.

 

[Tiamat]

EDIT: For those of you guys who drive nothing but gtr's and m3's as daily beaters, I want some reviews on these guys.
http://www.ghoststryke.com/

No M3 here, but the pro-ears promag gold is an ear muff that seems to be marketed like those ghoststryke. I don't know what kind of circuitry those ghoststrykes use, but the proears have a very quick on/off interrupt of the electronic amplification. I basically hear the reverb of the gun shot and every shot is completely muffled. I can carry on a conversation with my wife at the indoor range without having to yell (since she wears a pair of the same muffs as well) even during gun fire only tiny fractions of words during a conversation are cut off. I turn the volume up on the ear muffs to about half way and the volume is loud enough to comfortably hear through my 33 dB NRR ear plugs. Other electronic ear muffs don't have very good hearing protection (less than 28dB NRR) and the electronic circuitry is quite dated.

I'd try them but I like double ear protection and they aren't really aimed for that way of use.

 

[x-alki]

I use these and I don't shoot indoors. If I did I would double up.
http://www.howardleight.com/ear-protection/banded/banded-ear-plugs

 

[Kelvrick]

No M3 here, but the pro-ears promag gold is an ear muff that seems to be marketed like those ghoststryke. I don't know what kind of circuitry those ghoststrykes use, but the proears have a very quick on/off interrupt of the electronic amplification. I basically hear the reverb of the gun shot and every shot is completely muffled. I can carry on a conversation with my wife at the indoor range without having to yell (since she wears a pair of the same muffs as well) even during gun fire only tiny fractions of words during a conversation are cut off. I turn the volume up on the ear muffs to about half way and the volume is loud enough to comfortably hear through my 33 dB NRR ear plugs. Other electronic ear muffs don't have very good hearing protection (less than 28dB NRR) and the electronic circuitry is quite dated.

I'd try them but I like double ear protection and they aren't really aimed for that way of use.

I run my howard leight electronic muffs similarly, but with surefire earpros and the volume all the way up. At crowded indoor ranges though, it can still be hard to talk sometimes as they will cut off noises for seconds at a time. I would be interested in those ghoststrykes for outdoor uses at say carbine/shotgun classes where it would be nicer to not have muffs get in the way of a good cheek weld. There is a group buy going on right now for $425, but thats still a lot of moolah for an unproven product. I might have to stay happy with my current setup.

 

[Tiamat]

I run my howard leight electronic muffs similarly, but with surefire earpros and the volume all the way up. At crowded indoor ranges though, it can still be hard to talk sometimes as they will cut off noises for seconds at a time. I would be interested in those ghoststrykes for outdoor uses at say carbine/shotgun classes where it would be nicer to not have muffs get in the way of a good cheek weld. There is a group buy going on right now for $425, but thats still a lot of moolah for an unproven product. I might have to stay happy with my current setup.

you bring up a good point. Outdoors has less need for double ear protection compared to indoors. Also, cheek weld is indeed questionable with rifles and carbines using the pro-ear promag gold. If you were to use them every week, it could be worth it. However, if it is a "maybe use" type of thing or "use once in a blue moon" probably not. I'll have to look into it...

Edit: Their website doesnt seem to have any important details. There is no publication pertaining to the responsiveness of their electronic protection. :/

 

[phucheneh]

Well aren't I just all over the place...looking at a P239...

...DAK...

...dirty word? P239's have always interested me but been too expensive. I'm talking to a dude now about one for ~600ish, which seems quite reasonable. But I dunno about DAK.

I have my mind set on a safetyless carry gun with either a decocker or DAO. Marginally concerned about size and caliber, but 'good gun' trumps all. Hence P232 interest. But a 239...hmm...seems like a tasty step up.

 

[Merad]

I've heard that DAK is kind of a love it or hate it thing. I haven't tried it personally so that's really all the input I can offer.

 

[Kelvrick]

Well aren't I just all over the place...looking at a P239...

...DAK...

...dirty word? P239's have always interested me but been too expensive. I'm talking to a dude now about one for ~600ish, which seems quite reasonable. But I dunno about DAK.

I have my mind set on a safetyless carry gun with either a decocker or DAO. Marginally concerned about size and caliber, but 'good gun' trumps all. Hence P232 interest. But a 239...hmm...seems like a tasty step up.

How do you plan on carrying? I was considering the P239 at one point being a single stack 9mm, but it is pretty heavy for the capacity and size. Hae you considered a Kahr? I like the P9/CW9, but there is always the even larger model in the TP9. They also have the K models with the metal frames if you want more weight. The triggers are very smooth dao, but long.

 

[phucheneh]

How do you plan on carrying? I was considering the P239 at one point being a single stack 9mm, but it is pretty heavy for the capacity and size. Hae you considered a Kahr? I like the P9/CW9, but there is always the even larger model in the TP9. They also have the K models with the metal frames if you want more weight. The triggers are very smooth dao, but long.

IWB at 4-5.

I did notice it was pretty heavy for the size. All steel, I assume? IIRC 232 alloy is like 18oz, 232 stainless is like 23oz....239 is a 'holy shit'-worthy ~30oz. I'd prefer to stay closer to a pound and a half, but meh, I can handle it, I think.

And finding what you really want for a good price is hard. I can always pick up a $300 plastic .380 later if I find the 239 too cumbersome.

I've had two Kahrs, a CW9 and a CM9. Both are fine guns, but I have a growing distaste for striker fire. Also, while they shoot good, they tend to make me bleed. I really liked the idea of the P232 because it was just big enough to have really good ergo.

 

[Kelvrick]

Not liking striker fired really slims down the possibilities... The CZ-P07 is bigger than the P239, but lighter and has more capacity.

Anything else I could think of is striker fired like the Walther P99 compact or PPS.

 

[BladeVenom]

3M Skull Screws are my favorite. They're expensive for ear plugs, but they work well and they're very comfortable.

Those offer 25 dB reduction, while the best foam plugs offer 33 dB reduction.

 

[phucheneh]

Not liking striker fired really slims down the possibilities... The CZ-P07 is bigger than the P239, but lighter and has more capacity

The P07 is also the worst gun on the planet. The trigger is made of dicks.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Those offer 25 dB reduction, while the best foam plugs offer 33 dB reduction.

True, however I find that it's much easier and significantly faster to get a consistent fit with them as opposed to foam plugs. Even with only 25 dB of reduction, they're quite sufficient for outdoor shooting (tested with .45 out of a 3" barrel, .308 out of a 16.5" barrel, 12 gauge out of a 18.5" barrel, etc.). For indoors, I would throw a pair of ear muffs on top of them.

They're also easy to clean compared to foam plugs. Foam plugs are great in the fact that they're cheap and disposable, but it's never fun getting to the range and finding out that you forgot to buy a new box. It's also not fun thinking that you have the foam plugs seated well (yes, I know how to squish them and let them expand in my ear canal properly) only to find that there was a small gap. It becomes quite apparent on that first shot.

FWIW, I keep both types in my range bag. I reach for the Skull Screws every time.

 

[phucheneh]

Welp, it looks like I'll be able to report on if I like DAK or not. In an odd twist from looking at PPK's to deciding I'd rather have a P232, I have now arrived at really wanting this 239. I have always had a boner for this gun, far more than the 226/228/229 series.

I'm looking at paying 550 for one in nice shape with four standard capacity mags (9mm and DAK as mentioned). If I hate it, I'm pretty sure I can sell it without losing money.

 

[Jeeebus]

I really need another single stack 9mm as small as the PM9 to come out. Considering switching to a Shield at this point though it might be a tad too big for pocket carry.

It is a total love/hate relationship with my PM9. Granted, it was a tad dirty as I regrettably did not clean it after last range trip, but the damn thing was jamming/failing to feed on the 4th or 5th round at the range this weekend. It's just not a reliable gun. Hard to put a lot of trust in it given its many quirks.

 

[desertdweller]

What do you guys recommend for earmuffs and safety glasses?

For muff type hearing protection, I use Howard Leight L3. They're comfortable enough and they seal around my ears really well. Actually one of the best as far as passive hearing protection goes. Only problem is they are large, so, I can't use them with any long gun shooting. And, I can't wear a full brimmed hat with them, only a ball cap.

I just got a pair of custom ear plugs: http://www.westone.com/defendear/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=15&Itemid=128

They are expensive, but, the cheap foam or rubber type irritate my ear. I got them cheap from a friend that owns a hearing aid store. I can wear these all day and not even notice them. They did let too much sound in, but, with a little added foam in the baffle, they work awesome.

For eye protection, I just use some M sunglasses I found at Sportsman's Warehouse. I prefer a bronze tint so that narrows my choices. Also, as a personal choice, I can't stand polarized lenses for shooting.

 

[shortylickens]

For muff type hearing protection, I use Howard Leight L3. They're comfortable enough and they seal around my ears really well. Actually one of the best as far as passive hearing protection goes. Only problem is they are large, so, I can't use them with any long gun shooting. And, I can't wear a full brimmed hat with them, only a ball cap.

I just got a pair of custom ear plugs: http://www.westone.com/defendear/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=15&Itemid=128

They are expensive, but, the cheap foam or rubber type irritate my ear. I got them cheap from a friend that owns a hearing aid store. I can wear these all day and not even notice them. They did let too much sound in, but, with a little added foam in the baffle, they work awesome.

For eye protection, I just use some M sunglasses I found at Sportsman's Warehouse. I prefer a bronze tint so that narrows my choices. Also, as a personal choice, I can't stand polarized lenses for shooting.

I keep meaning to drop some money on nice ear plugs, but never get around to it.

Nearest location to me is in Arlington.

 

[BladeVenom]

I have custom earplugs, sure they feel better, but I almost always use the foam ones because they do a better job in reducing noise.

 

[RampantAndroid]

Those offer 25 dB reduction, while the best foam plugs offer 33 dB reduction.

And for the record, increasing sound by roughly 10db is doubling the perceived volume - so by using plugs that do 33db over 25 are nearly halving the sound you hear.

 

[phucheneh]

A hypocrite is me. P239 acquired.

NO, PUPPY, WE DON'T EAT THE GUNS DAMMIT.