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You might think that you are ready to go to the shooting range after you have done your research and acquired your gun, ammunition, and studied the rules for gun safety. You still need to get a few things before you can fire off your first shot. It is vital to wear eye and ear protection whenever you are near someone who is firing a gun or when you are shooting yourself. God only gave you a pair of each and they must last the rest of your lifetime!
Choose the Right Eye and Ear Protector
Take a look at the eye and ear protection available for shooters.
Hearing Protection
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), exposure to noise greater than 140 dB can permanently damage hearing. Almost all firearms produce noises that are above 140 dB. A small.22 caliber rifle can create noises of up to 140 dB. Centerfire rifles and pistols are also capable of producing sounds over 175 dB.
In addition, firing guns at indoor ranges or other places where sounds can reverberate and bounce off walls can increase noises and increase the risk for hearing loss. Addition of muzzle brakes and other modifications can increase the loudness of firearms.
Hearing damage is common among shooters of my generation, who shot for decades before hearing protection became a thing. If you hear ringing in your ear after shooting without hearing protection, you have permanently damaged your hearing. This is not a good sign.
Many manufacturers offer the equipment you need to protect your ears at the range. These devices can be simple or complex, and they can range in price from dirt cheap to expensive. Do your research. You should make sure that the hearing protection you select will keep noise levels below 140 dB.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is used to measure hearing protection. Hearing protection devices with NRRs below 20 will generally offer less protection than those with NRRs in the 20s. Devices with NRRs in the low to mid 20s and high 30s offer the best protection.
In-Ear Ear Protector
Many of these models are inexpensive and do a good job. Popular are simple foam plugs, which you can squeeze or roll between your fingertips and then expand in order to block the ear canal. When used correctly, many have an NRR of over 30. Howard Leight’s High Visibility Disposable Foam Earplugs are about $11 per bag of 50, and have a NRR of 32.
While more expensive, these models offer additional features. Many models can magnify sounds such as range commands and conversation and then block out noise when a firearm is fired. Some can be molded to fit your ear perfectly.
They are worth the price, even though they are more expensive. Pro Ears custom plugs are more than $1,000, but they are worth it. They will last years.
Over-the-Ear Muffs
The other type of hearing protector is the over-the-ear muff. They are available in a variety of protection levels, as well as sophistication. Some, such as Pro Ears Ultra Pro Passive, cover the ears to block out loud sounds. Some, such as the Warbird Entrepid Bluetooth muffs enhance low sounds while blocking out the damaging sound of a gun shot.
Eye Protection
Eye protection is just as important as ear safety. At the range, you can wear a pair of sunglasses. However, shooting glasses made for the purpose with stronger lenses that come in different colors to aid vision and stronger lenses are safer.
Gas blows back and dirt and oil splatter. A ballistically-rated lens can make the difference between having a good or bad day at the range.
To ensure peace of mind, all shooting glasses should be ANSI Z87+ approved for high impact. The ANSI rating is a measure of the lens’ ability to protect the eye from hazards.
You can spend little or a lot on shooting glasses, just like you would for hearing protection. Simple ballistic-rated shooting glasses, like the Walker Ikon range, retail for around $25. They come in different lens colors and are perfect for the job. Beretta’s Puul Shooting Glasses, on the other hand, offer three interchangeable colored lenses and cost about $230.
When shopping for eye protection, the color of the lens is not as important as choosing it for your shooting location. Clear or yellow lenses work best in low-light conditions, and at indoor shooting ranges. Amber or brown lenses are ideal for overcast days and low light conditions. Gray lenses are ideal for bright, sunny outdoor shooting days.
Take care of your eye and ear protectors as soon as possible. In the next episode of Shooting 101 we will discuss your first visit to the range.
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Keep ReadingThe article Shooting 101: Protect your assets with proper eye and ear protection appeared first on Athlon Outdoors.
