Precision Rifle Gear Best NRR available

I have hearing loss from childhood ear infections, too many rock concerts, working around loud equipment, and "loud pipes save lives" Harleys in my younger years. Due to my stupidity, I now wear hearing aids when I'm out of the house. So I treasure what hearing I've got left but I also don't want to give up on my joy from shooting my handguns and rifles. My go-to ear pros are: Otto Noizebarrier Micros (in-ear plugs) and and Sordin Supreme Pro X electronic ear muffs.

I like the Ottos because they are in-the-ear plugs (so they don't interfere with my cheek weld) and have two sound attenuation settings: Normal and High Attenuation (to block out even more sound and it works great). With the Ottos, I use the Comply Professional ear tips from Amazon, which work better than the regular foam tips that come with the Ottos. Yes, the Ottos are expensive ($429 on Amazon) but their warranty is excellent and they work well. https://www.otto-comm.com/NoizeBarrierMicro

For shooting handguns, I use my Sordins, which are easier to put on and take off. I have two pairs of these (one with the regular over-the-head headband, and another pair with the neckband because it fits better over my big head while wearing a hat or cap). The Sordins are excellent and are the go-to for many RO's and instructors. Get the ones with the gel seals...they work remarkably well to seal out the noise.

There are many other models of ear pros out there. Here's a helpful article from Pew Pew Tactical that can provide some additional suggestions:


Good luck!

Not arguing with Charlie. I owned 2 pairs of the Sordin/MSA and they are the crappiest NRR I've ever used. As far as sound QUALITY... they are very very very good. But even with the super comfy gel ear cups, they were just not good at attenuating the sound.

I would never recommend them for good NRR and the purpose you're asking for.

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I would recommend ALWAYS doubling up, though I've been happy with these:

+ earmuffs (I normally use Peltors but am testing Razors vs Leights right now for a low cost option to see which is better-let me know if you want to get the results when I'm done)

for shooting pistol & silenced bolt guns; the surefire component barely drops the sound while using electronic ear pro, but when idiot lights one off by accident without ears on I'm somewhat safer- you can have conversations with just the surefire ones on

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I use foam earplugs + earmuffs when shooting anything braked or semis like ARs, or matches, or indoor, or on a. line

the concussion from brakes is real, rocks me head when I use a harsh brake

if you can run suppressed for bolt guns, definitely do so

Foamies will give you the best noise reduction because they expand for a custom fit, every time. No matter how much your custom molded ear pro costs, foamies will work better. Double up with foamies and over-ear muffs for range use, squadded rifle comps, and braked rifles.

What is a good pair of over ear muffs, I have never found anything that does not interfere with cheek weld and I always end up throwing them on the ground and just using foam plugs. Would really like to be able to double up but don’t want to have another pair to hang on the wall next to the half dozen I already have not being used don’t care about electronic or communication just noise reduction

TmisterE said:

What is a good pair of over ear muffs, I have never found anything that does not interfere with cheek weld and I always end up throwing them on the ground and just using foam plugs. Would really like to be able to double up but don’t want to have another pair to hang on the wall next to the half dozen I already have not being used don’t care about electronic or communication just noise reduction

Click to expand...

Please do not take this as any kind of insult. Not intended that way.

Have you tried shooting with a more vertical head position? Higher cheekrest, less head tilt?

Some people have mentioned using more of a jaw-weld shooting long guns.

I used to shoot shotguns which do not have adjustable cheek rests and my muffs often were jostled off position when "movin' & shootin'"

Tried the "shotgunners" muffs which were thinner and that improved a lot.

Then I was recommended to try an ACE bandage wrapped around the shotgun buttstock with cleaning sponges on top of the stock with the bandage holding the sponges in place. I realized that this helped tremendously and also absorbed much of the recoil in a 12 gauge that would normally be directed toward the cheekbone.

Many years later I used it successfully with bolt guns too.

Softer energy absorption and higher/vertical head position.

with bolt guns, the higher cheekrest position works better for the ergonomics of my face/shooting style

maybe you do this already, but figured I'd share in case it helped someone else too

Yeah, if your muffs are getting in the way of your check weld, you are probably tilting your head over a bunch. "Mount the gun to your head, not your head to the gun." Address the gun with an erect head posture. Don't lean your head over the stock. You may need to change the LOP, cast off, and comb height to achieve a good posture. But, once you have it, you won't ever go back to the way you were shooting. I've never had an issue with my over the ear muffs getting in the way.

I prefer non-electric with the built-in canisters that stop impulse noise... they can be added to molded plugs... allow normal conversation