Suz, I have interference problems with my ear protection also. I bought an extra thin pair which helped but did not eliminate the issue. Often, I shoot with just ear plugs in a tactical match. Too often the ear protection has interferred with my cheek/head placement on the stock causing me to lose sighting or worse yet, the ear cups move - moving my hat brim down in front of my line of sight or interfering with the scope.

Hey Suz, I got some custom made ear plugs made while I was still on the job that work great. They cost about $100 from Listen Up Canada but, I should imagine that you can get them for a lot cheaper down your way.
They make a casting of your ear and then make the plug with the proper valve in it. They also had some low profile ear defenders also. We had to wear both plugs and defenders because of OHSA.

inthedark wrote:

custom made ear plugs made .... They make a casting of your ear and then make the plug with the proper valve in it.

These are what I use for ear protection

Suzanne wrote:

Thanks DawgD I just measured and it's 1 1/2" above the rail (the center of the glass). It's perfect without the ear protection. With my head gear on, the ear cup is able to contact the stock so that's what I'm trying to get around. My hat size is 6 7/8 so I have a need for smaller head gear and I also wear glasses which make the ear cups stick out just a little too. I have some other ear plugs I can wear, just don't like to wear them. Yah I don't want to put my chin on the stock that's for sure! I do think I'll look for about a 1/2" riser and just try it out, it may be the bee's knees for meeees. Are you sayin I need a full inch riser?

I have the same problem when shooting shotgun Suz...I have resorted to using the EAR Foam roll up plugs and they do a good job, they are just a pain to fiddle with each time I want to shoot. I am looking at the Earmold system. Once in they are good and you can still hear ok with them in.

Cheers, Vince

You never tried empty 9 mm cases? They are the best earplugs in that price-range!

Aloysius wrote:

You never tried empty 9 mm cases? They are the best earplugs in that price-range!

9mm cases with a bit of cleaning flannelette were the staple hearing protection for quite some years mate...but not these days. They are a pain to have to polish to make them look all snazzy, and if you pick up the wrong one, that ants have nested inside, then it's a bugger getting the ants out of ya ear.

Cheers, Vince

Suz - 1.5" over the rail should be right for good head position. I use the foam plugs because of the headphone bump too.

Hey wouldn't a cigarette butt work?

I think they are right Suz, I am old military and it feels a bit high but still usable, the army trained us to put our nose on the charging handle and that hold doesn't work with this sight.

the trick to roll up ear plugs is to roll them up tight, open jaw wide,lightly pull ear lobe down, insert plug into ear and push deep, hold in place as it expands .I find if I tuck the outer ear plug against my ear it expands very snuggly and blocks the sound very well. normal conversation is not hard to hear but lawnmower/angle grinder/ big booms are muffled nicely.

Hey FN mine seems low, where do you have yours mounted, rearward for forward? Mine is as far forward as I can on the receiver, maybe that's the prob. and I should adjust the position.

Suzanne wrote:

I should adjust the position.

that won't make any difference, Suz. It might make it slightly worse. Can you post a picture?

I just went out and shot it again today. Seems fine actually. I really need to set up my bench and do a proper sight-in. Same for the Mauser. My scope settings are reverse, I've had that happen on other scopes. It says left> you turn it that way and the bullet goes right. I did a bore sight at home but that didn't spur my memory that it was backwards. Now I need a barn door or a really huge cardboard to see where I'm at now. Gotta get out there while the sun's shining. I actually worked up a sweat today! It's all of 50 degrees and I was looking for shade. I have to shoot across a ditch so when I have to change targets I get my exercise. Now I'm tired....

Suz

Miss Suz, I have asked around at a hearing aid clinic for the name of the low profile and I mean low profile ear defenders for use in shooting. The lady there, was familiar with them and she is trying to source them for me. She also said that they were from the US. They fit around the back of your head and look like the spring loaded ear muffs that young girls wear around here. More to follow.
Chimo
Ron

When you are out and about sighting in your rifles Suz, it's a good idea to have someone with you so they can call the fall of shot for you...that way, if you are way off target, then they should be able to see the fall of shot and direct a "bold adjustment". When on your bench, and before you fit your bolt, aim your rifle, then have a look down the bore...should give you an idea if you are way out and in what direction. Might be a bit hard with the AR though.

Barring that mate, I hear that Bushy has a rather large barn that should have a decent size wall on it that would meet your needs mate.

Cheers, Vince