Classic, elegant, and secure—National Magnum produced a safe that never needs to be hidden out of site. The safe features a high-gloss automotive finish, along with many hardware and color options. Finally, there’s a beautiful and secure safe that doubles up as a piece of furniture, instead of an ugly eyesore. Liberty safes awarded the National Magnum with its highest fire protection rating—131,000 BTUs for 2.5 hours, making it one of the most fire-secure safes on the market. In addition to that, the safe features a spectacular dehumidifying and ventilation system, to ensure all firearms or delicate papers inside remain preserved and rust-free, regardless of the outside climate. Its 7-gauge steel body resists the toughest intrusion attempts, and the hardened locks feature special drill and tamper resistance. This fireproof safe is not only secure, but it’s elegant enough to be the centerpiece of a living room or study.

Are you the type that likes to be prepared for every situation? Or maybe you enjoy getting up well before the sunrises to get a jump on Mother Nature. If so, then you understand the importance of owning a durable and reliable pair of night vision binoculars.

Whether you’re trying to nab a buck in the cover of night or decided to go hiking after the sun has set, you’re going to find that a flashlight can be detrimental or inefficient for your needs. Night vision binoculars eliminate the possibility of your light source scaring off your prey and uncovers the shadowed areas of the wilderness that a beam of light doesn’t hit, effectively increasing your safety, hunting success, and ability to better survey the area around you.

The most difficult aspect of night vision binoculars is, of course, knowing which one’s to purchase and which to avoid. You can easily spend a ton of money and wind up with the best pair on the market, but higher cost doesn’t guarantee best quality. Like anything else, night vision binoculars have higher end models and lower end models, and it may come as a surprise, but some of the cheaper binoculars may be the best for your needs.

Whether you’re a hunter, hiker, or just love to collect cool gadgets, night vision binoculars are a must-have.

Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular

Sure, it’s a monocular, but the clarity that it offers puts it up there with even the best night vision binoculars. Bushell’s Equinox Z comes with built-in IR illuminator technology to promote low-light clarity. Coupled with 3x magnification and a 30mm objective lense, it’ll be like the darkness hasn’t impeded your vision at all.

The illuminator casts light up to 500’ for a vivid display that works great for hunters. Multicoated lenses further promote clarity and ensure that, whatever it is you’re looking at, you’ll see it in a crisp image.

The Equinox Z also has a memory card slot so you can record what you’re seeing and can be mounted on a tripod to document wildlife after the sun has set.

Purchase

Sightmark Ghost Hunter

Sightmark brings to the forefront a use for night vision binoculars that many likely would never consider: Ghost hunting and paranormal investigating. The SM15070 Ghost Hunter is a convenient, hands-free model that comes with a head strap, so the most affluent investigator can free up their hands for other equipment.

The Ghost Hunter features high quality imaging with a 30-degree field of view and built-in IR illuminator. Since most hunting is done under the cover of night without any ambient light source, the additional illumination prevents safety issues and keeps the corners that may hide usable evidence from falling into the shadows.

The SM15070, of course, isn’t just for ghost hunters and investigators. The hands-free head strap is also great for hikes and regular hunters, as well. It’s a durable model that doesn’t sacrifice functionality, though it’s worth noting the 1x magnification is a bit lower than other models.

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Night Owl NOXB-5 Explorer

Night Owl’s NOXB-5 Explorer sports a magnification of up to 5x, meaning you’re sure to see those distant objects with clarity. Coupled with a 700 field of view and range of 575, there’s no doubt that the image will be as crisp as you could want it to be. The binocular’s Steel Stringer System allows full customization of the image’s precision and refinement, ensuring you see what you want to see.

NOXB-5 is equipped with an IR illuminator that casts an infrared light that brightens up even the darkest corners of the wilderness with ease. This is perfect for hunting so your prey can’t scurry off into the shadows.

The lenses are coated with metal oxides and fluorides to enhance image quality even on distant targets.

Purchase

Luna Optics Premium Night Vision Binocular

You can definitely take the “Premium” part of the name of these night vision binoculars to heart – Luna Optics has put out a model that delivers in all of the necessary ways, including 3x magnification and a lightweight frame. Unlike some models, Luna Optics features comfortable and adjustable padded eye-cup, made from a soft rubber that is soft against your eyes.

These premium night vision binoculars are weather resistant and feature an IR illuminator that will keep your field of view lit even in extreme low-light conditions. Luna Optics delivers a high-quality image that surpasses much of what’s on the market thanks to intensifier tubes that increase ambient lighting to nearly 900 times.

For further usability, both barrels focus individually ensuring the image retains clarity no matter the conditions or the user.

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Yukon Tracker Night Vision Binocular

The Yukon Tracker may not offer the best magnification at only 2x normal vision, but their affordability and other functions make it a must-have, especially for people just starting out with night vision binoculars. One of the first notable features is the rubber “armor” that adds a level of protection against shock from dropping and weather.

Beyond durable, the Yukon Tracker features an IR illuminator that covers a range of up to 150 yards, ensuring even in low ambient lighting you’ll be able to see 2x ahead of you with clarity. To remain energy efficient, the IR system uses a “pulsing frequency” that illuminates dark spaces without draining the battery.

An Eclipse Lens Cover System includes flip-up covers that protect the lense but can be clipped on top the body of the binoculars for added convenience. Each cap has a pin hole that allow use of the binoculars during the day when the caps are closed.

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Night Owl iGEN Monocular

Sometimes what you’re looking for is too big and isn’t something you want to carry around. That’s not the case with Night Owls’ iGen monocular. When it comes to night vision, this monocular stands up well to its dual-lens competition. Night Owl’s proprietary iGEN technology makes this a top-of-the-line model that delivers light amplification that ranges from 18x to 1,345x the normal.

Night Owl’s monocular sports 2.6x magnification, arguably the only downfall of this model, which it makes up for with 12 angles of view, a variable frame rate of up to 30fps for video, three infrared modes, and day and night functionality.

When maximum clarity and full visibility in low-light situations is needed, the iGEN monocular is a must-have.

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Sniper Digital Zoom Deluxe Night Vision Binoculars

Worried about the night just being too dark and your night vision binoculars not being strong enough to illuminate your way? Sniper’s night vision binoculars are equipped with an IR illuminator that should clear up those concerns with its seven levels of intensity.

This pair of binoculars will magnify your vision up to 2 times and will illuminate every inch on the highest intensity with high quality clarity. At night, you should have no issue seeing up to 200’. During the day, these binoculars are capable of showing up to 1,312’ into the distance.

The comfortable eyepiece is an added benefit for prolong use, which comes in handy considering these night vision binoculars are capable of recording video. With its additional functionalities and day-time viewing, Sniper’s deluxe binoculars are a must-have for hunters and hikers.

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Solomark Night Vision Monocular

Don’t let the fact that this is a monocular. Even with a single lens, its clarity is top-of-the-line and Solomark’s staple design is brimming with multiple functionalities and added benefits. You can expect high-quality images thanks to the multi-coated lens and high-sensitivity sensor. An IR LED illuminator extends vision in the darkness up to 328’, providing a clear image even in low-light situations.

Mount this monocular on a tripod and set it to take pictures for clear photos that show even the small details of the environment. The compact size makes it easy to carry around and use without fully limiting your mobility and use of hands.

The Solomark monocular zooms up to 2x magnification, which is far from the highest, but also not bottom of the barrel. Generally, you’ll be able to see everything you need to see.

Purchase

Firefield FF25023 Tracker

Firefield’s FF25023 Tracker is a high-end model that, yes, may be on the higher end of the budget, but is well worth every penny. The plastic shell is waterproof, protecting the inner workings of this high-end model.

Built-in IR illumination promises a clear image without dark spots while 2x magnification ensures you’ll be able to see a bit farther than normal. Multi-coated lenses stand up to even the harshest weather conditions, guaranteeing a clear image no matter what’s going on outside.

Firefield offers an easy-to-use model that can stand up to the elements, making it a great addition to every hunter’s collection of gadgets.

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Bushnell LYNX

Though they only run on two AAA batteries, Bushnell’s LYNX are a model that stands up to most other binoculars on the market. Providing high clarity imaging and 2.5x magnification, the LYNX offers the necessities needed for hunters and hikers, including a built-in IR illuminator that can provide light for up to 270’.

The AR coated lenses offer improved quality and durability while the casing is intended for maximum weather resistance, ensuring that fog and rain won’t get in the way of your field of view. Bushnell promotes ease-of-use, so even newcomers to night vision are able to jump in with a quality pair of binoculars.

The LYNX Gen 1 night vision binoculars are a durable brand that can stand up to the worst weather and the shock of being dropped.

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Bestguarder Digital Night Vision Binoculars

It may be easy to be intimidated by Bestguarders’ digital night vision binoculars, but if you take the time to work through them, you’ll be met with a product that’s top-of-the-line but not at the top of your budget.

One of the best features of these binoculars is the large digital display, which brings to life a 320×240 resolution of your crystal clear image. View objects via 7x magnification and a dual digital zoom with the added perk of a 31mm objective lense. The IR illuminator provides ample lighting for even the lowest light scenarios, ensuring hunters don’t miss out on that prized target frolicing deep in the late-night wilds.

Want to snag video of what you’re seeing? These binoculars are great for capturing high-quality video and images to share later.

Purchase

What to Look For in Your Night Vision Binoculars

With this guide, we’re going to outline the 12 best night vision binoculars you can buy, but before we get there, you really should know what makes a good night vision binocular. The following are the components you’re going to most want to look out for. They’re the most important aspects of your night vision binoculars and can be the difference between snagging that prized hunt and going home empty handed. .

Image quality

What good are your binoculars if the image you’re looking at is so grainy you can’t make anything out? Specifically for hunting and hiking, you’re going to want to have binoculars with a higher resolution. If there’s one area you’re going to skimp on, resolution probably shouldn’t be it as it’s one of the most important factories in the quality of your night vision binoculars.

Magnification Power

Do you want to be able to view distant items and be able to make them out clearly? Then you’ll want night vision binoculars that have a higher magnification. Consider a pair of binoculars with 5 times magnification. Objects viewed through them will appear 5 times closer than normal. Keep in mind that the higher the magnification, the more your hand movements will also be amplified, making steady viewing more difficult.

IR Illuminators

When you view objects normally in low light, you’re limited to the electromagnetic spectrum, which determines the amount of visible light your eyes can see. IR illuminators help improve the ability to see at night in very low-lit areas. When shopping for night vision binoculars, make sure that they include IR illuminators to ensure they work in low-light or complete darkness.

Eye Relief

The longer the eye relief, the more comfortable your night vision binoculars are going to be. This is primarily true for people that wear glasses. With a shorter eye relief, typically less than 10 mm, the frame of the glasses can easily get in the way of the viewfinder. Eye relief over 11 mm allows the wearer to hold the instrument further away for maximum comfort.

Lens Coating

A coated lens prevents light reflection that can cause an image to appear less sharp and darker. Lens coating ensures that the image remains clear while reducing reflection from outside light sources. A lens that’s fully multicoated reduces most reflections and increases the transmission of light.

Weather Resistant and Fog Proof

If you’re going to be outdoors, you should consider that the weather won’t cooperate. Night vision binoculars that aren’t weather, water, and fog proof are effectively useless when it rains. Weather resistant and waterproof binoculars are sealed water-tight by O-rings that keep moisture from penetrating the unit. Fog proof binoculars ensure that lenses don’t become hazy in the early morning fog.

Comfort, Portability, and Ease of Use

Obviously, you want to be able to carry around your night vision binoculars easily. You don’t want to be lugging around a large pair of binoculars as they can get in the way and be easily damaged. As for features, you want a pair of binoculars that’s easy to navigate while you’re in the wilderness. Your night vision binoculars should have only the features you need and not include excess things that would only bog down the user experience.

Whether you carry your weapon every day or only on certain occasions, there are just certain times where a concealed carry is the best option. While there are many holstering options for concealed carry users, the most popular is the belt holster, which allows you to position your gun several ways. Belt holstering allows you to choose between a front carry, back carry, or side carry, depending on what is most comfortable for you, and can often be the best option for a quick draw, which is important in self defense and tactical situations. However, in order to effectively conceal and carry your weapon in this manner, you needa great belt designed specifically for concealed carry and similar tactical situations. Any old belt won’t do, as concealed carry belts are designed to hold the weight of your holster and gun without sagging, which is dangerous and can increase draw time or even result in an exposed or lost weapon.

These concealed carry belts are all top of the line, and will support the weight of your favorite weapon and holster, and many of them can even support the weight of added accessories. We’ve hand selected our favorite concealed carry belts based on their ability to hold up to extreme tactical situations and their style and functionality. Here are the 11 best concealed carry belts we’ve found:

Klik Belts Tactical Belt with Cobra Quick Release Buckle

Hanks Gunner Concealed Carry Leather Belt

5.11 Tactical Trainer Belt

Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement Kodra UltraDuty Nylon Belt

Spec.-Ops Brand DDU Belt

IDOGEAR Tactical Belt

Refinemmee Battle Tactical Riggers Belt

High Speed Gear Rigger Belt

BLACKHAWK! Riggers Gun Belt

Blue Alpha Gear SR EDC Belt

Relentless Tactical Leather CCW Gun Belt

When you get into firearms, hunting, and spending time at shooting ranges, you immediately realize just how much goes into this hobby. It’s about more than just picking out the best gun for you. You also have to consider types of ammo, storage, cleaning methods, and, maybe most importantly, safety gear. While operating a firearm, you are going to want to wear the two most important gear, hearing protection and protective eyewear.

Between the possibility of damaging and potentially fatal injuries to the potential likelihood of minor eye irritation from residues, you’re going to want to make sure your eyes are protected every time you operate a firearm.

Shoot Glasses Buyer’s Guide

Why Do I Need Protective Glasses?

This is tantamount to asking: “Why do I need my eyes?” Without protective glasses, you risk damaging the very things that you use to aim and line-up your firearm with. Protective sunglasses and regular glasses are a vital addition to any accessory stash, so much so that they should be purchased with the firearm just to make sure you buy them before using your new gun.

Whether it’s the first time you’ve picked up a firearm or you’re an avid shooter that could clean your firearm with your eyes closed, there are unavoidable circumstances that can be out of your control. It’s in these moments that you’ll want your protective glasses on. Sometimes, fragments fire back and threaten to embed themselves in your eyes. It’s definitely not a scenario you want to find yourself as it can lead to permanent sight loss or even death.

Protective glasses do more than just protect from projectiles, however. They also help balance otherwise unmanageable lighting conditions. Whether it’s too bright or too dark, protective glasses can level everything out so you’re able to see your target with the utmost clarity.

Lastly, protective glasses look cool. Whether they’re tinted black or are clear, most brands know that you want to look good while shooting and will design their glasses with a little flair and style.

What Is the American National Standards Institute Z87.1?

As you’re shopping for protective eyewear, you may see something called “ANSI Z87.1” referenced frequently. It’s not some secret code or something only the manufacturer would understand. In fact, you should know what ANSI Z87.1 is and you should be looking out for it on every pair of shooting glasses you pick up.

ANSI Z87.1 is the United States Civilian Standard of eyewear protection. A pair of glasses that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards have been tested and confirmed to offer protection against fine objects. Those fine objects, which can be described as “impact” or “non-impact,” include dust, mist, optic radiation, liquid splashing, and droplets. Glasses labeled “ANSI Z87.1 +” have been tested and passed high-impact tests, which is essentially what you’re most concerned with.

If your eyes are going to be hit by a projectile while you’re firing a gun, it’s going to be coming at you at a high impact. Anything labeled simply “ANSI Z87.1” was not tested for impact and are typically glasses you’ll want to stray away from.

While the ANSI Z87.1 standard stamp is important, it’s actually not the only standard that your shooting glasses can live up to, so if it’s not listed, check to see if any of the following standards have been met.

Other Quality Standards:

While the ANSI Z87.1 standard is going to likely be the more common standard you come across while shopping for protective eyewear, there are other standards that may pop up. Anything that mentions meeting S. MIL-PRF-31013 standards is approved for military use while glasses labeled as meeting or exceeding EN166, 169, 170, & 172 standards relates to European Standards for Eye Protection.

U.S. MIL-PRF-31013

Where ANSI rates the standard for civilian-use eyewear protection, MIL-PRF-31013 is the standard that the United States military requires. Any pair of shooting glasses that meet the MIL-PRF-31013 standard were tested and proven to withstand a 5.8 grain, .15 caliber projectile traveling at up to 661 feet per second. Any lens that was able to withstand that test is definitely going to provide you with ample protection while you’re out hunting or at the shooting range.

The military standard for eye protection also requires that the lens also shield against harmful UV rays and are able to withstand chemical wear. There’s also a requirement that they are able to maintain a reasonable level of protection in wet environments and fluctuating temperatures.

If you are most worried about keeping your eyes safe, you will want to shop glasses that meet the MIL-PRF-31013 standard.

EN166 Standards

Unless you’re in purchasing and using your protective glasses in Europe, chances are you won’t pay attention to this indicator, but it is still good to know that, even overseas, a product is trusted eyewear. EN166 standards are similar to American military standards. The impact test ensures that the lens is able to withstand a .86 gram, 6mm steel ball projected at a velocity of 190 minutes per second.

EN166 is broken up into different ballistic protection levels, which include: Increased Robustness, Low Energy Impact, Medium Energy Impact, and High Energy Impact. Glasses that withstand High Energy Impact tests are marked with the letter “A” as they were able to stand up to the 6mm ball.

Any one of the three standards is suitable for your protective eyewear, though the military standard will certainly ensure ample protection in the case of high-speed projectiles.

Components of Protective Glasses

You may think that your protective shooting glasses are just a frame, two lenses, and a nose pad, but there are factors that come together to make the perfect pair of glasses. As you’re shopping for the right pair of shooting glasses for yourself, you’ll need to consider: Ballistics (Impact Protection), Elements (Environmental Protection), Fit & Comfort (Ample Coverage).

These three elements are what come together to create an effective pair of shooting glasses. Even Fit & Comfort has a hand in increasing the level of protection.

Ballistics

The physical protection of your shooting glasses, otherwise known as the Ballistics protection, is what keeps your eyes safe in cases of mishaps. The Ballistics of your glasses will refer to its ability to deflect projectiles and withstand high-impact contact without cracking, breaking, or, in some cases, even scratching.

Stray fragments can be a common occurrence when it comes to shooting and the Ballistics of your protective eyewear is going to be what keeps that fragment from cutting or penetrating your eye, causing severe damage.

Elemental Protection

Physical particle fragments aren’t the only danger when it comes to shooting and firearms. An effective pair of shooting glasses will also be able to protect your eyes from any environmental hazards. Most commonly, that refers to Ultraviolet rays from the sun. While many sunglasses protect from most of the sun’s UV rays, it’s not always a guarantee. There is more than one type of UV ray, also, so you’ll want to look out for a pair of shooting glasses that protects from 100% of UV rays.

Even if you don’t shoot outdoors and the sun isn’t a concern, environmental factors can still hinder your eyesight and cause discomfort and potential damage. Dust particles and gun-powder residue are typically invisible to the naked eye but can cause a great deal of harm if you’re not careful and don’t protect yourself. Most shooting glasses provide enough protection to keep these particles out. You also may want to consider liquid hazards, such as cleaning solutions or other chemicals that may accidentally be sprayed into your eyes.

Fit & Comfort

Of course, you want your glasses to be comfortable and remain in place. Many offer a tight grip to ensure they don’t slip off, especially while firing. No-slip nose pads and wrap-around earpieces are usually the most common means used to keep your protective glasses in place.

If you wear corrective lenses, consider this during your shopping process. Some shooting glasses are designed to fit over corrective lenses without causing discomfort or causing them to be too snug. Glasses that are too tight can cause skin irritation, which will make keeping them on difficult.

Look for glasses that have padded brows for a mix of practicality and comfort.

Tips for Shopping for the Best Shooting Glasses

So, how can you make sure you purchase a pair of glasses that will work best for you? Don’t forget that, while you can’t test many of the “protective” components of the glasses, you certainly can try them on. Before you even get into the Ballistics and Environmental protection of a pair of glasses, make sure they fit comfortably. Move your head around to see if there is any sort of slippage and, if so, move on to the next pair.

Do They Fit?

Shooting glasses should be snug, but not so tight that they’re comfortable. The looser they are, the higher the likelihood that they’ll slip off while you’re at the range or out hunting and put your eyes in harm’s way. While you’re trying them on, feel around the lens for any possible unprotected points. Fragments can easily sneak into even the smallest sliver, so make sure that the entirety of your eyes covered and protected.

Are They Clear?

As you’re getting a feel for them, pay attention to the clarity of the lens. You’ll need a clear view to ensure that your aim and accuracy aren’t hindered. Some lenses may cause distortion, which you’ll want to avoid. Other lenses may not be fog proof, which can be a huge dilemma especially if you’re hunting. Try to find a pair that provides a wide field of view. These types of shooting glasses come as completely frameless and look like one big lens.

Will They Work in Different Lighting Conditions?

Determining the glasses’ clarity and comfort is one thing, but before you can confirm your choice, you have to consider where you’ll be using these glasses. Though they may be clear indoors, what happens when you get outside and they don’t hold up well in the bright sunlight. If you plan on hunting, you need a pair of protective glasses that can withstand a multitude of lighting conditions. Typically, you’ll need to find a pair with interchangeable lenses of differing tints.

Are They Compatible with Firearm Accessories?

If you’re using accessories with your firearms – such as a rifle scope or red dot sight – you have to think of whether your protective glasses will get in the way. Will you be able to see through the scope just as effectively? With the tint of the glasses completely wipe out the red dot of your attached sight? If you wear hearing protection – and you should – you need to consider whether they’ll fit over the temples. Your accessories need to work with one another or you risk reducing the functionality of one.

How Protective Are They?

Determining whether a pair of glasses’ Ballistics stands up to the standards they’re rated on isn’t really something you can determine just by trying them on. In fact, without physically watching a test of their durability, there’s no real way for you to see just how protective they are. You can typically determine what standards they comply with based on product information found online or in stores, but a vital resource in determining just how protective a pair is are the online reviews left by those that have actually owned or still own them.

When it comes to the military and civilian standards, if you can’t find any information on whether the glasses meet them, assume that they don’t and move on. Try to avoid glasses that have a thin bridge. Another component not to forget is the Elemental protection. Shooting glasses that are labeled as sunglasses should always provide protection from UV rays. If they don’t, then they aren’t suitable for outdoor use and should be reserved for indoor ranges. Anti-fogging is key to preventing obstructions while you’re trying to shoot.

A Checklist of Requirements

To make your life easier and to ensure you find the perfect pair of protective glasses, while ou’re shopping, check to see if the pair you’re looking at fulfills the following requirements:

•  Is made from a single-piece lens that covers both eyes.
•  Meets U.S. MIL-PRF-3103 or European EN166 standards. Glasses that don’t meet ANSI Z87.1    standards will not meet military or European standards.
•  Has a thick bridge or one covered by rubber for ample comfort.
•  Contours around the eyes for protection from all angles.
•  Does not slip off from sudden movements.
•  Offers 100% UV ray protection

Other factors you may want to consider are whether:

•  They made U.S. Army Authorized Protective Eyewear List (guaranteeing they meet military standards).
•  Have glare protection
•  Come with interchangeable lenses for different lighting conditions.

If you’re an avid shooter, you know that the proper ear protection can mean the difference between prolonged hearing damage and perfectly intact eardrums. Especially when you’re firing off rounds in an indoor range, ear protection is a must. Even if you don’t think you need a guard, consider that the suggested safe exposure limit to sound for eight hours a day is 85 decibels (dB). Normal conversation comes in at around 60 dB, a concert may reach peaks of 105 dB, and that firearm you keep shooting off near your ear can reach as high as 140 dB.

As with every other firearm accessory, however, you’re faced with a slew of choices that make the buying process a veritable nightmare. Weighing your options also involves looking at your habits, such as time on the range and caliber of firearm that you’re shooting with.

Much more goes into the buying process, of course, which is why we’ve compiled this list of the best ear protection for shooting and a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will go into the more minute details to help you pick out the muffs or plugs that work for you.

Earmuffs

If you ever had to live in cold weather, then you likely know earmuffs as a means of keeping your ears from turning that bright, painful red. In the world of shooting, earmuffs serve a different purpose, like keeping the noise of gunfire from damaging your hearing.

These options may also keep your ears warm, but their bulkier design is mostly intended to provide protection while you’re at the range. Available in electronic and passive, these are the best earmuffs out there to protect your ears with. Here are the Best Shooting Earmuffs and Earplugs.

Ear Pro by Surefire 4 Sonic Defender Ear Plugs

Noise Reduction Rating: 24 dB

With a name like “Sonic Defender,” you can expect quality audio protection, and Surefire’s Ear Pro provides exactly that. These simple earplugs fall within the mid-range level when it comes to hearing protection, which is more-than-enough for most caliber firearms. Crafted from a soft, medical grade polymer, the Sonic Defenders are anti-allergic, meaning you won’t have to worry about ear irritation while wearing them. It also adds an extra level of durability that will keep these in your possession for quite some time.

One quick adjustment when you first buy them and you’ll be set for as long as you use them. To prevent complete audio reduction of sounds you do want to be able to hear, Surefire’s Sonic Defender is equipped with a stopper that lets you hear your low-level sounds while still providing protection against higher-decibel noises.

The patented EarLock retention ring prevent slippage by locking into place at seven different contact points, which prevents slippage during use.

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Pros:

• No Slip: For the shooter on-the-move, Sonic Defender’s retention ring prevents slippage to keep earplugs from falling out.
• Filter Caps: Prevent the noises you don’t want to hear from coming through without sacrificing lower-level, “safe” sounds by engaging the filter caps and stopper.

Cons:

• Not Effective Against Higher Caliber Firearms: The lower level NRR works fine for low decibel sounds and lower caliber firearms, but it’s less effective when dealing with much louder guns.

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Mack’s Shooters Ear Seals Ear Plugs

Noise Reduction Rating: 27 dB

When it comes to protecting your ears from the product of shooting off a high-caliber firearm, Mack’s Shooters Ear Seals Ear Plugs perform well. These earplugs are a unique design connected by one vibrant and sturdy detachable cord. Though they may seem simple in design, Mack’s earplugs are not only affordable, they’re effective. The accordion-like design provides a comfortable fit that cuts out unwanted sounds and a no-slip functionality. Though the pattern is bright and may not be best suited for hunting, the cord can be removed and the earplugs will remain in place.

Made from a soft foam, the earplugs are washable, reusable, and durable to prolong use over multiple shooting sessions. Though they’re a plain design, Mack’s Shooters are able to block out louder sounds while still allowing lower decibel noises to come through, making conversation and awareness of your surroundings possible.

With the cord detached, the Ear Seals earplugs can be coupled with earmuffs or safety glasses comfortably.

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Pros:

• Effective, Simple Design: These earplugs are a no-frills option that are designed for one purpose – hearing protection.
• Detachable Cord: The included cord keeps the earplugs attached when needed but can be detached as desired.

Cons:

• Difficult Removal: With the cord detached, the earplugs can be difficult to take out.
• Best When Paired with Muffs: With a 27 dB noise reduction rating, Mack’s provides decent ear protection but do benefit from added protection and features, like earmuffs with media device support.

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Topnuna High Fidelity Earplugs

Noise Reduction Rating: 22 dB and 28 dB

Depending on how much noise you’re looking to reduce, Topnuna’s 2-in-1 earplugs can be worn two different ways for a variety of dB filters. One side will deliver a reduction rating of 22 dB while the other will increase the reduction rating to 28 dB. When it comes to shooting, the 28-dB rating is best.

Even with the higher rating, these earplugs allow you to reduce noises evenly while still letting you hear some of the sounds you’ll want to hear, like music or nearby people. Built from a soft silicone material, the 2-in-1 earplugs are non-toxic and won’t irritate your skin, even after prolonged use. The comfortable wear makes them perfect for a long day of hunting.

While small, these high-fidelity earplugs are attached via a simple black cord that can stand up to use and can be stored in the provided aluminum case. Designed to fit a range of a variety of ear sizes, Topnuna’s brand of earplugs are a must-have for all shooters.

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Pros:

• Compact Storage: Don’t worry about losing these earbuds as they come with a sturdy and compact aluminum case.
• Two-NRR Ratings: While the 28-dB rating is great for shooting, the other side offers a reduced rating of 22 dB for a slew of scenarios including concerts and sporting events.

Cons:

• No Extra Features: The simple design is effective, but these earplugs don’t have much in the way of any additional benefits beyond hearing protection.

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3M Peltor TEP-100 Tactical Digital Earplug

Noise Reduction Rating: 23 dB

While the Peltor TEP-100 earplugs may not be the best when it comes to their NRR rating, these tactical plugs are feature-rich, making them one of the best on the market when it comes to overall delivery. At a rating of 23 dB, the TEP-100 will protect your ears from lower-caliber firearms, but these electronic plugs offer more than just protection.

Being electronic, you may be concerned about water damage, but they do come water resistant. In fact, despite being electronic, they’re no less durable than other options. The entire package looks bulky, but it all breaks down to a very portable option that’s great for shooting ranges and even for hunters. Used by military personnel and law enforcement, these Tactical plugs are a reliable option that uses state-of-the-art hearing protection technology that reduces unwanted noises while still keeping you aware of the environment around you.

Lower-volume sounds are amplified, so if you’re out in the wild, there’s no need to fear missing out on your target scampering behind you. The plugs are intuitive and work well in scenarios where the noise level changes frequently. Users benefit from the on board rechargeable batteries, interchangeable ear tips, and detachable cord.

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Pros:

• Works Well with Fluctuating Sounds: If you’re in an environment where sound levels change drastically, the TEP-100 will provide ample protection without completely drowning out the more important sounds.
• Added Accessories: Interchangeable ear tips, detachable cord, and a carrying case provide convenience and added features for this compact bundle.
• Water Resistant: Even in damp environments, these earplugs will stand up to the elements and provide you with the protection you need.

Cons:

• High Cost: Of course, all of this comes at a much higher cost than regular earplugs. Compared to most plugs, the TEP-100 is around 10x more expensive.

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Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs

Noise Reduction Rating: 31 dB

In the way of earplugs, Deibullz delivers one of the higher noise reduction ratings, but that’s only part of the big picture that makes these such a viable option for shooters. While the noise reduction rating is something to tout, one of the best features of Decibullz is their comfort. Perfect for every type of ear, these earplugs can be custom molded. All it takes is a quick process of heating the molds up and shaping them to fit your ears perfectly.

Beyond custom-molded comfort, Decibullz provides an effective reduction in higher-caliber firearm sound, which comes in handy both in the range and while hunting. Available in a range of vibrant or dark colors, Decibullz can be one of the better earplugs on the market for hunters. Since they’re custom-fit for the wearer’s ears, there’s no concern that they’ll fall out, even after prolonged use.

Since they are so snug, Decibullz provides ample noise reduction but also make it difficult to hear ambient noise and surrounding conversations.

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Pros:

• Custom Molded: The custom mold design allows for a snug and a perfect fit for all users, regardless of ear size.
• Versatile: The snug fit makes them work well with a range of accessories and won’t get in the way.

Cons:

• A Little Too Effective: The 31-dB noise reduction rating works well, but also keeps users from hearing ambient conversations and sounds of the wild.
• No Cord: The Decibullz are a little easier to lose as they aren’t connected via a cord and don’t come with a storage case.

Purchase

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Ear Protection Buyer’s Guide for Shooting

Why Do I Even Need Ear Protection?

We touched on this briefly before, but it’s incredibly important and worth noting a second time. Firearms can produce damaging levels of sounds, going well above the 85 dB “safe zone”. In fact, every 3 dB above the recommended highest dB of 85 can cause serious and permanent damage to your hearing if exposed for periods of time.

When it comes to firearms, the average gunshot hovers around 140 dB, though higher caliber guns can go even higher than that. Consider, also, that you don’t just fire off one shot and you’re done for the day. Each time you pull that trigger with unprotected ears, you’re subjecting your eardrums to more than 55 dB above the recommended noise level. In the long run, that could cause permanent hearing loss.

Hearing protection reduces this amount to a far more acceptable and safe level.

Hunting and Ear Protection

You may think that just because you took your guns our of your gun safe, you’re outdoors and sound has more places to travel, your ears will be fine without protection. Fundamentally, that’s false. If you’re hunting, chances are you’re using a rifle, which your head is generally close to for accurate aiming. Whether you’re indoors or outside, the sound of that gun going off is going to have the same effect on your ears.

Since you are hunting, you may not want to have the added weight of earmuffs, which is why earplugs come highly recommended for hunters. Even if you don’t want to deal with the bulk and weight of earmuffs, you may be surprised to find that “passive” earmuffs, or non-electronic, can serve as a great option for hunters as they don’t tend to have a lot of extra weight.

Noise Reduction Rating

Under each earmuff and earplug, you probably took notice of the “Noise Reduction Rating.” This rating, often referred to as “NRR” for short, is the unit used to measure how effective a protective hearing accessory. This scale usually ranges from a low of 22 dB to a high 30 dB, though there are options out there that stretch beyond those boundaries. The American National Standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration implemented the NRR for workplace safety, but it does pertain to protection from gunshot noise.

While shopping, you’ll want to keep an eye out for higher ratings as they offer the most protection. They can, however, make it difficult to hear ambient noise, so if you’re a hunter, try to find an option that filters out high-decibel sounds while amplifying lower noises.

All methods of ear protection should be accompanied by an NRR number. If there isn’t one associated with the item you’re eyeing, ask the manufacturer or skip it entirely as it may not have been rated and, therefore, is likely not a viable option for hearing protection.

Earmuffs vs. Earplugs

Now that you know what’s out there and why you should consider wearing ear protection, it’s time to start narrowing down the options with this extensive buyer’s guide. The first thing you’ll need to do is determine what kind of ear protection is best for you. Earmuffs and earplugs serve the same general purpose, but they do offer two completely different experiences.

Outside of the obvious – one is hidden and the other is very-much-so visible – there are some clear differences between plugs and muffs that may make one better suited for you over the other.

– Extra Features

When it comes to being “feature-rich,” earmuffs typically always beat out earplugs. As plugs are a simple design that fits inside your ear, there isn’t much room for added features. Earmuffs, on the other hand, can include things like a 3.5 mm jack for audio input that’s compatible with most media devices.

Beyond allowing you to listen to your own music or radio, earmuffs may also be designed with microphones that amplify low-level sounds. These come in handy when you want to be able to hear conversation around you or while you’re out hunting and don’t want to miss out on your target scurrying away out of your line-of-sight.

– Durability

In regard to durability, earplugs are often more difficult to break. There isn’t much to their build and the complete lack of mechanics means they’re less likely to break after a period of use. Most earplugs are designed from a durable silicon or foam that could tear over prolonged use but is less likely to do use.

Earmuffs, especially those with electronic features, have more than can break. From the hinges that connect the headband to the cups to the jack for media device compatibility, you may run into issues later on down the road, especially if you’re not careful with your muffs.

– Size

By far, earmuffs are much larger than earplugs. This can be a benefit and a hindrance, depending on how you look at it. On one hand, the larger size means you probably won’t lose them. Earplugs, especially those not stored in a carrying case, can be easy to lose for the disorganized person. Even carrying cases for earplugs are typically on the smaller side.

On the other hand, earplugs are much easier to transport, even when in a carrying case. Earmuffs take up a lot of space in a backpack or even in home storage. Since they are more fragile, how you store your earmuffs is also important to keep in mind so they don’t break.

Finding the Best Earplugs

Pinpointing the best earplug for your personal use can be a mix of finding a high enough NRR and personal preference. Outside of the NRR, you also want to take a look at the earbud design. Do you think it’s something that would fit comfortably in your ear? Look at product reviews to see if they fit snug or are loose. If you have a larger or smaller canal than what’s “normal,” you’ll need to keep information like this in mind.

Be mindful of the composition of your earplugs. Some are made from a silicon material, which can irritate users that are allergic to silicon. Earplugs made from foam may not be anti-microbial, which can also irritate or transfer unwanted viruses.

Since earplugs are typically very bare-bones, you won’t have to worry too much about thinking of what added features you’ll want.

Finding the Best Earmuffs

Finding the right earplug may come down to just two or three factors, but pinpointing the perfect earmuff is a little more difficult. First and foremost, size is a concern, not just of the cups but of your head, too. Be sure to consider the size of the headband to guarantee a comfortable fit. If you have other accessories, like safety glasses, or are firing with a rifle, you’ll want to keep an eye on cup size, as well. Larger cup sizes, while effective in noise reduction, can get in the way.

Beyond comfort, you also want to consider convenience. Do you want an earmuff that has a lot of added features? Do you want to worry about changing batteries or failing electronic components? Are you hoping to listen to music while at the range? These are all things you need to ask yourself as you start to look at earmuffs.

Unlike plugs, earmuffs can have added features, such as an audio jack or noise-amplifying microphones. If you’re at the range often and like to talk to those around you, you may have to consider a pair that amplifies low-level sounds. This feature also comes in handy for hunters, but as a hunter, you also need to ask whether you think earmuffs will be too bulky to wear all day.

Factors to Consider

For both earmuffs and earplugs, there are several factors you want to consider before deciding which option you would prefer to go with and, within those options, which model works best for your needs and want

– Comfort

This may be most important. You have to be comfortable wearing your protective hearing aid or else you may find yourself not wearing it as often. For earplugs, make sure it’s a material you find soft and comfortable. For earmuffs, make sure the band is large enough so it’s not putting unwanted pressure on your head. The cups themselves should also be pliable and soft while still delivering on their intended use.

– Appearance

Earplugs are mostly invisible to those around you, but they can come in vibrant colors that may make them implausible for hunters. Earmuffs aren’t typically brightly colored and some even come in camouflage.

While you’re shopping, just remember that you are wearing them, and they should appeal to you. Don’t, however, let appearance completely sway you from purchasing a durable option that has every feature you need and want.

– Extra Features and Additional Functions

Earplugs don’t generally have the space or capability for added features, earmuffs most certainly do. If you just want a model that does its just and nothing else, you’ll want to sway from electronic earmuffs. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at options that can play music, amplify low-level noises, and auto shutoff after a period of lack of use.

For earplugs, you may find options that have a detachable cord and interchangeable tips. Some can even have two noise reduction ratings.

– Price

Remember that we’re talking about protecting your hearing. Try not to let price be too big of a factor in the deciding process, though you may be surprised just how inexpensive some ear protection can be. Earplugs, in particular, are typically very inexpensive without sacrificing quality or NRR.

More expensive models will offer more in the way of features or construction materials, but may also not necessarily increase the protection for your ears.

Types of Earmuffs

While you’re shopping, you’ll happen across two different earmuff options – passive and electronic. Just as they sound, one runs off of a battery while the other is without any electronic components. Both have their perks and downfalls which we’ll look at briefly.

– Electronic

Right off the bat, the issue with an electronic earmuff is the need for a power source. While some come with a rechargeable battery, others may require AA or AAA options that can die out quick. They can, however, provide a greater amplification of softer noises and muffle unwanted harmful sounds.

Electronic earmuffs may also offer an MP3 audio jack so you can bring along your favorite music or radio station. If you tend to enjoy the shooting range alone, this could be a great option to keep you entertained while still drowning out your firearm.

– Passive

Passive earmuffs work without the need for electronics. They’re simply a headband and two cups, and while they aren’t powered, they can provide the same ample hearing protection. While they’re generally featureless, the lack of electronic components could make them last longer, make them lighter to wear, and even make them cheaper.

For the most part, the NRR of passive earmuffs shouldn’t be too different, but they may not have a capability to amplify low-level, ambient noise or conversation happening around you.