I’ll never forget them. Deafened my left ear (protected by right ear by pressing it against the stock) on the firing line in 1961 basic training at Ft. Ord. Ear protection was for sissies in those days.
They do have quite a bark, don’t they? Had a couple on the line at an Appleseed event, and I had forgotten to put my plugs back on. Ouch.
Always shot mine with hearing protection on.
“Ear protection was for sissies in those days.”
A buddy of mine, who has two hearing aids, used to shoot a S&W .357 magnum without ear protection.
My younger son is a bit smarter. He just purchased a Surefire 9mm suppressor. He has a (legal) 9mm SBR (AR)and a Glock 19. Waiting for the tax stamp on the can. Good bye ear muffs!
In 1964 at ROTC Summer Camp I violated orders and saved my hearing by stuffing my ears with cotton, which was otherwise used to spit shine my boots.