EYES & EARS

[Uglyjohn]

In looking at pictures taken at various FT matches I see many competitors using eye and ear protection. Everyone should agree that some form of safety glasses should be used weather required or not - but ear plugs/muffs? I’ve been an active shotgun sports competitor for over 50 years and have seen how damaging repeated exposure to THAT dB level without good hearing protection can be. Fortunately I started using the best hearing protection (HP) available from the start. That being said, I have a hard time understanding why some feel using HP is necessary in Airgun competition. The dB level is comparatively low as is the number of shots you’re ears are exposed to in a 60 match. Am I missing something here?
Uj 

 

[rich177]

I wouldn't say you are missing something however wearing hearing protection keeps out some of the background noise and chatter that goes on. I often use just ear plugs when shooting airguns and I still am able to hear anything I need to while toning down the noise I hear. I think it helps me concentrate better. When I shoot firearms I wear both plugs and muffs together.

By the way, in WFTF(not AAFTA WFTF Division but world competition) hearing protection is not permitted.



Rick B.

 

[Flintsack]

I think it’s either because they live in Minnesota and they’re actually earmuffs because it’s cold, or quite possibly their wishing to eliminate ambient noise distractions...Like the guy walking by in the background wearing cleats that crunch in the gravel every time he walks.

mike

 

[Flintstone]

As a former 10 meter pistol shooter I used foam earplugs to isolate me from the environment around me as much as possible. I also used a baseball hat with blinders on the sides and glasses with an iris over my right eye and a blind over my left eye. I was really surprised at how much it helps concentration with better scores the result.

 

[wyshadow]

I use ear protection to help me concentrate. Most of the time, I'm alone when I'm shooting so less noise helps me a lot

 

[Exitpupil]

I am a believer in eye protection but it conflicts with ranging with a scope, which is a huge part of the FT game. Many competitors use eyecups to eliminate all glare and safety glasses are problematic there. Some ranges (particularly where FT is set up on a gun club property) EP is mandatory and on those I have seen some very creative ways devised to cheat the rule when ranging. I do not have a solution. However I do recommend match directors avoid placing targets at odd angles where faceplates are far from perpendicular to the general firing line or possibly angled toward another firing point or travel path. That improper target placement has accounted for all the ricochets I have witnessed.