- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Hearing damage from gunfire is permanent and cumulative. Eye injuries from brass and debris are preventable. Quality ear and eye protection is the single most important gear purchase any shooter can make. Beyond hearing and vision, body armor and plate carriers serve critical roles for defense-minded shooters and professionals.
We compare shooting protection from 80+ retailers. Browse electronic ear muffs, ear plugs, shooting glasses, plate carriers, and armor plates. Filter by type, brand, NRR rating, and price.
[ugs_accessories category=”safety-protection”]FAQ: Shooting Protection
What NRR rating do I need for shooting?
A gunshot produces 140 to 170 dB. You want at least NRR 22 for pistol shooting and NRR 25+ for rifle shooting. Double up (plugs under muffs) for indoor ranges or magnum calibers. Real-world noise reduction is roughly NRR rating minus 7 divided by 2 for single protection. Doubling up adds about 5 dB of additional protection.
Are electronic ear muffs worth it?
Yes. Electronic muffs let you hear conversation and range commands while blocking gunfire. The Howard Leight Impact Sport ($40 to $50) is the best budget option. The Walker Razor Slim ($40 to $60) is similar. For premium options, Peltor Sport Tactical 500 ($90) and Ops-Core AMP ($800+) offer superior sound quality.
What level body armor should I get?
Level IIIA soft armor stops most handgun rounds including .44 Magnum. Level III hard plates stop rifle rounds up to 7.62x51 NATO. Level IV plates stop armor-piercing rifle rounds. For civilian use, Level III+ or Level IV multi-curve plates from Hesco, RMA, or Highcom are the most common choices. Always buy from reputable, NIJ-certified manufacturers.
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