Plugs or muffs?

[Captainkirk]

Do you prefer ear muffs or ear plugs when shooting? Generally, I find the plugs to be a little less conspicuous when shooting (especially if you're dressed in period garb!) but earplugs tend to squirm loose on me, and are a major PITA during cease-fires, target hanging, etc. Plus, my muffs cut 30dB noise, not many plugs do that. But that's just my opinion. What's yours, and why?

[Hawg]

Muffs, just because they're easier to deal with.

[ShotgunDave]

I have a pair of the custom made silicone ear plugs, that only fit my ears. They don't come out and they're comfortable.

[Lyle]

I prefer ear muffs. I take them off when I am not shooting. I think it is necessary to hear what is going on around you. I shoot in the desert. I want to be able to hear anything around me. Ear plugs are more useful in my opinion if they are used at a controlled shooting range.

[AntiqueSledMan]

I have a set of Muff's with a built in amplifier,
they shut down when the shot is fired.
Of course I try to keep a couple sets of plugs in the glove box,
just in case I have forgotten to pack my muffs.

AntiqueSledMan.

[mike116]

My neighbor is recently retired from the Army.    He has thousands of pairs of new reusable earplugs that the military deemed obsolete.  They work great and I always have several pair in the truck.     
I've been researching the electronic ear buds lately,  I think I'll try some out soon.   They are a kind of expensive for the amount I will use them but it would be nice to hear normally between shots.

[Doc Holiday]

Plugs don't work for me.
Unmatched ear hole sizes is why.
So, ear muffs always for me.

Doc

[Len]

I started using electronical muffs 6 months ago. It's great to be able to hear normally in between shots. Feels much safer.

[AntiqueSledMan]

My neighbor is recently retired from the Army.    He has thousands of pairs of new reusable earplugs that the military deemed obsolete.  They work great and I always have several pair in the truck.     
I've been researching the electronic ear buds lately,  I think I'll try some out soon.   They are a kind of expensive for the amount I will use them but it would be nice to hear normally between shots.

The bad thing about the electronic muffs, you can hear sounds but have no idea which direction it came from.
I thought they would be good on the deer stand, I've never tried them there.
I would imagine a squirrel would sound like a whole heard coming through the woods.

AntiqueSledMan.

[Len]

The one I bought has got sepatate mics for each ear, so you get a good surround/stereo hearing, at $150

[mike116]

I'm thinking something like this                 
https://www.amazon.com/AXIL-Stryke-Bluetooth-Earphones-GSESS-C/dp/B07VV63668/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OS01NAG9JNZA&dchild=1&keywords=tactical+earbuds&qid=1632345277&sprefix=tactical+ear%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-5

Ear buds rather than muffs.   I can't wear my hat with ear muffs.

[ShotgunDave]

Ear buds rather than muffs.   I can't wear my hat with ear muffs.

This is exactly why I don't use muffs. And also because I can't get my cheek onto the rifle or shotgun butt with the ear muff in the way.

[mazo kid]

Yes, it depends on what I am shooting. Pistols/revolvers....ear muffs. Rifles, then it is much more convenient and comfortable to use the ear plugs.

[Hawg]

Ear buds rather than muffs.   I can't wear my hat with ear muffs.

This is exactly why I don't use muffs. And also because I can't get my cheek onto the rifle or shotgun butt with the ear muff in the way.

My hearing is so bad that rifles and shotguns don't bother me, so I don't normally wear anything. The only exception is my AR. That thing is easily the loudest gun I own. Pistols and revolvers with their short barrels hurt so yeah I wear muffs with those.