Cheek Weld and Ear Protection

[DoxaPar]

Last week I was at the range again and decided to try ear muffs instead of the usual plugs I prefer. It took about 30 seconds before I took them off and remembered why I hate them - I can't get a good cheek weld with them on while shooting my rifle.

After awhile I started thinking that the problem may not be the ear protection but the way my scope is mounted or the cheek comb height I'm using (possibly too low).

Is there a rule that is generally "best practice" for the distance between top of the cheek comb and the rifle scope or shall I just measure my face?

Thanks!

[FJ540]

I have the same issue with muffs. I prefer them for pistol shooting, but can't stand them for rifle.

[Erud]

I can't shoot rifles with muffs and I don't even bother trying anymore. My face isn't shaped right for it.

[Hoot]

I can't shoot rifles with muffs and I don't even bother trying anymore. My face isn't shaped right for it.

Ditto.

Hoot

[rtwills]

what they said

[DoxaPar]

Good to know it's probably not me "doing it wrong".

Thanks

[Hmac]

Depends on the rifle for me. With ARs I find that an upright stance shoulders squared to the target with rifle in the shoulder " pocket", I don't tilt my head into the stock as much (head more upright) and my electronic ear pro doesn't bother me as much. I also use Sordins, which are lower profile.

[JustPlainT]

I can shoot ARs/"modern sporting rifles" with muffs on usually.

The traditional stock types not as much.

[67camaro]

I like to double up when I'm not shooting and my buddys are running extremely loud brakes on their ARs but same as the rest of you when I'm the one shooting no muffs for me.

[Synergy]

I don't care for muffs either when shooting rifle for all of the above reasons but I've yet to find ear plugs that work as well, any suggestions?

[Erud]

I don't care for muffs either when shooting rifle for all of the above reasons but I've yet to find ear plugs that work as well, any suggestions?

Surefire earpro is great. I buy them off of amazon for like $14/pair. I just get the ones with the highest noise reduction # and they work great. I used the custom molded plugs for years before I found these and the surefire work a lot better, are smaller, and are much easier to get a proper seal with.

[AFTERMATH]

Last week I was at the range again and decided to try ear muffs instead of the usual plugs I prefer. It took about 30 seconds before I took them off and remembered why I hate them - I can't get a good cheek weld with them on while shooting my rifle.

After awhile I started thinking that the problem may not be the ear protection but the way my scope is mounted or the cheek comb height I'm using (possibly too low).

Is there a rule that is generally "best practice" for the distance between top of the cheek comb and the rifle scope or shall I just measure my face?

Thanks!

The low-profile muffs can help - But generally I stick with plugs.
I like the rubber triple flanged type for good protection, retention and easy removal. The cord helps if you're like me and can't stand to have them in when you don't need them. Tie to your hat and you won't lose 'em in a pocket somewhere. I've bought nicer, more expensive plugs in the past, but with out the string I've always managed to lose one of them.

For the comb, the "best practice" is to fit it to you. Get into position, making sure your neck is stretched forward on the stock(Be sure to move the scope forward to compensate for this). You should acquire your cheek weld on the stock with your cheek bone resting solidly on the comb. If you're too low to see through the scope add some material - foam, cardboard, feminine products(seen it done), whatever you have available. Duct tape works fine, though some folks prefer vet tape. Anyway, once you've added some material - get back into position and try it. Add/remove material as necessary until when your in position your cheek weld lines up so that you can clearly see the sights/reticle without having to lift your cheek bone off the stock. Once you've done this, try it out a few times. Check for consistency and repeat-ability if all seems to work well you can measure the the height of that and look into more permanent and/or aesthetically pleasing options.

[xd ED]

Last week I was at the range again and decided to try ear muffs instead of the usual plugs I prefer. It took about 30 seconds before I took them off and remembered why I hate them - I can't get a good cheek weld with them on while shooting my rifle.

After awhile I started thinking that the problem may not be the ear protection but the way my scope is mounted or the cheek comb height I'm using (possibly too low).

Is there a rule that is generally "best practice" for the distance between top of the cheek comb and the rifle scope or shall I just measure my face?

Thanks!

The low-profile muffs can help - But generally I stick with plugs.
I like the rubber triple flanged type for good protection, retention and easy removal. The cord helps if you're like me and can't stand to have them in when you don't need them. Tie to your hat and you won't lose 'em in a pocket somewhere. I've bought nicer, more expensive plugs in the past, but with out the string I've always managed to lose one of them.

For the comb, the "best practice" is to fit it to you. Get into position, making sure your neck is stretched forward on the stock(Be sure to move the scope forward to compensate for this). You should acquire your cheek weld on the stock with your cheek bone resting solidly on the comb. If you're too low to see through the scope add some material - foam, cardboard, feminine products(seen it done), whatever you have available. Duct tape works fine, though some folks prefer vet tape. Anyway, once you've added some material - get back into position and try it. Add/remove material as necessary until when your in position your cheek weld lines up so that you can clearly see the sights/reticle without having to lift your cheek bone off the stock. Once you've done this, try it out a few times. Check for consistency and repeat-ability if all seems to work well you can measure the the height of that and look into more permanent and/or aesthetically pleasing options.

Yep.

When the rifle is set up correctly, you should be able to attain your check weld with your eyes closed. Open your eyes and not have to move/ squirm to be looking through your sights....

[Tronster]

I can't stand muffs at all. My ears get all sweaty in the summer, and poor cheek weld on rifle/shotgun.

I use Howard Leight super leight corded earplugs (NRR33). Very soft so they don't cause sore ears.

[DoxaPar]

Thanks all, this is helpful.

I use the triple-flap plugs too with the string and really like them.