I spent Easter Weekend 2025 on my family’s ranch in Texas.
There’s something truly special about the Texan landscape in the spring – the wildflowers blooming and the vast, open skies.
Part of our family tradition on the ranch involves some time spent at our private shooting range, a pastime that combines skill, focus, and a deep respect for safety.

As you can see in the photo, I support ear protection!
Table of Contents
Earmuffs
Shooting firearms, whether it’s a small caliber pistol or a larger rifle, produces incredibly loud sounds.
These aren’t just startling; they are powerful enough to cause immediate and, crucially, permanent hearing damage.
To put it in perspective, a gunshot can easily exceed 140 decibels (dB). Sounds above 85 dB can begin to cause damage over time, but impact noises like gunshots can harm your hearing in an instant.
Wearing proper ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, isn’t just a suggestion; it’s an essential practice for anyone around firearms in action. It’s a fundamental part of responsible shooting.
Ear Protection Options
When it comes to protecting your hearing on the range, you have several good options:
Earplugs: These are inserted into the ear canal.
- Foam earplugs: These are disposable, inexpensive, and widely available. When inserted correctly, they expand to create a snug fit and can offer significant noise reduction.
- Silicone/Pre-molded earplugs: These are often reusable and can provide a consistent level of protection. Some people find them more comfortable than foam.
- Custom-molded earplugs: These are made from an impression of your ear canal, offering a perfect fit for maximum comfort and protection.
Earmuffs (Passive): These cup entirely over the outer ear, creating a seal against the head to block out sound. They generally offer a good Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
Electronic Earmuffs: This is what I’m often wearing, and they are a fantastic piece of technology.
Suppressors: While not worn by the individual, suppressors (often called silencers) attach to the firearm’s muzzle to reduce the overall noise of the gunshot at the source, benefiting everyone in the vicinity.
Doubling Up: For maximum protection, especially at indoor ranges or when shooting particularly high-caliber firearms, it’s common and highly recommended to wear earplugs underneath a pair of earmuffs.
Gun Safety
While ear protection is a critical component of shooting safety, it’s part of a larger set of principles for responsible gun ownership and handling.
Here are a few of the cardinal rules that should always be followed:
- Treat All Guns as if They Are Always Loaded: This is the most fundamental rule. Never assume a firearm is unloaded.
- Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction: A safe direction is one where an accidental discharge would cause no injury or damage.
- Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Your Sights Are on the Target and You Are Ready to Shoot: Rest your finger outside the trigger guard until you’ve made the decision to fire.
- Know Your Target and What Is Beyond It: Be absolutely sure of your target, and be aware of what lies in front of, behind, and around it. Bullets can travel a considerable distance.
- Know How to Properly Operate Your Firearm: Understand its mechanical characteristics, including how to safely load, unload, and clear malfunctions.
- Store Firearms Securely: Guns should be stored unloaded and locked, inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, with ammunition stored separately.
- Always Wear Eye Protection: Just as important as ear protection, safety glasses protect your eyes from ejected casings, powder residue, and other potential hazards.
Conclusion
My Easter weekend on the ranch was a fantastic blend of family time, appreciating the outdoors, and engaging in activities that require diligence and respect.
Taking the proper safety precautions, like consistently using ear and eye protection and adhering to all gun safety rules, ensures that these traditions can be enjoyed responsibly and create lasting, positive memories for years to come. It’s about ensuring that every experience with firearms is a safe one.