Firing indoors, what do I need to know.

[TonyTacoma]

I own several handguns and an AR and although I practice regularly with them one thing I have not considered is using them in a tactical situation inside a house or enclosed area. My AR is my current go-to home defense weapon with my 1911 being a back up or if the AR is out of commission. My questions are about gear and tactics for dealing with the rifle report inside. At the end of the day some hearing problems is less important than a safe and secure family but I'm somewhat worried about damaging myself in a tactical situation when more than just a few shots are required to clear the situation.

Is shooting suppressed something I should be looking into, if so some new gear and training would be needed. Any recomdations on gear? And tactical what can I expect while taking action inside a house, that may be dark and shooting without hearing protection.

Thanks for any input guys.

[Rhutch]

It will be loud, but adrenaline will help in the real world scenario and permanent hearing loss (usually). If a can is an option then go for a can. Even with a can you're in the low 130db range which is still loud. The only thing to remember is the can is going to add length and reduce your movement. What length carbine are you using now?

[Whootsinator]

It will be loud, but adrenaline will help in the real world scenario and permanent hearing loss (usually). If a can is an option then go for a can. Even with a can you're in the low 130db range which is still loud. The only thing to remember is the can is going to add length and reduce your movement. What length carbine are you using now?

This. If you're going to suppress an AR for home defense, hopefully it's a 10 - 12.5in SBR.

[JeffWard]

In a home defense scenario, I'm guessing you won't hear anything anyway... It'll all be over before you even notice your ringing ears.

I've fired my compensated AR ONCE outside without muffs... That was enough. I've been around a LOT at close-quarters in matches with muffs on, in an enclosed space. I couldn't imagine the volume of an unsuppressed AR indoors...

But if it comes down to defending myself, hearing loss beats blood loss any day (mine).

Jeff

[TonyTacoma]

It will be loud, but adrenaline will help in the real world scenario and permanent hearing loss (usually). If a can is an option then go for a can. Even with a can you're in the low 130db range which is still loud. The only thing to remember is the can is going to add length and reduce your movement. What length carbine are you using now?

This. If you're going to suppress an AR for home defense, hopefully it's a 10 - 12.5in SBR.

I wish I could say I was using an sbr but here in WA state that is a no go. My current set up is a 16" with a vortex on it. I too have fired outside unsuppressed and it was bad, this is sort of the nexus of why I started wondering about enclosed shooting scenarios. I wish I could own an SBR but a can on a 16" carbine makes for difficult movement, especially while inside.

In a home defense scenario, I'm guessing you won't hear anything anyway... It'll all be over before you even notice your ringing ears.

I've fired my compensated AR ONCE outside without muffs... That was enough. I've been around a LOT at close-quarters in matches with muffs on, in an enclosed space. I couldn't imagine the volume of an unsuppressed AR indoors...

But if it comes down to defending myself, hearing loss beats blood loss any day (mine).

Jeff

I could not agree more with you about taking the hearing problem to defend my family, I guess my concen is a home invasion or some other scenario that involves more than one intruder or requires more than a few quick shots to neutralize the situation. I wonder if my hearing shock could result in mistakes when more fighting is required. It may just be I have to deal with it but curious if there other things I consider or try.

[Rhutch]

No matter what you shoot in the house it's going to be damn loud just no getting around it. The natural fight flight response will deal with the noise (your ears will be ringing). I doubt there would be permanent damage to hearing, just don't make a habit of getting home invaded. Handgun will be just as loud inside so. I guess you could put hearing protection by the gun, but I doubt you'd have time to don it.

Don't feel bad I can't have a can either, but we are allowed SBR's with no problem. My wife sleeps with ear plugs so i guess she's good to go.

[Semizal0311]

I can tell you from experince fighting overseas that you will not notice your ears hurting or ringing during a life or death experince. I have fired indoors and out without hearing protection a lot while deployed. In one instance I fired several hundred rounds through my M249 and I have zero recollection of my ears hurting. While I may have mild hearing loss it is very mild and in no way debilatating. I never wore ear plugs due to importance of being able to hear teammates. So unless your gonna keep a set of electronic earpro next to you I wouldn't worry about it.

[TonyTacoma]

I can tell you from experince fighting overseas that you will not notice your ears hurting or ringing during a life or death experince. I have fired indoors and out without hearing protection a lot while deployed. In one instance I fired several hundred rounds through my M249 and I have zero recollection of my ears hurting. While I may have mild hearing loss it is very mild and in no way debilatating. I never wore ear plugs due to importance of being able to hear teammates. So unless your gonna keep a set of electronic earpro next to you I wouldn't worry about it.

Roger that, I know from some night shoots that flash suppression is a great advantage and I'm happy enough just to have and work with that. Thanks for the advice and thanks so much for your service!

[sammage]

Auditory exclusion will most likely occur, lessening any chance of hearing damage. If you end up suppressing an HD gun, hope it's an SBR.

[Failure2Stop]

This has been covered quite a few times.
Here's the deal:

A few gunshots indoors are not likely to cause permanent hearing damage.
Auditory exclusion does not protect your tissue, so a loud enough noise or lengthy exposure will still cause damage.
The noise from the other guy shooting at you will be damn loud.
A few gunshots indoors may result in ringing of the ears, but you won't be deafened.
A little tinnitus is better than a zip-up bag.