Buy Once, Cry Once
Buy Once, Cry Once has become my mantra when people ask about gear. They are always asking what kind of gear to buy from ears, belts, holsters and even guns.
Electronic hearing is the preferred type to buy as you can hold a normal conversation and have the loud report of the gun muffled. Passive hearing control is a bit like being at the bottom of a swimming pool. This can be a safety issue as its very likely someone won’t hear line commands or a cease fire call. Electronic hearing is a place where the sky is the limit on price. I’ve seen electronic over the ear for nearly $1000! Electronic in-the-ear custom plugs can run that price very easily. My favorite custom plugs have a small hole called a filter where it lets in just enough sound to hear easily and protects from the gun reports. Those cost around $250. The sound reduction rating numbers vary a lot. 23db of protection still hurt my ears on the range and leave them ringing every range session. 24-32 can be found but the higher the number, the higher the price. But, you only have one set of ears! Protect your hearing as hearing loss is cumulative.
Belts don’t have to be expensive unless you want a nice dressy leather one. Please buy a gun belt which means it’s been reinforced to handle the weight of our equipment. Fashion or dress belts will NOT hold up and are too flexible and flimsy A proper gun belt will not fold over on itself and has rigidity. A decent quality gun belt at 511.tactical can be had for around $50. Nexbelt and Kore belts are around $75. If you want to order a dressy leather belt get the curved type as it bends around your body much better and is a lot more comfortable. It eliminates that pinch at the center back where the belt rises into the belt loop. A nice dressy leather belt runs over $100 plain.
Holsters! Oh boy. Everyone and their grandmother makes holsters it seems like. Get a holster made specifically for your gun make and model. Don’t cheap out and buy a cheap holster or a holster that fits 71 models. The security of your firearm depends on a correct fit in the holster. And why spend all the money on a gun and buy a holster under $50? A good quality holster made for your gun can be found at your local gun store for around $70 if you have a common gun. If you have a more uncommon gun then custom is your route and you should expect to spend around $100 for a black one. Want color or a pattern? Or an optics cut? Each of those options usually add to the price. Last one I bought in the color wanted and features cost $125. But, it looks great and I know it will last a very long time.
Gun selection and the criteria for that are for another post. Please consider buying the best quality you can afford for your shooting endeavors. You won’t be sorry. Say it with me “Buy Once, Cry Once!”
Stay safe and keep training!
