Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

I have developed an inner ear problem in my right ear and would appreciate recomendations on a deer gun that isn't terribly loud?? I went from a 30-06 to a 12 guage slug gun but that still gets the ears a ringing. I hunt thicker cover so all my shots at deer are from 40-70 yards.

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

Look at a different (smaller or ML) caliber or a set of "ears". I think several models can filter out the high decibels of a gun shot.

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

Try a 30-30. They have a very small amount of noise and recoil. It will also easily kill deer out to 100 yards.

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

Ive got a Ruger carbine in a 44 magnum. It is a semiauto rifle and looks and feel like a Ruger 10/22, but shoots 44 magnum ammo, hardly any recoil and sounds about like a 410 shotgun, fairly quiet and perfect for what you described, shoots good out to 100 yds. They also make a lever and bolt action version of this caliber, Hornady anls has ammo thats slightly hotter than typical pistol ammo ands is perfect for rifles.

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

Forget short barreled guns and go with a cartridge such as the 257roberts or 7mm-08 with at least a 22" and preferably a 24" barrel.

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

just curious, did your ear problem develop from using a gun without ear protection?

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

Thanks for the input guys hope for some more ideas. The last 15 years I have always worn high quality muffs whenever shooting any gun at the range and custom fit ear plugs in the duck blind. Before that I didn't, so maybe thats where the damage came from. I can also remember leaving the range once and someone shot a highpower rifle and it seemed to catch me just right when I was walking past him from behind.

Also, my wife has never shot a gun but had ear problems when she was a kid and she has similar problems, just not as bad, so who knows.....

All I can say is protect your hearing guys. I'm going to an ear specialist to make sure I have no plug of wax or other problem in my right ear becasue the ringing stinks.

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

I'd also recommend a 44 magnum rifle. It has light recoil and much less noise than many. Mine is a Marlin 1894 carbine. I took a buck with it this year...went through the lungs and the 240 grain hollow point left a large exit wound. I am like you...I hunt in the woods at shorter ranges. I own several other rifles, but the 44 is a joy for this type of hunting. In fact, I don't even have a scope on mine...just a Williams receiver sight...it's great in rain and snow. Also, it doesn't detract from the marvelous way a lever gun balances in your hand as you carry it. Sometimes I think we have ventured too far away from the basics. I know I did for years. Hey, it works for me! Good luck.

Clint

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

Since all your shots seem to be at short range why not try 000 buck instead of slugs? More friendly on your shoulders too.

RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
 

Buckshot is illegal in PA.

I must admit I know very little about rifles except that high powers a very loud. Two people so far have recommended the 44 magnum. I would think a 44 would be very loud like a 44mag pistol but I'm listening carefully here before I run out and buy something. I was thinking everyone would say the 30-30 or the 257 Roberts.