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

Well, its illegal in most areas, but its legal in the south east special regulations area.

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

The 44 mag rifles have 18 or 20 " barrels on them so the longer barrel takes a lot of the noise away, nothing at all like my 44 mag pistol. It really is only about as loud as a 410, I dontuse it much but its great when I do.

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

257 roberts is just what your looking for, effective and quiet, and no kick.

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

Just a thought. Have you tried wearing a foam ear plug in that right ear underneath your ear muffs? Maybe the extra silencing would possibly work. Might be worth a try. I worked in gravure pressrooms for 42 years, many years before OSHA set requirements for hearing protection. I've lost much of my high frequencies. The foam plug under the full muffs helped me to cut down on the noise of those presses.

Russ

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

I'll vote also for the 44 mag rifle. Mine doesn't make near the noise as any regular rifle calibers.

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

Well so far it seems like the 44Mag gets the vote but after visiting Gander Mountain this afternoon I'm confused. Both the sales people there told me it would be a loud gun similar to a 30-06 and definetely a lot louder then a 30-30 or 410. Hmmmm I looked at the shells and they are pretty large but that might not matter.

I looked at the Marlin 44Mag "Cowboy" version they had there with the 24 inch barrel and it was one nice gun. So well balanced with the octagon barrel and drilled and tapped for a scope. I would like to get this instead of a 30-30 but now I don't know how loud it will be and what I need because of my right ear. Any suggestions??

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

A 44 mag is loud as a handgun because of the short barrel and most are revolvers which throw sound/gasses out around the cylinder and from the muzzle. In a 'sealed' action with a longer barrel (16-22") the blast is directed straight away form the shooter. I'd put more faith in the guys here that use the caliber than the sales guys at Gander Mountain anyday. I use a 257 Roberts and it's not very loud at all. However, you can still keep hunting with your 06 or 12 ga if you invest in a Walker's Game Ear. Supposedly they stop muzzle noise from entering you ear, but allow you to hear minute sounds at furhter ranges than 'normal'....I'll be getting one for next year as my hearing has been going south!

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

Another thing to consider is the shot range....I know you said your shots are typically aroudn 50 yards. That would be a fine rane for a 44mag. Most of the places I hunt are tight shooting too, but I killed a doe on Friday 250 yards across a valley.....so, you never know when you'll need that tack driving ability at a longer range than 'typical.' Just a thought.

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

i also use a -30.06 and it is hard on the ears, especially inside an inclosed deer stand. i now wear a foam ear plug under my hat and mask just to keep out some of the noise. i only wear one in my left ear so i can still hear the deer come in.

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

I don't think there are any rifle calibers, or shotgun for that matter, that are easy on the ears. (with the exception of the 22 hornet) but even this little dude will box your ears when you are in thick territory.

Might want to think about upgrading your hearing protection instead.