In this third part of the series, we’ll be chatting about the 3M Peltor Tactical-Pro ear pro. These are definitely on the higher end of the ear pro cost spectrum at $190.64 on Amazon.com. I wore the Peltors during the 3.2” bag gun cannon challenge in Top Shot Season 4.
Key features include electronic limiting of sounds to 82 db within 2 milliseconds, omni-directional stereo microphones which provide 360-degree ambient listening, gel filled ear pads, and an auto-saving power feature. The Peltor takes 2 AA batteries, and I find that I can get about 25-30 hours of usage before needing to change batteries.

I’ve been using these off and on for the past year and a half, and I’ve found that they have only been useful for two purposes: 1) Serving as a range officer and 2) Teaching students. As a range officer, I’m at the range for 5-6 hours and around gun fire all day long. Comfort is key, and I also need to be able to hear customers over gunfire if they have any questions. When I’m teaching a friend or a student how to shoot a pistol for the first time, I will often ask them to wear the Peltors since they are comfortable, and I know they will be able to clearly hear my instructions and commands. Helping a student clearly hear the instructor is an easy way to put that student at ease.

Side view with the Volume up, Power on/off, and Volume down buttons (from Top to Bottom).

I do not recommend using the Peltors for rifle or shotgun shooting because it’s almost impossible to get a solid cheek weld, and you’ll end up pushing one of the cans off your ears and breaking the seal. All that money you spent on the Peltors will not be put to good use! www.Peltor.com.

Chris Cheng is History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4 champion. A self-taught amateur turned pro through his Top Shot win, Cheng very much still considers himself an amateur who parachuted into this new career. He shares his thoughts and experiences from the perspective of a newbie to the shooting community. www.TopShotChris.com.