Something for Peter Laidler...and a few others...

[Eaglelord17]

I guess that you have not used blank then.

Especially those going through an SA80 fitted with a BFA

I have used blanks (and most of the time being the C9 gunner I get to use a fair bit), though I can get the point about the shorter sized SA-80 being louder.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Beerhunter]

I have used blanks (and most of the time being the C9 gunner I get to use a fair bit),

Then I don't understand your point about not needing ear defenders then.

[villiers]

My partial deafness is DEFINITELY due to lack of ear protection in an age .... when there just wasn´t any. Not that I care that amount about what happens to a silly b*gger like Clarkson.

[Gil Boyd]

For one of those who served his country when ear defenders were never issued, I can tell you, its alright being macho about these things when you are a young soldier, but when you reach a certain age, you wish you had taken "reasonable" steps to safe guard something as precious as your hearing.
The SLR was a very unforgiving rifle in many respects, but with its distinct ring after a round had been fired, especially by those inconsiderate b****** close to you, it has had its toll.
I remember lads on the mortars just placing their hands over their ears everytime they fired too, these lads who I see often have to have so much repeated or shouted more loudly to be heard. Even in their 50's/60's the macho bit comes out and they don't want to wear the hearing aids on offer today to compensate