Thanks for the clarifications. This is my opinion and you know what they say about opinions. This is NOT to berate the OP but when I hunt I want to hear EVERYTHING. No earplugs, no headphones, no muffs. To me that's about safety and being able to hear the PH's instructions, calls about a possible dangerous situation, whispers while getting close, etc. As far as the brake, I use them for load development and not on the gun during a hunt. Because there may not be any control of where they are standing when I shoot, I would not inflict possible ear damage on anyone else along on the hunt, PHs, trackers, observers/cameramen or dogs. It's not like I'm going to be putting a box of ammo in the animal. One or two shots is not going to permanently damage one's physical being. As far as being thumped, what did we do BEFORE brakes? On doubles it's a non issue but with single barrels, they can easily be removed and with a couple shots, resighted for POI.
