I just got up.

When I saw the photo on page 70 that accompanied James Tarr's March article on.223s for home defense, I wondered if the gentleman in it wears his ball cap 24/7 or did he put it on when he grabbed his rifle? What he really needs to keep next to his AR is a pair of electronic ear protectors. If he is forced to fire that rifle inside his home, he may do permanent damage to his hearing or, in the best case, certainly lose his ability to hear normal sounds for hours. Electronic muffs would give him the advantage of amplifying soft sounds while protecting his hearing during the potential gunfight and afterward.

Donald Fleu

Ashland, KY G&A

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Editor's note: In the February issue we forgot to credit Pekin Gun and Sporting Goods (309/347-6060) for the loan of the rifles in the lead photo of "Beater Bolt Guns." Sorry, guys.