Eye and Ear Protection When Using Firearms

Safety is, and always will be, the number one priority for gun owners.  While obvious safety measures include proper firearm handling and storing ammunition separately from firearms, there are other ways gun owners can protect themselves. Hearing and eye protection, shortened to “ears” and “eyes” respectively, is an often overlooked, but nonetheless important, part of staying safe on the range.

The sound made by a firearm is so loud, it can surprise first time shooters. Even with a muzzle device like a “silencer” attached, the sound of the shot will still cause pain, and even permanent damage, to your ears if you don’t have ear protection. This is because the bullet travels faster than the speed of sound - and, just like a fighter jet, will create a sonic boom when it accelerates past the sound barrier. For a hearing-safe shooting experience, you should have in-ear protection, over-ear protection, or even both. If you don’t, you risk acquiring tinnitus, a constant ringing sound caused by chronic exposure to extremely loud noises.

Eye protection, commonly in the form of safety glasses, can be equally invaluable at the range. Don’t forget, every time a round is fired, its shell is ejected from the gun at a moderate speed. This hot brass casing, which is intended to fly away from the shooter and end up on the ground harmlessly, can actually end up bouncing off a table or wall and end up striking the shooter, or another shooter close by. In order to avoid being hurt by another shooter’s brass, or even your own, eye protection is vital.

Shooting ranges may offer to lend you ears and eyes for a small fee if you don’t have your own. However, if you’re shooting on private land or going hunting, you will need your own set. For more information regarding effective ear and eye protection, please contact:

Northern Illinois Carry, LLC

405 Somonauk St.

Sycamore, IL 60178

Phone:  (815) 501-9421

www.northernillinoiscarry.com