Safety Gear and Safe Practices

By Jacob Dean

When it comes to firearm safety, it should be the core foundation built into every move you make.  Think of it this way: you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re part of a community, and everyone’s safety depends on everyone else doing their part.  So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or brand new to the range, let’s go over the essentials.

Eye and Ear Protection

First things first: your eyes and ears.  Seriously, these are non-negotiables.  With hot casings ejecting, tiny particles flying around, and the very rare chance of a gun malfunctioning.  You want shatterproof lenses, something that wraps around and protects from the sides, too.  At minimum, wear some glasses or tinted safety glasses. For outdoor ranges, tinted lenses are your friend – they cut down on glare and make it easier to see what you’re doing.

Gunfire is loud, and when our concentration and adrenaline is pumping, it can be easy to overlook how loud it is and how it will affect you long-term. Prolonged exposure can mess with your hearing, and nobody wants that. long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for damage to happen.   So, earplugs, earmuffs, or even both together are your best bet.  Especially indoors, where the sound bounces around, you want maximum protection.  Those electronic earmuffs are pretty slick, as they block out the gunfire, but let you hear conversations and range commands.

One other tool that I like for shooting is using a silencer. They’re not nearly as quiet as Hollywood makes them out to be, but they will drop the decibels down quite a bit and aid towards preserving your hearing. If you have one, use it to quite down the percussion.  

Other Helpful Equipment

Gloves might seem optional, but trust me, they’re worth it.  Especially if you’re planning on a long session or shooting a bigger caliber, they help with recoil, give you a better grip, and protect your hands from burns or scrapes.  Just make sure they fit snugly so you can still feel the trigger.

A good range bag is your command center.  Think of it as your safety headquarters.  A first-aid kit designed for shooting injuries is a must.  Include tools for basic gun maintenance and extra eye and ear protection – you never know when someone else might need it.  And don’t forget water and snacks.  Staying hydrated and focused is part of being safe.

Speaking of first aid, it’s a good idea to have some trauma gear in your bag – a tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, that sort of thing.  Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s better to be prepared.  Knowing some basic first aid is a plus, too.  A lot of ranges require their staff to have training, but it doesn’t hurt for you to know the basics as well.

Basic Rules to Follow 

Now, let’s talk rules.  These aren’t just suggestions; they’re the foundation of safe shooting.  Number one: treat every gun like it’s loaded.  Even if you think it’s empty, handle it with the same care you would a loaded firearm. This means never point it at anyone or anything you do not intend to shoot. Which brings me to number two: never, ever point a gun at anything you’re not willing to shoot.  Keep that muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times, ideally downrange.  Number three: finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.  It sounds simple, but it’s crucial, and I’ve heard stories about hunters walking through the field with their finger on the trigger so they can shoot “faster”. This is not safe and not safe to be around. Lastly, be absolutely sure of your target and what’s beyond it.  Know where that bullet is going to go before you pull the trigger. You should be absolutely sure you are shooting in a safe direction, and you know what is beyond your target in the background. Don’t get too excited and lose judgement. It’s always better to let the game, target, bird, etc. get away than to make a reckless shot you will regret.

Beyond those four big rules, there are other things to keep in mind.  Get to know your firearm inside and out.  Read the manual, do whatever it takes to understand how it works.  Always use the correct ammunition correctly, and double-check the markings on the gun and the ammo box.  Be aware of your surroundings at the range. This includes knowing the rules, watch out for other shooters.  

Shooting range safety isn’t just a list of rules; it’s a mindset that should be ingrained into everything you do.  It’s about being responsible, being prepared, and respecting the power of firearms.  It’s about looking out for yourself and everyone else on the range.  Because at the end of the day, a safe shooting experience is the best shooting experience.