Recommended Ear & Eye Protection for the Range

When heading out to the gun range to test out your new firearm, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need. Many times, you are able to rent safety or protective items at the gun range, but with COVID restrictions in place, many ranges aren’t currently offering that as a service. Along with your firearm, the gun case, cleaning tools, and extra ammunition be sure to plan to bring your ear protection and eye-protective gear too.

Safety is an important part of the experience at a shooting range. Many shooting ranges require closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a shirt that isn’t too constricting. Make sure you’re prepared and following all the rules of the range before you arrive. Don’t be afraid to ask for help before going to the range, while setting up at the range, or if you notice your firearm isn’t performing how it typically does. This can make your experience more enjoyable and valuable, but it can also prevent any dangerous mistakes or problems from arising.

Ear Protection for the Gun Range

• Low-profile, earplugs. These silicone shooting plugs are a great option, or you can often just use foam earplugs. Both of these earplugs are great options because they still block out much of the sound, without being too bulky on your head.
• Walker’s Game Ear Razor Slim Electronic Muff is the number one bestseller on Amazon in the Hunting and Shooting Earmuffs department. They’re available at a great price point and even come in a variety of colors. The Walker’s Razor Slim Muffs have relatively low profile ear cups with a noise reduction rating of 23dB.
• These ProHear 016 Shooting Ear Protection earmuffs are available at a great price point. The noise reduction rating is 26dB on these earmuffs and they have ultra-soft cushioned ear pads and the headband has a thick layer of padding to help them fit snugly around the ears with no pressure. Also available in different colors, these noise-reducing earmuffs are a great choice for the firing range.
• The Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro High Noise Reduction Rating Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff is a great quality ear protection choice. These have a high noise reduction rating of 30 NRR, and actively listens and automatically shuts off amplification when ambient sound reaches 82dB, and passively blocks out noise at 30dB.

Eye Protection for the Gun Range

• Glasses or sunglasses, as long as they fully cover your eyes will often work as your eye protection at the firing range. If you’re unsure if your glasses or sunglasses will pass the test, contact the gun range you’re planning on visiting before heading out.
• Beretta Performance Shooting Glasses are a great way to protect your eyes, while still looking sharp. These glasses feature a lightweight plastic frame with a comfortable nose rest and the option to choose your favorite lens color to match your shooting conditions.
• The RangeMaxx 5-Lens Interchangeable Shooting Glasses are a great option for people who are wanting to switch out lense colors often, but not wanting to have 5 different pairs of glasses. These also come with a durable neoprene neck cord so you can take your glasses on and off without worrying that you’re going to misplace your glasses.
• The XAegis Tactical Eyewear 3 Interchangeable Lenses Outdoor Unisex Shooting Glasses are good quality and inexpensive option to protect your eyes while you’re at the shooting range. You get yellow, smoke, and clear lenses that are easy to change out depending on the light, a neoprene neck strap, a hard shell zippered case, and a soft drawstring bag to store and protect your glasses when you’re not using them.

If you’re an avid Amazon shopper, they have put together some of the bestsellers in hunting and shooting eyewear and hearing protection for your convenience. Quality ear and eye protection is relatively inexpensive but is crucial for your gun range days when you’re going to be firing your new favorite firearm for hours. Make your time at the shooting range count by having all the necessary items and following all the range rules.