When you are out practicing at the range with your concealed carry firearm, there are a few items that you need to wear every shooting session. Failure to protect yourself while at the range can result in costly injuries that could have been easily prevented by much less expensive equipment.
Eye Protection
Shooting without eye protection can easily lead to a piece of hot brass damaging your eye, and is not worth the risk of permanent eye damage. The greater the area your eye protection covers, the better, although skiing/snowboarding goggles are not necessary. Consider the lighting conditions you will be practicing in. If you will be shooting at an indoor range, clear lensed glasses will be just fine, while outdoor ranges probably will require a lens with a darker tint. Be sure to pick up glasses that are made of polycarbonate, as they are lightweight and have great impact resistance. A good pair of polycarbonate shooting glasses can be had for $10 or less, so be sure to check your local gun shop before you head out for you next shooting session.
Ear Protection
Protecting your ears from long term hearing loss is an absolute must when you are at the range. At the bare minimum, use small, foam hearing plugs to protect your hearing. If your budget allows it, electronic earmuffs are a great piece of equipment to own. Not only do they dampen the noise from your firearm, they allow you to understand others when they are giving important instructions. Whichever piece of ear protection you decide on, be sure to to choose equipment that has a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 25 or more.
Footwear
Do not wear sandals or any footwear that exposes your feet. Wear comfortable, supportive boots or sneakers. Accurate shots require a proper stance, and your feet are the foundation of the stance, so make sure they are comfortable.
Dress for the weather
Shooting indoors makes this simple. When shooting outdoors, be sure to check the weather before heading out. If it is going to be cold, have enough layers to keep you warm, but not bulky, so you can comfortably aim your firearm. When it is warm out or you are shooting indoors, it is imperative that you wear long sleeves and pants. A burning hot cartridge on your bare skin is not enjoyable, and can be easily prevented simply by covering up.
Wear a cap
A baseball cap can easily prevent a ejecting cartridge from striking you in the face. You should already have safety glasses, but the hat is just an added layer of protection for your eyes and face.
Keep your energy level up
Handling and firing a loaded firearm is no time to be sleepy. Make sure to drink plenty of water or sports drinks. Eat fruit, trail mix, or a light snack to help keep your energy level up. It should be common sense, but it is worth repeating: do not drink alcohol and handle/shoot a firearm. Take it a step further, and do not consume any alcohol the night before you plan to go out shooting.
If you follow these recommendations, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable shooting session. As always, be sure to watch the training video, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to review important gun safety information.
