You’re packed up and ready to hit the shooting range. For those active in the gun lifestyle, you have your gear and dress all ready to go.
But, what about for those first-timers or those just introduced to shooting?
Obviously, you’ll need your California legal AR-15 and AR-15 magazine lock like our SAFE MAG. From this point, you’ll need to items of protection.
Most shooters will tell you the first two AR-15 accessories you need are eye and hearing protection. Whether it’s sunglasses or shooting-specific glasses, eyewear is essential.
Eye protection is needed (and often required by your local range) to prevent, or limit, gunpowder from irritating your eyes. Glasses range from $3 to more than $100 for a pair and come with different colored lenses. Tactical glasses will be at least $100, but provide durability, although those frames are designed for those who are more into tactical training.
But be sure to check out combination packages and save a few bucks. Reach out to other gun owners to see which brands hold up for both the glasses and hearing protection to avoid buying junk.
Hearing protection, meanwhile, has come a long way from the traditional earplugs (although those are still a viable option). Many companies have different sets of headsets to protect your hearing, yet the shooter is still able to hear range commands.
For example, many earmuffs amplify the ambient sound with a directionally placed microphone. It’s a practical and, frankly, awesome feature of the headsets.
You can pick up these hearing protection products from major retailers such as Cabela’s, Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods, to name a few, or straight through your preferred manufacturer.