Your Privacy Choices
If you don’t get the reference in the title, first of all, let me sincerely apologize to you for not having the pleasure of witnessing a true classic of American Christmas movies. Second, go watch the movie. Now that you’ve had a chance to understand where I’m coming from let’s talk about eye protection. There are a lot of arguments to be made on the merits of wearing eye protection all the time but I know there are many of us out there that feel that eye protection isn’t always necessary especially when it interferes with your vision and by extension your ability to see and shoot a target. However, I think there are a few times where everyone agrees it’s probably in your best interest to actually wear eye protection, most notably, when you’re shooting steel, or other hard targets or shooting with a suppressor mounted. In these cases, you can avoid some pretty uncomfortable or possibly debilitating injuries from bits of projectile or blowback coming towards your eyes which everyone knows are basically the groin of the head. Anyway, pick up some eye protection this Christmas so that you don’t wind up shooting your eye out, kid.
Also, for those of you too lazy or uninterested in watching the movie but want to get the reference, watch this clip below from the movie A Christmas Story.
4th Day of TFB Christmas: You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid!
Bushnell Harrier Mini Rectangular Rimless Sunglass
These are on the list purely because I own a pair and I have to say that they have been my favorite pair of eye protection since I started competition shooting back in 2012. The lenses are quite large and bear a striking resemblance to a pilot’s sun visor on their aviation helmets which is presumably where they got the name from. What I like most about them is that switching between the three types of shield lenses that they come with is super easy and quick and allows you to adapt from a bright sunny day to an overcast day with next to no effort. They’re expensive, yes, but I’d gladly pay that price again for how much I’ve come to like them.
Photo Credit: AllOutdoor.com
- Includes Soft Carrying Case, Sunglasses Lens, Yellow, and Clear/Transition Shield Lens
- Polycarbonate Lenses, Non-Polarized
- UV and Blue Light Protection Coating
- Features a larger area of protection compared to other safety glasses
- Frameless for an unobstructed view
- $199.00 on Amazon
Wiley X Saber Shooting Glasses
Wiley X makes a really impressive lineup of eye protection and their shooting glasses are some of the best in the business. They are also insanely affordable and very durable and exceed both ANSI and MIL-STD fragmentation safety standards. If you want a fairly inexpensive yet still quality pair of safety glasses then these will be right up your alley.
- Under $40 per pair
- Available in Clear, Grey, Rose, Orange, and Yellow lens colors
- Meets MIL-PRF-31013 ballistic standards, and ANSI Z87.1-2003 impact certification
- 3mm thick lens
- Adjustable neoprene rubber tipped temples for increased comfort
- $34.99 for standalone and $64.99 for Multi-Lens bundle on Brownells
ESS Ice 2x NARO Eyeshield Kit
Featuring a partially unobstructed view like the Saber’s, the NARO eyeshields also feature 100% UVA/UVB protection and carry the same military and ANSI impact ratings but also offer you a better fit if you’ve got a big noggin. I’ve seen a lot of big dudes wear these glasses and they fit their heads great and that means they just might not be suitable for smaller shooters. The ESS ICE NARO glasses also feature a very rubbery texture on the nose piece which keeps them from sliding off of your face even when you’re a little sweaty.
- Black Frames
- Comes with Carrying Case
- Clear and Smoke Grey Lens
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Exceed ANSI Z87.1-2010 and the U.S Military .15 caliber ballistic impact test MIL-PRF-31013 (Clause 3.5.1.1)
- On sale for $55.14 on Amazon
Oakley SI Men’s Oo9253 Det Cord Rectangular Sunglasses
If you’re trying to cosplay as Steve Forsing from the action thriller Sicario, then these are right up your alley. In all seriousness, the Oakley SI Det Cord sunglasses are rock solid and durable. The cool factor might be a bit mixed on this one depending on your preferences but as far as the safety aspect goes, the Det Cord’s are made from a thick non-polarized plastic lens and a composite frame that is tough as nails.
- Made in the USA
- UV Protection Coating coating
- Lens width: 61 millimeters
- Bridge: 135 millimeter
- Arm: 18 millimeter
- SAFETY GLASS FRAME: ANSI Z871 stamped; Meets or exceeds high mass and high-velocity impact requirements per ANSI Z87. 1-2003/2010; Meets or exceeds ballistic fragmentation impact standards per MIL PRF-31013, Clause 3. 5. 1. 1
- PLUTONITE LENSES: Offers UV Protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400mmm, while maintaining superior comfort, clarity & protection against impact and ultraviolet radiation
- $156 on Amazon with “Try before you Buy” for Prime Members
