Do you Have To Use Safety Glasses?

Published on January 28, 2026
Duration: 1:30

Dedicated safety glasses are crucial for shooting, as regular eyeglasses and sunglasses offer minimal protection against common range hazards. Tests show that while dedicated safety glasses can withstand impacts from 12-gauge birdshot, everyday eyewear is completely destroyed. The primary purpose of safety glasses is to protect against fragments, casings, and spalling, not direct bullet impacts.

Quick Summary

Dedicated safety glasses are crucial for shooting, protecting eyes from stray casings, unburnt powder, and spalling. Regular eyeglasses and sunglasses fail under impact, as demonstrated by tests where 12-gauge birdshot destroyed them while leaving safety glasses intact.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Regular Glasses vs. Safety Glasses
  2. 00:10Purpose of Safety Glasses Explained
  3. 00:23Spalling Test: Eyeglasses vs. Safety Glasses
  4. 00:57Extreme Test: 12-Gauge Birdshot Impact
  5. 01:12Test Results & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of safety glasses when shooting?

Safety glasses are primarily designed to protect your eyes from hazards like stray shell casings, unburnt powder, and spalling (bullet fragments ricocheting off targets). They are not intended to stop direct bullet impacts.

Can regular eyeglasses protect your eyes while shooting?

No, regular eyeglasses and sunglasses are generally not sufficient for shooting. Tests show they can be easily destroyed by common range hazards like fragments and birdshot, unlike dedicated safety glasses.

What is spalling in the context of shooting safety?

Spalling refers to the fragmentation of bullets or targets upon impact. This creates small, sharp pieces that can ricochet unpredictably, making eye protection essential to prevent injury.

What kind of impact can dedicated safety glasses withstand?

Dedicated safety glasses are built to withstand significant impacts. In tests, they successfully stopped multiple 12-gauge birdshot pellets, showing only indentations, while other eyewear was destroyed.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Civilian Tactical

View all →