Why You Should Always Wear a Hat on the Shooting Range 

Published on February 7, 2026
Duration: 1:39

This video from The VSO Gun Channel emphasizes the critical importance of wearing a hat on the shooting range. The instructor demonstrates how hot brass ejected from a firearm can fall vertically and become lodged between the shooter's forehead and eyewear, posing a significant burn and eye injury risk. Wearing a hat, especially one with a brim, is presented as a mandatory safety measure to prevent such incidents, complementing the use of eye protection with side shields.

Quick Summary

Wearing a hat on the shooting range is a critical safety measure to protect against hot brass ejected from firearms. The brim of the hat acts as a shield, preventing casings from falling onto the forehead and potentially lodging between the shooter's eyes and eyewear, thus avoiding burns and eye injuries.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Range Safety Lesson
  2. 00:25Mandatory PPE Requirements
  3. 00:48The Importance of a Hat
  4. 01:00Demonstration of the Hazard
  5. 01:23Conclusion and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is wearing a hat essential on a shooting range?

A hat is crucial on the shooting range because it acts as a barrier against vertically falling hazards, most notably hot brass ejected from a firearm. This prevents potential burns to the forehead and reduces the risk of brass lodging near or in the eye.

What specific risk does a hat mitigate on the range?

The primary risk a hat mitigates is hot brass falling from above and getting stuck between the shooter's forehead and their eyewear. This can cause painful burns and potentially lead to serious eye injuries if not prevented.

What other PPE is recommended alongside a hat for range safety?

Alongside a hat, it is highly recommended to wear eye protection that includes side shields. This combination offers comprehensive protection against ejected brass and other range hazards from multiple directions.

What caliber brass was used in the demonstration?

The demonstration used a piece of .22 caliber brass to illustrate the potential hazard. Even smaller caliber casings can pose a risk if they fall in the wrong place.

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