Protective Eyewear for Action Shooting

Stay Sharp. Stay Safe. See Clearly.

Protective eyewear isn't optional. It's essential. Whether you're navigating barricades, engaging steel targets, or transitioning rapidly between shooting positions, your eyes are constantly at risk from ricochets, flying debris, and powder blowback; sometimes from an adjacent range. The right eyewear keeps you protected without compromising performance.

Why Protective Eyewear Matters

At competitive shooting events, safety is priority one. Action shooting involves high-speed movement and live fire, often in close proximity to steel targets or hard surfaces. The risks include:

• Bullet fragments and jacket material from ricochets

• Ejected brass from semi-automatic firearms

• Blown-back powder or gas, especially when shooting from awkward positions

• Environmental hazards like windblown dust, sand, or spent casings

Wearing certified protective eyewear is required at most, if not all, competitions and ranges. 

Minimum Standards for Eye Protection

Not all eyewear is created equal. Your cool sunglasses might not protect your eyes from threats on the range.  For action shooting, protective eyewear should meet or exceed ANSI Z87.1 standards, which test for impact resistance, optical clarity, and durability. Some high-performance options also meet MIL-PRF-32432 military ballistic standards, offering even greater protection against high-velocity impacts.

Key Certifications to Look For:

• ANSI Z87.1 (USA) – Minimum requirement for range use

• MIL-PRF-32432 (Military) – Preferred for action shooting sports

You don't need to spend a fortune, and can purchase a decent pair at a box store.  The $10.00 glasses protect your eyes just as good as the $300.00 ones.  Just be sure that they wrap around the side of your eye.  At some point, shrapnel will hit your face and glasses.

Features to Look For in Action Shooting Eyewear

Modern shooting glasses offer much more than basic protection. Key features include:

• Ballistic-rated lenses to stop fragments and fast-moving debris

• Interchangeable lenses for varying light conditions (clear, yellow, smoke, etc.) - higher price point

• Wraparound design for full side protection

• Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings for durability and clarity

• Low-profile arms that fit comfortably under ear protection

• Easy-to-clean lenses resistant to powder residue and sweat

Some brands also offer prescription-compatible inserts or customized lenses for shooters who need vision correction.

Price Range: What to Expect

You don't have to break the bank to get quality protection, but investing in your eyesight is worth it. Here's a general breakdown:

• Entry-Level ($20–$40)
  Meets ANSI standards; basic protection and limited lens options.

• Mid-Range ($50–$120)
  Better fit, multiple lenses, anti-fog coatings, and increased durability.

• Premium ($150–$300+)
  Military-grade ballistic protection, prescription compatibility, optical clarity for competition-level performance.
  
  

Popular Brands:

• Oakley SI

• ESS (Eye Safety Systems)

• Wiley X

• Rudy Project

• Revision Military

• Hunters HD Gold

• If you need corrective (readers), the greatest full lens glasses are Elvex and cost about $15.00.

In Competition: A Rule and a Responsibility

Most action shooting matches—whether local club events or national championships—require protective eyewear at all times on or near the firing line. Failure to wear appropriate eye protection can lead to:

• Match disqualification

• Injury or permanent vision loss

• Unsafe range culture

As a competitor or spectator, you are responsible for your own eye safety. Protective eyewear is one of the simplest, most effective pieces of gear you’ll use—and one of the most critical.