I think its a very smart idea,..safety 1st in all things. I wear my seat belt driving, & my helmet quading & motorcycle ridding. I use safety glasses when using skill saws & grinders. Why would you not use safety gear when projectiles are hitting steal targets at 2400 feet per second by multiple shooters.?
Ballistic Vest - on the range?
- Thread starter Rob!
- Start date
Maybe you need a different range.
Actually, I'm a member at 4 ranges and shoot at others as well. Most shooters are responsible, but it only takes one. We've all seen unintended discharge - holes in the ceiling - and "that guy" who just can't take it seriously. I've seen people drinking on (a public) range - seen negligent discharges - had unintended discharge (hammer follow) - and even been lasered by an RO waving his 45 around carelessly during a safety talk.
The vest isn't for show - normally internal. PPE makes sense for any risk activity - and if you (that's just a generic 'you' the reader) don't see shooting sports as a risk activity, then you are the guy I'm worried about.
Interesting responses.
Thanks.
Rob!
I'm with you on that rob. I was at a 3gun match when a fellow got "flyback" from his 45 ! A rush to the hospital & surgery !
The most dangerous part of a trip to the range is the drive there. Statistically, gun ranges in Canada are one of the safest places you can be. Which is why a club can buy insurance for the same price as an individual insuring a single car!
People should wear what they want- I have personal experience with glasses saving the day and ear pro obviously works. There are stranger things to wear to the range than a vest. Like a man bun.
People should wear what they want- I have personal experience with glasses saving the day and ear pro obviously works. There are stranger things to wear to the range than a vest. Like a man bun.
Forest1488
CGN Regular
- Location
- South of Toronto
Agree with most - the range is a very safe place. However, when the old school hunters show up in the early fall to sight in their Mosins, Lee-Enfields and assorted 30-30's I do get a little nervous. Some strategically placed plates might not be a bad idea when these guys roll in.
Lonesome Donkey
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Alberta
Guess this a safety equipment question that I already know the answer to. Of course I wear eye and ear protection on the range - not because it's required - but because it's right. Not sure why I haven't been wearing my vest on range days, but..... well, I'm going to start. Something tells me I'm way more likely to get shot on the range than on duty.
Rob!
Great idea. Kevlar vests are safety equipment, just as hearing and eye protection are.
However, it is illegal for mere civilians in Alberta to own Kevlar vests or body armor.
As ordinary residents we have no right not to be killed by stray bullets.
Really? From the Body Armour Control Act;
" This Act does not apply to
(a) safety equipment designed, intended for use, and worn by
an individual, for sports or recreational purposes, "
https://www.solgps.alberta.ca/programs_and_services/public_security/BACAct/Pages/default.aspx
#5: Are some individuals exempted from the Act?
-Individuals holding a valid licence under the Firearms Act (Canada
#5: Are some individuals exempted from the Act?
-Individuals holding a valid licence under the Firearms Act (Canada
Pretty sure a pal makes u exempt from the body armor control act. Just like in BC.
I wear mine at the range because of a ricochet incident one time, I won't go into details cause when I mentioned it on here, the know it all dogs roasted me over it. I only told people to warn them in case it could happen to someone else. In my mind it's a good idea.
When visiting an indoor range in the Lower Mainland last year I had a .45 bounce off my chest after a ricochet from somewhere down the line. Thankfully all I got was a bruise as it had already expended a great deal of energy bouncing back to the line.
wayupnorth
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northern Alberta
good, im not the only one who gets the heebee jeebees when walking out to the targets!
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
If I felt unsafe at the range, to the point of needing a vest, I'd just stay home and play shooting video games.
wayupnorth
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northern Alberta
i always think of it as a target when im wearing it.
Lonesome Donkey
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Alberta
Are stores in Alberta selling Kevlar vests and body armor to the general public for sports and recreational purposes?
1riot1ranger
CGN Regular
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Or shoot with some different dudes...
I would classify shooting at the range as a low risk, serious consequence activity. The actual chances of being hit by a stray bullet that has enough energy to harm you are extremely low, but the consequences of that hit can be very serious. That said, wear your vest if you like. I won't look at you funny or judge, I see guys dressed up in full kit for service rifle shoots and don't mind, either. It is all just part of the fun.
Nope, it makes me twitch as well, especially if I am the only one at the range. Very little feels as vulnerable as standing beside the target frames with all your stuff a couple hundred meters behind you and available to any dirtbag who climbs the fence and walks in. I always have a holstered pistol with mags on the belt in that situation, even if it is probably worthless overall compared to a rifle at those ranges. Makes me feel better if nothing else...
Mark
