I could see the shell casing flying in slow-motion. It arced up and back, flying towards my protective eye glasses. The casing rested inside my glasses and sat on the inner portion of my right cheek bone. In my head I could hear the sizzle. I did not “brass dance”. Casually I lifted up my glasses and let the casing fall out and away. The student I was working with in the range was none the wiser as to what had happened.
Wrapping up the lesson with my student my first thought was to head to the rest room to view the damage. Well, it could have been worse. My skin was starting to swell a bit and only a little raw damage could be viewed. In the five years of firearms instructing this one had never happened to me. The “usual” casing down the shirt has happened – even with fully buttoned up shirts. I’m proud of the fact that in all the times that these situations have happened I did not hop up and down and dance all around.
Reviewing the incident I realized that I am very fortunate that it was not worse. Many “what if” situations rambled through my mind. I did accept that I need to up my game in the range. Casings to the eye area can be prevented by simple things. Wearing eye protection that is fully closed around eyes. Where I position myself by my student as I instruct. And the easiest way, by wearing a baseball hat. Many of you know that for me that will be by wearing my Walther hat. (love my Walther’s!)
Simple steps can prevent minor range incidents.
Be safe! – Josette
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