Potential retinal detachment from .50 BMG muzzle blast?

[EBR Works]

I had lunch today with a friend and fellow CalGunner that works with .50 BMG weapons on a daily basis in development of technology for military use in sniping applications. After lots of research, he has personally become concerned about the potential of retinal detachment (RD) from blast and overpressure alone and has decided to limit his exposure to range operations. I am concerned since I have a new business where I'll be shooting and teaching on a 22" barreled Ferret50 (with substantial eye and hearing protection!) every week that has extreme muzzle blast, but minimal recoil. He is telling me that I am at great risk in this activity due to pressure effects on the sinuses and potential for RD. According to him, there is no effective protection from this. What can everyone here tell me on this subject? Thanks.

[Ballistic043]

here's what i can tell you. after shooting your rifle at angeles for the first time, that was my first immediate concern.

i felt as if my eyes were gonna shake from their sockets! people with glaucoma i think would be at greater risk due to the higher pressures in the eye..


but im not a medical expert

[BSlacker]

I work with lasers used to repair the retina. You should go to a good retina specialist.
They have some amazing equipment to look at the retina and record it. They can see the tissue structure underneath and if you have weak spots where a tear could develop.
Where are you located I may know a Doctor in your area. Dr Sidikaro in Beverly Hills has the latest equipment and is one of the best.

[craneman]

I wonder about tank crews and fire teams running 155mm howitzers. I would think the muzzle blast and pressure wave is a bit higher than a .50BMG. I realize they are not shouldering it obviously, but you mentioned low recoil on your testing rifle. Am I missing something?

[Once A Marine]

I've never heard of such an issue from any sniper types. As a former machinegunner, I never witnessed anything like that from an M2 nor did I ever hear stories of such.

I'm sure being on the receiving end of the .50 to the eye socket would do it, though.

[Unit74]

I've never heard of such an issue from any sniper types. As a former machinegunner, I never witnessed anything like that from an M2 nor did I ever hear stories of such.

I'm sure being on the receiving end of the .50 to the eye socket would do it, though.

I have spent a boat load of time on the paddles of a ma-deuce.... My eyes are fine.

Never even discussed in 12 years in the Corps.


FUD or truth? Me thinks FUD.

[Guns R Tools]

I think it is pertinent to shoulder fired 50BMGs.

Muzzle brake shock wave or actual push that does damage. Who knows.

[EBR Works]

Weapons like the M2 do not have a muzzle brake. I have an M2 and there is no overpressure and blast coming back at the shooter and observers like there is when firing the Ferret and other similar rifles with a very efficient fish gill brake. The issue is with the overpressure and blast from the brake.

[winnre]

Sounds like we found our first medical use for the one watt blue lasers.

[kel-tec-innovations]

Probably constant exposure would be a problem, but occasional and separated exposure shouldn't be a problem as your body has time to heal. Like listening to loud music, constant exposure would led to problems in the long run.

[EBR Works]

The question would be what is constant exposure? If exposed to 25-50 rounds once per week, would that be excessive? I know that these questions cannot really be answered. I appreciate the feedback though.

[Q]

Never thought of it but makes sense..

[NorcalGSG]

Maybe you could somehow remove your brake and add more weight to make up the difference in recoil? I know that brakes make a serious amount of extra noise or rifles, I even hate the extra noise that the brake makes on my .223, let alone a .50!!

[EBR Works]

Maybe you could somehow remove your brake and add more weight to make up the difference in recoil? I know that brakes make a serious amount of extra noise or rifles, I even hate the extra noise that the brake makes on my .223, let alone a .50!!

With no brake on a .50 BMG/DTC rifle you would most likely end up with a dislocated or broken shoulder. We can try it .... you go first.

[socram909]

Has your friend had an eye exam? If not he should see a doctor right away as a retinal detachment is a medical emergency. After a proper exam they will know if he does indeed have a retinal tear or detachment and what needs to be done.