A damping system for an electromagnetically operable rotary shutter includes a damper for arresting the motion of a pivotally supported shutter actuating drive arm. The damper has a first portion composed of an ultrahigh density polyethylene and a second portion composed of a damped polyurethane that are arranged to strike one against the other during operation of the shutter. Moreover the first portion of the damper has a straight edge and the second portion has a surface that is curved so as to maintain substantially a point contact between the two portions throughout the duration of the impact between the two. The combination of materials and configuration of the surfaces of the two portions provides energy absorption while avoiding the adherence of the two portions upon impact.