A gas pressure regulator adapted for being mounted to a gas cylinder is provided. The gas pressure regulator includes a body defining a front portion and opposed side portion and a plurality of gas pressure indicators mounted to the front portion of the body. A bonnet is mounted to an exterior portion of the body, and a pressure adjustment knob is mounted to one of the side portions of the body, proximate the bonnet, and horizontally relative to a longitudinal axis of the pressurized gas cylinder. An energy absorbing device is operatively engaged with the pressure adjustment knob and the bonnet, the energy absorbing device being capable of absorbing energy from impact loads imposed on the pressure adjustment knob.