Want to have a more successful and safe shooting range trip? Make sure you’ve got the right gear!
Having the right gear can improve nearly any experience. We’ll break down some items that are essential, nice to have, and downright luxuries.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Budget Ear ProNot the best protection, but better than nothing and good if money is a little tight.
Best Eye ProWiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses
Military rated, comfy, and good for long range sessions
Best Cleaning KitGloryfire Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
Good to have if your gun goes down, it's small and affordable
Best Pistol BagRoomy but offers a lot of organization, great for toting to the range.
Table of Contents
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Essential Shooting Range Gear
Ear & Eye Protection
The most important of our essential shooting gear since it’s mandatory for most ranges. You don’t want to go blind from ricochets or deaf from hearing loud gunshots, right?
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Mandatory, so you don’t go deaf!
We first started with foam ear plugs ($12 for 50) for our first few trips but started doubling up with actual ear muffs since lots of people at our range had very loud muzzle brakes…great for keeping sights on target, but terrible for people around you.
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We also recommend doubling up, especially when you start going into higher calibers as well. We recommend Axil TRACKR electronic ear muffs since they are thinner to allow for a nice cheek weld…
Keep in mind that active hearing protection allows you to hear external noises better since they have an external microphone that broadcasts to your ears — crucial for range commands!
And provide decent protection against gunshots while amplifying ambient noise.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Others, such as the 3M Peltor Optime ($18, 30 dB), offer better protection but are large and obstruct a cheek weld.
Good choice if you are only shooting pistols.
We’ve also moved away from foam earplugs since they are annoying to keep putting in or taking out during a class or competition. Although we got fitted with custom earplugs at a gun show, this DIY kit gets rave reviews.
Be sure to combine it with the neck cord so you can tell which side is which and not lose them as easily. See more of our favorites in our Best Shooting Ear Protection article.
Eye Protection
Another mandatory item, so you don’t lose an eye out there.
Sunglasses and regular prescription glasses are usually fine for all ranges, but I go with ones that are military-rated, comfy and don’t break the bank like the Wiley X Saber.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Consider also picking a pair of clear lens options for overcast days when sunglasses would be too dark. See more in our full Best Shooting Glasses article.
Portable Cleaning Kit
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We go over what we like for our at-home cleaning kit in our Best Cleaning Kits article, but for the range, we just bring the bare essentials in this portable kit for infrequent emergency cleaning.
What’s “emergency cleaning?” you may ask — it’s when your gun stops functioning because of dirt, grime, or some other epic fouling.
This kit has everything you need and even a squeeze bottle to bring a small bit of M-Pro 7 gun oil.
Screwdriver and Allen Keys
Something always comes loose, or you need to change something on the fly. Pick up a sturdy screwdriver ($5) and Allen/hex key set ($12) for yourself.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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I prefer the long sets since sometimes you need some extra torque, and if you ever install/remove an AR-15 pistol grip, you’ll wish you had one!
Targets
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Your range may have some steel targets or paper targets, but it’s hard to see exactly where you’re hitting, especially when you are shooting handgun or zeroing a scope.
We love Shoot-N-C targets since they turn a bright color when you hit them. Plus, they also come with extra black stickers to repair your targets.
What’s your take on the splatter targets? Rate them below.
If you really want to upgrade your target game, though, take a look at AR500 steel targets from Shoot Steel that we use in our video reviews.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out our review on all of Shoot Steel targets.
Ammo & Mags
It’s no fun if you don’t have anything to shoot.
Read up on common calibers and bullet types before checking out our Best Place to Buy Ammo article. And for mags, check them all out at Brownells.
Ammo Can
Ammo can ($10)—our favorite method to carry stuff. Light and sturdy enough to handle anything and can even be used as a gun rest if needed.
Range Bag
Check out our YouTube review first:
One of our go-to bags is the Orca Tactical ($59) range bag.
Enough space for most outings built tough with a nice strap, and even Velcro to show off your patches.
Or something with more volume and accessible side pockets for mags and other accessories…check out the Osage River Range Bag ($49).
We’ve got a special deal for Pew Pew Tactical readers for 15% off with code PEWPEW15 at their direct store.
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But our favorite rifle case is Savior Equipment’s Urban Warfare. Use code “PEWPEW15” for 15% off!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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We go more in-depth on more range bags in our Best Range Bags article.
Handgun Case
The plastic case that came with your handgun does the job…but it screams GUN!
We created the Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Case ($16) to be a little more discreet…and unlike the major competitors out there…it will fit almost all full-sized handguns WITH a light.
First Aid Kit
We go fully into what should go into a kit in our Med Kits article. But the bare basics would be:
Nothing is a substitute for good training, though, so make sure to invest in at least one first-aid class to go with that kit. We have some recommendations here.
“Nice to Have” Range Gear
Nothing essential but just “nice to have” stuff to make your range time a little easier.
Magazine Loader/Unloader
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Contemplated putting this in the essentials section, but these MagLula loaders ($28) (especially the pistol one) really save your thumbs during a range session.
Great especially for tighter-loading magazine firearms such as Glocks, where I always struggle with the last one or two rounds.
Seems a little expensive, but well worth it to your sanity and thumbs–especially if you take a multi-day training! Also comes in an AR-15 version ($26).
We cover the MagLula and other options in our Best Magazine Speed Loaders. Now with a video too:
Electronic Ear Muff
An electronic earmuff ($40) lets you hear normal conversation sounds easily while automatically blocking loud gunshots. And still thin enough to not mess with your cheek weld.
Now you don’t have to keep taking things on and off during ceasefire.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want to go even more baller…see our review on the best electronic earmuffs.
Shooting Front & Rear Bag
You want a stable platform to shoot & zero your precision rifles, and these shooting bags ($39) fit the bill. Or be DIY and make the rear bag by filling a sock with rice.
Shooting Mat
Sometimes you want to shoot prone, and this combo bag can handle everything.
Although NCStar is not normally known for quality products, their VISM Rifle Case & Shooting Mat is awesome and has held up through dozens of range sessions for us. Separate shooting mats are about the same price and can’t carry two rifles.
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Or you can always go with a yoga mat…
See more in our Best Gun Cases article.
Brass Catcher
Attach to your rifle’s handguard to catch spent brass for reloading. Even if you don’t reload now, a brass catcher ($17) is good to have since you never know when you’ll get into it!
Plus, you are more than likely having to pick up brass at the range anyway.
AR500 Targets
Fun to set up if your range allows it or if you are out in BLM land.
AR500 Steel Targets will take a beating with almost all handgun calibers and rifle calibers (past 100 yards).
And who doesn’t love that ting sound of hitting metal?
For more of our favorites…check out Best Steel Targets.
Shooting Belt
If you’re looking to handle reloads (or even drawing if you have a range that allows it), I started off with simple Uncle Mike’s shooting belt ($27). It’s great for a pistol and two magazines or one rifle mag.
If you’re looking to have multiple rifle magazines, you might want something stiffer.
Another option is a good CCW belt that can work for the range as well. This might be better if you like to go for a bite to eat before or after the range; this way, you’re not walking around looking like a tactically tactical dude at the Denny’s.
My favorite is a Kore Essentials belt that allows for easy adjustment when you need to sit down for an extended period of time. Use code “PEWBELT10” for 10% off.
Check out my full Kore Essentials review and also my overall Best Gun Belts article.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Holsters
There’s A LOT to unpack in holsters. So much so that we have dedicated articles for each type.
Check out our Best Concealed Carry & OWB (Outside the Waistband Holsters).
Magazine Pouches
As for magazine pouches, I go with Safariland ($34) again since they have tilt and tension adjustable models.
I like single mag pouches since they aren’t as bulky feeling. These are also future-proof since you can add quick connectors onto the back to easily modify a competition belt.
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Bleeding Targets
These super cool “Threat Down” targets from Triumph Systems ($16) have lots of individual dye packets for critical hits. The more you shoot…the more patriotic you become!
Check us out using them at the end of this video:
Spotting Scope
If you’re pushing out past a few hundred yards…or need to quickly zero…you’ll want a spotting scope.
Our go-to best bang-for-the-buck one is the Celestron 55250, giving you 20-60x magnification at decent quality.
Plus, the 45-degree angle works well to reduce strain on your neck. And the adjustments are easy to do on the fly.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out the rest of our Best Spotting Scopes for some higher-end models and our recommended tripods.
Elite Range Gear
If you’re hand-loading ammo or shooting very far range, you’ll want to check out these goodies.
Electronic Ear Muffs
We cover a lot of options in our Shooting Hearing Protection article, but the ones I personally use are the MSA Sordin Supreme X ($260).
Awesome clarity, build, cheek weld, and, most importantly…comfort.
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These guys have gel seals that let me wear them for hours at competitions.
Mobile Firearm Rack
Got too many guns, and you’re not at a traditional range with benches?
The Savior Equipment Mobile Rack folds out and gives you tons of room for rifles and pistols. Use code “PEWPEW15” for 15% off.
It’s all metal and has stood up to multiple range trips without any wear. They have both full-size rifles and also a shorty version like I have for my “pistols.”
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Chronograph
With a Caldwell G2 you get a Bluetooth-capable chronograph to help you really get into the deets when it comes to shooting.
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We like this one because it’s a reasonable price and comes with enough features to keep you satisfied.
Check out the rest of our Best Chronographs For Shooting.
Lead Sled
For something more steady than sand bags to zero, or if you are shooting magnum rounds, the lead sled ($189) is here to help. You can put a lot of weights or lead shot into it to really reduce recoil.
Shooting Sticks
With shooting sticks ($30+), you’re no longer limited by your bipod or shooting bags.
Laser Rangefinder
You can’t hit something if you don’t know the distance. Use your laser rangefinder ($100+) to figure it out so you can dial in your scope.
Check out our favorites in Best Laser Rangefinders (All Budgets).
Weather Meter
Wind messing with your dope? Get a Kestrel weather meter ($100+) to get your wind, pressure, and temperature measurements.
We have a full review of All the Kestrel Models.
Competition Belt
I love my ELS competition belt ($55) since it has two layers (inner one that you put into your belt loops is hook and loop), so you can quickly remove and put on your likely heavy gear.
Also, it lets you use quick disconnect backers ($31) on your holsters/pouches so you can adjust for whatever stage you’re running.
Shot Timer
And for the competitors out there, get your own shot timer ($100+) to see how your strings stack up against the pros.
But check out our other picks in Best Shot Timers.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of things you could take to the range, but hopefully, you’ve got a better idea of what must-haves you should pack!
Did I miss anything else? Let me know in the comments below! And are you truly prepared for the shooting range? Check out our Gun Noob to Gun Slinger video course…especially catered to beginner handgun shooters.
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For you folks that wear prescription glasses....The Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses - just to note, if you order these through the Wiley X site you can order them in prescription.
I enjoy shooting at an outdoor range with tactical bays. More freedom, more creativity, but often less infrastructure. I take a few metal IDPA-type target stands, some 1x2, cardboard backer boards (actually IDPA targets), and butcher paper to allow rapid target refreshing. You just need a good staple gun and a sharpie, and you can shoot all day for cheap.
Been reading you articles for years always good info. I use the Howard Leight by Honeywell orange MAX-1-D foam earplugs. Back in 2019 got them for about $50 for a box of 500 pair. I work in a very loud plant best I found for work & shooting. You can't hear anything with these & ear muffs. When I take a shooting class I only use the ear muffs
Hi Eric,
That's a great list. The only thing I bring that was not on the list is Lead Free wipes. Most of the "Ranges" here in Colorado don't have a place to wash hands after shooting.
Gallery has big buckets of handwipes in both ranges!
Thanks Eric. I find your articles very useful and informative.
Now that the weather is getting warmer I will start carrying some bottled water with me to help cool off on outside ranges.
Thanks Eric, appreciate your articles.
I normally do my shooting practice in the desert. Flat land for miles with great backdrop hills.
I use metal posts and tie colored balloons to them. I bring an air tank and a quick balloon valves.
Back to targets, 5 to 30 yards.
Friend says shoot blue, red, and so on. Requires quick decisions, and not knowing where the target is.
Have fun, be safe.
I am elderly, a wife of 40+ years, children and grandchildren.
Wear a double up on hearing protection. It is not fun when you cannot hear your children or grandchildren laugh, say I love you, grandpa, let's go for a walk.
I cannot blame it all on shooting. I used to play with hot rods and built motorcycles. Standard stuff.
Eye protection, good stuff. An IV bottle shattered at work. Not blind, but it made me consider, and use eye protection.
Hi Eric - I know it's kind of a no-brainer, but make sure you have your LTC and driver's license with you (especially if you are going to a public, monitored range). I say this because I (like a bonehead) forgot my DL one day and it made for a ZERO shot day.
First aid/trauma kit, most important thing to have.
Agree, first aid kit to the range. And you don't often see them.
Our range first aid kit contains eye wash, gauze, tape, chest seals, cold packs, quick clot, tourniquet, space blanket, bandaids and rubber gloves. Fits in a 50 cal ammo can. I've had a person walk in front of my shooting bench. Luckily I held fire.
wow some are just ...ignorant..idiocracy is becoming more true each day.
Another good item is DUCT Tape to use for targets!! It is one of the all around best items to EVER have in most cases. Just my 2 cents.
YES, for me it's white hockey tape.
Regarding eye ware and pistol shooting, if you have trouble focusing on the front site because you usually need reading glasses (is that far- or nearsighted, I always confuse them), there is a solution to this. You can get wrap-around safety glasses that have magnification built into them like reading glasses. They come from 0.5 up to 5.0 magification. For me the 2.5 power ones are perfect. Best thing is they wrap around the side of your eye to protect intrustion and you don't have to wear 2 pairs of glasses. I get them from Henry Schein out of Long Island. If they won't sell them to you, just ask your dentist to order you a pair.
You forgot one of the most important items, which is also the one I've forgotten the most. A STAPLE GUN (along with a box of extra staples). Nothing funner than going to the range and discovering you have no way to secure your target. I did this so many times that I started to have conniptions whenever it happened, and while it might be amusing to watch a guy dance in small circles, screaming profanities, while pulling his hair out, it was starting to disturb some of the newer shooters. So I bought several and put two in every vehicle (one in my toolbox, and one under the seat - occasionally I'd take my tool box out, or bag up the detritus from around and under my seat in order to go through it "soon" and reorganize).
Damn right! I’ve done that.......
Spray glue works better.
Check out The Outpost(#3 in US, true story, 10/03/09) on Netlfix. The shower scene, enemy attack. Not MY favorite part, but goes with the conversation LOL
reply to TurkeyNuts, RE clothes.
This is all good stuff. Really enjoy these. Just really getting serious into shooting, Keep em coming. Can you direct me to some cleaning articles?
You only need a gun with the right holster (preferably concealed) ammo, eye, and ear protection. Spend more time in shooting drills. Draw your own targets (a marker is enough). In real life situations all the other stuff is useless. Only go to shooting ranges where you can shoot from your holster and allow fast shooting. Spend the money in range time, bullets, and professional instruction.
What about clothing?
I’ve never actually seen any rules, but I’m pretty sure most ranges require it. However, it is optional on private property.
I have found in general tool bags are way cheaper than range bags, and tool bags can carry a lot of weight.
The MagLula loader is almost an essential. I have gotten more comments from people while loading than anything. This includes the days I bring my original Colt govt 1911 .45 series 70. I have had people leave the indoor range mid-session to buy one. It not only saves you from "Nintendo" thumb but shooters who have arthritis or other ailments can more easily reload.
I bought an FNX-45 and after loading two magazines and killing my thumbs, I immediately went out and bought one of these.
I know you mentioned range first aid kits which is a great idea, no argument but just wanted to leave this for you as well as any reader/commenter. A newer company in the first aid kit game, has just come out with 2-Range Day first aid kits actually a basic and and an advoboth very well put together and come inside their own easily seen and distinguished as a first aid kit as well. Company is called “MY MEDIC” if you guys have a chance take a look. Great products and kits, all kinds of kits for just about any thinkable scenario including a day at the range as welll now.
150$ for the "advanced" first aid kit and it only includes 1 pair or gloves, same as the 60$ one!?!? Give me 150$ and I can purchase all of that at a drug store and online and have enough for five kits.
A fire extinguisher in So Cal is a good idea.
I have found that bringing a container of drinking water along to the range always allows me to stay at the bench longer with more comfort and ability to concentrate better. There is nothing worse than being thirsty and unable to enjoy my shooting position.
It is a great idea to have a first aid/trauma/bleed control kit that includes 2 or more tourniquets. I do not have a recommendation for a commercial kit.
You included shooting bags, sticks, and a lead lead sled but you seemed to forget a sling. After having been to a Project Appleseed shoot, and learning how to properly use a sling to steady a rifle. I’d say that a USGI sling is a must to have on all your rifles or at least in your range bag.
Under the category of "Elite Range Gear" a Matis X training tool. Otherwise, an excellent article.
Good idea! We have an article on the MantisX and really like it!
How about...water? :-) Also: shooting gloves (or something that is thin enough not to interfere with the trigger guard). When it's cold, they'll keep your hands warm. When it's hot, they'll absorb your perspiration.
Oh, more! Comfortable shoes; long sleeved t-shirt to protect your arms from hot shell casings and keep them from going down your shirt (don't wear collared shirts, IMHO).
Good advice! I'll include that in the planned update.
Does anyone know of a decent shot timer app for the iPhone?
All of the apps I've used have been really crummy, sorry.
If your competing and have several weapons/gear, a collapsible wagon is worth it's weight in gold!
Stapler, dot stickers, tape, a good attitude
Great job Eric - look forward to all your posts - you inspire me to shoot more and collect less! lol
I suggest a spotting scope or pair of binoculars
Just gonna say that target with the beard seems pretty damn racist to me.
the three target faces are exactly the same, one has a beard.
I was wondering when someone was going to play the race card. My faith in America is restored
Really good article, cant think of anything else to add but wish I had some of the "toys" as they would add to the shooting experience
Great list and info. I would perhaps add some basic first aid and trauma first aid to the list. I do most of my shooting off range—out in the wilderness. I consider serious injury highly unlikely, but still best to be prepared. In addition to the basic band-aids, etc, I keep two tourniquets, chest seals, pressure dressing and hemostatic gauze in my bag. I like to be prepared.
Good tip...we have a first aid kit article but it would help to link it here!
Plus one for ammo cans being essential gear. They have so many uses. A variation on the basic ammo can that I like is MTM's SPUD 1. It's basically an ammo can with a shallow, lift-out tray in the top, and some hidden compartmentalized storage in the lid. I find it perfect for storing some of my smaller shooting gear that I want to keep a little more organized; e.g. cleaning tools and supplies.
Eric I love your articles. Keep it up
Will do, Anthony...thanks for reading!
Hey Eric.. I love the site and the recommendations.. but there are multiple recommendations around the site where one item is recommended one place and in another article, a different brand is recommended. This doesn't appear to be a "one is better than the other" scenario more than just perhaps when each was written, your opinion was different. I have noticed this with the lead sleds, hex wrench sets, and even the gunsmithing hammers. Especially for new guys, it would probably be a lot cleaner if your "top" of current suggestion was the only one found across the site, unless some particular article was suggesting the "cheapest" stuff, etc.... Just something I noticed. Thanks again for the great articles.
Hi, thanks for the input! We'll be working on getting the smaller stuff a little more streamlined across the site.
First aid kit for shooting range... stuff happens.
That's true...great suggestion!
I would be very interested in knowing your picks for range belt, owb holster for range belt, etc... Is this something you are considering adding to your range gear article?
Hi Matthew, great idea! *UPDATED*
Awesome, this is great!
Spotting Scope.
Great addition...I'll be updating the article. *Update* DONE!