Like this video? See more gun and gear content over at the Pew Pew Tactical YouTube channel!
Are you looking to make your next range day or training session as enjoyable and productive as possible? You’re going to need some gear!
There’s too much shooting gear out there to sift through it all yourself, so we’ve rounded up some of the things we personally use the most. Some are pretty high-speed; others are great for beginners and experts alike.
Come along as we share the best range gear in our personal range bags, and don’t forget to watch the full video for a few bonus picks!
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Eye & Ear Protection
-
Best Range Bag
-
Best Gun Case
-
Best Creature Comfort
-
Best Training Aid
Table of Contents
Loading…
Best Shooting Range Gear
1. ShellShock Premium Eyes & Ears Combo – Best Ear & Eye Protection
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Hear normally without harmful spikes in volume
- Get ear and eye protection in one handy kit
- It’s what we use!
Cons
- More expensive than passive hearing protection
- Over-ear hearing protection gets warm in the summer
Specs
- Hearing Protection: EXO Pro active earmuff (28 dB SNR, 22 dB NRR)
- Eye Protection: Switch (ANSI Z87.1+)
- Lens Color: Smoke, clear
- Includes: EXO Pro earmuff, Switch ballistic glasses, clear and smoke lenses, tension strap, drawstring pouch, cleaning cloth, auxiliary cable, 2 AAA batteries, carabiner, user manual
As you might have noticed, we wear ShellShock ear and eye protection in our videos and written reviews. That’s not a coincidence; Pew Pew Tactical created the brand to deliver the exact protective gear we want!
The Premium eyes and ears combo includes EXO Pro active hearing protection that keeps gunshots to a hearing-safe volume and still lets you converse normally. They’re so comfortable that someone in this video sprayed sunscreen on them after forgetting his ears were covered (it’s me; I’m someone).
This combo comes with Switch ballistic glasses that have an ANSI Z87.1+ safety rating. They come with smoke and clear lenses, and everything you need to keep them smudge-free and safely stored.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Even though we all wear ShellShock’s active hearing protection, we also all bring foam ear plugs to the range. They’re good for doubling up at indoor ranges and it’s nice to have something disposable you can give to other people in a pinch.
2. 5.11 Tactical Range Ready 50L – Best Range Bag
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Roomy
- Durable
- Great organization
Cons
- Bulky
- Somewhat expensive
Specs
- Volume: 50L / 3,051 ci
- External Dimensions: 10″H x 21″L x 14.5″D
- Weight: 4.3 lbs
- Material: 600D polyester
We have an article with a bunch of the best range bags we’ve used but, in this case, it’s all about the 5.11 Tactical Range Ready 50-liter range bag.
It has room for all our range-day essentials, from handguns and ammo to safety gear, targets, and tools. This bag strikes a nice balance between organizational pouches for small items and a large main compartment for everything else. This one has seen more range days, training courses, and filming sessions than we can count and it still looks new.
If you just have a few items to carry, it might be excessive – but we trust you to fill it up eventually.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Range gear can get heavy, and a backpack sure makes getting from your car to the firing line a lot easier. Wyatt has been using a GPS Handgunner backpack for more than a decade, so that’s our recommendation.
It’s comfortable, has tons of storage options (including four padded pistol compartments), and will probably last a lifetime.
Resident Evil patch sold separately.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
As much as we love dedicated range bags with a bunch of organizational pouches, sometimes we just need a way to carry odds and ends. The Vertx RLT 50-liter duffel is perfect for transporting steel targets, reactive targets, spray paint, and whatever else doesn’t fit in your main range bag. It’s super durable and comes in three sizes.
3. Magpul DAKA R44 – Best Gun Case
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Customizable organization
- Lots of DAKA system accessories
- Sturdy, lockable, and versatile
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky
Specs
- External Dimensions: 48” x 19.7” x 6.5”
- Internal Dimensions: 44.25” x 17” x 5.5”
- Volume: 42 L
- Material: Gas-charged polypropylene
- Weight: 21 lbs (with grid system)
- Includes: 8 double blocks, 8 triple bocks
When we need to pile a bunch of gear in the car and hit the road, it’s nice to have a hard case to protect long guns and optics. Right now, our favorite is the Magpul DAKA R44.
This lockable hard case is rugged enough for hard use, but it doesn’t hit the wallet quite as hard as some other hard cases. The big selling point for us, though, is Magpul’s DAKA grid system.
These foam blocks let you set up your case however you want, time after time. Make room for different firearms, storage bins, ammo boxes, optics, tools, and whatever else you want to keep in tip-top shape. After using one of these, I swear you’ll never want to see pick-n-pluck foam again.
Magpul offers three different sizes covering everything from AR-15 carbines to burly precision rifles, so buy what works for you!
Want to learn more? Read all about it in our Magpul DAKA review!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Several of us also use the Savior Equipment Urban Warfare double rifle case. It’s well-padded, loaded with storage options, and comes with removable shoulder straps so you can wear it like a backpack. If you’re looking for a soft case to carry a pair of AR-15s, this is the one to have.
4. MagLula UpLula Speed Loader – Best Creature Comfort
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Load magazines faster
- Save your thumbs
- Affordable
Cons
- Not necessary (but nice)
- Takes up space in your range bag
Specs
- Cartridge Compatibility: 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, 10mm, .45 ACP
- Magazine Compatibility: Most single- and double-stack magazines
- Weight: 2.5 oz
- Colors: Black, green, orange, yellow, purple, pink, red/white/blue,
Do you need to use a speed loader? Of course not, but your thumbs will thank you if you do.
We stuff a lot of magazines every time we go to the range to burn through 500 to 1,000 rounds, and the MagLula UpLula makes the job a whole lot more comfortable.
It’s universal, so you can use it with most single- and double-stack magazines for 9mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, 10mm, and .45 ACP.
We’re all about making shooting enjoyable, so we own plenty of other creature comforts. Here are some of our favorites.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
One of the cheapest ways to upgrade your range experience is by picking up a pack of Birchwood Casey Target Spots. These bright orange targets stick onto paper or cardboard to give you much better visibility and contrast with iron sights.
If you shoot at poorly lit indoor ranges, these make a big difference and can save money by allowing you to reuse targets and just add a new sticker.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Another way to spot your impacts without running laps downrange is with a spotting scope. We’ve had success with the Burris Signature HD 20-60×85.
It provides a clear view of paper targets out to several hundred yards, and can spot impacts on steel out to 1,000 yards and beyond.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
If you shoot long-range, a WieBad Fortune Cookie is essential. It’s my favorite shooting bag, by far.
Use it to build a more stable shooting position on a stock gate, tank trap, fence post, tripod – you name it. When you go prone, slide the fortune cookie under the stock and use it as a rear bag. I have three different size/fill combinations, and they’ve all served me well.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Speaking of shooting from the prone position, we’re big fans of the Savior Equipment folding shooting mat.
Can you shoot without one? Of course, but between sharp rocks, soggy ground, and biting insects, we’ll stick to the mat.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Finally, as stable as we can get with a good bipod and rear bag, sometimes we want to remove even more human error from our accuracy testing.
If you want to zero your new scope with as much precision as possible, invest in a CTK P3 Ultimate Shooting Rest. This way, you’ll be able to totally isolate your rifle’s performance from your own.
5. Fix It Sticks – Best Tool
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Adjustable torque wrench
- Wide selection of common bits
- No batteries required
Cons
- Expensive
- Some applications require a lower torque spec
Specs
- Torque Range: 15-65 in-lbs
- Bits: T10, T15, T20, T25, 3/32″ hex, 5/64″ hex, 1/8″ hex, 5/32″ hex, 3/16″ hex, 2.5 mm hex, 3 mm hex, 4 mm hex, 5mm hex, P1 Phillips head, flathead
- Includes: T-Way wrench, torque driver, 15 bits, socket adapter, zippered case
Hopefully you won’t need to work on any of your guns on the firing line, but it happens. Having a set of Fix It Sticks can mean the difference between finishing your training session and going home early.
This compact kit includes a torque wrench rated for 15 to 65 inch-pounds, and 15 common bits. You’ll be able to mount a new optic, tighten loose screws, and keep all your gear in working order – without stripping a screw or crushing a scope tube.
The Wheeler Screwdriver Set and Titan Driver Set are also handy. Tiny bits are perfect for fasteners that are too small for a multitool or standard bit set.
Pro tip: if you witness mark your screws, you’ll know something is coming loose before your shots start flying all over the map.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Does gun oil count as a tool? Sure!
If you peek in any of our range bags, you’ll find a small bottle of gun oil in a plastic bag. Oil is essential to keeping your guns running smoothly, so having a few drops on hand can save you from cutting a training session short or adding unnecessary wear to your firearm.
6. SG Timer GO – Best Training Aid
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Dry-fire friendly
- More features in the Drills app
Cons
- Limited functionality without the app
- Small buttons
Specs
- Buzzer Volume (Claimed): up to 99dB
- Buzzer Volume (Measured): 60 – 102 dB
- Display: 1.69” x 0.88”
- Battery: Rechargeable (USB-C, wireless)
- Bluetooth: Yes
If you want to increase your speed, you need a shot timer. My pick is the SG Timer GO.
Shooters Global makes a fancier shot timer, the SG Timer 2, but this one is about half the price and still provides the same features; you just might have to access them with the app or a more tedious button sequence.
In addition to drills and tons of custom options in the app, the SG Timer GO works with dry fire training. You can build speed and hone your skills at home without ever chambering a live round, and this shot timer will still record every rep.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
The Kestrel KST1000 is another preferred shot timer around here. It’s the best of both worlds, with top- and front-facing displays.
The buttons make navigating the menu and controlling settings easier than most shot timers, and the buzzer is super loud.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
The Garmin Xero C1 Pro is more of a niche item, but it will positively transform how you shoot at longer distances.
This pocket-sized chronograph will measure bullet speed and provide essential calculations in seconds so you can collect accurate data and plug it into your ballistic solver. Everything gets saved automatically in the ShotView app, so you can reference it whenever you want without taking any notes.
Extra Essentials for Your Range Bag
While the above is standard in most of our range bags, there’s a few other odds and ends you might want to add to your shooting range set-up.
How to Pick the Best Range Gear
New to shooting? Start with the basics. You certainly don’t need a shooting mat and a chronograph on day one. A good range bag, eye and ear protection, and some paper targets will put you on the path to success.
If you’re looking for more specialized gear, that’s when shot timers, creature comforts, and more niche items come into play.
Now that you know what we use, you can narrow down your search or just buy what we bought – nothing wrong with that!
Either way, you’re going to need to do some wrenching on your firearms. When you put them on the bench for maintenance, repairs, modifications, or upgrades, make sure you have the right tools for the job.
How We Tested the Best Range Gear
For this article, we gathered a bunch of shooting gear that we’re particularly fond of. Some of it comes from our personal collections, some of it you might recognize from past reviews and roundups. All of it has earned space in range bags that see more than their fair share of hot new products.
While these items may not be necessary for everyone, they’ve been incredibly useful for certain types of training. Want to transport your firearms safely, shave tenths off your draw time, or eliminate human error to really dial in a new optic? We’ve got you covered.
For gear we have reviews on, we’ve linked to those so you can read more.
Meet the Experts
This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer Sean Curtis, Editor Wyatt Sloan, and Editor Scott Murdock.
Sean Curtis has been shooting since childhood but really began to delve into guns more during his law enforcement career. He spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he became a POST-certified handgun instructor and NLEFIA Red Dot Instructor and received CLEFIA Advanced Firearms Instructor Training and AR-15 armorer training. He has since attended a variety of training, including Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery, and earned USCCA rifle instructor certification. Aside from training and prior to joining the Pew Pew Tactical team full-time, Sean wrote for several gun publications evaluating and testing guns and gear and has written hundreds of articles.
Wyatt Sloan is an NRA-certified instructor and also has experience with competition shooting and hunting. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has over a dozen shotguns himself and definitely has big love for scatterguns.
Scott Murdock is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
We run through a huge amount of gear here at Pew Pew Tactical. We see a lot of great ideas come through the door, but these products have stood the test of time.
The best part? You don’t necessarily have to spend a bunch of money on them. Lots of our go-to gear is very affordable.
Hopefully, these recommendations make your next trip to the range safer, more productive, and more fun!
What’s your favorite piece of gear? Show it some love in the comments. Want to make your first range day a success? Read up on our Shooting Range Helpful Tips to make everything go smoothly!
95 Leave a Reply
Great article, Scott.
I started out as a minimalist when came to range gear. Eyes and ears and some cartridges, can't go wrong! Until you start the 'what ifs'! Now, it is a trunk full of gear. Extra ears, extra eyes, extreme first aid gear, shooting mat, shooting table, rifle rest, poppers and bottles for those non Pew Pew Tactical target days. It's a desert out here, so water and 10x10 shade. Ammunition for at least two handguns (45 Auto and 9mm Luger) and two long guns (5.56 NATO and 12 gauge slug and buck). Easy set up just time consuming, same for the break down!
Ha - that sounds very familiar, Steven. The last time I went to the range with just a .22 I felt like I was discovering shooting all over again! Thanks for reading.
Thank you, Chris. It is disappointing, and really diminishes the credibility of all of the contributing writers.
It is sad, but true - all bleeding stops, eventually. Personally, I would much prefer that it stops as soon as possible!
Not sure what you're implying here. We listed first aid kits and tourniquets; they're in bold and linked so you can get more information.
Tom, thank you for adding to the conversation, and thank you for your service as an RSO. You are absolutely correct that most commercial so-called IFAKs are both overpriced, and under stocked. That is exactly why I referred to what is needed as "a quality enhanced IFAK-type first aid kit." In reality, what is needed is a trauma kit, without mechanical closures (staples/sutures) - you are not trying to perform surgery, you are working to keep the injured party from bleeding out. Even greater thanks for mentioning Stop the Bleed courses - the most important training after BLS for anyone involved in any type of shooting activities. One final thing: practice with your kit, make using it muscle memory, and watch those expiration dates.
Good point.
There are a lot of companies selling inadequate and wholly worthless IFAK.
BEFORE buying anything, I’d suggest attending a “Stop the Bleed” class — the knowledge and techniques you learn there are absolutely essential, and will wake you up to the fact that most commercial IFAKs are much too expensive, include far too much, and are usually sold with a plastic covering. Why is a sealed plastic covering a really bad idea? Remember that 7nder duress, one of the first things you lose are fine motor skills, and when every second lost means that someone with a major bleed is 1% closer to organ death, you don’t want to be fumbling with some damned plastic envelope that you’ll have to cut apart.
Get the training — then purchase the individual items for your IFAK.
One option to the MagLula: check out SpeedBeez.
Definitely saves the thumbs…
Hey, that AR-15 Speed Beez looks really handy - thanks for the recommendation!
Your brand is inadequate for most activities. I wouldn’t wear it in my shop, let alone on an arms range.
We would love to hear specifics about what makes it inadequate. Have you tried it and it didn't work for you? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
Yep.
Disappointing.
As a Range Safety Officer, my second act (after signing in) is to open my medical bag (which hooks onto my belt and straps to my leg), check its contents, then put the bag on just behind my holster. Whenever I’m on the range, I have my RSO ID, loaded pistol, and medical kit.
Of all the gear listed, a well-equipped medical kit is just a bit more expensive than most of those things you’re advertising: 9 items (no bandaids) and the bag itself costs $350-450.
Add to it attendance of a “Stop the Bleed” class ($100) — which I attend at least annually — and I’ve invested in every person on the range.
It’s shocking, with so many veterans who contributed to your sales article, that NOT ONE insisted on listing an IFAK as essential gear.
Shame on you… but thanks for letting us know what you deem important to your organization.
Hey Tom, the IFAK is listed in our extra essentials section in the article. If you read the whole article through, you'll see it. Also, quick note, this is not a "sales" article. It's just a fun piece on what we take to the range and what we use. Thanks!
Range essentials? At a minimum, a quality enhanced IFAK-type first aid kit should be the very first item on the "essentials" list. I hope that no one ever has to use theirs for anything more than a paper cut, blister, or similar minor injuries, but there are way too many things that can go sideways on a range to leave a quality first aid kit as an afterthought, "extra," or, an "odds and ends." And for God's sake, don't forget to get training on how to use it!
Absolutely correct. An IFAK is minimum equipment, and I’m disappointed that this many people who contributed to this article missed this one essential fact: no range gear is complete without an IFAK — but, like firearm competency and currency, having an IFAK alone is not enough… it requires a few hours to learn how to use it. Another essential truth: all bleeding stops eventually.
We included the IFAK in the extra essentials section in the article. Thanks for reading!
First aid kits and training are essential. That's why we have lots of articles on the best first aid classes, best CPR masks, best IFAKs, best first aid kits for parents...all kinds of things. We also made sure to mention IFAKs in this article itself -- though admittedly, we probably should have placed it higher in the article. We are all advocates of first aid and training. I'm a BLS instructor myself and write most of the first aid pieces here and I can assure you we take it seriously. Thanks for the feedback.
If this is all “essential” gear, I need a bigger truck and more time to load and unload everything!!! haha
What none of you seemed to have in your range bags was a first aid kit. When I have a group or even an individual that I'm working with, I show him/her/them where it is (outside pouch) and when to break it open.
That's a great practice, Bob. We all pack a first aid kit and tourniquet (and have the necessary training to use them - can't forget that part). Check out some of our favorites in the extra essentials portion of the article, and thanks for reading!
The extra essential links are 404.
Thanks for letting us know! We swapped them out!
Inappropriate and unethical to recommend your own brand of earpro. Especially at only 22NRR. That’s not enough for most people and most guns.
Hey Jay, thanks for the comment. I can understand your POV and appreciate your concerns about the content we provide. I want to assure you that our brand has undergone a ton of tests — including our own wear tests. That said, I totally get feeling disappointed that we chose to list our brand in the list. We did disclose it was our brand, which adheres to our commitment to being honest with our readers and we genuinely like the ear pro — not just because we sell it. That said, we offer a lot of other options in our Best Hearing Pro article that cover a wide variety of good ear pro from other brands we recommend. Thanks for reading.
The uncharted first aid kit is wild that it's on the list. Matches, duct tape, glow sticks, and a fake leatherman. Throw a few bandaids in and I'M HELPIN!
LOL - I’m looking for a good indoor range “magazine catch bag” of some sort.
After realizing during a defensive pistol class that I’d developed the horrible range habit of reaching for the empty mag with my support hand as I dropped it, I decided to simply not do that anymore - ever.
But that means my empty mags are bouncing off the indoor range’s shooting stall countertop and going everywhere.
Does anyone make some sort of wide, shallow, padded, folding, purpose built mag-catching bag I can place on the countertop to catch my empty mags as I drop them?
I’ve added padding to a three gallon folding fabric bucket, and that works really well, but, you know, my ego kinda wants the other shooters to see me using something purpose built rather than a DIY thing ha.
I am a noob shooter. I experimented with several ear muffs, but not the Sordin. I will swear by the Peltor Tactical 500 at about half the price of Sordin, with 26db of protection and bluetooth which some might argue is a distraction, but I really like having that. Sordin doesn't have that, right? other brands: You can get 30db noise reduction, without voice amplification So just forget about hearing critical range instructions ( they are huge!) or cheaper products like Zohan and a dozen identical that have only 22db protection and less intuitive controls. Note that Sordin might have a slimmer around the ear profile and about 2X the battery life of Peltor.
On the Gun belt, I agree on the inner liner, but I just wear a cheap discreet normal belt and guns and whatever else all go on the liner. Any weight on the belt that holds up your pants is uncomfortable and a distraction. Anything reasonable can go on the liner, instant off and on with hook and loop, has some advantages over a normal belt, like the ride height is somewhat adjustable and it can be higher in the back, lower in the front. So, just the liner. For under $40 you can probably have a couple and not have to rotate holsters or gear specific to your weapons. And I think if I did need a second gun belt on me, then... two liners and no buckling in. I am using simple kydex holsters and you would probably have to do something to keep leather ones from skating around just a liner. I can't say this is good for some of the complicated Safariland type holsters, like adjustable ride height rail systems and accessories or roto systems. I will say for Safariland that they seem to have an answer to every issue. It may be ridiculously complicated, but there it is.
What about shooting gloves?
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.
Thank you! I was looking for this option.
I must say that I haven't had success with Wiley-X's prescription shooting glasses. The first time, the frame snapped and also the lens coating delaminated. Wiley honored the warranty and replaced them. Then the exact same thing occurred again several months later! I'm OCD when I care for my gear, but that was too much.
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.
Duct tape is an essential piece of first aid gear. Combined with use of a hemostatic dressing and/or gauze, nothing helps to compress a wound faster than duct tape (especially if an Israeli dressing isn’t available).
Before you laugh about it, attend a “Stop the Bleed” course.
Especially if you’re shooting steel targets. In this case, inside 15 yards, you’ll want to have a box of bandaids — and a good sense of humor. Yanno?
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!