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Essential Shooting Range Gear: Essentials to Elite

Find out all the essential range gear you need to have a successful trip...from the real essentials, to the "nice to have," and even elite gear.
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    Want to have a more successful and safe shooting range trip? Make sure you’ve got the right gear!

    Crimson Trace RAD Max Range Shooting
    Crimson Trace RAD Max Range Shooting

    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

    1. Budget Ear Pro

      Ear Buddy Foam Earplugs

      Not the best protection, but better than nothing and good if money is a little tight.

    2. Best Eye Pro

      Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses

      Military rated, comfy, and good for long range sessions

    3. Best Cleaning Kit

      Gloryfire Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

      Good to have if your gun goes down, it's small and affordable

    4. Best Targets

      Splatterburst Targets

      Great for clearly seeing shots and pretty affordable

    5. Best Pistol Bag

      Osage River Range Bag

      Roomy but offers a lot of organization, great for toting to the range.

    6. Best Rifle Case

      Savior Equipment Urban Warfare Gun Case

      Pockets to store accessories and sturdy enough to protect your long guns.

    7. Best Mag Loader

      MagLula Pistol Magazine Loader

      Great for prserving your thumbs or if you struggle with arthritis or loading mags in general.

    8. Best Budget Earmuffs

      Howard Leight Impact Sport

      Sturdy construction, protects your hearing but still lets you hear commands, comfy.

    9. Best Range Belt

      Kore Essentials X7 Tactical Gun Belts

      Comfy but not super tactical looking.

    10. Best High End Ear Pro

      MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X

      If you want the best and can splurge, these offer great protection without impairing your abilty to hear range commands.

    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?

    Budget Ear Pro
    19
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Mandatory, so you don’t go deaf!

    Foam Earplugs
    Foam Earplugs

    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.

    Best Passive Ear Protection
    25
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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!

    Axil TRACKR
    Axil TRACKR

    And provide decent protection against gunshots while amplifying ambient noise.

    50
    at AXIL

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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.

    Custom Ear Plugs
    Custom Ear Plugs

    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.

    Three Electronic Earmuffs
    Three Electronic Earmuffs

    Eye Protection

    Wiley X Saber
    Wiley X Saber

    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.

    Best Eye Pro
    45
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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.

    Tested Shooting Glasses
    Tested Shooting Glasses

    Portable Cleaning Kit

    Best Cleaning Kit
    25
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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.

    All Gun Cleaning Kits
    All Gun Cleaning Kits

    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.

    146
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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

    Best Targets
    7
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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.

    Readers' Ratings

    4.98/5 (1258)

    Your Rating?

    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.

    Shootsteel, Up Armored
    Shootsteel, Up Armored
    104
    at Shoot Steel

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Check out our review on all of Shoot Steel targets.

    Ammo & Mags

    It’s no fun if you don’t have anything to shoot. 

    More Popular Ammo Brands
    More Popular Ammo Brands

    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

    Plano Ammo Can
    Plano 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.

    Orca Tactical, Open
    Orca Tactical, Open

    Enough space for most outings built tough with a nice strap, and even Velcro to show off your patches.

    Orca Tactical, Carried
    Orca Tactical, Carried

    Or something with more volume and accessible side pockets for mags and other accessories…check out the Osage River Range Bag ($49).

    Osage River, Light
    Osage River, Light

    We’ve got a special deal for Pew Pew Tactical readers for 15% off with code PEWPEW15 at their direct store.

    Best Pistol Bag
    55
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    But our favorite rifle case is Savior Equipment’s Urban Warfare. Use code “PEWPEW15” for 15% off!

    Savior Gray Urban Warefare 42
    Savior Gray Urban Warefare 42
    Best Rifle Case
    83
    at Savior Equipment

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    We go more in-depth on more range bags in our Best Range Bags article.

    Some Tested Range Bags
    Some Tested Range Bags

    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.

    Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Case
    Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Case

    First Aid Kit

    We go fully into what should go into a kit in our Med Kits article. But the bare basics would be:

    MyMedic-MyFAK-Large-open
    MyMedic MyFAK

    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

    Best Mag Loader
    33
    at Gunmag Warehouse

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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.

    Maglula and 9mm Ammo
    Maglula and 9mm Ammo

    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.

    Best Budget Earmuffs
    51
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Want to go even more baller…see our review on the best electronic earmuffs.

    Shooting Front & Rear Bag

    Shooting Bags
    Shooting Bags

    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.

    Ruger Precision Rimfire prone shoot left
    Msts keep you clean while your busting out shots

    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.

    Best Combo Mat+Bag
    77
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Or you can always go with a yoga mat…

    See more in our Best Gun Cases article.

    Brass Catcher

    Brass Catcher
    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).

    Shootsteel, Up Armored
    Shootsteel, Up-Armored

    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.

    Best CCW Gun Belts, Thickness
    Best CCW Gun Belts, Thickness

    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.

    Kore Essentials Belts
    Kore Essentials Belts

    Check out my full Kore Essentials review and also my overall Best Gun Belts article.

    Best Range Belt
    64
    at Tri Star Trading

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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).

    Assorted Concealment Express Holsters
    Assorted Concealment Express 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.

    34
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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!

    Threat Down Targets
    Threat Down Targets

    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.

    Celestron 55250
    Celestron 55250

    Our go-to best bang-for-the-buck one is the Celestron 55250, giving you 20-60x magnification at decent quality.

    Angeles Range 500-600 Yards
    500-600 Yards with the Celestron

    Plus, the 45-degree angle works well to reduce strain on your neck. And the adjustments are easy to do on the fly.

    Editor's Pick
    186
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Check out the rest of our Best Spotting Scopes for some higher-end models and our recommended tripods.

    Tested Spotting Scopes, Top
    Tested Spotting Scopes, Top

    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

    Circle of Shooting Ear Protection
    Circle of Shooting Ear Protection

    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).  

    MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X
    MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X

    Awesome clarity, build, cheek weld, and, most importantly…comfort.

    Best High End Ear Pro
    279
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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?

    Savior Rifle Stand, Competition
    Savior Rifle Stand, Competition

    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.”

    99
    at Savior Equipment

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Chronograph

    With a Caldwell G2 you get a Bluetooth-capable chronograph to help you really get into the deets when it comes to shooting.

    249
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    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.

    Caldwell Chrono (2)
    Caldwell Chron

    Lead Sled

    PWS Diablo Testing Rig
    PWS Diablo Testing Rig

    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

    Shooting Sticks
    Shooting Sticks

    With shooting sticks ($30+), you’re no longer limited by your bipod or shooting bags.

    Laser Rangefinder

    Laser Rangefinder
    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).

    Tested Rangefinders
    Tested Rangefinders

    Weather Meter

    Wind messing with your dope? Get a Kestrel weather meter ($100+) to get your wind, pressure, and temperature measurements.

    All of the tested Kestrel Weather meters
    All of the tested Kestrel Weather meters

    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.

    ELS Belt
    ELS Belt

    Shot Timer

    And for the competitors out there, get your own shot timer ($100+) to see how your strings stack up against the pros.

    Shot Timer and Gear
    Shot Timer and Gear

    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!

    P322 - range shoot

    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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    66 Leave a Reply

    • Commenter Avatar
      Mike Maguire

      What about shooting gloves?

      August 24, 2023 8:35 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      John

      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.

      March 24, 2023 5:04 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        Kirsten

        Thank you! I was looking for this option.

        July 8, 2023 11:40 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        WILL

        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.

        August 13, 2023 6:27 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Dave

      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.

      February 26, 2023 11:39 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Glenn

      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

      November 2, 2022 3:42 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Bart

      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.

      July 8, 2022 7:51 am
      • Commenter Avatar
        Matt

        Gallery has big buckets of handwipes in both ranges!

        August 18, 2022 6:06 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Raul B Domingo

      Thanks Eric. I find your articles very useful and informative.

      June 2, 2022 4:49 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Chester Paul Hoevel

      Now that the weather is getting warmer I will start carrying some bottled water with me to help cool off on outside ranges.

      May 12, 2022 8:55 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Warren R.

      Thanks Eric, appreciate your articles.

      March 20, 2022 5:43 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      tony d

      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.

      February 13, 2022 9:11 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      tony d

      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.

      February 13, 2022 9:07 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Mike Carolan

      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.

      October 6, 2021 5:30 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      K

      First aid/trauma kit, most important thing to have.

      June 24, 2021 5:20 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        PhilD Iowa

        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.

        February 18, 2022 7:08 pm
        • Commenter Avatar
          chester colester

          wow some are just ...ignorant..idiocracy is becoming more true each day.

          April 19, 2022 8:47 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Brian

      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.

      March 26, 2021 12:15 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        KEVIN NEM

        YES, for me it's white hockey tape.

        June 16, 2021 10:17 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      toothaik

      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.

      January 25, 2021 12:37 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      David

      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).

      October 15, 2020 11:10 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        Scott

        Damn right! I’ve done that.......

        January 12, 2021 4:45 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        Joe Smith

        Spray glue works better.

        July 6, 2021 5:09 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Tom

      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

      October 4, 2020 4:41 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        Tom

        reply to TurkeyNuts, RE clothes.

        October 4, 2020 4:42 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Kelly Lewis

      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?

      July 12, 2020 8:05 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Ernesto Rivera

      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.

      June 24, 2020 5:31 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Ernesto

      What about clothing?

      January 21, 2020 2:22 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        TurkeyNuts

        I’ve never actually seen any rules, but I’m pretty sure most ranges require it. However, it is optional on private property.

        May 12, 2020 11:21 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      L&N nut

      I have found in general tool bags are way cheaper than range bags, and tool bags can carry a lot of weight.

      November 13, 2019 8:46 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Mike

      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.

      April 24, 2019 1:55 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        John

        I bought an FNX-45 and after loading two magazines and killing my thumbs, I immediately went out and bought one of these.

        August 16, 2020 8:16 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Johnathan Matteo

      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.

      March 9, 2019 8:04 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        abiding

        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.

        July 19, 2019 9:27 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      TomC

      A fire extinguisher in So Cal is a good idea.

      January 25, 2019 6:34 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Iklwa

      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.

      December 28, 2018 10:58 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Jim Levine

      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.

      December 27, 2018 6:23 pm
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      Jeff Adamson

      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.

      September 18, 2018 7:38 am
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      Richard Bennett

      Under the category of "Elite Range Gear" a Matis X training tool. Otherwise, an excellent article.

      September 6, 2018 7:36 am