Every shooter must bring their essential equipment with them whenever they go to the gun range. They understand that regular practice is necessary to maintain their shooting skills.
So, before heading to the shooting range, plan for the shooting- target practice, hunting, or self-defense. It will help choose which type of gun is appropriate and what gear and clothing are needed.
No matter what situation you find yourself in, a range bag packed with essentials and extra items will help you get through it.
The Ultimate Essential Range Bag Packing List
Many shooting accessories can make your experience more enjoyable and help preserve your guns. These items might include gun cases, safes, targets, etc.
Here is a packing list of items that you should always bring with you to the gun range:
Firing Accessories
Firearms – You must bring your firearms to the gun range! Ensure you have all the paperwork for each handgun you plan to shoot.
Target: You’ll need something practice to shoot! Paper targets are the most common, but steel targets are also available.
Ammunition: You will need enough shots for the entire day of shooting. Depending on how much shooting you plan on doing, you may need to bring more than one type of ammunition.
A scope. It is the top equipment, allowing you to see your target clearly and make accurate shots. A spotting scope is a powerful tool that can help you see your target more clearly, and with extra features like a wider field of view, speed, target size, and wind drift correction, it can make all the difference in hitting your mark.
A bipod or tripod. It will help stabilize your rifle and make it easier to take accurate shots.
A shooting mat. It will provide a comfortable surface to shoot from and help protect your clothing from the elements.
Extra magazine: It’s always a good idea to bring more than you think you’ll need to the shooting range, especially magazines. If your firearm has detachable magazines, change them out to practice reloading. In an emergency, being able to reload quickly and efficiently could save your life – so it’s worth practicing! Bring extra mags next time you go to the range, just in case.
Tape or Staple: You can either tape or staple your targets to the backstop. However, if you want to avoid hanging them, taping or stapling a piece of paper to your target is easy to see where your shots are landing and make necessary adjustments. This method is simple but will help improve your shooting skills noticeably.
A Marker: Using a permanent marker to track improvement and consistency in target practice is a simple yet cheap way to increase shooting efficiency and significantly reduce paper target usage.
Holster: There are several reasons to bring a holster when you practice shooting. First, it secures your gun so that it doesn’t move around. A good quality holster will also help you practice drawing your firearm and keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
Timers: Timers help track how fast you shoot and how long it takes between shots. You can also use them for training and improving your shooting accuracy.
Cleaning supplies: You’ll want to clean your gun to prevent rust and corrosion after shooting. A cleaning kit should include a brush, solvent, and oil.
Multi-tool – A versatile multi-tool is an excellent addition to any range bag for performing multiple tasks, from tightening screws to cutting rope.
Safety Protection Essentials
Ear Protection: Protecting your hearing while at the gun range is vital. Be sure to bring earplugs or earmuffs to block the noise of fired guns.
Eye Protection: Like your ears, your eyes need protection while shooting. Wear safety glasses or shooting glasses to safeguard your vision.
Hat – A hat can help keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your head from hot brass (empty bullet shells).
Gloves: Gloves can help you keep a firm grip on your gun and protect your hands from the barrel’s heat.
Emergency Essentials
First Aid Kit: It is always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand, just in case. This way, you will be prepared for any minor accidents or injuries.
Multi-tool: A multi-tool is helpful for practice shooting because it lets you make quick changes to your gear. For example, the pliers can fix sights to align the gun, and the screwdriver can unjam a stuck weapon.
Flashlight: mini flashlight can be handy whenever you need simple troubleshooting in a poorly lit area in the range.
Extra Carry-Along Items for Comfort
Portable Stool Chair: A comfortable stool chair is handy when you need a break between shots.
Sunscreen – Sunburn protection is as essential as another tool for protecting yourself, especially in an open space.
Snacks and drinks: Shooting can be thirsty work! Be sure to bring along some snacks and drinks to stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day.
If you forget any of these items, don’t worry too much. Most shooting ranges will have these items available for purchase so you can still enjoy your time at the range.
Final Thoughts
You never know when something will happen, a good range bag will help you keep your gun safe and secure while providing all the other items you need to enjoy your time at the range.
Finally, remember safety. Shooting is a safe sport, but only if you follow the basic rules of safety. Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction, and treat every firearm as if it were loaded. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy shooting for many years to come.