The other day, I realized it’s been quite a while since I’ve written about the items in my shooting range bag (that are always changing). And because I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this recently from new shooters, I thought I’d share the list with you today.
Keep in mind, because I have my own shooting range my list may be slightly different than someone who goes to an indoor range. So, pick and choose from the items below that work for you and your situation.
1. Range Bag – The bag I use for the range is a bag for police officers called the Galls Original StreetPro Gear bag. I purchased this bag many years ago when I first became a police officer and I’ve been using it ever since because it’s got plenty of room for all of my gear.
2. Baseball Cap – The purpose of the cap is not to keep the sun out of my eyes (although it helps) but to keep hot brass from hitting me in the face and falling down my shirt.
3. Medical Kit – I carry the Adventure Medical Kits Field Trauma kit. I also carry extra packages of QuikClot with me in case there is ever an accident.
4. Hearing Protection – I have a set of Pro Ears electronic earmuffs. (If you’ve never tried electronic hearing protection, I highly recommend it.) I also have several soft earplugs in my bag in case people come shooting with me who forget their hearing protection.
5. Timer – I use a Pocket Pro II competition timer on the range to improve my skills and run various drills.
6. Stapler and Staples – I have a heavy duty Bostitch stapler. Since I have my own range I have to put up my own cardboard and targets.
7. Safety Glasses – I typically wear my Oakley sunglasses when shooting but I also have Remington shooting glasses too for when it’s not sunny enough for sunglasses.
8. Targets – I have a variety of paper targets that I bring, ranging from the “Dot Drill” target to the “5-Square” target.
9. Ammunition – Obviously, the ammunition in my range bag depends on what I’m shooting that day. But, right now I have some 9mm Remington UMC and the .22 Remington Golden-Bullet Pack.
10. Guns – Just like ammunition, it depends what I’m shooting that particular day. But this week when I go to the range I think I’m taking my Glock 19 and Ruger LCP with me.
11. Gun Oil – A small bottle of Remington gun oil also stays in the bag.
You’ll notice one thing that’s missing is a cleaning kit. Personally, I clean my guns when I get home and not while at the range. But I know everyone has their own routines so you might want to include this if you prefer cleaning your guns at the range.
While a complete cleaning kit may be a matter of choice, the possibility of a squib load, even in factory ammunition, is why I keep a sturdy cleaning rod in my range bag.
Me too, I used mine last week for the first time in a year. Loaned it out more than once in that time.
Baseball cap because of brass to face? Is that Glock spitting it back at you? Send her back!
Most police ranges require a cap for the brass from the guy on your left. I always thought it was stupid until I got a hot ejection stuck between my glasses and my temple. Now I always wear one unless by myself.
I once had one of my own brass bounce off the rafter of the somewhat low roof the firing line was under (My XD likes to spit that stuff high and far), and it did the same thing lodging between the bridge of my nose and my glasses. I’m pretty sure my muzzle discipline was pretty crappy as I tried to rip my glasses off my face, so it actually is a safety issue. I always wear a hat now when shooting.
Lots of possibilities. Sunscreen. Bug spray. Target hole taper. Lunch. Water. Cell phone.
Great list of items! Personally, I bring my most of those, as well as a cleaning rod, (because I bring my AR as well as my Glock, and one time (just once) I needed to clear a round out of the AR chamber), a couple tools, a few patches and some CLP for the days when I’m burning through mags and clips just in case I may need to do a little clean-up.
Additional items: 1) Facial wipes in sealed packets, to get rid of any powder and heavy metal residue on your face and hands prior to any eating, 2) Chamber flags, as required, 3) Multi-tool, for the pesky firing line quicky repairs, 4) Stick-on circles, for covering up target holes without having to replace the entire target, 5) Binoculars, for reviewing downrange results when you are too old and blind to see them clearly and closely without help, 6) Box of foam ear plugs, for friends in need which makes you a friend indeed.
Face wipes are something I’d like to explore. I’ve used generic wipes for my face and hands after shooting, but there are also lead wipes (examples: Hygenall LeadOff wipes and D-Wipes) specifically for removing lead. What experiences can be shared about these products, anyone?
D-Wipes would be best, but the problem is that D-Wipes only come in bulk canisters and they do NOT come in individual sealed packets. So I use generic anti-microbial facial cleaning wipes that DO come in individual sealed packets.
Thanks for the quick reply, rangerat. I agree the individual packets are the ideal method. I’ll keep using them and upgrade to D-wipes when they offer packets. I do believe removing the lead dust is very important. Be safe out there.
LeadOff Wipes and FieldWipes are what the military uses. According to the Natick testing people, both brands are made by the same company.
Many years in the military (28) taught me to always have a cap on and collar turned up. Hot brass is no picnic and it can get you at the oddest of times.
A compact screwdriver set and an Ecklund multiple hex screw tool are also an essential part of my range bag.
I would have my UPLULA magazine loader along.
A good list and all those responding are also adding good items as well. I think there are tons of items any of us could include depending on past experiences. The main thing is to simply have a bag at all! I see so many people go to a range with just their pistol and a box of ammo. They’re always going up and down the line trying to borrow something. We all like to be friendly and helpful but . . . come on folks, come prepared LOL!
The magazine loader is a given. I also carry a small punch/soft faced hammer set to help with squibs or aid with take downs.
+1 to the mag loader. A good mag loader makes time at the range a whole lot more fun.
Also, I carry a roll of 1″ wide blue painter’s masking tape (I only use the blue stuff because it’s what I have handy.). I use it to hang targets at certain ranges but most often, I use it to patch up holes and reuse a paper target. I like to know we each of the shots from just the last group ended up.
A canteen or bottle of water – handy if you forget a small cooler or if there is a water fountain on site but no containers.
And for us pale-of-skin: a tube of SPF 45 or 50.
All good suggestions. Laugh if you wish, but there’s always a roll of TP in my range bag. Serves multiple purposes….there’s the “obvious” reason ‘cuz ya never know, use it as tissues in case you get the snots, clean shooting or regular glasses, mop up spills from drinks, etc. Be prepared!
Insect repellant, an extra pair of earmuffs, AA & AAA batteries for hearing protectors and 9V my chronograph. Plastic bags for brass, iPhone, Swiss army knife, water bottle, hand towel, note pad.
spray paint for metal targets and an empty plastic ammo box for spent cases and a spare parts/emrgency kit such springs and asst. pins.