Every shooting sports aficionado has “the nightmare” at some point.
You know, the one where you show up to the range without all your gear?
(Nothing hurts your pride like having to ask your neighbor if they have an extra set of earplugs.)
Whether you’re about to embark on your first trip to the range or you’re a seasoned veteran, there are certain range day essentials you need to make sure are in your range bag.
The next time you’re ready to do some shooting, here’s what to pack:
1. Guns, Ammo and Mags
Yes, we’re starting with the obvious.
You can’t really enjoy a fun day at the range without a firearm and ammunition, can you?
Sometimes, the most important gear is the easiest to forget.
Pack the guns you’ll be planning on shooting in their cases and get ready to rock.
Unless you want to pay the higher price for range ammo, bring plenty of ammunition along as well.
Throw in some spare mags while you’re at it.
2. Ear and Eye Protection
Safety is important, especially when it comes to your hearing and vision.
Every range bag should include some form of ear and eye protection.
Invest in a pair of high-quality shooting glasses and earmuffs.
You might also want to have a backup pair of each, or at least some extra plugs.
(If your earmuffs are electronic, don’t forget batteries, either.)
3. Targets
Just like ammo, you can find targets at the range. But who doesn’t want to save money?
Pack plenty of range-approved targets so you’ll have something to shoot at.
There are lots of customizable and fun options when it comes to targets (e.g. zombies, terrorists, etc.).
Stock up on your favorites and make sure they’re part of your range day essentials collection.
4. Cleaning Kits
You might not be cleaning your piece after every shot, but what about jams?
Be ready for them and other defects, dirt or debris with a quality cleaning kit.
Make sure your cleaning kit includes rods, brushes and oil or another lubricant.
Don’t forget a multi-tool, either. You never know when you’ll need one.
5. First Aid Kit
Cleaning kits aren’t the only kind of kit you’ll need.
Be ready for an emergency with a good first aid kit.
It should have all the basics, from bandages and medical tape to gloves and meds.
(Brushing up on your CPR techniques wouldn’t hurt, either.)
There are, of course, other important things to bring to the range — like holsters, gloves, mag pouches, belts, sunscreen, etc.
But you really don’t want to forget any of these five essentials.
Do you have any other range day essentials? Let us know in the comments below!
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Speaking of range day, did you know we have a monthly #RangeDayFriday gun giveaway? Head over to our contest page to see details about how you can enter. Here are some past entrants:
If it’s an outdoor range bug repellant
I’ve tried to create a more comprehensive list including the previously mentioned items for my trip to the outdoor range at the state park: Guns, Magazines, Ammunition, Magazine Loader, Targets, Target Holders, Stapler Gun, Gun Cleaning Set, Screw Driver Set, Eye Protection, Ear Protection, First Aid Kit, Cell Phone, Camera, Tripod, Binoculars, Notebook. You may not need all of these, but it would be a pretty good list for checking your equipment and supplies before hitting the road to the shooting range.
Binoculars are handy to see where pistol shots are landing.
This may sound strange, but even after 25 years of shooting I consider my most important range essential to be a qualified instructor or coach!
If I’m going to an outdoor range, or one without running water, I make sure to bring a few bottles of water. Some to drink and some for cleaning hands, or debris from my face. I also take along some wet wipes for a quick clean up of my hands before I leave the range.
One thing that is absolutely needed down here in the deep South in the summer is plenty of water. You can become dehydrated very quickly in 95+ temperatures even if shooting from a shaded position.
I mostly shoot and teach at a membership range, which has a locked gate. More formal ranges charge range fees or require ID badges.
It’s a long, frustrating trip back to the house if you forget your gate key, or whatever else you need to get in the door at the range.
TOOLS! Sight adjusting tools, screwdrivers, Allen and Torx wrenches, any special tools you may need to make field repairs on a specific gun. My permanent tool kit includes sight tools for AR, FAL,AK, and Galil rifles, as well as coins for adjusting scopes. Most people no longer carry a pocketful of change, so you need an assortment of coins for different size adjustment slots. And be sure to have whatever you need to tighten up scope mounts and rings. If a scope loosens up and you don’t have the right screwdriver, Allen or Torx wrench, and/or 1/2″ nutdriver to deal with the problem, you’re done for the day with that gun.
1 Ammunition
2 Magazines
3 Knife
4 Range Finder
5 Range Book & Pen
6 Empty Chamber Flag
7 Ear Protection
8 Eye Protection
9 Elbow Pads
10 Knee Pads
11 Shemagh
12 Shooting Gloves
13 Hat / Cap
14 Holster
15 Flashlight
16 Shooting Mat
17 Shooting Bags & Rests
18 Spotting Scope
19 Wind Gauge
20 Shot Timer
21 Chronograph (Doppler Radar)
22 Binoculars
23 Compass
24 Map
25 Tri-pod
26 Targets
27 Staple Gun & Staples
28 Tape Measure
29 Masking Tape
30 Sharpie Marker
31 Gun Mat
32 Portable Toolkit
33 Portable Cleaning Kit
34 Gun Oil
35 Lens Brush & Cloth
36 Speed Loader
37 Zip Ties
38 Paracord
39 Gun Locks & Keys
40 Range Membership Card
41 Batteries (9V, AA, AAA, CR123)
42 Spent Case Bag
43 First Aide Kit
44 Matches
45 Saline solution (Visine)
46 Sun Tan Lotion
47 Lip Balm
48 Bug Spray
49 Aspirin
50 Hand Sanitizer
51 Disposable Gloves
52 Baby Wipes
53 Cloth/Rag
Hat. Long-sleeve shirt. Brass bucket.
I always keep a quick clotting kit, especially at our range in the countryside. You don’t want to bleed out before you get to the hospital 45 min away. Visine or eyewash. Firing a suppressed shortbarrel can leave a lot unwanted debris in your eyes even with protection, the ability to refresh them is nice especially if like me burning through a case of ammo is the norm. Cigars or cigarettes because its what Clint Eastwood likely would do. Dr Pepper, mixes well with the scent of spent brass. Lol
Two items. One a must, the other just a good option. First, your cell phone. Whether you’re going to a supervised range or not, that should be a must have. Accidents can happen, and especially at an unsupervised range, having the ability to call 911, may make the difference between life or death.
Second would be either a gun log, or a simple notebook with a pen or pencil. This is optional, but since I reload for most of the calibers I shoot with, having the ability to take notes and compare different loadings and how they functioned overall is a good thing. Especially when you’re determining later which box of ammo did great, which did fair and which did poorly (for whatever reason).
My range bag is set up to work with whichever gun I’m choosing to work with, whether it be rifle or pistol. I’ve got the cleaning gear and tools on hand to handle a malfunction, a squib or whatever may arise. It stays that way all of the time. I know folks that have two bags, one for pistol and one for rifle mainly because what they’re carrying in each, but I’ve found one set up and ready to go is a good way to make sure I’m not forgetting something.
I also include screwdrivers of various sizes. a multi-tool and batteries for red dots. What I don’t have is a fak. I need to find an appropriate kit. A tourniquet would not be a bad idea either. Thanks.