Top 7 Range Bag Essentials 

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If you’re a newbie in the world of shooting, you may not be certain what to put in a range bag. Since we’re talking about range bag essentials, make sure that you only pack the must-haves. Otherwise, you’ll be carrying a range bag that’s a lot heavier than it needs to be.

What Is A Range Bag?

A range bag will serve as your dedicated bag for range purposes only. Having a dedicated range bag will make it easier for you to just grab it and head for the range whenever you have the time and feel like doing so. This range bag will have everything you need should you practice in an outdoor or indoor shooting range. 

Can I Use A Backpack As A Range Bag?

Yes, you definitely can. You just have to choose high-quality backpacks that could serve well as a range bag. But, if you’re serious about practicing your shooting skills, better invest in a backpack designed specifically for use at the range.

What Is The Best Range Backpack?

The best range backpack must possess the style, design, capacity, size, storage options, material and comfort that you prefer. Examples of range backpacks that possess these qualities in their most excellent form are the following:

What to Pack in a Range Bag?

1. Trauma Kit (TFAK) 

Prioritizing medical kits can save lives. Your TFAK can be used not only in emergency situations that occur in the shooting range. Wherever you may go and whatever you do, accidents could happen anytime. This is why a TFAK will prove to be useful and a wise investment especially for people who bring their own firearm all the time. 

What should be included in TFAK (Trauma First Aid Kit)?

Your Trauma First Aid Kit must include:

  • Emergency pressure bandage – for trauma dressing
  • Hemostatic dressing – for treating severe bleeding
  • Saline wash – for wound washing, irrigating the eyes
  • CPR Shield– to prevent disease transmission during CPR
  • Rapid Tourniquets – for arterial bleeding
  • Open chest injury seals – for treating open chest injuries
  • Vacuum sealed gauze – for serious bleeding
  • Small EMT shears -for cutting bandages, gauzes, etc.
  • Rescue blanket – thermal insulation blanket 

Note that a TFAK is something that you can develop as your experience as a shooter also grows. So, do not be afraid to add more to this list. The more TFAK essentials you have, the more likely you can save yours or other people’s lives. 

2. Eye Protection

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What’s the best eye protection for shooters?

Ideally, the best eyewear protection for shooters is the one that adheres to Ballistic Eyewear Standards such as:

  • US Military: MIL-PRF-31013
  • European: EN166
  • US Civilian: ANSI Z87.1

Experts recommend that shooters must use eye protection that meets the minimum standard, which is the US Civilian standard: ANSI Z87.1. Great examples of these safety glasses include the following:

3. Hearing Protection

What’s the best hearing protection for range shooting?

In addition to comfort, durability and fit, the best hearing protection must have an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of at least 22dB. When you’re in a shooting range, chances are high that you will be exposed to noises of unsuppressed gun fire from different types of firearms. These gunshot noises heard from the firing line could reach up to 140-190 dB. That’s why it is best to own an ear protection gear that provides you with as much protection as possible.

Examples of the best hearing protection for gun range shooting are:

4. Paper Targets

Gun range bag essentials also include spare paper targets. Although this can be provided by your chosen gun range, you can save a lot on costs if you bring your own backup targets. Buying paper targets in bulk will even help you save more! Choosing the best paper targets is important because this will serve as a tool for measuring your shooting accuracy and your shooting progress. 

5. Practice Ammo

When choosing your practice ammo, you need to consider several factors such as:

Price – choose a box of ammo that offers 100 rounds at a price that is affordable for you. 

Lead Safety – most indoor gun ranges only allow TMJ  (Total Metal Jacket) bullets. TMJ ammo remains unexposed even after they’re being fired which greatly reduces the likelihood of exposure to airborne lead.

Recoil – newbie shooters should choose low recoil ammo. This is the kind of ammo that minimizes the need for forceful recoil, which is important for a shooter who is still learning to use his gun.

Number of Rounds – it is so easy to run out of bullets especially when you’re focusing on your shooting accuracy at the range. This is why you should consider the number of rounds that you pack in your range bag. But, don’t forget to ask the range first prior to your visit. Some ranges only require a specific type of practice ammo. 

6. Gun Bore Snake 

A gun bore snake is another must-have in your range bag. This makes cleaning your gun barrel so handy. Gun bore snakes may come in different brands, designs, colors and features. But, generally, they are made of braided nylon with bronze bristles that will help get the job done. Don’t forget that the gun bore snake must be used with your chosen solvent.

7. Handgun 

What’s the Best Handgun for Beginners?

The best handgun for beginners, according to reviews are as follows:

Before you buy any gun and its accessories, it would be helpful to read or watch video reviews about it first. This way, you won’t end up regretting your purchased item. 

If you haven’t visited any indoor shooting range, make sure to check out our blog post about the Beginner’s Guide to Visiting an Indoor Shooting Range.