Five Overlooked Range Bag Essentials

Everyone knows what they need in their range bag, right? You need eye and ear protection, some gun lubrication, a few cleaning tools, and ammunition.

These items are universally standard for the range bag, but what might you be overlooking? After spending decades going to the range, I’ve learned there are some items that are really needed but often left out of range bags.

Here’s a look at Five overlooked items I keep in my range bag that most range bags don’t have.

A first aid kit is probably the most overlooked range bag accessory. Remember, you’re dealing with firearms, and mistakes happen. Even if you don’t make a mistake, someone else might.

Firerams can malfunction, and poorly maintained steel targets can cause bullets to ricochet.

Additionally, firearms have sharp edges that can cut or tear skin.

Make sure your range bag contains a tourniquet, several bandages, headache medicine, and an antihistamine for allergies and bee stings. Bees, hornets, and wasps seem to love shooting ranges.

Eye protection is crucial at the shooting range to protect against flying debris, ricochets, and other hazards.

Quality eye protection not only safeguards your vision but also enhances your shooting performance by providing clear, unobstructed views.

Brands like Wiley X, Radians, and Walker's Game Ear offer superior safety standards and innovative designs, making them a top choice for shooters.

Hearing protection is just as important as eye protection. Exposure to loud gunfire can cause permanent hearing damage.

Using earplugs or earmuffs can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss. Electronic earmuffs are a great option as they allow you to hear conversations while blocking out harmful noise levels.

Always ensure your range bag includes adequate hearing protection to maintain your auditory health.

Some of our favorite Ear Pro brands include Walkers Game Ear, Champion Targets, and Radians.

Staple guns at ranges rarely work, and if they do, they’re usually out of staples. You probably have a staple gun at home for chores, but will you remember to bring it to the range?

Probably not!

You can pick up a staple gun and a box of staples for just a few bucks. Leave both in your range bag. You can even spray paint the stapler a bright color so you don’t leave it at the range or someone else doesn’t take it.

Who would want a pink stapler?

Whether we buy them at the store or make them ourselves, we all have favorite Shooting Range Targets.

Arriving at the range only to find you left your targets at home can be frustrating. I recently discovered Entertainment targets from Action Target Inc.

Available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and themes - these shooting range targets come various quantities and are CRAZY fun to train with! Another great addition (specifically for your range bag) are self-adhesive target repairs.

Available in various colors and patterns, you can easily throw a container or roll in your bag, and you will never be without targets.

*At very least, keep a large magic marker in your range bag to mark shots or make targets.

I joined a local gun club for access to their 500-yard range. I was told they had target banks at 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards.

On my first trip, I was trying to establish the DOPE for a new handload, and nothing matched the data from my ballistics program. Frustrated, I went to the truck and got my Rangefinder.

The 300-yard berm was at 265, the 400-yard target bank was at 380, and the 500-yard target stand was at 488. No wonder I was having so much trouble.

Never trust the distances at shooting ranges.

If you keep a rangefinder in your range bag, you’ll quickly understand why. They are also good if you need to shoot at a specific distance other than 100-yard increments.

A trip to the range is not a picnic, but many shooting ranges are remote and do not have vending machines.

Range trips can sometimes last longer than expected, and you might have been in such a hurry to get to the range that you skipped breakfast or lunch.

It’s also hard to shoot your best when you are hungry or becoming dehydrated.

Always make sure you have a couple of bottles of water and a few power bars in your range bag to get you through in a pinch.

Short of packing a cooler and a lunch basket, it’s the next best thing.

Proper preparation for a range trip goes beyond just the basics.

While eye and ear protection, gun lubrication, cleaning tools, and ammunition are essential, adding a few often-overlooked items can make your experience safer and more enjoyable.

A first aid kit, a reliable staple gun, back-up targets, a rangefinder, and some food and water can significantly enhance your time at the range.

Additionally, prioritizing high-quality eye and hearing protection, such as those offered by Wiley X, ensures that you stay safe while honing your shooting skills.

By keeping these items in your range bag, you'll be ready for any situation and can focus on what you enjoy most: shooting.