Night Bag

posted on December 3, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg

A few weeks ago, my security system went off around midnight. My home-defense plan worked smoothly, as I quickly obtained my home gun, along with a flashlight, and took up post at the top of the stairs, while my wife grabbed our daughter and retreated to our bedroom and took up her gun. The incident ended up being nothing, thankfully, but it started me dissecting my plan for flaws.

Overall, as I said, the plan worked, and would have been very effective against the standard break in. I did, however, realize that if the incident had turned into a prolonged fight, I wasn’t as prepared as I could have been. When I went in search of the problem, I didn’t have a spare magazine in case the round count went above eight, a spare flashlight in case of battery failure nor did I have a spare key to thrown down to police so they could enter the premises.

This made me realize that I needed a night bag to have everything needed in one place in case of a home invasion. While I was prepared for the most part, there is always a way to be more prepared for disaster, and my next step to build a night bag. I’m considering my options, and am interested in discovering what you use, and would recommend.

Latest

Growth Sending Strong Signals
Growth Sending Strong Signals

Firearm Industry Rebound on the Horizon?

Several industry developments indicate the post-pandemic decline in gun sales may finally be coming to a halt. Here's what that means for consumers.

Preview: Adapteur & Silencieux Silencer Adapter

Cleverly designed and precisely made in France by Adaptateur & Silencieux, the Ruger Mark IV, III and II Silencer Adapter allows those classic models to accept suppressors.

Review: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-12 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine has recently released its Victra-12 shotgun suppressor, which promises to quiet the report of a 12-gauge shotgun while adding less weight than ever before.

A Clear Advantage: The Shield Sights OSMx Competition Red-Dot

Based on its OMSsc red-dot optic introduced last year, Shield Sights has launched the larger, competition-oriented OSMx red-dot for 2026.

Gun of the Week: Taurus 66 Combat Revolver

Taurus USA recently expanded its revolver line with the 66 Combat, a larger, all-steel revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. Watch our "Gun of the Week" video to see the 66 Combat in use on the range.

The Armed Citizen® March 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.