When I head to the range I need to be efficient with my training as well as provide my students with the training aids and safety equipment they deserve from a professional shooting and tactics instructor. Therefore it is necessary to include the gear that is always needed in a range environment. Here I've highlighted some gear that I carry to the range, every time.
Medical Kit (Trauma)
This includes a SOFTT tourniquet, a nasal pharyngeal for establishing an airway, and Quick Clot Combat Gauze for treating a gunshot wound. I generally just use Gorilla tape for small bandages.
Small Tool Kit
This has small screwdrivers, tiny files and a few punches. I also carry a small adjustable wrench for tightening or removing flash hiders and muzzle brakes. An assortment of Allen wrenches is probably the most used item, including the very small ones used on scope turrets and triggers.
Other Essentials:
HandHeld Light
Useful if your rifle or pistol-mounted light goes down. Also good for range cleanup in the dark.
Ear Protection
Electronic muffs that allow me to hear range commands and my students' questions are a must. I also bring plugs in case someone forgets their ears or I need to double up.
Knee Pads and Gloves
When you are on the range as much as I am, a little protection goes a long way.
Timer
A reliable timer is vital to training, so I often carry two when I travel. I like the ability to check times as well as splits between shots quickly. Having a backlit screen is also good for night classes.
And More...
In addition, I always have a pocket tool, spare batteries for sights, lights and timers, appropriate head gear, sunscreen, chapstick, a good cleaning kit and Rand CLP-the rod sections from military-style kits are also great for clearing a stuck case-traffic cones for movement drills, a stapler and staples, permanent markers, Gorilla tape for fixing gear, and target tape for concealing bullet holes.
