Range Bag Recommendations from a Pro

posted on December 5, 2014
** 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. **
bsheetz2015_fs.jpg

undefinedWhen 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.

Latest

Magpul Hunter Lite Stock
Magpul Hunter Lite Stock

New for 2026: New Products from Magpul

Magpul announces new metal-magazines, new stocks and pistol frames.

New for 2026: Burris Veracity Riflescopes

The latest generation of Veracity scopes is available in a variety of 5X magnification ranges.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory 10-8 Performance Master Class 1911 Pistols

Springfield Armory and Lipseys have partnered to offer a highly custom 1911 with input from Hilton Yam.

New For 2026: Diamondback SDR-A

Following the release of its Self-Defense Revolver in 2024, Diamondback Firearms has now lightened its design and reduced the cost with the new-for-2026 SDR-A.

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PDP F-Series 4-Inch

Walther Arms continues to expand its F-Series handgun line, a design initially developed for women but that has broad appeal across the firearm consumer market, thanks to its unique design elements and feature set.

Mossberg Expands Budget-Priced Maverick Line With Semi-Auto Model

As part of its International family of shotguns, Mossberg announced the introduction of the Maverick SA Semi-Auto, a versatile, value-focused semi-automatic platform built to deliver reliable performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.