Must haves for a range bag?

[Justincase]

Ok, since I've never had the opportunity to bring pistols to a firing range, I'm not sure what features are must haves for a range bag. Like, what things would i not think of having until I realize that they're not in my bag? What recommendations (specific bags and general features) can you guys make based on experience? Thanks.

 

[Podmonkey]

I think zippers are pretty essential personally.

 

[Bananabandit]

Since I keep all my guns in gun socks I can just pile them. But Ive always just used a gym type bag. I dont bring much with me. Guns, amml, target, ear protection.

 

[Justincase]

I think zippers are pretty essential personally.

Har de har har. Smart ass.

 

[Podmonkey]

Sorry I have one of these, 42" version, Drago Double Rifle Case.
I can carry all the gear I need for an all day range trip right in the bag.

I think I paid around $90 in my LGS for it. Its cheaper online obviously.
Tons of pockets and pouches all over though. I can fit my 20" 590A1 in the 42" model

 

[Mk44]

I use a large husky tool bag (less conspicuous too) for a range bag with a multi pistol soft case tucked in it.

If you have to have a range bag. Look for something durable w/multiple compartments w/zippers to hold cleaning supplies, ammo, mags, safety equipment, etc..

This is a 5:11 bag...

 

[Deplorable Me]

Uplula magazine loading tool.

Bore snake in your calibers or a basic pistol cleaning kit. Not for detailed cleaning but for basic range cleaning to keep a pistol firing.

Pre-lubed wipe down rag in plastic bag. Put a small bottle if CLP in the same bag. I also keep an old tooth brush for range cleaning in the same bag.

Basic freezer bags for keeping dirty crap our of your bag. Couple of bags. Good for collecting brass too.

Pre-wetted hand wipes.

Empty chamber flag.

I always keep spare ear plugs in my bag.

Spare batteries for your electronic stuff.

Sharpie marker for marking targets. Bingo marker works too. Target dots.

Stapler and staples if needed for hanging targets.

Multi tip range screw driver. Basic range fixing.

 

[Podmonkey]

^All that, and also some bottled water, for thrist and washing/rinsing. I like to use 30 or 50 cal ammo cans for, um..... ammo.

 

[Podmonkey]

I also just bought one of these, Vanquest Rackit 36, for more discrete transport of one rifle and one hangun. It can also act like sort of a giant rifle/pistol combo holster.

 

[Podmonkey]

Also a basic first aid kit wouldn't be a bad idea either. Sliced my hand open loadin a stubborn mag once and didn't have any bandaids or bandages. Got bloody finger prints everywhere!
Oh, and also a cleaning rod for knocking out squibs or stubborn FTEs.

 

[Koz]

For handguns I like the large Midway range bag. I always put all of my guns in zip up gun rugs to travel. I can easily put 7-8 guns and the following in it....I bring a crap load of spare mags and ammo. I always have glasses, various lenses, electronic and a handful of foam ear protectors. A lightly oiled rag, a dry rag, a multi-tool, Uplula for multiple calibers, targets, tape, tacks, clips and stapler, a pen and marker. A bottled water or 2. A garbage bag and an old coffee can for spent brass. Some stuff clips on the bag and some stuff spills over, but I've got it down to a routine.

 

[Frankly]

I had a too large bag that was a pain, then I switched to a Lynx Defense that's about 8x10x18 and it will hold two pistols, 400 rounds, muffs, tools, magazines etc. It's better made than most but most of these gun bags either are poorly constructed (weak material, bad stitching) or have too many stupid features they think are selling points... mine has a "cleaning roll" that extends out from a special compartment that is pointless so I cut it away.
They never have magazine slots that fit your magazines, etc. I wish they'd just do a simple clean bag.

I've tried other bags too but you probably want removable adjustable dividers and a hard bottom that is strong enough to carry heavy ammo. Not many non-firearm bags match up.

I just put tools and small bits into organized clear plastic bags and Tupperware type cases, these also keep oils from leaking about.

Some things I like to have are bandaids and hand cleaner, soft foamy earplugs for doubling up with muffs, spare glasses... I also have some of those lead removal wipes. What I do with those is wipe the bottom of the bag after it's sat around at the indoor range... you bring a lot of nasty lead in stuck to loose woven fabric, might as well mitigate it.

I have a really nice mini-spotting scope that allows me to see hits on targets too.

Finally throw a spare oil filter in the bag in case you have to shoot some asshole and you don't want anyone to hear, I saw this in a movie once and never leave home without my filter.

 

[Phazer]

My favorite range bag:

Inconspicuous with plenty of storage space as a backpack.

Amazon.com: G.P.S. Handgunner Backpack Black GPS-1711BP: Sports & Outdoors

 

[misunderestimated]

Since I keep all my guns in gun socks I can just pile them. But Ive always just used a gym type bag. I dont bring much with me. Guns, amml, target, ear protection.

I used to use the socks also, A long time ago some one pointed out the dangers of sticking your hand in a sock to grab a possible loaded firearm. I no longer use the socks.

 

[masterswimmer]

Some good lists here. One thing I see missing is a wooden dowel close to the interior diameter of the barrel to help clear a squib round.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I also just bought one of these, Vanquest Rackit 36, for more discrete transport of one rifle and one hangun. It can also act like sort of a giant rifle/pistol combo holster.
View attachment 13780
View attachment 13784
View attachment 13781
View attachment 13783

I have something similar. I've never understood the hard plastic cases and soft range bags with molle webbing and velcro patches.

I know it shouldn't matter from the 2A standpoint, but why scream to your neighbor's that you have guns or that you are going shooting now?

 

[DoD1776]

All of these are nuts! We just use our NRA bag and it works fine!

 

[Marine Cpl]

All of these are nuts! We just use our NRA bag and it works fine!

It sure does until I see what you have, follow you home, locate your residence, wait for you to leave, then break into your house.

It doesn't happen often but the chance is there. If I ever become a criminal, that's how I will acquire firearms. It's so easy.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I just use a tennis racquet bag like this. The lower goes in one compartment and the upper in the other.

 

[MilesTeg]

If you reload it's a good idea to bring some grocery bags for brass. When I first put my bag together I was going to put cleaning kits in it and light tooling. After I started throwing things in it I decided to go bare minimum and wait to see what I need. So far there has been no additions. So I've either gotten lucky or the items aren't needed for most range trips. Now if I was going to attend a class with high round counts I would probably throw in a cleaning kit. My bag works as the bare minimum for any range session, but things get added for the given day. I bought mine from a gun show on a whim I don't know if I lucked out but there's nothing I would change one mine.

 

[Podmonkey]

I have something similar. I've never understood the hard plastic cases and soft range bags with molle webbing and velcro patches.

I know it shouldn't matter from the 2A standpoint, but why scream to your neighbor's that you have guns or that you are going shooting now?

My big brown bag is nice because it fits two long guns and I can fit a pistol or two and all my gear in as well. I usually head to the range when no one is around. But I do like that the other bag is stealthy and a bit smaller, good for the days where all I'm gonna shoot is my rifle and pistol. I could even use it to CCW my AR if I wanted to. I doubt that I will. Nice to have the option though.

 

[Podmonkey]

Some good lists here. One thing I see missing is a wooden dowel close to the interior diameter of the barrel to help clear a squib round.

Thats why I said bring a cleaning rod.

 

[dsdmmat]

I bring a Quad cab 4x4 as a range bag

 

[Podmonkey]

I bring a Quad cab 4x4 as a range bag

You bring a whole range as a range bag!

 

[Darth]

My favorite range bag:

Inconspicuous with plenty of storage space as a backpack.

Amazon.com: G.P.S. Handgunner Backpack Black GPS-1711BP: Sports & Outdoors

Same. Love that bag.

 

[Podmonkey]

Same. Love that bag.

Looks real neat...... but...... but..... no rifle room

 

[dsdmmat]

You bring a whole range as a range bag!

There is some truth to that. I bring a bench, chair, tripod, spitting scope, tool kit, front rest, sandbags, cleaning rods, ear plugs, ear muffs, shooting glasses, bug repellent, whatever I am shooting, the ammo for it and lunch.

 

[Podmonkey]

There is some truth to that. I bring a bench, chair, tripod, spitting scope, tool kit, front rest, sandbags, cleaning rods, ear plugs, ear muffs, shooting glasses, bug repellent, whatever I am shooting, the ammo for it and lunch.

I felt like such a big boy when I used my spiffy new spotting scope for the first time! I'd never had one before. Takes a lot of legwork out of the equation.

 

[Darth]

Looks real neat...... but...... but..... no rifle room

But room for everything else, labeled well. Just toss the rifle in a case and bring that.

 

[Podmonkey]

But room for everything else, labeled well. Just toss the rifle in a case and bring that.

That totally blows the uber stealthyness of the pistol bag then!
I think I got a pretty good greyman bag with the vanquest one. I'm gonna stick some old sneakers under the bungy wrap for camoflage.