Whether you shoot competitively or visit the range for a few hours a couple of times a month, you really need to own a good quality gun range bag. Having everything you need, right with you in an organized manner, is of utmost importance. You only have so much time to spend on the range and you don't want to waste that time rooting through an unorganized mess or interrupting people to ask to borrow something that should have been in your shooting range bag, but wasn't. It is entirely possible that if your gun range bag is that disorganized, you should be thinking about replacing it.
Your Gun Range Bag Should Hold All Of Your Gear
What do you really need to carry in your shooting range bag? Having a good idea of what you need to have with you will help you decide what size bag to get. You really don't want to go any bigger than necessary; weight will quickly become an issue. If you have lots of extra room in your bag, chances are you will quickly fill that space – that just seems to be one of those natural laws that we all live by.
Don't Carry Guns In Your Gun Range Bag That You Won't Shoot
First, how many guns will you actually be shooting during any one trip to the range? Only take what you know you will use and leave the rest locked up at home. Those extra guns can start getting heavy, they will all require frequent safety checks, and if, heaven forbid, your guns get stolen, you will still have the ones you left at home. With this in mind, if you are an average shooter, you can probably plan on shooting two or three guns in one day.
Sufficient Compartments That Are Properly Sized Are A Plus
Next, you will need ammo and magazine clips, a mesh bag for spent shells, some basic tools (look for those great all-in-one combination tools; they are handy and take up a lot less space than several different tools banging around in your shooting range bag). Cleaning rags and a compact cleaning kit are a necessity. Ear plugs and ear muffs, shooting gloves if you use them, a water bottle, and snacks should make up the rest of your needed gear. Don't forget to ALWAYS have spare hearing protection available – even just a few pairs of earplugs will do.
Put All Your Gear Together on A Table Or Bed To Estimate Size Requirements
Put all of these items together and decide how much room they are going to take up. Remember; all of that extra ammo is going to weigh a lot, so decide just how much you will need for one trip. Will a medium sized gun range bag work for what you are going to be hauling, or do you still need a big, pro gun bag to do the job? That might depend on the bag. A bag with multiple pockets and compartments can hold a lot of gear and still keep everything handy and ready to be grabbed when needed.
Decide On The Best Bag For Your Particular Equipment Needs
When looking at shooting range bags, keep in mind the gear that you laid out earlier and decide how many pockets and compartments you will need. Many good bags such as those from Blackhawk come with a removable inner case for your pistols which will contribute to the pistol's cleanliness factor, a mesh bag for spent shells that can be carried outside of the bag to keep out the dirt, several compartments inside, side pockets and at least two pockets on the front. The really great shooting range bags even have a zip-open compartment with magazine holders and a fold down flap where you can set your tools or ammo once they are out of the bag.
Your New Gun Range Bag Must Be Strong And Durable
Construction of the gun range bag is another important area of concern and this is where, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Look for PVC coated, heavy material; reinforced stitching; heavy duty zippers as well as a sturdy, wrapped carry handle and a well-padded shoulder strap on heavy D rings. Even just carrying two pistols and gear, you will be surprised how heavy the gun range bag will be. A bag that can carry this kind of weight without ripping out or tearing is worth what you pay for it. Good shooting range bags can last for years. Whether you head to the range on a regular basis, or only occasionally, the right gun range bag is an important piece of equipment so take the time to find the perfect bag to fit your individual needs.