When you’re out shooting you want to focus on shooting. You don’t want to have to worry about the myriad of problems that can pop up, but when an issue does occur you need to be prepared to deal with it. If you’ve taken the time to prepare a proper range bag ahead of time you won’t have to worry, but you’ll always know you are ready.
A range bag is more than just a tool pouch, it’s peace of mind. It’s the ability to keep shooting when problems occur, and it’s the ability to make the most out of your time at the range, or wherever you decide to go shooting. I’m a forgetful person as my wife will tell you, at length. By packing your bag when you get your gun and bringing it with you whenever you grab your gun you won’t have nearly as many problems. So, if we are preparing this amazing bag, what exactly do we pack in it?
How do you pack a range bag? For some, it’s like a game of adult Tetris trying to fit all the pieces together. For others, they don’t even consider a range bag and just bring a few essentials. Don’t just take my word, and what I might pack into consideration. I went and sought out what other airgunners where putting in their range bags and I’ve compiled a list for you.
What Kind of Bag Should I get?
This article is about what goes in your bag, not necessarily what kind to get, but that’s a valid question. My favorite is Dave’s range bag. We’ll be covering it in depth over in another article soon. What is important is that it is a backpack to help make it easier to carry. He lives in Minnesota but takes trips to Alaska so he needs a bag that can deal with a variety of situations. Anyway, let’s get on to what you might put in your range bag. After that maybe you’ll start to have an idea what type of bag you’re going to want.
Start With Safety in Mind
I was going to start with a must-have section, but this section is above that. It isn’t just a must-have. Safety is first, and if you start with safety in mind accidents might not be so damaging and traumatic. Do not skimp on this section. It is by far the most important. If your gun malfunctions and you lose a day it sucks. If someone gets seriously injured and safety gear isn’t there it can be life-changing.
Emergency Medical Kit / First Aid Kit
DO NOT overlook this one. So many people do. You should have a serious kit with you when you are using airguns, or firearms. The potential for serious injury is there, and you don’t want to be without any resources. Heck, you could go without anybody getting shot, and someone can trip and land on something and get injured. You’ll be happy you have your kit with you. If there are range bags with your group there had better be plenty of first aid supplies.
Emergency Card
Put a card with your emergency information in with your first aid kit. You can laminate it, or you can put it on a notecard in a sandwich bag. The poor man’s lamination. This is incredibly important. I don’t know what might happen out there, but this can be a real lifesaver.
Good Ear Pro and Ear Plugs
You want both ear muffs and ear plugs. Make sure you have the best ear pro for you that you can, but also have some cheap earplugs. You can help out your buddies that will forget, and if you are firing near a particularly loud range partner you can put a pair of earplugs in, then put the muffs on. I know you are using airguns, and they are very quiet, but not all ranges are just for airguns, and even airguns can make noise. Protect your hearing.
Eye pro (a couple of pairs)
Here again, you want a couple of pairs because your buddies will forget. Even if you usually shoot with a prepared friend, there will be a time you bring along a non-shooter to see if you can get them into your airgun addiction. Let’s make sure they are safe.
Water
Water is a must. Not only is it convenient, but staying hydrated is massively important. You can either bring a bottle, or you can do what I recommend and make sure your range bag has a camelback. Not only is water great for keeping you hydrated, but it is handy for helping clean stuff off. It’s nice to have the camelback because it’s easy to carry but holds a good amount.
Sunscreen
Sunburns are no joke, and I’ve seen people that are out all day in the heat and the wind that didn’t think about their sunscreen. I’ve seen some serious burns, and as a ginger, I’ve felt those burns. This isn’t just a convenience item, it’s legit a safety issue in some circumstances.
Insect repellent
Like sunscreen, this isn’t always considered a safety item. It’s really a matter of convenience if you aren’t in an area where mosquitos, ticks, and other insects aren’t likely to carry illnesses. That being said, where I’m at deer ticks might have limes disease and mosquitos have whatever the news points out this year. On top of that, it really does suck to try and hold the perfect shot while a dozen fat mosquitos dine on your blood.
What are Must Have Range Bag Items?
There are a lot of optional items you can have at the range, and we’ll get to those later in the list, but this first part is what I consider must-haves. When I think about must haves I think about failures that would cause an all stop and ruin my day at the range first. Second I think about the more common problems I’m likely to run into. The items in this section of the list are meant to stop the biggest failures and also the things most likely to be useful on a regular basis. Most likely these things that make the biggest impact on your range time.
Pen, shooting journal or composition notebook
This first is a convenience, but it’s going to see use most frequently. This is for tracking your progress and it can be a lot of fun to have. Even if you are just plinking it’s fun to record your progress and see how you’re shooting. I get kinda bored just shooting to shoot and I like to have a goal in mind. My goals aren’t to be the next superstar shooter, but most often I like to see if I can make my groups tighter. This makes the top of my list because I’m not waiting for a failure to use it. It can get used every time you are at the range.
Multi-tool
A lot of you are probably already carrying a multi-tool, but I find having one specifically in your range bag to be beneficial. You never know when you’re going to need it, and if for some reason you aren’t carrying your multi-tool with you I guarantee that’s the day you’ll need it. You don’t need the top of the line tool here. This is your all-in-one I’ve got it covered weapon against failures. I love multi-tools.
Tape (Bring a Variety, but bring these three for sure)
Duct Tape
I shouldn’t have to say much for duct tape. It’s super useful in so many different situations I don’t think you can put a proper bag together without it.
Plumber’s tape
This is mostly for PCP or CO2 guns where you are worried about the seal and you’re more likely to run into situations to use it.
Scotch tape
You can tape up your targets, patch your targets, etc. I’ve got tape on this list three different times, and for good reason. Scotch tape is basically good for anytime duct tape might be a bit too extreme.
Two Small crescent wrenches
These little bad boys are super useful. I like crescent wrenches for a bag like this because they can fit any size which saves precious room in the bag. You want two because you never know when you’ll have to counter-turn. I can’t stand when I need to get something loose, but I don’t have a second wrench handy. I always try pinching it with my fingers like that’s going to work on a lock nut…
Allen wrenches
Lots of equipment these days need Allen wrenches. You could get a specific size, or sizes that work for you, or you can get a cheap Allen wrench all in one tool. I like to be prepared in case a friend’s setup malfunctions though so for me all in one is the way to go.
Screwdriver sets (one designed for your gun and one designed for scope rings and mounts)
Screwdrivers are important. You need them for your gun and for your scope rings and mounts. This is an item I suggest splurging a little and getting a nice set, and possibly two. One for your gun and one for the scope rings and mounts. I say to splurge here because you are dealing with small delicate screws and you do not want to strip them out or mess them up because you have poorly made and imprecise screwdrivers. I know it’s odd, but trust me you want to protect yourself from your own clumsy self.
Cleaning rod or Brass Rod
Here pick your preference, but you’ll want a rod that breaks down so it fits in your bag easily. Brass is pretty easy on the inside of your barrel. Make sure you get one that fits nicely and will do any jobs you need.
Some spare cash for the days you forget
When you first pack your range bag set 40 dollars aside and tuck it in a pocket. Don’t use it frivolously. Just have it in there. You’ll run into a time you’ll be happy that money is in there. When you do use it make sure you replace it.
Batteries
If you have a red dot sight bring a button battery. If you have an LED flashlight bring a battery for that. Basically whenever you add something that requires a battery to your range day supplies add an extra battery for it to your range bag.
LED flashlight
I like to have a headlamp around, but having a little clip on pen LED light attached to your range bag is useful too. You’d be surprised how often this one doesn’t make the list, and how useful it really is. Remember that scenario where you dropped that screw? Seriously though, this will work in your favor more often than a lot of the other equipment in your bag.
Electronic Calipers
If you want to get really precise with your measurements quickly electronic calipers are the way to go. Just don’t forget to pack an extra battery.
Metrics and standard ruler
If you don’t want to use an electronic caliper you can always fall back on a trusty ruler with metric and standard listed. I like to have both along. A ruler doesn’t take up that much room.
Lubricating oil
Whatever oil you choose to use you’ll want to have it along with you. Pellgun oil might be a good choice for you, but honestly, there are so different kinds of oils and situations in which it can be good or bad I can’t say just use this kind of lubrication. Figure out which one works best for you and bring it along. Those of you using springers you know to be careful about dieseling and the FPS of your gun.
Extra O-Rings
Whatever O-Rings your gun is using you want to have them along. I learned this before I even got into airguns. Back in my paintball days the only really consistent problem was blown seals. Always, always have some around. A good seal is critical for good shooting.
Tweezers
Any time you are going to be working with small parts I find tweezers to be useful. I have small hands, but I have short stubby fingers. If I want to teach my kids that being out on the range isn’t an excuse to swear when I need a pair of tweezers along. These come in handy for getting things out of small places.
Extra screws
For the same reason that tweezers are important so are extra screws. How many times have you dropped a small black screw that is critical and had to do the everyone stand still dance? Then everyone slowly gets down and crawls around looking for a screw.
5-10lb Shot Bag(s)
You might want to bring more, but I consider a more intensive shot bag to be a side item to bring with and not a range bag item. 5lbs is pretty portable and 10 lbs is pushing it,but when you have everything else, getting on the heavy end for shot bags will really weigh you down.
Paper towels and/or Clean Rags
I wouldn’t carry the whole roll, but keep some folded up in a sandwich bag for some quick cleanup. You can carry rags too, but paper towels are nice because you can dispose of them so easily.
Sometimes the paper towels won’t do. Having a few clean rags will be well worth your while. These come in handy when working on your equipment, but they also come in handy on dirty muddy days as well.
Binoculars
These help you get a closer look at the target without having to adjust things. They are far more useful than you might think. If you use your range bag as I believe you should it’ll be along when you get out to hunt as well. Binoculars are useful for quickly identifying what you might want to shoot at more than bringing your gun up and looking through the scope at everything. Also, if you’re out in the wilderness maybe you’ll decide to get some use out of these in your downtime.
Waterproof blanket
There are some waterproof blankets that fold up really small out there. Sometimes your range is going to be muddy, nasty, wet, etc. If you aren’t prepared for it you’re going to be uncomfortable.
Improved Quality of Life
If you’ve packed all the essentials and you have more room in your range bag start considering which of these items is most likely to improve your quality of life. Not everyone will want every item on this list in their range bag, but there are some big winners down here. I have a few of my personal must-haves on this list, but I didn’t include them above because they aren’t as universally important.
Folding Chair
Not every range has a good place to sit, and chances are you will have some downtime. Why not bring a folding chair with you? Again, if you are at an outdoor range and the weather has been crap any seating is likely to be soaked. I’m not too out of shape, but I am getting older every year and I’m finding I like to sit more with each year that passes.
Lighter (pipe lighter, something windproof)
I’m not a smoker, but I know lighters can be used in a large number of situations. I recommend having a lighter in your range bag that’s windproof, but not too expensive. We aren’t looking to impress anyone, but if you’re out on a windy day you don’t want to be fighting to keep your lighter lit.
Sandwich Bags and Freezer Bags
It’s useful to have a few plastic bags along. I wouldn’t bring a whole box of each, but enough to put important items in if it’s a rainy crappy day. These also come in handy if a friend is shooting a firearm if you are collecting brass. There are time’s I’ll put my wallet and phone in a plastic bag, in my range bag while I’m out.
Garbage Bag
Again, planning for sucky days a garbage bag big enough to fit your range bag on and it can be incredibly useful for protecting your gear from the elements.
WD-40
One of the greatest inventions ever. When you really need to get something loose a little bit of WD-40 will go a long way.
Cleaning pellets
You shouldn’t need to clean your gun on the range often, and some ranges don’t allow it, but if you’re having a really bad go, and you know you need to clean it out, these are quick and easy. In fact, some ranges that don’t allow gun cleaning might allow the use of these little guys.
Black or blue markers
To mark things… Seriously, that’s it.
Small Rain poncho
I like to have one of those very small ponchos that are basically one use tucked away. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, but having one along might keep you from having a very miserable experience.
Cleaning cloth for optics
Your optics and your eye pro will get dirty at some point. Even if they somehow got dirty at home you aren’t going to notice until you are looking down your scope. It’s best to have a cleaning cloth along to take care of the problem and get back to shooting right away.
Wet Wipes
I don’t know why these were a secret for so long, but once I had kids I realized the magic of wet wipes. Seriously, these things are the best. Heck, in the military they can substitute for a shower under certain circumstances. Just don’t accidentally grab the icy/hot pack instead. That would be a different kind of experience.
Chapstick
Chapped lips are irritating, but on a range they are common. Sometimes that sun and wind can get really intense. It’s all too common for people to forget about their lips until later when they really start getting chapped.
Drift Punch Set
This will come in handy if you need to do a bit more extensive work on your gun. Those roll pins can be a pain in the butt. Not everyone is planning on doing a lot of work at the range, but sometimes it won’t be so bad, and if you have a malfunction early in the day your whole day could be shot.
Variety of paper targets, you never know what you’re going to need
Do you have the targets you want to use? If you have room in your range bag you can pack some. If you are going to an established range this isn’t such a big deal, but if you are going to your buddies to do some shooting you’ll want this.
Stapler, and staples for targets
A stapler and staples are useful for fastening targets.
Diver’s silicone grease
If you are dealing with PCP or CO2 guns you might want some Diver’s silicone grease. It’ll help improve your seals.
Paperclip
Honestly, I’m not sure why, but I agree… Seriously, it seems silly. I’ve never had one along so I haven’t really gone too much into a use case for paperclips, but I will tell you I almost never use a paperclip as it is intended. I use them to move drives on my computer, to reset routers and on remote controls. If you do want to use the paperclip as intended you should have a shooting journal along with you, and you can use it there.
Leather gloves
These are a must on a lot of people’s lists, but they just don’t make the cut as essential for me. They are easy to pack, so why not, but expect them to hang out in the bag most of the time.
50 feet of strong poly string or fishing line
I saw someone list this as something in their range bag, and I almost didn’t include it, but then I started thinking about it. The string doesn’t take up that much room, and I can think of some fun uses for it off the top of my head without really trying very hard. It reminds me of the last time I went kayaking and out of 24 people I was the only one that had spare rope when it was needed. This is just the mini-version.
Protein Bar
Some sort of protein bar is really good in a lot of range bags. You don’t want to be hangry out there on the range. You’ve been at the range with some hungry people that start missing and getting more and angrier. Here we have the power to stop that.
Book, just in case you have downtime
Unexpected downtime will occur. I know most people will just hop on their phone, but I like to hold out and think there are a few that might break out a book.
Important Items for PCP and CO2 Enthusiasts
Most of this list is universal, but these items are for those of you using PCP or CO2 airguns.
Spare CO2 cartridges
Obviously, if you are shooting a CO2 gun you’ll want some CO2 cartridges with you to ensure you can keep firing while you are there. If you have friends that use CO2 guns and shoot with you regularly you might consider having a couple on hand. I find being the most prepared one comes in handy.
Folding 3 section bipod
This is for the PCP and CO2 folks again. If you are using a Gas Ram or Springer you DO NOT want to use a bipod. It will take away your capability to do anything like the artillery hold. Now, it will work in very, very consistent situations, but do not count on it. Basically, you’d be setting your gun up to shoot in one position all the time resting on the same surface. For springers and gas rams you’ll be going with sand or rice bags most likely.
Buddy Bottle
Already filled and ready to go. A buddy bottle is much easier to carry around than a SCUBA tank, and it’ll save you time too.
Guppy Tank
If a buddy bottle isn’t enough for you and you have enough room you can consider a backpack guppy tank.
Getting Competetive
If you are going above and beyond beginner level shooting you might consider some of these items. I’ve seen other people mention them. Personally, I’m not the type of shooter that uses these items, but I can see how useful they are for people looking at really stepping up their game.
- Spotting Scope
- Laser rangefinder
- Wind meter
Final Words
OK, so that’s my checklist of items. Like I said at the beginning you won’t use all of them. Some people will use more than others. All of these items are items people really use. I even culled out some of the weirder items. What you put in your range bag is very personal. It depends on where you shoot, what you shoot, how you shoot, and what kind of gun you are using. Your threshold for what you want to do on the range vs. at home is important as well.
Shooting is a great sport and hobby. It is so customizable it is amazing. Just remember to plan ahead and pack ahead for the best days at the range.
Did I miss anything on this list?
Lastly, don’t forget to consider what kind of bag you want. Check back in the future to find our article about what kind of range bag we think is the best.