March 21, 2024
By Cody Eardley
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A day at the range can be fun and productive. However, if you run into a problem with your firearm and don’t have the tools to fix it, the trip can be a waste. That’s why I take a dedicated range bag every time I go shooting. It makes my days go smoother, while also making my training and testing time more efficient.
RamRod Whether it’s a dirty gun, bad ammo, or simply bad luck, a case will inevitably get stuck in the chamber. A tap with a metal ramrod is all it usually takes to get it out. Carrying a compact cleaning kit that includes a break-down ramrod solves the problem immediately. Dirty guns don’t run well, and a quick scrub with the cleaning kit can get them functioning properly.
Gun Lubricant I like to run ARs dripping wet, especially when breaking them in. Invariably, someone at the range will have a gun that they just bought or haven’t cleaned in years that is jamming. A smear of oil on the bolt carrier or a few drops on the guide rails of a pistol makes a big difference. I like a small bottle of Rem Oil, but any quality lube that doesn’t leak will do.
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Garmin Xero C1 Chronograph Garmin's new Xero C1 Chronograph is one of the best tools you can keep in your range bag. It's a doppler-style chronograph, but it's the smallest avaliable on the market, plus it's rechargeable! Capable of measuring velocity with great accuracy, it also automatically calculates standard deviation, extreme spread, power factor and even kinetic engery.
Driver/Bits If a grip panel, optics mount, or other accessory works loose or falls off your gun, a simple Torx or hex key set can save the day. I hate tearing up screw heads and like to shoot a wide variety of guns, so I carry several sets of bit drivers, including Real Avid’s Smart Drive Kit and The Works from Fix-It-Sticks. I also bring along Real Avid’s Accupunch hammer and pin set, front sight tool, and a crescent wrench.
Multi-Tool With a knife blade, wire cutters, pliers, bits to tighten screws, and even a bottle opener for when you are done shooting, there isn’t much a multitool can’t do . Multitools designed specifically for shooters add versatility at the range. Keeping one in the bag means I won’t forget it in a different pair of pants.
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Targets & Accessories Paper targets are cheap, easy, and fold up small. Packs of bullseye stickers go on cardboard boxes or pop cans. I keep a heavy-duty stapler, zip-ties, and Gorilla tape in my bag to hang targets. I toss in a couple of pencils because I have found that writing firearm and load data on the targets helps me stay organized.
Extra Batteries A dead red dot or rangefinder can ruin your day but is an easy fix if you brought extra batteries. The small, coin-sized batteries last up to a decade, so you can toss them into a pocket and forget them until you need them. A couple of batteries in every size you might need, plus an external power bank for your phone is a good idea.
PPE A pocket full of ear plugs means I always have some ready. Plus, it seems like someone at the range always forgets theirs. Safety glasses are essential, and a few Zeiss lens wipes make a big difference on dirty lenses and optics.
Trauma Kit A quality trauma kit that includes a tourniquet and bandages is something you hope you never use but are glad to have if needed. Also, by carrying one you can be an asset to others. I once used mine when a stranger rolled an ATV into a barbed-wire fence near where we were shooting. We had to patch him up while we waited for the helicopter.
Water/Snacks I always toss in a bottle of water and dump in a box of energy bars. Tip: Bring a flavor of energy bar that you don’t really like. That way, they are there when needed, but you won’t be tempted to snack on them for fun.
