Need some help on what a Range Bag actually is

[earlthegoat2]

I have looked over a few range bag threads over the last year. I don’t pay too close of attention usually as I don’t use one and I don’t really think I need one.

This has sparked the question in my head of why does anyone need one? It seems many people use them so I wonder if maybe I do want one. Or since I am handy and have an industrial sewing machine, maybe I can make one.

What do people want from their range bags?

I seriously dont know because my range bag is my car. I have a few cardboard boxes in there with earmuffs, stapler and staples, targets, screwdriver bit set, spotting scope and tripod. I keep my ammo in a camera case size SKB hard case with the foam removed. (cheap gun show purchase). Guns in cases just laying in the trunk too.

I get the impression people have a bit of a walk to the firing line. I just drive up and take 3 steps from the car and I am there.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

So first of all storing guns long-term in a car is a really bad idea.

As far as the Range Bag goes I carry a gym bag and I keep my Staples in my stapler in my targets and the first aid kit and all my range magazines and my ear plugs and all that miscellaneous junk in it so I can just grab it out of the closet when I go to the range and go

 

[labnoti]

If you take classes that go to multiple ranges (pistol range, shoot house, obstacle course, vehicles) you will be with other people and it's not practical for everyone to move their cars or trucks around and get them all close. So you take a bag or cart with you with your supplies and equipment. Without getting into long guns, it's nice to be able to store your handgun in the bag or cart as well as a backup so you're not out if the primary goes down for any reason. You'll also want ammo storage. A full day class is often 200 to 300 rounds, sometimes more. You can keep a few essential tools in the bag. Your gun, sight, holster or accessory may need a screwdriver, bit holder or allen key. It's good to have a range rod for squibs or jams. You can keep a Clear Bore Indicator or chamber flag in the bag. It's a good idea to have a cleaning rod and some basic cleaning supplies: patches, bore snake, cleaner, brushes, picks, jags etc, and some oil or grease. The bag is a good place to keep your hearing protection. Some electronic muffs are nice for classes, and sometimes you'll want plugs to double-up. You'll want safety glasses and maybe a spare pair in case they're damaged. You can put magazines or clips in the bag, and a magazine or clip loader/unloader. A rag is a nice thing to have. If you use any kind of optic, whether scope, holo or reflex, it's nice to have a puffer and a lens pen or other lens cleaner. A Sharpie comes in handy for marking the gun, sights, cartridges, and targets. Then there's your targets, stapler, tape or target stickers. If you ever use a rest, you can put that in there too. Then you'll want water. Bring plenty of water. Spare hat? Ever use gloves? Mechanix maybe for shooting, and nitrile for picking up brass or gun cleaning. Bags for brass. Maybe some garbage bags if you shoot 2L soda bottles and 12 oz cans or other stuff that becomes trash.

Personally, I like a range cart even if I'm just shooting handgun. I can be sure I have everything I need and I don't have to stoop down on the ground to get things out of the bag. I've been to plenty of ranges that don't have tables because people are mobile on the ranges. Everyone who brings only a range bag ends up on their hands and knees reloading magazines.

Now for my practice time alone, I do work out of my vehicle. I don't bring everything for every possible contingency because if I have to call it a day I'm not out a costly class and all the travel expense.

One change I've made recently is to get enough magazines or clips that I won't have to load them for a whole day of shooting. I also have an organizer with a separate compartment for each magazine or clip. I can see at a glance that I have all of them and I haven't left one on the range or in the shoot house or somewhere else that I dropped when reloading. I also never have to use range or class time fiddling with loose rounds.

 

[JohnKSa]

I don't like having my bandages, handwipes and sunscreen banging around in one large compartment with everything else.

I like some way to carry magazines so that they are separate from other things--ideal would be that they are in individual compartments so they aren't dinging against each other and can be carried loaded since I often load mags before going to the range.

Big enough to carry at least one handgun and a couple hundred rounds. Better yet is big enough to carry two handguns.

I always carry a couple of markers to write on targtes. When going to an outdoor range, I also carry a staplegun and spare staples.

I always carry some simple tools--something like a compact screwdriver set, a brush and a pistol cleaning rod. It's nice to have a place to put a container of CLP and some paper towels or a rag in case you want to do some quick cleaning at the range. Batteries are important these days.

You want a compartment for storing eye pro so it won't get banged around or smashed.

Some provision to carry ear pro.

 

[film495]

A friend of mine just uses a plastic 50 cal ammo can with a handle on it; same idea as a range bag - it is just a box with a handle on it instead of a cloth one with a few more pouches built in.

 

[earlthegoat2]

So first of all storing guns long-term in a car is a really bad idea.

Good advice but I most assuredly do not do this.

 

[DeepSouth]

This has sparked the question in my head of why does anyone need one?

I seriously dont know because my range bag is my car.

Okay, this is really simple. Some people are neat, or don’t want to “junk up a vehicle, or don’t trust their neighbors, or etc, etc. So they take the stuff you put n your car, or the most important stuff anyway, and put it in (wait for it) a bag.

That’s now a range bag, same as your car just more portable, and easier to secure.
I don’t use a range bag either, but it’s because my yard is my range. If I had to travel to a range I can’t think of a better way to transport the items needed for range use than in some type of duffle bag.

 

[HPCadm17]

I have a "range bag" but I actually prefer a backpack because it's easier to carry. It doesn't have to be designed specifically for the range, any one will suffice, big enough to carry at least 3-4 pistols, mags, related ammo, med kit and tools/supplies. When we go rifle shooting at the outdoor range my son packs everything in a ruck.

 

[whughett]

A range bag: Any portable container that holds all the stuff one needs for a day shooting guns. In my case it’s a wooden Pachmyer style 5 gun case. The case contains up to five hand guns mounted on a removable tray. A bottom compartment holds ammunition, sundry odds and ends. A rear compartment holds a spotting scope staplers and staples. The club and the car have first aid kits. An additional over night type bag carries what ever.
As I only shoot at organized locations a hand cart is utilized to wheel all this stuff around from car to line.

 

[Obturation]

I just use a canvas bag I got with a power tool at some point (dewalt), looks inconspicuous. Mainly for ammo, mags, ears and eyes and tools. I'll put a handgun or two in there if that all I'm going to shoot. Simply put, it's all the junk I really need that I'll probably forget if I ever take it out. Range bag is essential to me.

 

[Rule3]

No need to have travel luggage either, just us a cardboard box or a Hefty trash bag.

 

[Dibbs]

--- a good reminder that you still have to get a couple acres in the woods, you can put a shooting berm on ? These days, it's almost cheaper than
what they charge you, at a range.

OTOH, for a while, there I used an old Tennis Bag, from Goodwill. Just duct taped the
racquet holes on the one end shut.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I like where this thread is going so.....

.....once again, I don’t store my range stuff in my car. I put it in my car and go to the range. Take it out when I get home. Just like it seems everyone else does.

Who uses a range bag as a storage container?

So what I am getting is that many folks have different needs and a range bag fits better into their range trips. I suppose if I shot in competitions, I would definitely want one. Good to know because that life is probably on the horizon somewhere.

Most of my range trips involve function and accuracy testing early in the morning so I don’t have many other people to tie me up. Works great for me. I transport the guns (rifles usually) in a Pelican or SKB rifle case. Spotting scope in another SKB case and my ammo in the aforementioned SKB case. Honestly, I need less of a range car and more like a range SUV.

Nonetheless, this range bag as a piece of hardware is intriguing and I guess I will pay more attention to them.

 

[Jack B.]

I think it depends more on the range and how close you can park. I go to one outdoor range that the registration building and parking area is not very close to the range. Many who shoot there have some sort of cart or mini hand truck to carry their shooting stuff on. It really depends on how close you are to the range and what you like to have handy while shooting. I've seen some people that bring all the tools you need to properly disassemble their guns and targets, log books, cleaning kits, first aid kits ,water ,etc. I have a range bag ,ammo bag and mini hand truck that I use at this range. Saves one from making multiple trips to their vehicle and back.

 

[mcb]

I have a ton of "range bags" they are all different depending on what I am doing.

For USPSA/IDPA matches I have the large Shooter's Choice Tournament bag. It has pockets for everything I need. Handguns, holster rig, paster gun, water, food, loaded mags, extra ammo, tools, timer etc. Its a big heavy and stiff bag. Protects everything well and keeps it all organized. Sometime I throw this heavy bag in one of those fold up wagons from Academy if the match is going to have a lot of walking. Makes it easy to throw in a cooler of cold beverages for the hot Alabama summers too.

For going to the rifle range I have a rolling tool box. That will hold my shooting-bags, chronograph, ammo, stapler, targets, tools, spotting scope and tripod etc but the rifle range has good surfaces to roll the tool box into.

For going out to the hunting property I just have a cheap tool bag from Harbor freight. I throw in my revolver in a slip case, a holster, speed-loader pouches and speed-loads and an extra box of ammo.

I have different bags for shotgunning with space for ammo, choke tubes, tools, etc. I also have a gun cart for putting the shotguns in for walking a sporting-clays course. That same gun cart gets used at 3-gun matches too. It all depends on what you are doing. Lot of ways to move your gear depending on what gear, for what activity.

 

[entropy]

I have several range bags, like mcb: Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Armorer. Each gun bag has a few tools in it, also. Rifle and Pistol ammo goes in one of two specific ammo cans, either a .50 cal or a SAW can. Shotgun shells go either in the shotgun range bag or packed in flats, depending on the size of the event.

No need to have travel luggage either, just us a cardboard box or a Hefty trash bag.

Reminds me of a local radio station's game-Florida or Wisconsin? I have seen this up here, too.

 

[whughett]

I have a ton of "range bags" they are all different depending on what I am doing.

For USPSA/IDPA matches I have the large Shooter's Choice Tournament bag. It has pockets for everything I need. Handguns, holster rig, paster gun, water, food, loaded mags, extra ammo, tools, timer etc. Its a big heavy and stiff bag. Protects everything well and keeps it all organized. Sometime I throw this heavy bag in one of those fold up wagons from academy if the match is going to have a lot of walking. Makes it easy to throw in a cooler of cold beverages for the hot Alabama summers too.

For going to the rifle range I have a rolling tool box. That will hold my shooting-bags, chronograph, ammo, stapler, targets, tools, spotting scope and tripod etc but the rifle range has good surfaces to roll the tool box into.

For going out to the hunting property I just have a cheap tool bag from Harbor freight. I throw in my revolver in a slip case, a holster, speed-loader pouches and speed-loads and an extra box of ammo.

I have different bags for shotgunning with space for ammo, choke tubes, tools, etc. I also have a gun cart for putting the shotguns in for walking a sporting-clays course. That same gun cart gets used at 3-gun matches too. It all depends on what you are doing. Lot of ways to move your gear depending on what gear, for what activity.

Sure as sun rise I’d wind up forgetting something or the other in one of those.

 

[mcb]

Sure as sun rise I’d wind up forgetting something or the other in one of those.

Yep, done the same many times. I have in some cases duplicated tools and similar things to have them live in the various containers.

 

[Rule3]

My (our) range is out in nowhere. One must be self sufficient.
So I need to bring "stuff" a few handguns, ammo, tools, magazines targets etc etc. How else would one carry that stuff??

Just like a tradesman uses a toolbox.

Sure is lot of them for sale and a lot of people use them. Heck every month there is an article about some pro shooter "What's in your range Bag?"

Its not a new concept.

 

[sparkyv]

This has sparked the question in my head of why does anyone need one?
What do people want from their range bags?

I too, have to walk, albeit a few yards to the firing line, and I don't want to trek back and forth to get stuff I need. So that's why I need one. As for what I want: the one bag must hold most everything I need for my range session, be portable enough so I don't need a handtruck to haul it around, and keep my stuff organized so I'm not burning up daylight digging around for stuff.

 

[whughett]

Like anything else. Hundreds on the market. Pay a little pay a lot. Amazon comes to mind. Duffel bag types, backpack types take your choice.

 

[entropy]

I got all of mine at Goodwill, picked up another one last night, along with two brand new Trap vests I gave to two of the new kids that registered last night for HS SCTP Trap.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I’ve had several range bags.

I started with a backpack. I simply threw what I needed for the day at the range in it.
It worked ok but wasn’t ideal.

I then got one of the NRA range bags for joining.
It was worth “free” but not much more. It really wasn’t big enough to hold all I need at the range and couldn’t handle a decent amount of ammo.

My next one is a large GPS brand bag. I love it and it’s my main bag. It’s well made and has a place for everything. The label system is real nice. I only wish I could move them! Fully loaded it’s quit heavy though so I only use it when I’m shooting more than one type of gun. I also use it to keep everything in one place.

Finally, I have a smaller Propper brand bag.its a nice size but not as well made as the GPS bag. I use it to use in indoor ranges when shooting pistols.

The bottom like is you need something to make sure you have everything you need at the range. Going sucks when you forget things. But lugging too much isn’t fun either. So we learn what we need and how to plan our trips unless we’re lucky enough to be able to shoot at home. (Which I hope to one day when I get some land to set up a range).

 

[Walkalong]

I just drive up and take 3 steps from the car and I am there.

Me too, but I like a range bag to keep stuff in vs a box etc, and since it is going back inside every time, it's more convenient. I may take my range bag, another small bag with ammo if it is a lot that day, a couple of rifles in cases, another range bag full of pistols if I take a lot.......

And a "Range" bag can be any kind of bag you like to carry stuff in.

 

[guyfromohio]

I shoot at a public indoor range (although I’m a member). My range bag keeps the handguns that I’m shooting that day, the ammo that I’m shooting, ear pro, eye pro, magazines, Birchwood Casey targets to stick on the free paper they give, a small tool kit, a punch and tiny kids hammer for sights, and I think that’s about it. One bag....over the shoulder....and to the counter I go.