If I want to go to the shooting range, I want to be able to grab my range box and know that I have all of my equipment. Here is a list of the must-have gear that I like to take to the range, organized into a cute kit that I can just grab and go.
Targets: I like to pack a few high quality targets, which make it way easier to see your shots from afar (this is important when sighting in your firearms). But targets are not cheap, so I like to take an old notebook and a large permanent marker so that I can make my own targets too.
Stapler: A staple gun is an essential piece of equipment to add to your shooting range kit. It is a must for hanging up your targets. I like a manual staple gun but you could also use a hammer tacker. Tape is not going to be sufficient.
Extra staples: Without fail, I always run out of staples when I am hanging up my targets. Throw an extra pack of staples in your pocket before you go to hang your targets — you don’t want others at the range giving you the stink eye for holding them up because have to walk back for more staples.
Ear protection: You should use two types of ear protection. First, I have a pair of electronic ear muffs that reduce loud noises to a safe level while amplifying conversations and range commands. These are so much better than regular ear muffs. Underneath the muffs, I use ear plugs (which is why the electronic ear muffs are so great, otherwise I wouldn’t hear anything). I keep a bunch of them in an empty pill bottle so that I have extras to share if someone forgets theirs.
Baby wipes: Firearms get dirty and sometimes there isn’t anywhere to wash your hands. I like to have a package of baby wipes in my range kit in case I need to clean up.
First aid kit: My pocket first aid kit is not going to do anything in a real emergency (so it is important to know how to handle your firearm safely!) but having a couple band-aids is nice if you cut yourself.
Hair elastics: I wrap hair elastics around the pill bottle that contains my ear plugs. I like to be able to put my hair up, especially if it gets windy.
Ibuprofen: If you have a headache, the recoil from your firearm is definitely not going to help. Having some ibuprofen around can extend your shooting range session and make the experience a lot more enjoyable.
Lip chap: No matter where I am, I always have lip chap somewhere. This is essential gun range equipment.
Metal rod: When I am preparing to head home, I always run a metal rod through the barrel of my gun (remember: PROVE it safe!). This ensures that nothing is lodged in the barrel and is the final step in making sure that a firearm is unloaded.
Pocket knife: I always like to keep a pocket knife in my range box because you never know when you might need one.
Screwdriver: This tiny screwdriver is perfect for making scope adjustments.
Bore snakes: If your firearm starts shooting weird (less accuracy, more misfires, etc.) then it might be dirty. When I am at the range, I don’t want to have to do a full clean. In this situation, running a bore snake through the barrel will usually clean it enough to last until I get home.
CLP solvent: You’ll need to dribble some solvent on to the bore snake for it to be effective. CLP (Clean, Lube, Protect) solvent is a great all-purpose choice for this. I keep the solvent in a Ziploc bag along with the dirty bore snakes because it all gets greeeasy and I don’t want it getting on the rest of my range gear.
Toque: It is nice to have a toque in case things get cold, but the real reason I pack a toque is to have something to lean my gun against if I am using a gun rest. This keeps the gun from rubbing directly against the wood or metal rests that are available at my local range.
Ammo: Don’t forget to pack extra ammo in your kit or it is going to be a short day at the gun range! Make sure you take ammunition that is approved for use at your local range. (For example, I cannot use steel core ammo at my range.)
Pro tip: I like to keep all my range gear in a tool box that can be locked. If you live in Canada, you must keep your ammunition in the trunk or in a locked box when travelling in a vehicle.
I hope this inspires you to build your own range box — I love knowing that I haven’t forgotten anything at home. Do you think I am missing any important range equipment? What do you pack for the gun range? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!
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