Hi, and welcome to the Forum!
You're going to get a bunch of different recommendations here...it all depends on your needs, what you intend to carry with you to the range, and your thoughts on acquiring more handguns, accessories, etc. Also, prices will vary all over the board. I am a huge fan of the GPS line. They are really well-made and have terrific pockets and compartments all labeled for easy storage and access. I have one of their backpacks (the Tactical Range Backpack) and the Large Range Bag. The Tactical Range Backpack uses their Tactical Pistol Cases, which is a great way to store and transport your handguns and mags. I have probably 12 of the the Tactical Pistol Cases and that's how I separate and store each of my handguns in my safe, and when it's time to go to the range, I just grab whatever Tactical Pistol Case with the gun I want, and I simply add it in range bag to go to practice. Here's some links for you:

Entire selection of bags, cases, etc.: Pistol Range Bags -Tactical & Sport Clay Totes & Cases | GPS
Tactical Pistol Case: Tactical Pistol Case | GPS Bags (tip: I label the handles with cheap key chains and key tags to keep them all labeled and easy to identify)
Large Range Bag: Large Range Bag | GPS Bags (this range bag holds a lot, and it's great for 2 people; holds two sets of ear pro, safety glasses, several handguns, ammo, extra mags, and other gear like rear shooting bags, bipods, etc.)
Tactical Range Backpack: Tactical Range Backpack | GPS Bags (I've used this one for several years, and it has held up great...if I'm packing light or will need my hands for my rifle case, targets, etc., the backpack comes in handy).

You can get these GPS items on Amazon and other etailers, often at cheaper prices. I have other range bags but these GPS bags are super tough, well designed, and have excellent value for the money.

 

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!
You're going to get a bunch of different recommendations here...it all depends on your needs, what you intend to carry with you to the range, and your thoughts on acquiring more handguns, accessories, etc. Also, prices will vary all over the board. I am a huge fan of the GPS line. They are really well-made and have terrific pockets and compartments all labeled for easy storage and access. I have one of their backpacks (the Tactical Range Backpack) and the Large Range Bag. The Tactical Range Backpack uses their Tactical Pistol Cases, which is a great way to store and transport your handguns and mags. I have probably 12 of the the Tactical Pistol Cases and that's how I separate and store each of my handguns in my safe, and when it's time to go to the range, I just grab whatever Tactical Pistol Case with the gun I want, and I simply add it in range bag to go to practice. Here's some links for you:

Entire selection of bags, cases, etc.: Pistol Range Bags -Tactical & Sport Clay Totes & Cases | GPS
Tactical Pistol Case: Tactical Pistol Case | GPS Bags (tip: I label the handles with cheap key chains and key tags to keep them all labeled and easy to identify)
Large Range Bag: Large Range Bag | GPS Bags (this range bag holds a lot, and it's great for 2 people; holds two sets of ear pro, safety glasses, several handguns, ammo, extra mags, and other gear like rear shooting bags, bipods, etc.)
Tactical Range Backpack: Tactical Range Backpack | GPS Bags (I've used this one for several years, and it has held up great...if I'm packing light or will need my hands for my rifle case, targets, etc., the backpack comes in handy).

You can get these GPS items on Amazon and other etailers, often at cheaper prices. I have other range bags but these GPS bags are super tough, well designed, and have excellent value for the money.

I highly agree. I’ve had different range bags. For the past couple years I’ve been using a GPS backpack exclusively. Perfect range bags for whatever you may shoot. All my friends went out and bought one after seeing mine.

 

In my bag I carry all of the associated tools to adjust my scopes/red dots. I also carry screwdrivers and such that would secure loose grips or handguards. I have an extra pair of shooting glasses that stay in the bag as I have forgotten my regular glasses before. I also have a small bottle of gun oil and a pack of cleaning patches incase I need to wipe something down. I also have a bag of disposable ear plugs. Sometimes they just work better or I am next to someone shooting something with a muzzle brake and I want to wear them under my muffs.
For a bag I just have a cheap Cabela's range bag I grabbed out of one of the bins one day for like $15. I should probably get something nicer but so far it is holding up.
Oh and if you shoot 5.56 get yourself a shell extractor and throw it in your bag.

 

I have the Vertx COF range bags (both light and heavy model). Not the cheapest option but very well built and should last a long time.

 

Love, love, love these bags

 

Look at the Dillon Precision or the 5.11 medium range bags. They are reasonably-priced and will hold a couple of pistols, ammo, your ear pro, knee/elbow pads, gun belt, etc. Buy a PACT Club Timer. That will fit in the bag, too. You will need spare magazines dedicated just for practice - OEM for pistols and for an AR platform, you cannot go wrong with Lancer or MagPul . You should have at least 2, if not 3 magazines for your carry pistol (and all of your other pistols) dedicated for self-defense - depending on if you need or want to carry 2 spare magazines - and keep them loaded with your self-defense "social" ammo. You should always carry at least 1 spare magazine for your defensive carry pistol. Ditto for your Defensive Carbine, but I would increase that to 3 loaded spare magazines for the carbine and some way to carry them on your person (chest rig, plate carrier, etc.) stored with the carbine. You do not want to have to load magazines to repel boarders. Your carbine should have a weapon light mounted. You should have a good hand-held flashlight that you can carry on your person. Some people like weapon lights on their pistols, which makes them harder to conceal. A weapon-mounted light on your concealed carry pistol adds weight and bulk, and does not eliminate the need for a hand-held flashlight. For weapon lights and flashlights, look no further than SureFire, ModLite, Cloud Defensive, and last place Streamlight. Buy good earplugs and passive earmuffs w/at least 30db noise reduction rating (NRR) to save your hearing when shooting at indoor ranges. Wear earplugs and good electronic earmuffs (Sordin Pro, or Pro Ears MAG Gold for pistol, they both also make dished ear muffs for rifle, but the NRR drops to 26) for outdoor training classes. A set of Fix It Sticks in your bag will solve lots of problems on the go. Pricey, but you only need to buy them once.

Buy once, Cry once. Buy top-quality guns, gear, ammo, and accessories. If you shoot a lot, you will soon find out that cheap is not always cheaper if you have to buy it over and over again. Cheap stuff "works" great if it only sits in the closet, safe, holster, or drawer. Get some instruction from renowned instructors/schools listed over in the training forum. Gunsite, Thunder Ranch, SIG Academy, Scotty Reitz, Tiger McKee, Mike Glover/Fieldcraft Survival, Travis Haley, and others (see BCM's website for their instructor "Gunfighters" list, too) will fine-tune your Training B.S. meter. You will spend a lot less time on the range and money on ammo with much better, measurable results than if you try to teach yourself what you don't know that you don't know. Good luck!

 

Thank you! Yes, I only wanted to spend money once on these items which is why I really appreciate your detailed response. I am going to 2 classes at Sig Sauer this and plan to work through their various classes. Trying to workthru all the information out there is daunting. Having not really shot for 30 yrs and even when I did, my dad made it pretty easy for me, I am looking forward to moving forward with education and it is a great outlet for my competitive nature.

 

My next range bag will be a GPS so I agree with the previous recommendation. As far as contents, beyond eye and ear protection I always carry a basic tool set - screwdriver & bits to include hex and torx drivers, a small flashlight (range lighting is often spotty), batteries for optics, some CLP, a good multi-tool and a bleed/trauma kit.

 

Greetings from Kansas. I have a 5.11 Range Bag. I have pretty much of everything I think I will need. Ammo, tools for sight adjustment or weapon maintenance, eye protection (for my wife or another shooter that doesn't wear glasses), gun oil, ear muffs (2 sets), and ear plugs. The bag also has a pouch on one side to carry and pistol and 6 magazines.

 

It's perhaps not as 'jumbo' as you would think, but well made, reasonably priced, and you can fit alot into it.

LAPG Jumbo Bail Out Bag

Keep important field gear protected with a bail out bag from LAPG! Our collection of bags are great for tactical situations, the outdoors, and more–shop now!

lapolicegear.com

In addition to the previous what to carry, I keep microfiber towel to wipe glasses, lenses or a sweaty brow.

 

i have the smaller LA Police Gear bail out bag. Perfect for the range. Everything is accessible. Good luck!

LA Police Gear Tactical Bail Out Gear Bag - Best Seller

The Bail Out Gear Bag from LAPG is the tactical bug out bag designed to be the ultimate in personal gear carrying. Get this and other great gear from LAPG.

lapolicegear.com

Welcome to Sigtalk!

 

I would encourage you to look at T. Rex Arms website. Lots of good info.:

T.REX ARMS

Defend Life. Extend Liberty. T.REX ARMS designs and manufactures holsters, nylon gear, and rifle accessories in the USA and produces educational content to equip Americans to live as serious citizens.

www.trex-arms.com

 

One of the highest rated bags out there (and popular). The Orca's are incredible.

Amazon.com

 

One of the highest rated bags out there (and popular). The Orca's are incredible.

Amazon.com

These are great bags! I agree. I have one but it's just a tad small for my gear and guns.

 

Lots of bag suggestions already, so I'll focus on things I keep in my range bag:

Hearing/eye protection
Spare mags
A small basic tool/repair kit
Trauma kit/TQ
Stapler/spare staples
An assortment of paper targets
Spare batteries (if you run optics/lights)
Holster/s & mag pouches

Some of this will be situation dependent - some ranges are well outfitted, some aren't. Some won't let you use holsters, etc. I also shoot a fair bit on public land, so I tend to carry everything I need and don't want to be having to remember to swap things in and out all the time depending on where I'm shooting that day.

Most ranges will (or at least should) have some kind of trauma kit on site. I still prefer having my own items and knowing exactly where they are, when time may be of the essence, and I also like knowing the condition of my 1st aid items, rather than depending on whatever might be in a range kit.

 

• A mag loader... I use a Maglula Uplula.
• Sharpie pens to write notes on your targets like date, distance, pistol, etc... this is good info whether you take your targets home to analyze later or whether you take a photo of them with your cell phone to do the same later.
• a small note book to keep observations about pistols/mags/your performance and to record the number of rounds shot for each pistol so you can tell when parts need replacement based on the number of rounds... eg. guide rod spring

 

Thank you!

 

i used to take as much as was comfortable carrying, but now i take as little as possible.
ear/eye protection, ammo, chamber flag, sharpie and a little toolkit for indoor pistol.
rifle range outdoors is more of a load out with extra equipment (tripod, spotter, range finder...).
i am sure you'll find your sweet spot on your own after some trips.

 

I wanted a big range bag. The largest I found was the largest NRA bag.
It has served me very well. Best I ever had, and I had several.

I go to a printer store and make paper size targets by the 100s.
They fit very nicely in a side pocket of the NRA bag.

I buy one chest size B-27 target. Then tape a couple page size at a time on it with blue painter tape.
Aim small and improve your shot.

Years ago I took a 3.00 Wal mart collapsible laundry bag. Cut half of one side out. Clipped a plastic sheet to the top, and turned it upside down.
Makes a very very efficient brass catcher. Rarely ever misses once I learned each gun throw pattern.
Collapses into the range bag.
I made two for when the first wears out, only it never has.

 

I wanted a big range bag. The largest I found was the largest NRA bag.
It has served me very well. Best I ever had, and I had several.

I go to a printer store and make paper size targets by the 100s.
They fit very nicely in a side pocket of the NRA bag.

I buy one chest size B-27 target. Then tape a couple page size at a time on it with blue painter tape.
Aim small and improve your shot.

Years ago I took a 3.00 Wal mart collapsible laundry bag. Cut half of one side out. Clipped a plastic sheet to the top, and turned it upside down.
Makes a very very efficient brass catcher. Rarely ever misses once I learned each gun throw pattern.
Collapses into the range bag.
I made two for when the first wears out, only it never has.

Do you happen to have pictures of these magic brass catchers?

 

I use and sell gps. I have a newer model that holds 9 guns I thing and rolls like a suitcase.

 

26" Tactical Duffle Military Molle Gear Shoulder Strap Range Bag TF126 DMBK Digital Camo Navy
Brand: NPUSA
4.2 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

$45.00 at Amazon

I have this bag and have been using it for about six years. It easily holds three Midway soft pistol cases with minimum of seven mags each (loaded). Two large end pockets and three smaller side pockets for ears, eyes, ammo ...other stuff. Plus, two more flat pockets in the top that are great for gloves, hand towels, maps etc.

VERY tough, durable and well made. Hard to beat in the price range for sure. I have the Navy Camo and it's pretty nice looking. My buddy liked it enough to get the classic Woodland Camo for himself.

As for what to take along I would go along with all the suggestions already posted. I always take a lot of extra bench stuff ... a soft blanket to cover the bench with, sandbags, an adjustable pistol rest, spotting scope. But I too, like the others, have my travel kit of tools, cleaning and safety / first-aid gear. When we go for a "range day" we go the day and I always take 4-6 handguns, and a rifle or two and ammo for everything. I pack a cooler with drinks and lunch / snacks ... we go for the day.

 

As for what to take along I would go along with all the suggestions already posted. I always take a lot of extra bench stuff ... a soft blanket to cover the bench with, sandbags, an adjustable pistol rest, spotting scope. But I too, like the others, have my travel kit of tools, cleaning and safety / first-aid gear. When we go for a "range day" we go the day and I always take 4-6 handguns, and a rifle or two and ammo for everything. I pack a cooler with drinks and lunch / snacks ... we go for the day.

Wow Paul, I hope you bring a dolly for that rig. You just described about 75lbs worth of stuff

 

Savior S.E.M.A. Compact Mobile Arsenal Backpack.​

• Three Lockable* Pistol Sleeves in Lockable* compartment
• EarPro
• EyePro
• Gloves
• UpLula
• Sharpie, Pen, Field Notes
• Multi-Tool
• Cleaning Gear pouch
• Phone Storage while shooting
• IFAK attached to exterior.

Slip the pistols in the compartment, grab and go. Ammo/Mags carried separately.​

​

 

Savior S.E.M.A. Compact Mobile Arsenal Backpack.​

• Three Lockable Pistol Sleeves in lockable compartment
• EarPro
• EyePro
• Gloves
• UpLula
• Multi-Tool
• Cleaning Gear pouch
• Phone Storage while shooting
• IFAK attached to exterior.

Ammo/Mags carried separately.​

​

That's what I'm using. Really like it. Just big enough, without encouraging me to bring a bunch of stuff I don't need and much more comfortable to carry than a shoulder bag if I'm walking any distance.

 

Keep it simple , small or medium size bag would do ..
Carry at least the basic cleaning tool ..
Happy shooting
https://www.amazon.com/Savior-Equip...NDQ1S5KY6BD&keywords=range+bag&qid=1656283533&sprefix=range+bag,aps,112&sr=8-12

 

My range requires that pistols be carried in individual cases from the back wall shelf (storage) to the firing port. Removable pistol cases in a good thing. My range bag has room for two pistols and a removable inner section that holds both pistols, spare ammo, and magazines. And my Uplula magazine loading tool. Lots of outside pockets too for a small notepad and felt pen. The shelf in the firing port is too small to simply plop my whole range bag on it. It also carries my eyes/ears protection but those are on before entering the shooting area.

 

This just goes to show how different things can be for everybody. My gun club is all outdoors ... 25 to 400 yrds, no ROs, no nannies. On occasion a club officer might drive by and wave. Our favorite range is a 50 yrd pistol only range, with a covered firing line and I can back my SUV up within 20 ft or so of my shooting position. We usually have about 20 ft of bench space per shooter ... lots of room for all your stuff.

Here's a couple of shots of the 200 yrd pistol / small bore rifle range ... our second favorite range at the club. It was a mid-week; afternoon and I had the whole range all to myself. My target is setting on the 10-meter mark. Note the tiny little white spot, left of my target .. it's a 12" round plate at 200yrds.

 

This is one of those questions where you ask 5 people and get 7 different answers! 😄

I’d say start out with something simple (and cheap). You’ll figure out your own range style. The bag needs room for your eyes, ears, magazines, and gun. Beyond that, it depends on what you’re comfortable doing. If you have a hiccup, are you going to try to fix it on the spot or take it home? That answers determines whether you need tools or other gear.

You can use anything from a diaper bag to a high end range bag (and depending on the diaper bag, they could cost the same!). Most of the time I use a Kobalt tool bag from Lowe’s…it fits everything I need. If I”m taking 2 or 3 guns, I usually carry them in a separate hard case and use the Kobalt bag for my gear. It doesn’t have to be fancy as long as it works for you. 😉

 

i think this is good advice. keep it simple at first. i assume you aren't taking a collection (more than one or two guns).
i have been shooting for a long time, and this works for me for a taking a pistol to the range. i think i paid 15 bucks on sale.

as mentioned, tool bags might be more discreet, but also consider fire arm transportation requirements in your state (lockable cases might be required).

 

I hate to pay big money for any big name brand. Then it has a tag on the inside made in china. That's money that could be spent on something else. So I have this.

Husky 15 in. 8 Pocket Zippered Tool Bag HD60015-TH - The Home Depot

Easily attach your tape measure to your pocket without damaging the jeans by using this Husky Wide Mouth Water Resistant Metal Hardware DualZipper Tool Storage Bag with Adjustable Strap

www.homedepot.com

Many items seem to be covered in list here.
I'd mention some basic gun cleaning stuff and gun oil and lubes.
Tools to make sight and optics adjustments.
What ever you need to post targets at your range.
Eye and ear pro. extra ear plugs.
Stuff to clean eye pro and optics.
Extra batteries for optics and ilum. scopes.
IFAK

 

Wow, great responses. I will go thru them all and this is exactly the type of information I was looking for! Appreciate you all taking the time.

 

A couple things that ruined the last 2 outings for a friend was overlooking the adjustment tools for every optic he brought, and batteries for each type. He had a lot of tools, but nothing that fit the new optic adjustments.

 

A good value bag is to go to Home Depot or Lowe’s and get a tool bag, as there are dozens of sizes and pocket configurations. Not as shooting-specific as some of the other very good recommendations you’ll see in posts to your question.

A mini gun cleaning kit and gun oil, and whatever tools you need for sight adjustments are a minimum. Neoprene disposable gloves to wear when cleaning.

Extra hearing protection earplugs.

And just in case: emergency contact and medical information.

 

This is such a great list. Thank you so much.

 

Learned to carry a paint can opener to extract brass cases from rifle or pistol. Second the recommendation for a Husky tool bag. Pockets on the side hold AR magazines perfectly. Lots of other Pockets for Leatherman exta ear plugs cleaning rod segments if a case is stuck or light powder charge sticks bullet in the barrels. Keep small screwdrivers set of Allen wrenches. Pistol magazines in a 5 pack holder. Picked up a Savior Pistol bag that is nice with 2 zippered Pockets for pistols and a 6 magazine holder in between. Front zippered pouch has lots of storage. Really like it but no shoulder strap.

 

Thank you, great info!