Shooting at a range is more than just pulling the trigger. Whether you’re honing your marksmanship, testing a new firearm, or simply enjoying a day out, the gear you bring can make or break your experience.
By having the right accessories, you can ensure safety, improve efficiency, and maximize comfort. This post explores five essential accessories that no shooter should overlook when heading to a range.
Protect Your Hearing
One of the most important priorities at a range is protecting your ears from the high decibel levels of gunfire. Prolonged exposure to such noise can lead to permanent hearing damage. Fortunately, there are several types of hearing protection designed to suit varying preferences.
Earplugs are lightweight, easy to carry, and offer simple yet effective protection. For more advanced solutions, earmuffs provide a snug fit over your ears and often feature noise-canceling technology.
Electronic earmuffs are particularly popular; they amplify low-level sounds like conversation while blocking loud gunfire.
Choose a Good Range Bag from Accessories for Shooting
A range bag is, without a doubt, one of the most versatile and essential accessories for shooting you can have. It keeps all your gear organized, easily accessible, and safe from damage during transit.
A well-designed range bag will include multiple compartments to store firearms, ammunition, safety gear, snacks, and tools. Some even feature reinforced padding to protect your valuable equipment.
A pro tip is to dedicate specific sections of your bag to particular items to streamline unpacking and repacking.
Enhance Precision with Shooting Gloves
While they might not seem essential at first glance, shooting gloves can significantly improve your grip and protect your hands during extended sessions. A solid grip plays a crucial role in maintaining control, especially if you’re handling firearms with more recoil.
Gloves also help reduce friction and prevent blisters, which is a game changer during multi-hour training sessions. Beyond grip, they shield your skin from heat buildup caused by firing, as well as sharper edges on firearms.
Look for gloves that strike a balance between protection and dexterity. Too much padding might make it harder to feel your grip, while too little could compromise safety.
Stay Efficient with Magazine Pouches
Efficiency is key at a shooting range, and magazine pouches are a small accessory that can make a big impact. Instead of fumbling around in your bag or pocket for spare magazines, a good magazine pouch provides quick and easy access, improving your reloading time.
Available in various materials like nylon, leather, and polymer, pouches can be attached to your belt, vest, or even your leg holster, depending on your needs. They’re not just about speed; they also keep your magazines secure and protected from dirt or damage.
Be Prepared with a First Aid Kit
Safety always comes first, and while we hope for the best, it’s wise to prepare for the worst. A compact first aid kit is your peace of mind during any range trip. These kits typically include essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, gauze, and emergency shears.
For shooters, consider adding items that address firearm-specific injuries, such as burn ointments or trauma bandages suited for lacerations.
