Whats in your range bag?

There are tons of equipment on the market today. At times, it can seem a bit overwhelming. However you do not need it all, depending on what you are shooting, there are only specific items that you need. However, there are several items that should be included in every range bag regardless of what you are shooting.

To start off you should have a round count book. At the manufacturer level, they send a few rounds through the barrel to show that it is capable of holding a group. Included is a count of the amount of rounds through the barrel during testing. This is important because barrels, just like every piece of equipment, have a life expectancy. This is the amount of rounds that can be sent through the barrel before it begins to degrade. 

https://www.triadtactical.com/home.php

Next up is a kestrel. No matter what you are shooting, how far you are shooting, its ability to gather wind speeds, barometric pressure and temperature. All of which will effect your round during flight. In addition it allows you to monitor round performance at varying temperatures. This is important so you can know how your weapon will perform with that ammo lot and weather variables. 

https://kestrelmeters.com/products/kestrel-elite-weather-meter-with-applied-ballistics

Coming in third, we have cleaning kits. Not just a cleaning kit, you need to ensure that you have a cleaning rod. I am a big fan of Bore Snakes, but they cannot clear a stoppage. With that said, you should include some sort of rod with your kit, in the off chance you have a round stuck in the chamber or barrel. Having a cleaning kit also helps with those long range days, taking a break to clear out the gunk from shooting.

http://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-chemicals/cleaning-rods-amp-accessories/cleaning-rods/cleaning-rods-prod57075.aspx

Honestly this next one should be first on our list, because it is one of the most important item you can pack. It does not have to be fancy, one of those $20.00 kits from Walmart will be fine. You just need to make sure you have a tourniquet with you. Through multiple combat rotations, i have learned that the tourniquet above all else will save lives to stop the bleeding fast. It has a time limit on use, and you should take a first aid course to get the best results.  

http://combattourniquet.com/applications/emergency/

You should have a spotting scope with you also. Spotting scopes allow you to stay in your current position, and verify down range with glass. They help to read wind, find and spot trace and offer a better view of your target. I currently carry a Bushnell 12x36 magnification power with a 60mm objective lens. This scope has great performance out to 800 yards, easily picks up trace and has not led me wrong yet. It does not matter who makes it, but you should ensure that it has a reticle that will allow you to estimate range with.

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Lastly you need to include hearing and eye protection. You need to ensure that your eye protection is rated to stop shrapnel. The current rating is Z-87. You can find these in a variety of shooting stores, just make sure they are ballistic eye protection. Your hearing protection is completely up to you. Their are cheap foam plugs, flange plugs, custom fit hearing protection and the ever popular Peltor style hearing protection. 


There are several types of plugs that allow you to open or close a cover to allow for more sound. I prefer to use a pair of Howard Lights, Impact Sport. They allow me to use an amplifier that reduces sound at louder decibels and enhances lower decibel sounds. Which, on the range is huge, allowing you to talk and hear through repeated fire.

Lastly you should include a variety of target rehab materials, tripod, sand sock, shooting rest. These rehab materials should be tape, stapler with staples, target pasties, hammer with nails and anything else you may want to throw in. Tripods in conjunction with sand socks or rest allow you to shoot from varying positions. These are important when shooting advanced positions and sniper training.

Our marksmanship programs are designed with practical application in mind. What does that mean? Shooting fundamentals expand much further than the range. The biggest applications are hunting, home defense, discipline, attention to detail and confidence. 

Stay tuned to our blog for the rest of the series. Head on over to Facebook and Instagram and give us a like and follow. Message us today to find out when our next event is and how to schedule your training in the West Valley of Phoenix!