The cost of entry into the shooting sports can seem somewhat steep to new gun owners and prospective gun owners. Guns aren’t cheap, and things like ammunition and eye and ear protection can all put a dent in your budget. But once you have everything, you need a way to transport it all to and from the range. This is where good range bags come in handy.
Shopping for the Best Range Bags
To be sure, most new gun owners can get by with just a minimum amount of equipment until they’re ready to jump in with both feet. Still, a few things are pretty much must-haves for shooters. And a good range bag falls near the top of that list.
Of course, old Walmart bags can be used to carry your gear, and I’ve seen them used plenty of times. However, a purpose-built range bag keeps your equipment safer and helps keep it all together and organized when it’s time to shoot.
Types of Rang Bags
There are basically two types of range bags—typical duffel bag types and backpack range bags. Obviously, the difference is how you tote them around. If you have bad shoulders or just don’t like backpacks, you’ll probably want a regular range bag.
Look for one with solid carry straps and a shoulder strap for easier carrying when walking a great distance. For backpacks, both strength and comfort in the straps are important.
Regardless of which range bag you choose, there are certain things to look for in either type. Let’s take a look at a few of those factors.
First, you’ll want to make sure you choose a heavy-duty bag with some sort of reinforced bottom. You might only have one pistol and a box or two of ammunition now, but if you really get into shooting, you’ll be hauling several pounds of equipment with you to and from the range each time.
Buying a flimsy bag without a reinforced bottom will likely leave you frustrated and shopping for another one.
You’ll also want a bag with several different compartments. Internal compartments might or might not have zippers on them. But external compartments should have zippers so you can store your guns and gear away from dirt, dust, and other elements.
When shopping, be sure to test out the zippers to ensure they are of high quality. If you get a bag with cheap zippers and they fail, you might be stuck with no way to close the compartment. Or, worse, your gun or gear will be inside the ruined zipper, where you can’t get to it.
Also, double zippers on each compartment are extra handy. If one fails, you can still access or close the compartment with the other zipper.
What is the Right Size for You?
Note that you don’t necessarily need the largest bag on the market. A small, well-made bag will hold your gun(s) and tons of gear. Just consider the potential of adding more guns and gear in the future when determining what size bag you need.
Some bags have padded, purpose-built sections specifically for storing guns, and these can be very handy. Some have magazine pouches that make it easy to organize magazines for those with semi-auto firearms.
Smaller pockets are good for eye and ear protection, ammunition, and other essentials. Make sure you buy a bag with plenty of storage compartments so you don’t have to waste your time at the range digging around looking for different gear items when you should be shooting.
Duffel Style Bags
Now, let’s look at a couple of options from each style you might consider when bag shopping, starting with duffel bag types.
The 511 Tactical Range Ready Trainer bag isn’t cheap. But it will likely never let you down or leave you looking for more space for your equipment. Made from 600D Nylon, it features fully padded construction with a PE board base. It measures only 10 inches high, 21 inches long and 14.5 inches deep, and has plenty of space for your range essentials.
For those on a slightly tighter budget, the Red Rock Deluxe Range Bag is made from 600D Nylon. It has a detachable shoulder strap and features a main compartment with several padded dividers. Measuring 17x8x12, the bag has handy hook and loop pockets and includes a built-in work mat. It also comes in three different colors.
Backpack Style Bags
While pricey, the GPS Executive Range Backpack is a top-of-the-line bag that will last for years of hauling all the equipment you will ever need to and from the range. The backpack has three separate removable pistol storage cases that each hold one pistol and four magazines.
Complete with a pullover waterproof cover, the bag has clearly marked pockets for ear plugs, shooting safety glasses, shooting targets, ear muffs, tools, and more to help you stay organized.
At a little more than half the cost of the GPS, the 5.11 Tactical Rush12 backpack will also get the job done quite nicely. Built from high-strength, water-repellant 1050D nylon, this multi-compartment backpack features a contoured yolk shoulder strap for comfort. Available in five different colors, it even has a built-in laptop compartment for those who might have to do a little work while at the range.
Along with a quality range bag, you’ll need a few other essentials, like a cleaning kit, targets, and tools. We’ll save those for another story.
