Safety Equipment: Non-Negotiable Items
Eye and ear protection are the two items you absolutely cannot shoot without. For eye protection, invest in quality ballistic-rated shooting glasses that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. Regular sunglasses are not adequate as they can shatter under impact. Clear lenses for indoor ranges and amber or smoke lenses for outdoor conditions cover most situations.
For hearing protection, electronic ear muffs have become the standard for good reason. They amplify normal conversation while instantly blocking harmful sound levels, allowing you to communicate with range officers and fellow shooters while protecting your hearing. The Howard Leight Impact Sport and Walker Razor lines offer excellent protection at reasonable prices. For maximum protection in indoor ranges or during sustained fire, double up with foam ear plugs under electronic muffs.
Firearms and Ammunition
This seems obvious, but there’s more to it than grabbing your rifle and a box of ammo. Verify that you have sufficient ammunition for your planned training session. A productive range day typically consumes 200 to 400 rounds depending on your training plan. Bring your rifle in a quality case with magazines loaded and ready. Consider bringing a backup firearm or at least a spare bolt for your AR-15 in case of component failure.
Organize your magazines before arriving. Having pre-loaded magazines means more time shooting and less time loading. A quality speed loader saves hand strength during loading sessions. Bring a few extra rounds beyond your planned consumption because you’ll always want to shoot just a little more than you planned.
Cleaning and Maintenance Kit
Pack a basic field cleaning kit including bore snake, CLP or dedicated lubricant, cleaning patches, and a multi-tool. While a full cleaning should happen at home, having the ability to address minor issues at the range keeps your session productive. A stuck case, dry bolt carrier group, or loose optic mount can all be addressed with basic tools and supplies.
Targets and Shooting Aids
Bring a variety of targets suited to your training plan. Shoot-n-See or similar reactive targets provide instant feedback without needing to walk downrange. Standard bullseye targets in various sizes support fundamentals practice. IPSC or IDPA silhouette targets work well for defensive drills. Bring a good staple gun or target pasters if your range uses target boards.
A quality shooting rest or bipod helps establish baseline accuracy for zero confirmation. Sandbags or a commercial shooting rest provide the stable platform needed for precise zeroing work. Once you’ve confirmed your zero from a supported position, you can move to practical shooting positions with confidence.
Support Equipment
A spotting scope or quality binoculars saves walking time on longer ranges where shot placement isn’t visible to the naked eye. A shot timer is essential for anyone practicing defensive shooting or competition preparation. A notebook for recording sight adjustments, group sizes, and ammunition performance provides valuable data that helps you improve over time.
Don’t forget practical comfort items: water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. Dehydration and low blood sugar degrade shooting performance just like they degrade any other physical activity. A folding chair or stool is appreciated during longer range sessions.
First Aid Kit
Every range bag should contain a basic first aid kit including a tourniquet, pressure bandage, gauze, medical tape, and antiseptic. While serious injuries at the range are rare, the responsible shooter prepares for emergencies. A CAT tourniquet and an Israeli bandage take minimal space and could save a life in the unlikely event of an accident.
The Prepared Shooter Advantage
Showing up to the range prepared means your time is spent on productive training rather than dealing with preventable problems. Build a dedicated range bag that stays packed and ready. After each session, replenish consumables and verify everything is clean and functional. This preparation discipline mirrors the attention to detail that G2 Precision brings to every rifle we build, and it shows in your performance behind the trigger.
