One of my biggest complaints for range bags is the lack of features that provide adequate organization. I usually end up loading all my gear, cleaning supplies, ammo, mags, and other tools into the main compartment. This results in a jumbled mess that ends in frustration while I’m digging around looking for the right piece of gear. I was quite happy to learn that the Range Qualifier Bag by 5.11 Tactical helped alleviate the organizational issues that are present in other range bags.
To start, the Range Qualifier Bag is made of 600D polyester. The stitching is superbly done and the bag feels very well put together. YKK zippers are always a plus to have on any piece of gear, so I was glad to see this feature. Although you may think this should be a standard feature by now, that isn’t the case with all range bags. On a recent range day with a competitor’s bag, one of the cheap zippers broke right down the middle while I was closing the bag.
A padded shoulder strap can be securely attached to the Duraflex D-rings on either side of the bag in case you need to free up your hands for a rifle case or two. If you choose to forgo the shoulder straps, you can use the durable carrying handles with the Velcro closure. A small complaint about this bag is the lack of a rugged handle for the main compartment closure. Instead, you are left with a thin piece of fabric that just doesn’t feel like it will hold up to much abuse.
One of my favorite features is the removable interior compartment that can be used to hold ammo, mags, and other equipment separate from the main bag. This was most useful because I was able to have spare mags in a smaller bag on the table, which allowed me to leave the main bag off to the side. The extra bag has two zippered enclosures that add to the amount of items you can carry. I was able to work directly out of the removable compartment and only had to go back to the main bag for other minor pieces of gear.
One side of the bag has a full length zippered enclosure with mesh storage bags. Each side has a zippered drop down panel that folds out into a small work area and one side features six slots for pistol magazines or other tools like a flashlight or multi-tool. This was a nice feature that allowed me to keep a pistol handy next to a few boxes of ammo and spare mags. The shorter sides of the bag also feature zippered enclosures for even more storage.
The bottom of the main bag has four rugged rubber pads to help provide grip and protect the main bag. There is a total of 1100 cubic inches of storage space. The bag measures 8.75” H x 13” L x 10.25” W. Available in either black or sandstone, the Range Qualifier Bag can be had for $79.99 from 5.11 Tactical.
Author – Rodney Pointer is a former Army Infantryman. After graduating from Airborne School, he was ruthlessly assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to live out his days as a dirty leg. He served with the 2nd BN, 30th Infantry of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Following his deployment to Afghanistan, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Operations. He currently works as a nuclear security contractor.