When I was young a “day at the range” consisted of a box or two of 22 shells, my rifle, soda or tin cans, and some string. With a 20-minute walk down the railroad tracks, I was in business.
I miss those days. Today range days seem to take some planning, an early wake-up call (to get a range bay if needed), and a BUNCH of accessories. There are so many accessories I’ve taken to putting them all in a box for ease of transport and ensuring I have them all each time.
THE OBVIOUS
Eyes and ears are the most basic things needed these days. 500 Rounds of rifle, shotgun and pistol, often in close quarters is NOT a place to be without hearing protection. I use the Warbird Intrepid BT’s and enjoy them, my Grandson likes the Macks and I have a set of pink Impact ears for those who don’t bring their own. All provide at least 30db of hearing protection and are always with us.
I’m lucky to have three sets of eyes, 2 by Wiley X and one from Bolle. The Captivates and the Roamer 3s by Wiley are great and have served my well so far. One of our reviewers, Chilipepper, highly recommends the Captivates for Airsoft use. My Grandson and I use Bolle glasses, I use the Gunfire 2.0 when I’m out and about and he uses the Sentinels when on the range and during training. We both appreciate their durability and great lenses.
TARGETS
You’re either constantly walking and changing paper targets, (or patching holes), or you buy some type of self healing target, or steel. All have their place and I have options to use them all. I have bought reactive steel targets for pistol shooting and really enjoy them, it reminds me some of my days with the tin can on a string, you know if you hit it and it automatically resets for you to hit again. Self Healing targets are now becoming very popular too, they offer the ability to see if you hit the target and you can re-use them over and over again on multiple range trips. Bonus, they are easily transported.
THE REST
I also take a magic marker, Target Tacks to help hold up paper targets, the 4 Stable Sticks and a shooting rest, a small tool kit, an AR wrench, and a small cleaning kit. Then of course, ammo, lots and lots of ammo. When we’re testing I’ve been lucky enough to have Black Hills ammo which is really consistent and out performs many other offerings, giving us great results.
The best “thing” I take with me on Range Day isn’t a “thing” it’s a who, my Grandson. He insures the day is a great day, no matter what else happens. And since I have all the basics pre-packed in my “Range Gear Box” we can stay all day if we want!
Garfield out.
