Best Shooting Range Gear: The Essentials
Welcome to the Pew Pew Tactical ranch, where we’ll open up our personal range bags and show you some of the gear we own.
PPT Editor. Marine vet, hunter, and long-range shooter. Articles in 10+ major publications
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
Like this video? See more gun and gear content over at the Pew Pew Tactical YouTube channel!
Are you looking to make your next range day or training session as enjoyable and productive as possible? You’re going to need some gear!
There’s too much shooting gear out there to sift through it all yourself, so we’ve rounded up some of the things we personally use the most. Some are pretty high-speed; others are great for beginners and experts alike.
Come along as we share the best range gear in our personal range bags, and don’t forget to watch the full video for a few bonus picks!
The Quick List
- Best Range Bag: 5.11 Tactical Range Ready BagJump to details ↓
- Best Gun Case: Magpul DAKA Hard Case R44Jump to details ↓
- Best Eye & Ear Protection: ShellShock Premium Eyes & Ears Combo (Electronic)Jump to details ↓
- Best Creature Comfort: Maglula UplulaJump to details ↓
- Best Tool: Fix It Sticks All-In-One Torque Driver KitJump to details ↓
- Best Training Aid: SG Timer GOJump to details ↓
Table of Contents
Best Shooting Range Gear
1. ShellShock Premium Eyes & Ears Combo - Best Ear & Eye Protection
Pros
- Hear normally without harmful spikes in volume
- Get ear and eye protection in one handy kit
- It’s what we use!
Cons
- More expensive than passive hearing protection
- Over-ear hearing protection gets warm in the summer
Specs
- Hearing Protection: EXO Pro active earmuff (28 dB SNR, 22 dB NRR)
- Eye Protection: Switch (ANSI Z87.1+)
- Lens Color: Smoke, clear
- Includes: EXO Pro earmuff, Switch ballistic glasses, clear and smoke lenses, tension strap, drawstring pouch, cleaning cloth, auxiliary cable, 2 AAA batteries, carabiner, user manual
As you might have noticed, we wear ShellShock ear and eye protection in our videos and written reviews. That’s not a coincidence; Pew Pew Tactical created the brand to deliver the exact protective gear we want!
The Premium eyes and ears combo includes EXO Pro active hearing protection that keeps gunshots to a hearing-safe volume and still lets you converse normally. They’re so comfortable that someone in this video sprayed sunscreen on them after forgetting his ears were covered (it’s me; I’m someone).
This combo comes with Switch ballistic glasses that have an ANSI Z87.1+ safety rating. They come with smoke and clear lenses, and everything you need to keep them smudge-free and safely stored.
Even though we all wear ShellShock’s active hearing protection, we also all bring foam ear plugs to the range. They’re good for doubling up at indoor ranges and it’s nice to have something disposable you can give to other people in a pinch.
2. 5.11 Tactical Range Ready 50L - Best Range Bag
Pros
- Roomy
- Durable
- Great organization
Cons
- Bulky
- Somewhat expensive
Specs
- Volume: 50L / 3,051 ci
- External Dimensions: 10"H x 21"L x 14.5"D
- Weight: 4.3 lbs
- Material: 600D polyester
We have an article with a bunch of the best range bags we’ve used but, in this case, it’s all about the 5.11 Tactical Range Ready 50-liter range bag.
It has room for all our range-day essentials, from handguns and ammo to safety gear, targets, and tools. This bag strikes a nice balance between organizational pouches for small items and a large main compartment for everything else. This one has seen more range days, training courses, and filming sessions than we can count and it still looks new.
If you just have a few items to carry, it might be excessive – but we trust you to fill it up eventually.
Range gear can get heavy, and a backpack sure makes getting from your car to the firing line a lot easier. Wyatt has been using a GPS Handgunner backpack for more than a decade, so that’s our recommendation.
It’s comfortable, has tons of storage options (including four padded pistol compartments), and will probably last a lifetime.
Resident Evil patch sold separately.
As much as we love dedicated range bags with a bunch of organizational pouches, sometimes we just need a way to carry odds and ends. The Vertx RLT 50-liter duffel is perfect for transporting steel targets, reactive targets, spray paint, and whatever else doesn’t fit in your main range bag. It’s super durable and comes in three sizes.
3. Magpul DAKA R44 - Best Gun Case
Pros
- Customizable organization
- Lots of DAKA system accessories
- Sturdy, lockable, and versatile
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky
Specs
- External Dimensions: 48” x 19.7” x 6.5”
- Internal Dimensions: 44.25” x 17” x 5.5”
- Volume: 42 L
- Material: Gas-charged polypropylene
- Weight: 21 lbs (with grid system)
- Includes: 8 double blocks, 8 triple bocks
When we need to pile a bunch of gear in the car and hit the road, it’s nice to have a hard case to protect long guns and optics. Right now, our favorite is the Magpul DAKA R44.
This lockable hard case is rugged enough for hard use, but it doesn’t hit the wallet quite as hard as some other hard cases. The big selling point for us, though, is Magpul’s DAKA grid system.
These foam blocks let you set up your case however you want, time after time. Make room for different firearms, storage bins, ammo boxes, optics, tools, and whatever else you want to keep in tip-top shape. After using one of these, I swear you’ll never want to see pick-n-pluck foam again.
Magpul offers three different sizes covering everything from AR-15 carbines to burly precision rifles, so buy what works for you!
Want to learn more? Read all about it in our Magpul DAKA review!
Several of us also use the Savior Equipment Urban Warfare double rifle case. It’s well-padded, loaded with storage options, and comes with removable shoulder straps so you can wear it like a backpack. If you’re looking for a soft case to carry a pair of AR-15s, this is the one to have.
4. MagLula UpLula Speed Loader - Best Creature Comfort
Pros
- Load magazines faster
- Save your thumbs
- Affordable
Cons
- Not necessary (but nice)
- Takes up space in your range bag
Specs
- Cartridge Compatibility: 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, 10mm, .45 ACP
- Magazine Compatibility: Most single- and double-stack magazines
- Weight: 2.5 oz
- Colors: Black, green, orange, yellow, purple, pink, red/white/blue,
Do you need to use a speed loader? Of course not, but your thumbs will thank you if you do.
We stuff a lot of magazines every time we go to the range to burn through 500 to 1,000 rounds, and the MagLula UpLula makes the job a whole lot more comfortable.
It’s universal, so you can use it with most single- and double-stack magazines for 9mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, 10mm, and .45 ACP.
We’re all about making shooting enjoyable, so we own plenty of other creature comforts. Here are some of our favorites.
One of the cheapest ways to upgrade your range experience is by picking up a pack of Birchwood Casey Target Spots. These bright orange targets stick onto paper or cardboard to give you much better visibility and contrast with iron sights.
If you shoot at poorly lit indoor ranges, these make a big difference and can save money by allowing you to reuse targets and just add a new sticker.
Another way to spot your impacts without running laps downrange is with a spotting scope. We’ve had success with the Burris Signature HD 20-60x85.
It provides a clear view of paper targets out to several hundred yards, and can spot impacts on steel out to 1,000 yards and beyond.
If you shoot long-range, a WieBad Fortune Cookie is essential. It’s my favorite shooting bag, by far.
Use it to build a more stable shooting position on a stock gate, tank trap, fence post, tripod – you name it. When you go prone, slide the fortune cookie under the stock and use it as a rear bag. I have three different size/fill combinations, and they’ve all served me well.
Speaking of shooting from the prone position, we’re big fans of the Savior Equipment folding shooting mat.
Can you shoot without one? Of course, but between sharp rocks, soggy ground, and biting insects, we’ll stick to the mat.
Finally, as stable as we can get with a good bipod and rear bag, sometimes we want to remove even more human error from our accuracy testing.
If you want to zero your new scope with as much precision as possible, invest in a CTK P3 Ultimate Shooting Rest. This way, you’ll be able to totally isolate your rifle’s performance from your own.
5. Fix It Sticks - Best Tool
Pros
- Adjustable torque wrench
- Wide selection of common bits
- No batteries required
Cons
- Expensive
- Some applications require a lower torque spec
Specs
- Torque Range: 15-65 in-lbs
- Bits: T10, T15, T20, T25, 3/32" hex, 5/64" hex, 1/8" hex, 5/32" hex, 3/16" hex, 2.5 mm hex, 3 mm hex, 4 mm hex, 5mm hex, P1 Phillips head, flathead
- Includes: T-Way wrench, torque driver, 15 bits, socket adapter, zippered case
Hopefully you won’t need to work on any of your guns on the firing line, but it happens. Having a set of Fix It Sticks can mean the difference between finishing your training session and going home early.
This compact kit includes a torque wrench rated for 15 to 65 inch-pounds, and 15 common bits. You’ll be able to mount a new optic, tighten loose screws, and keep all your gear in working order – without stripping a screw or crushing a scope tube.
The Wheeler Screwdriver Set and Titan Driver Set are also handy. Tiny bits are perfect for fasteners that are too small for a multitool or standard bit set.
Pro tip: if you witness mark your screws, you’ll know something is coming loose before your shots start flying all over the map.
Does gun oil count as a tool? Sure!
If you peek in any of our range bags, you’ll find a small bottle of gun oil in a plastic bag. Oil is essential to keeping your guns running smoothly, so having a few drops on hand can save you from cutting a training session short or adding unnecessary wear to your firearm.
6. SG Timer GO - Best Training Aid
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Dry-fire friendly
- More features in the Drills app
Cons
- Limited functionality without the app
- Small buttons
Specs
- Buzzer Volume (Claimed): up to 99dB
- Buzzer Volume (Measured): 60 - 102 dB
- Display: 1.69” x 0.88”
- Battery: Rechargeable (USB-C, wireless)
- Bluetooth: Yes
If you want to increase your speed, you need a shot timer. My pick is the SG Timer GO.
Shooters Global makes a fancier shot timer, the SG Timer 2, but this one is about half the price and still provides the same features; you just might have to access them with the app or a more tedious button sequence.
In addition to drills and tons of custom options in the app, the SG Timer GO works with dry fire training. You can build speed and hone your skills at home without ever chambering a live round, and this shot timer will still record every rep.
The Kestrel KST1000 is another preferred shot timer around here. It’s the best of both worlds, with top- and front-facing displays.
The buttons make navigating the menu and controlling settings easier than most shot timers, and the buzzer is super loud.
The Garmin Xero C1 Pro is more of a niche item, but it will positively transform how you shoot at longer distances.
This pocket-sized chronograph will measure bullet speed and provide essential calculations in seconds so you can collect accurate data and plug it into your ballistic solver. Everything gets saved automatically in the ShotView app, so you can reference it whenever you want without taking any notes.
Extra Essentials for Your Range Bag
While the above is standard in most of our range bags, there's a few other odds and ends you might want to add to your shooting range set-up.
How to Pick the Best Range Gear
New to shooting? Start with the basics. You certainly don’t need a shooting mat and a chronograph on day one. A good range bag, eye and ear protection, and some paper targets will put you on the path to success.
If you’re looking for more specialized gear, that’s when shot timers, creature comforts, and more niche items come into play.
Now that you know what we use, you can narrow down your search or just buy what we bought – nothing wrong with that!
Either way, you’re going to need to do some wrenching on your firearms. When you put them on the bench for maintenance, repairs, modifications, or upgrades, make sure you have the right tools for the job.
How We Tested the Best Range Gear
For this article, we gathered a bunch of shooting gear that we’re particularly fond of. Some of it comes from our personal collections, some of it you might recognize from past reviews and roundups. All of it has earned space in range bags that see more than their fair share of hot new products.
While these items may not be necessary for everyone, they’ve been incredibly useful for certain types of training. Want to transport your firearms safely, shave tenths off your draw time, or eliminate human error to really dial in a new optic? We’ve got you covered.
For gear we have reviews on, we've linked to those so you can read more.
Meet the Experts
This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer Sean Curtis, Editor Wyatt Sloan, and Editor Scott Murdock.
Sean Curtis has been shooting since childhood but really began to delve into guns more during his law enforcement career. He spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he became a POST-certified handgun instructor and NLEFIA Red Dot Instructor and received CLEFIA Advanced Firearms Instructor Training and AR-15 armorer training. He has since attended a variety of training, including Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery, and earned USCCA rifle instructor certification. Aside from training and prior to joining the Pew Pew Tactical team full-time, Sean wrote for several gun publications evaluating and testing guns and gear and has written hundreds of articles.
Wyatt Sloan is an NRA-certified instructor and also has experience with competition shooting and hunting. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has over a dozen shotguns himself and definitely has big love for scatterguns.
Scott Murdock is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
We run through a huge amount of gear here at Pew Pew Tactical. We see a lot of great ideas come through the door, but these products have stood the test of time.
The best part? You don’t necessarily have to spend a bunch of money on them. Lots of our go-to gear is very affordable.
Hopefully, these recommendations make your next trip to the range safer, more productive, and more fun!
What’s your favorite piece of gear? Show it some love in the comments. Want to make your first range day a success? Read up on our Shooting Range Helpful Tips to make everything go smoothly!