Tactical gear and tactical preparation are two stalwart peas in a hardy pod. Or to put it another way, you can tell how tactically prepared a person is by looking at the state of their gear. Do you see someone who’s organized? That’s one sign of a tactical individual. Sloppiness? That is not a good sign at all.
When we go to the shooting range, we can easily pick out who the real tactical folks are. Coz their range bag organization game is on point! Plus they are well equipped with all the proper shooting range essentials.
Of course, everyone has their own way of going about their range bag setup. Your method may absolutely be the right one for you. But it’s always possible to learn a better way of doing something. And that’s what this guide is all about!
Essential Items to Include in a Range Bag
The first step in range bag setup is determining what you need to pack. Here’s a quick rundown of shooting range essentials you’ll want to include:
Firearm and Ammunition: This includes your primary weapon as well as any backup firearms you may want to bring along. Carrying them in the range bag will ensure that they are secured, and it’s a good safety practice. Of course, you should not forget to bring ammunition, as well as shooting accessories you might need, such as revolver speedloaders.
Organizers and Pouches: Among our tactical gear tips for organization, we’ll include storing your magazines in padded pouches. That makes them easier to access, and you can track the number of magazines with less hassle. It also keeps the magazines from shifting around in the range bag, which is something that could lead to getting scratches on your gear. And what about a gun holster? Depending on the design of your range bag, it could be a good idea to store your firearm in a holster while carrying it inside.
Accessories: These can include protective gear for your eyes and ears, a cleaning kit, lubrication, and shooting gloves. Hearing protection is particularly important. You’ll be hindering your own tactical abilities if you allow your hearing to get damaged. Electronic hearing muffs are recommended for better performance on the range. But if you choose to stick with a simple pair of earplugs, that can work. As for a cleaning kit, it may not be necessary if you clean your firearms regularly at home. But it’s good to have nonetheless. You should at least carry gun lubricant, as it can come in handy at times.
Targets: The shooting range should provide targets for your use, of course. But it’s often a good idea to bring your own. You definitely should pack the kinds of targets that suit your preferences, or that support specific firearm training goals.
First Aid Kit: If you’re being tactical, then you’ve gotta be fully prepared for emergencies. That means being equipped with a first aid kit. You don’t necessarily have to pack this in your range bag. You can place it in an IFAK pouch attached to your tactical backpack. But if you’re not doing that, then keeping it in your range bag is a solid option. Just be sure you don’t go anywhere without it!
Choosing an Efficient Range Bag for Organization
Once you know what items you’ll need to pack, then you can think about what range bag you should purchase. Your choice is determined by your specific requirements and preferences. But keep in mind these tactical gear tips:
- Quality of the material used in the bag construction determines its durability
- Design (including dividers and customizability) affects efficient range bag setup
- Style of the bag should be a concern, especially if you want something discreet
- Dimensions of the bag should fit your needs and provide convenience
- Capacity of the bag should be adequate to hold all of your gear
Tactical gear is made to provide greater durability and longevity compared to regular commercial products. Tactical equipment like the 14er Tactical range bag is known for using high quality materials. It is constructed from extra-thick 600D polyester that can withstand punctures and is superbly water resistant. Its straps are sturdy as well, being made out of ballistic nylon. That’s a tough material that will let you carry all of your shooting range essentials without giving way from the weight.
Another factor is the bag design. For example, the 14er Tactical range bag features a removable divider in its interior compartment, which helps you customize the arrangement of storage space. Thus it can be adjusted to suit your range bag organization preferences.
Tactical Gear Tips: Efficient Range Bag Maintenance
Taking good care of your gear is the key to ensuring its longevity and reliability. Purchasing a high quality range bag can reduce the maintenance requirements, so start with that! Next, be sure that you are using it the way it’s supposed to be used. If you are constantly overloading it, for example, that will cause greater wear and tear.
Your range bag may come with washing and laundry instructions. If you have a mind for range bag organization, you’ll be securely filing this information someplace you can access it when needed. That way, whenever you have to recall how to properly wash the range bag, you can view the instructions without hassle. This is also part of good tactical preparation!
It’s a good idea to assemble your own all-purpose cleaning kit. Try to put together something that can be used to clean not only your range bag but other gear, too—like a tactical backpack. Acquire the kind of soap or cleaning liquid which is formulated for washing outdoor gear. Avoid commercial soaps—many of these products contain chemicals and additives that can prove quite abrasive, which means they could harm the range bag material.
You may be thinking, but the range bag is supposed to be tough and durable! That may be so, but keep in mind that it is designed to endure wetness and harsh weather conditions. Not strong chemicals! That’s a different form of harm that the bag might not be built to withstand in the same way. The smart thing to do is to avoid the risk of damaging it.
Personalizing Your Range Bag
Bringing your new range bag to shooting practice? Why not spruce it up with cool and funny tactical patches? It’s a great way to express your personality and signal to others that you’re a tactical individual. Tactical patches come from military tradition, and pay homage to that while showcasing irreverence. Those who “get it” will appreciate it a lot!