< Back to the Main Site

Author Topic: Match range bag essentials  (Read 3947 times)

Offline camus

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 157
Match range bag essentials
« on: November 25, 2013, 08:58:55 PM »
Beyond the guns and ammo what is to you find necessary for your range bag?

Essentially I have been getting by with a tool I can completely break down my pistol with, some extra hearing and eye protection, and 2 USGI field dressings.

So lay it out, what do you pack for:

1) Pistol matches

2) Multigun

3) Immediate aid


 

Offline bkoenig

  • Gun Show Volunteer
  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 3677
  • Aspiring cranky old gun nut
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #1 on: November 25, 2013, 09:06:28 PM »
I really do need a first aid kit to go in my bag.  Probably should order one soon, because if I have it Murphy's law dictates that I'll never need it, and vice versa.

Pistol Matches:

Lots of mags
Uplula mag loader
CR Speed belt with Bladetech holster and mag holders
Small bottle of oil and some patches.
Electronic muffs and extra batteries
Extra earplugs
A couple pairs of shooting glasses
A couple small screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
Short cleaning rod


Multigun:

Same as above, plus:
4 or 5 AR mags
Shotgun shellholders
empty chamber flags
Full length cleaning rod (in the truck)

Offline wallace11bravo

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Apr 2010
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 1056
  • Don't rush to failure.
    • Midwest Tactical Solutions
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #2 on: November 25, 2013, 09:11:35 PM »
Copenhagen

Offline bkoenig

  • Gun Show Volunteer
  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 3677
  • Aspiring cranky old gun nut
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #3 on: November 25, 2013, 09:16:59 PM »
Copenhagen





Seriously, the smell of that stuff makes me want to gag.  And I have a cast iron stomach.

Offline camus

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 157
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #4 on: November 25, 2013, 09:18:40 PM »
Copenhagen



The graft on my lower jaw tells me otherwise. I would like to preserve my teeth.

Offline camus

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 157
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2013, 09:21:06 PM »
I
empty chamber flags
Full length cleaning rod (in the truck)


2 items I lacked at the last couple of matches and good ones to bring. That and simple band aids.

Offline OnTheFly

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 2617
  • NFOA member #364
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2013, 09:24:26 PM »
I don't do any 3-gun as of right now, so for pistol...

  • My mobile gun cleaning/maintenance/spare parts tactical range box. "Tactical" because I am just THAT much of an operator.



  • Electronic hearing protection
  • Extra ear plugs
  • Extra batteries for whatever battery powered device I have (mostly ear muffs)
  • Uplula
  • Spare mags
  • Spent case bag
  • Naproxin Sodium
  • Chap stick (but that's usually in my pocket)
  • Smart phone for family contact, 911, and taking photos/video
  • Staple gun + staples
  • Bug spray (summer)
  • Sun screen (summer)
  • Ball cap
  • Depending on weather: extra clothes for warmth or less clothes for heat
  • D-Lead hand cleaner
  • Drinks appropriate for the temperature
  • Snacks
  • Chewing gum so I don't make the other shooters pass out later in the day
  • A gun is always good to take to the range

Need:
  • First aid kit.
It takes me a couple of days to pack.

Fly
« Last Edit: November 25, 2013, 09:26:31 PM by OnTheFly »
Si vis pacem, para bellum

Offline bkoenig

  • Gun Show Volunteer
  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 3677
  • Aspiring cranky old gun nut
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2013, 09:26:59 PM »
A gun is always good to take to the range


Fly

I always forget at least one thing every time I go to the range.  And yes, at least once or twice it has been either the gun or the ammo.

Sunblock and water/gatorade is a good idea.  I bring those in hot weather.  My vision goes all to hell when I get dehydrated.

I take the Naproxin Sodium before I leave in the morning.   ;D

Offline OnTheFly

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 2617
  • NFOA member #364
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2013, 09:32:30 PM »
I take the Naproxin Sodium before I leave in the morning.

Before the match, after the match, AND definitely the morning after the match.

Fly
Si vis pacem, para bellum

Offline wallace11bravo

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Apr 2010
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 1056
  • Don't rush to failure.
    • Midwest Tactical Solutions
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #9 on: November 25, 2013, 10:20:11 PM »
PRS :P

Because I have to be different.

In Pack:
Rifle including optic, SLING, and bipods (in scabbard when I am not carrying it, have it slung, or its not on the staging line)
Ammo (+10% of whatever the match director said to bring, in case I have a bad lot or something)
Snivel gear, including poncho
Extra socks and undershirt
550 cord, zip ties, duct tape (just because)
A good supply of water and at least 2 meals worth of snacks (most matches are in austere settings)
2 spare mags for pistol (in case I loose some)
10 rd AICS mag
Copenhagen
Toilet paper
Wrist GPS
Ear and eyepro

On my belt:
Databook  (includes: slope indicator even though I have never needed it, calculator, like 16 pens because I loose them alot, constant sheet, range cards, reference cards sorted by 1000ft DA)
Rear Bag on snap
10rd mag in pouch
Rangefiner in pouch with 2 spare batteries and small screwdriver
Pistol and two mags (in holster/pouches)

In pickup:
Aid bag, toilet paper, water, two MREs, fire extinguisher (those are always in there anyway)

Things other people bring that I don't bother (I just borrow theirs):
Spotting scope and Tripod
Cleaning kit (Scrubbing your bore in a match is a good way to loose one or more points, I personally couldn't imagine why I would need one)
Torque wrench and bits
Weather meter

Things other people bring that I just don't:
Short tripod for LRF
Shooting mat
Shooting sticks
Crazy giant pack to use for support

Offline OnTheFly

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 2617
  • NFOA member #364
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #10 on: November 26, 2013, 12:21:38 AM »
Toilet paper

Chuck Norris doesn't need toilet paper.  He scares the $hi+ right out of himself.

Fly
Si vis pacem, para bellum

Offline Lmbass14

  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 870
  • Red Horse - Semper Ducimus
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #11 on: November 26, 2013, 08:16:15 AM »
PRS :P

Because I have to be different.

In Pack:
Rifle including optic, SLING, and bipods (in scabbard when I am not carrying it, have it slung, or its not on the staging line)
Ammo (+10% of whatever the match director said to bring, in case I have a bad lot or something)
Snivel gear, including poncho
Extra socks and undershirt
550 cord, zip ties, duct tape (just because)
A good supply of water and at least 2 meals worth of snacks (most matches are in austere settings)
2 spare mags for pistol (in case I loose some)
10 rd AICS mag
Copenhagen
Toilet paper
Wrist GPS
Ear and eyepro

On my belt:
Databook  (includes: slope indicator even though I have never needed it, calculator, like 16 pens because I loose them alot, constant sheet, range cards, reference cards sorted by 1000ft DA)
Rear Bag on snap
10rd mag in pouch
Rangefiner in pouch with 2 spare batteries and small screwdriver
Pistol and two mags (in holster/pouches)

In pickup:
Aid bag, toilet paper, water, two MREs, fire extinguisher (those are always in there anyway)

Things other people bring that I don't bother (I just borrow theirs):
Spotting scope and Tripod
Cleaning kit (Scrubbing your bore in a match is a good way to loose one or more points, I personally couldn't imagine why I would need one)
Torque wrench and bits
Weather meter

Things other people bring that I just don't:
Short tripod for LRF
Shooting mat
Shooting sticks
Crazy giant pack to use for support

So Wallace, how big a UHaul do you rent to carry everything?

Offline NE Bull

  • 2011 NFOA Firearm Rights Champion Award winner
  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Nov 2008
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 3501
    • A "friend's" blog
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #12 on: November 26, 2013, 08:21:46 AM »
For all that is Holy and Good- Don't forget the Charmin!
β€œIt is not an issue of being afraid, It's an issue of not being afraid to protect myself.”
 Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert
 "A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that."  Shane

Offline sjwsti

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 541
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #13 on: November 26, 2013, 08:28:15 AM »
My range bag immediate aid kit consists of a commercial tourniquet (SOFT-TW), an Olaes combination bandage, scissors, tape, gloves, a pocket mask and BandAids. Very recently I added Steri-Strips to my range kit.

While hunting last week  my partner suffered a 1/2in laceration to his chin. As many of you know any lacs to the head or face bleed like crazy. A bandaid wasnt going to get the job done. Luckily he had steristrips in his kit and I was able to close it nicely and stop the bleeding. If he hadnt had them we likely would have had to make a trip to the ER. I couldnt convince him to let me throw a couple of stitches in it.

Surprising how many shooters dont have a small med kit while on the range. I have had to use my kit many times for small injuries, twice for critical ones. Those were on two separate occasions at two public civilian ranges. One due to a negligent discharge striking a bystander in the chest. Second time when a range worker slipped, falling on a piece of broken tile, severing the radial artery in his wrist (if he had been by himself, with his kit in his truck who knows how far away, he might have been in serious trouble. Keep your kit on you, or at least close by).

- Shawn
« Last Edit: November 26, 2013, 08:30:46 AM by sjwsti »
"It's not what you know that will get you into trouble; it's what you know that isn't true"

www.88tactical.com

Offline Gary

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Location: Lincoln
  • Posts: 1199
    • Guns 2 Roses
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #14 on: November 26, 2013, 12:30:05 PM »
I don't do any 3-gun as of right now, so for pistol...

  • My mobile gun cleaning/maintenance/spare parts tactical range box. "Tactical" because I am just THAT much of an operator.



  • Electronic hearing protection
  • Extra ear plugs
  • Extra batteries for whatever battery powered device I have (mostly ear muffs)
  • Uplula
  • Spare mags
  • Spent case bag
  • Naproxin Sodium
  • Chap stick (but that's usually in my pocket)
  • Smart phone for family contact, 911, and taking photos/video
  • Staple gun + staples
  • Bug spray (summer)
  • Sun screen (summer)
  • Ball cap
  • Depending on weather: extra clothes for warmth or less clothes for heat
  • D-Lead hand cleaner
  • Drinks appropriate for the temperature
  • Snacks
  • Chewing gum so I don't make the other shooters pass out later in the day
  • A gun is always good to take to the range

Need:
  • First aid kit.
It takes me a couple of days to pack.

Fly

Who manufactures your range box?  I like the AR attach point. 

Offline OnTheFly

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 2617
  • NFOA member #364
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #15 on: November 26, 2013, 02:35:08 PM »
Who manufactures your range box?  I like the AR attach point. 
MTM

http://www.mtmcase-gard.com/products/shooting/tactical-range-box-mtm.html

I like it.  It has been pretty handy.

Fly
Si vis pacem, para bellum

Offline bkoenig

  • Gun Show Volunteer
  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 3677
  • Aspiring cranky old gun nut
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #16 on: November 26, 2013, 04:38:47 PM »


Cleaning kit (Scrubbing your bore in a match is a good way to loose one or more points, I personally couldn't imagine why I would need one)


I don't ever clean during a match, but a cleaning rod is nice in case of a squib or other malfunction where you need to knock a bullet or case out of your barrel.  It can make the difference between finishing the match and going home for the day.  A cleaning kit is nice to have just in case something stupid happens like the gun gets dropped in the mud, or you have a bullet push back into the case and dump powder all over the action.  Not that I've ever done anything stupid like that....

Offline Lorimor

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Nov 2008
  • Location: Platte County
  • Posts: 1077
  • Relay 2
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #17 on: November 26, 2013, 07:07:38 PM »
A TIMER! 
Extra batts
Sunscreen
tourniquet
Tools
Squib rod
mags
ear plugs
Electronic muffs
extra gun
staple gun
Posters of favorite politicians
"It is better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die. The very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed." – Rory Miller

Offline abbafandr

  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Nov 2012
  • Location: Omaha
  • Posts: 891
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #18 on: November 26, 2013, 07:07:56 PM »
I always forget at least one thing every time I go to the range.  And yes, at least once or twice it has been either the gun or the ammo.

Hate to admit it, but I've forgotten to take the gun I wanted to shoot on a range trip.  But I always take more than one, otherwise what would the point be of going? :laugh:

Offline abbafandr

  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Nov 2012
  • Location: Omaha
  • Posts: 891
Re: Match range bag essentials
« Reply #19 on: November 26, 2013, 07:09:04 PM »
Squib rod

Don't leave home without it ;D