What Equipment Do I Need?

Unless you can get it from the range, you will need eye and ear protection. You'll get targets likely from the range. I like to shoot outside, so it is easier at my range to bring a staple gun to mount the targets. You'll need a "plan" on how you want to use your time - dont just throw lead down range (at least at first), but try and work on the fundamentals. Get your natural point of aim, work on site picture, trigger control, , etc. Bring a good attitude and have fun.
 
Gun(s)
Ammunition
Eyes
Ears
Targets
Bag to hold it all
Good, attentive attitude
Excellent Safety practices

When you get home:

Cleaning supplies
 
Here is my list:

-ear protection
-eye protection
-firearms
-ammo
-mags
-targets
-staple gun
-extra staples
-tape
-pen or Sharpie for marking targets, taking notes
-notepad
-gunsmith screw driver (like Lyman's) for adjusting sights, etc.
-brass punch and small brass hammer for drifting dovetailed sights
-gallon Ziploc to hold fired brass for later reloading (if you don't reload save it for a friend who does)
-some ranges require "chamber flags", yellow plastic flags that fit in the chamber to indicate the firearm action is open and unable to fire while shooters are down range changing targets
-your own shooting rest if sighting in or checking accuracy

Since I usually shoot for several hours I also take some water, soda, and a lunch.
 
I use a plastic tackle box, not a huge one. I toss in, ear muffs, ammo, any sort of tool I might need for sight adjustments, a roll of masking tape to cover holes in targets and maybe tacks to hold up the target on the backing board. Extra magazines if an auto pistol or rifle. I wear glasses but if you do not toss in some impact rated glasses if not special shooting glasses. Make sure anyone going with you has earmuffs or plugs also, and glasses. I toss stuff in the trunk for the outdoor range including targets and some sort of rest for rifles. Other than that, if you are going to an outdoor range, a hat is nice to shade the eyes and maybe something cold like bottled water. Forget food. Maybe a rag to wipe your hands if you get firing residue on them from handling the gun or maybe to wipe off the gun if you want for the trip home. Make it a clean rag. I once cut the crap out of my hand at the range really bad and had to wrap a dirty red rag on it for the drive home. Oh and your guns should obviously have some sort of case, instead of banging around loose in the trunk.
 
Thank you everyone for helping me out. I am a noobie at all of this, so I knew I needed the help.


“Americans have the will to resist because you have weapons. If you don’t have a gun, freedom of speech has no power.” -Yoshimi Ishikawa
 
I would also skip food unless you have a way to really clean your hands - number one method of lead ingestion is through the mouth from eating, drinking or smoking
 
To mention a good addition to the standard bag: a good set of shooting gloves. I know that it probably sounds pansy, but I don't really care (I also carry a man-purse.) For me, I like to have clean hands especially when I am out in the woods and don't have any soap and water. I also find that it helps in handling of the gun in that you don't get finger oils and salts all over your nice bluing or less nice parkerizing. It also makes my Astra 600 at least a little more comfortable to shoot (think recoiling pipe wrench.)

BTW, I have also fallen in mad love with MagLULA magazine loaders. They are cheap and wonderful. Loading my Kahr by hand hurts. Oh, and a silicone or gun oil impregnated rag.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top