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Old 05-10-2014, 01:49 PM
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Default Range bag

Hi everyone. So I'm looking to put together my first range bag, and was looking for ideas on brand, and contents. So how about a picture thread. Post pics of your bags to help me out. Thanks

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Old 05-10-2014, 02:23 PM
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Howdy,

I am a fan of the buy once cry once theory. There a ton of bags out there. Buy quality! Remember, your bag will hold heavy, sharp things and will spend a lot of its life on rough surfaces. I have an Eagle Industries pro shooters bag. If you can find one, it's the ***** kitty. Another good choice is the one from CED. Here is a link Shooting Bags - CED Professional Range Bag - Competitive Edge Dynamics USA

For the contents, keep it simple. Heres what lives in mine:
Gun(s)
Mags/speedloaders
Holster/mag pouch/belt
Pro gear (eyes/ears)
Ammo for the session (limited to a box or two. More is carried in ammo can)
Dummy rounds
Sectional cleaning rod
Lube!!!!!
Spare parts with appropriate tools (just enough for a field repair/loctite)
Stapler and staples
Timer
Spare batteries for anything that needs them
Paperwork (CoF/Qual sheets/note book and pencil/sharpies/Emergency contact info)
BooBoo kit (Snivel gear i.e. bandaids, sunscreen etc)
Blow out kit appropriate to your training level (GSW fixing gear)

Those are the things that are standard in the bag. Some things like foul weather gear may be added for different ranges. Depending on the lesson plan for the day, specific work gear like pro masks might be added.

As with all advice, YMMV but thats about all I carry. Weighs in at about 18# without ammo.

Last edited by turnerriver; 05-12-2014 at 08:38 AM. Reason: Moderator preference
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Old 05-10-2014, 03:30 PM
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Brownell's signature series I have owned larger and smaller but for taking a couple of guns and ammo to the range its my favorite
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Old 05-10-2014, 03:54 PM
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The two main things I've learned about range bags...Lighter color is better, as SO MANY items that will go into it are black, under anything other than full daylight, black items become almost invisible in black bags.
Next, a top cover that will fold over out of the way is way better than a center zipper or two top zippers that allow a long top cover to be removed.
Lots of dividers are a good thing, also. As is something more rigid so the bag doesn't fold in over itself all the time, very frustrating.
I know these things because my doesn't meet any of the above suggestions. It's an old flight bag that I already had. Hmmm, maybe I should read this and go shopping.
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Old 05-10-2014, 04:46 PM
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I admit it, I'm cheap!

I use those heavy canvas tool bags that you can get on Amazon for around $12.00 and even cheaper at Harbor Freight. I never take more than three guns to the range (indoor) and usually just two. These bags comfortably carry my guns, two or three boxes of ammo and my ear muffs. The side pockets can carry some small tools and lube. Of course I wrap the guns in small hand towels to avoid contact with each other. These bags will also fit out of sight behind the console of my pick-up truck. Works perfectly for me.

Admittedly you might need something more weather proof and durable for an outdoor range.
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Old 05-10-2014, 04:57 PM
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Midway sells a range bag that is very popular with the IDPA crowd. I have one. I like it a lot. It is reasonably priced and is specifically designed for shooters with plenty of pockets to hold mags, eye wear, tools, ammo, etc.
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Old 05-10-2014, 07:05 PM
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I use a tool box, not the lightest thing in the world but it keeps my neighbors guessing what I keep walking out with (I live in New England). The lower level of the tool box has cutouts of foam to keep everything in it's place.


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Old 05-10-2014, 07:07 PM
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I have yet to see a range bag better than this one:
LA Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag


Big enough to carry every thing I need, but not so big that I can't lift it when it's full. For $30 it's a steal.

There is a smaller version for only $20:
LAPG Tactical Bail Out Gear Bag Best Seller

This one is just a tad smaller than I want though.


I also agree with getting a color other than black. It really does help when searching for something.
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Old 05-10-2014, 08:11 PM
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I'm cheap. I use a freebie gym bag I got from IBM. It holds four guns each in its own case, ammo for each, ear protection (over the ear), cleaning supplies, rags, tools and manuals. Weighs in at about 20 pounds loaded and doesn't look like a range bag.
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Old 05-10-2014, 08:18 PM
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These are awesome ideas thanks alot guys. Keep em commin.

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Old 05-10-2014, 09:21 PM
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I too use a tool box. The handguns go in a separate cheap multilevel plastic carrier. I often bring as many as 4 calibers and a total of 400 rounds to the range on a day when I plan to spend 3-4 hours. I just use the same thing with a lighter load for matches. I don't really care about the box it is in. I do care about the quality of the gun & results.
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Old 05-10-2014, 09:31 PM
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I've used a now 40+ year old FILSON field case, a rectangular case 12" wide by 18" long, with a zipper around three sides for many years. Heavy canvas, weight not an issue, bridle leather handles.

Since my shooting has gone to #@%@ I like to at least look stylish at the Range.
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Old 05-11-2014, 01:10 PM
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+1 on the value of a non-black interior. It can be difficult to impossible to find things in a black bag in less than brilliant, OVERHEAD light, AND it is also difficult to see things in bright daylight if you're wearing shades - as I usually am at, for example, IDPA matches. I usually have to take 'em off to find things in my black bag interiors.

I'm cheap, and have never sprung for a CED bag, which is what I should have done in the first place. If you're cheap too, I can testify that the Midway bags are probably the best dedicated range bag value out there. But beware of the large model unless you are VERY strong - it's way too easy to fill it up to where it takes two men and a boy to move. The mid size bags - called Compact Competition - are terrific, though. They do offer that one in a khaki color, which should have a khaki interior (mine is dark green and is the same color inside - they didn't have the khakis when I bought mine.)
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Old 05-11-2014, 01:37 PM
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IMHO, Midway bags are the most bang for the buck in a dedicated range bag, considering the stuff that they include. Gun rugs, a bag for brass, etc. Worth checking out: MidwayUSA Competition Range Bag PVC Coated Polyester

ETA I have to agree with Wrangler5, if you fill up the regular bag you better be in good shape to carry it anywhere. I find myself using the "compact" bag most of the time, and it's not so compact that I can't get most everything I need into it.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939...ProductFinding
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Old 05-11-2014, 01:47 PM
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Bulldog brand makes a good bag reasonably priced.
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Old 05-11-2014, 02:38 PM
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Found this bag, made by Allen, at my LGS. It is a sling pack style with the S&W embroidery. I keep the following in it at all times.

-(1) firearm, usually my Glock 19 or M&P 40c
-Hoppes cleaner
-Hoppes gun oil
-Small cleaning kit
-(2) Magazines loaded with defense ammo for which ever gun I am carrying
-(1) knife
-lighter
-(1) box 50 round ammo
-Multi tool such as a gerber or leatherman
-Hearing Protection - several pair
-Eye Protection

Hope to be adding replacement parts in the future. I think these are available on S&W website. I picked mine up for $34.99, which I felt like was a good deal.
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Old 05-12-2014, 12:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2hawk View Post
IMHO, Midway bags are the most bang for the buck in a dedicated range bag, considering the stuff that they include. Gun rugs, a bag for brass, etc. Worth checking out: MidwayUSA Competition Range Bag PVC Coated Polyester

ETA I have to agree with Wrangler5, if you fill up the regular bag you better be in good shape to carry it anywhere. I find myself using the "compact" bag most of the time, and it's not so compact that I can't get most everything I need into it.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939...ProductFinding
Add one more fan of the Midway Competition Range Bag. Two years ago I went searching for a complete solution for my range bag needs. I've owned several types from varying manufacturers over the years. During my search I shied away from the Midway bags in an effort to not go along with the rest of the crowd. Anyway, I eventually broke down and purchased the Midway competition bag and have not regretted it. It's everything I was looking for and then some!!!
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Old 05-12-2014, 11:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
I have yet to see a range bag better than this one:
LA Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag


Big enough to carry every thing I need, but not so big that I can't lift it when it's full. For $30 it's a steal.

There is a smaller version for only $20:
LAPG Tactical Bail Out Gear Bag Best Seller

This one is just a tad smaller than I want though.

I also agree with getting a color other than black. It really does help when searching for something.
I agree, I bought the large bag in OD. Great range bag.
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