looking for a new range bag

ordy

US Veteran
Joined
May 20, 2012
Messages
738
Reaction score
946
Location
suburban philadelphia
I've been using a bag I got as a freebie from S&W after buying a new pistol. It's an oldie, pretty worn out and it needs to be replaced. The few requirements are that it has to be well made, have a shoulder strap and a few pockets would be a good thing. What do you guys like?
 
Register to hide this ad
Take a look at the canvas tool box bag at Walmart, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

They come in all sizes with all sorts of external pockets.

Much less expensive than "Range Bags".
 
Go to one of the big box stores and look for either a good quality GYM bag, or DUFFLE bag. I bought one in Target about 10 years ago and I think it was about 18 bucks or so. Not a scratch or tear on it. It's one of those "ballistic nylon" jobs with all the zippered compartments. It has carried LOTS of weight on hunting trips, range outings, and every time I shoot and I must say it's been the best Range bag I've ever had.

The "official Range Bags" cost way too much and never seem to be big enough for the stuff I need to carry.

By the way, the KEY to the bag's longevity is it must have a stiff bottom (usually removable for cleaning) liner! This distributes the weight and keeps sharp objects from ripping holes in the bottom of the bag.
 
While it's true most any type of bag will work, I think the best deals going are the Midway range bags. Designed to hold all your stuff, and reasonably priced. I have a compact and full size, and I use the compact mostly. The big one is definitely on the large side, you better be a strong guy if you load it all the way up. ;)

Range Bags | Shooting Gear
 
I, for years, used a very big gym bag. Inside that I carried an old metal tackle box with cleaning stuff, screwdrivers etc. It carried just about everything but ammo. I carried ammo in a 50 cal ammo can.

This year I finally changed. I bought this from Smilin' Larry -
MidwayUSA Competition Range Bag


638531.jpg


It's giant. All the cleaning stuff now goes into a big, side pocket that zips open to fold out, has internal pockets and elastics etc. It carries guns, ammo, first aid, eyes and ears, rags, binocs, camera, in college I had apartments smaller than this thing. It comes with two nylon gun bag/rug things, a lift out ammo carrier, place for targets or other papers. There's a video on Midway's site and several video reviews on YouTube.

Comes in all your favorite tactical colors..:cool:

Now I've got a 50 year old metal tackle box available for something else.


Sgt Lumpy
 
I, for years, used a very big gym bag. Inside that I carried an old metal tackle box with cleaning stuff, screwdrivers etc. It carried just about everything but ammo. I carried ammo in a 50 cal ammo can.

This year I finally changed. I bought this from Smilin' Larry -
MidwayUSA Competition Range Bag


638531.jpg


It's giant. All the cleaning stuff now goes into a big, side pocket that zips open to fold out, has internal pockets and elastics etc. It carries guns, ammo, first aid, eyes and ears, rags, binocs, camera, in college I had apartments smaller than this thing. It comes with two nylon gun bag/rug things, a lift out ammo carrier, place for targets or other papers. There's a video on Midway's site and several video reviews on YouTube.

Comes in all your favorite tactical colors..:cool:

Now I've got a 50 year old metal tackle box available for something else.


Sgt Lumpy

I have 2 of these and plan on getting a third one. Best range bag for the money...EVER!
 
I use about 18 different bags to haul "Guns and Such" on expeditions, when going to a public range I like bright colors that are easy to keep a eye on. When Hunting varmints, I prefer the more subdued colors. On the "Duffle" style of very limp nylon, I cut a piece of 1/4" or 3/8" plywood, with rounded and smooth corners for a strong "Floor". Some of these date to the late 70's. Ivan
 
Midway has some very good prices on their range bags. Today is last day of sale. Though, there will be another soon. There always is....

Been using Midway ranges bags for many years. Have nothing but good things to say about them.
 
Years back I picked up several CLC tool bags. They have pockets galore (depending on the bag - some more, some less) and so far have been totally indestructible. They're made for carrying tools day in and day out. Toting my guns and stuff to the range hasn't presented much of a challenge to them.
 
See what I mean Ordy..... It's like buying a Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry and having a difficult time finding your car in the local Wallyworld parking lot..Not taking away from the value or integrity of the Midway bag but I rather like knowing which bag is mine and not following the rest of the herd.

Not to mention I hate giving Larry any more of my hard earned cash.
 
Last edited:
See what I mean Ordy..... It's like buying a Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry and having a difficult time finding your car in the local Wallyworld parking lot..Not taking away from the value or integrity of the Midway bag but I rather like knowing which bag is mine and not following the rest of the herd.

Not to mention I hate giving Larry any more of my hard earned cash.

Maybe you should buy a Yugo....I doubt you find any others in the Wallyworld parking lot. :D

Don

Spelling of "by" corrected to"buy" to make "duppie" feel better. :D
 
Last edited:
+1 on the Midway bags. No need to look any further. I stuff 'em, toss 'em in the car and schlep it back and forth. My kid has one too. Best bang for the buck out there. They are routinely on sale.
 
See what I mean Ordy..... It's like buying a Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry and having a difficult time finding your car in the local Wallyworld parking lot..Not taking away from the value or integrity of the Midway bag but I rather like knowing which bag is mine and not following the rest of the herd.

Not to mention I hate giving Larry any more of my hard earned cash.
In all my trips to the ranges at both clubs I belong to I've not seen another Midway bag (other than my dad's). Also shouldn't your stuff be hanging around with you at your shooting bench area anyway rather than in some common area with other folks' stuff? :)
 
In all my trips to the ranges at both clubs I belong to I've not seen another Midway bag (other than my dad's). Also shouldn't your stuff be hanging around with you at your shooting bench area anyway rather than in some common area with other folks' stuff? :)
...not at the two ranges I frequent, shooters of a certain era seem to love the standard Midway bag in basic black and have taken to "customizing" it with tags and such in order to differentiate it to their owners. As for keeping my bag close? now you're splitting hairs because I've in some way irked you and if that be the case...I apologize but there is no need to indulge in hyperbole...I keep my easily recognizable bag well within reach.:)
 
Nah I'm not irked at all - it takes a lot more than likening my range bag to a Hyundai to irk me. I guess I just don't think of my bag as a personal statement or anything. The Midway one just seems to me to offer as much or more than bags that cost 2x more money is all. To each their own though - that's what makes the world go round. Take care. :)
 
Nah I'm not irked at all - it takes a lot more than likening my range bag to a Hyundai to irk me. I guess I just don't think of my bag as a personal statement or anything. The Midway one just seems to me to offer as much or more than bags that cost 2x more money is all. To each their own though - that's what makes the world go round. Take care. :)

...you too Hoss...:)
 
Back
Top