Every shooter has their range bag organized in a way that suits their needs. If we went through 10 different range bags, we would see how each is separately different. I highly doubt that any two range bags would look alike with the way the essential contents are organized.
Of course, each would have a dedicated place for their ear and eye protection, tools, rags, accessories and spare magazines. Personally, I keep extra eye and ear protection for shooters who forgot or misplace theirs. I also keep a small cleaning kit for those times when my gun isn’t functioning right because I was too lazy to clean the gun properly after the last range session. Many people jam as much ammo as they possibly can in their range bag, but I suggest a dedicated ammo case to to pack more ammo than you anticipate shooting. Can you relate?
That brings us to the question: what is the most important item to have in your range bag?
Well, let’s just begin by admitting that not everything always goes perfect at the range. Especially in my situation, when I find myself alone in the middle of the National Forest with no range rules or safety officials.
There have been times when I cut my finger while setting up my targets for a range test. I’ve had brass fly into my face and get stuck between my eye protection and forehead, creating a nasty burn. I have also dealt with ricochets from various objects I shot at. Am I the smartest shooter? Well no, but I have a lot of fun.
The bottom line is – the most important and overlooked item in your range bag is a medical kit.
A medical kit is the difference between continuing to shoot and have a great time or going home (or the med clinic) early. That is where I found myself with the video below. I was shooting at a mangled iron target with a 1911 in .45 ACP. I’ve never been the sharpest tool in the shed. A bullet fragmented and came back and hit me in the thigh, leg and groin – ouch! I didn’t mention that part on video.
The fact is, I had a medical kit to bandage my cut and continued to shoot and enjoy my range time.
Watch the video below and let us know if you are prepared with a med kit if something like this were to happen to you.
