Every experienced shooter knows that a successful day at the range comes down to one simple thing — preparation. The difference between a productive session and a frustrating one often lies in what’s inside your range bag.
At True Shot Ammo, we’ve sold millions of rounds and talked with everyone from instructors and competitors to weekend shooters. Across the board, we’ve noticed the same items show up again and again — the true range bag essentials that actually get used.
Here’s your updated 2025 range bag checklist, based on what experienced shooters really carry.
Must-Have Range Bag Essentials
1. Eye Protection (and a Spare)
“One is none.” Always keep at least one ANSI Z87.1+ rated pair of shooting glasses — and a backup.
- Clear lenses for indoor or low-light shooting
- Tinted lenses for bright days
- Bonus tip: toss in an affordable $12 spare from the True Shot wall — lenses scratch faster than you think.
2. Electronic Hearing Protection
Passive muffs are fine, but electronic hearing protection is where it’s at in 2025.
Options like the Walker Razor, Howard Leight Impact Sport Pro, and AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 let you hear range commands while automatically cutting loud gunfire.
- Look for gel ear cups for all-day comfort
- Keep a pair of AA batteries (or rechargeables) in a labeled ziplock — most sets now run 200+ hours
3. 500–1,000 Rounds of Your Primary Caliber
There’s no such thing as bringing too much ammo.
Bulk 9mm, 5.56, or .223 from CCI Blazer Brass, Federal American Eagle, or Magtech runs about ~$0.24–$0.30 per round delivered in 2025.
Grab a few 1,000-round cases from True Shot Ammo and never waste a trip because you “only brought 200.”
4. Stapler + Pasters
Targets tear — it’s inevitable.
A compact stapler (like the Swingline Tot) and a roll of 1" tan or black pasters keep your setup tight and professional.
Pro tip: brown pasters blend into USPSA targets better than bright orange dots.
5. Multi-Tool or Armorer’s Tool
Whether it’s tightening optic screws or freeing a stuck case, you’ll be glad you packed one.
Popular picks:
- Leatherman Wave+
- Real Avid AR-15 Tool
Put plainly, multi-tools provide shooters with a myriad of useful tools in a small package that will surely come in handy at the range. Their utility combined with their small and efficient form factor ensure that they are an easy addition to your range bag or pocket.
6. Minimalist Cleaning & Maintenance Kit
Don’t overpack here. Six items will save you a headache later:
- Boresnake (or similar device) or Otis Ripcord (primary caliber)
- Small bottle of CLP or Hoppe’s Elite
- Nitrile gloves
- Microfiber cloth
- Q-tips or a dental pick
- Cleaning rod (primary caliber)
Five minutes at the bench beats an hour scrubbing at home. The ability to perform light maintenance in the field can salvage a range day. Some of these tools, like the cleaning rod can perform multiple functions such as actually cleaning your bore or even aiding in removing a stuck casing. In short, these six items will allow you to pack light while still keeping a capable suite of tools in your range bag.
7. First-Aid / Trauma Kit
Even experienced shooters don’t expect accidents — but they pack for them anyway.
Keep an IFAK or trauma kit with:
- CAT tourniquet
- Pressure bandage
- QuickClot or Celox gauze
- Chest seals
- Nitrile gloves
Blown primers and minor cuts are more common than gunshot wounds — but be the shooter who’s ready for either.
8. Sharpie, Pen & Small Notebook
Mark magazines, log optic zero adjustments, or jot down load data.
A Sharpie also doubles as a quick sight blackener in bright light.
9. Chamber Flags & Empty Chamber Indicators
They’re required at most ranges — and they cost next to nothing.
Buy a 10-pack for under $10 and toss one in every bag.
10. Speedloader or Mag Loader
Save your thumbs.
The Maglula UpLULA remains the gold standard for double-stack pistols, and a stripper-clip spoon setup is perfect for AR-15 mags or restrictive 10-round setups at indoor ranges.
Nice-to-Haves That Earn Their Space
If you’ve got room, these items make a big difference:
- Folding knee pad or shooter’s mat
- Binoculars or a spotter scope (8–10x is ideal for 100-yard steel)
- Shot timer (PACT Club Timer III or AMG Lab app)
- Spare recoil springs and small parts for your carry gun
- Sunscreen, bug spray, and a lightweight rain shell
Range Bag Recommendations That Won’t Break the Bank
Looking for the best range bag in 2025? Here are proven picks across budgets:
- Full Forge Double Rifle Bag 37" – well padded, dimensions are 37" x14" x12.5" for only $99.99
- Glock Backpack – budget-friendly at around $45
- Vertx COF Heavy or G-Code Scorpion Softshell – premium options with excellent layout and durability
Final Pre-Range Checklist
Before you zip up and head out:
- Eye protection (plus spare)
- Ear protection + extra batteries
- Ammo (500–1,000 rounds minimum)
- Targets, stapler, and pasters
- Tools and cleaning gear
- Trauma kit
- Chamber flags
Everything else is a bonus.
Stock Up for Your Next Range Day
Get range-ready with True Shot Ammo — your go-to for bulk 9mm, 5.56, .308, and more.
We keep real inventory in stock, ship fast, and back every order with honest service.
Shop Ammo Online → TrueShotAmmo.com
See you at the range.
