The right tools will make your range day much safer and enjoyable.
Here are our top 10 gun tools that should be with you when heading out for trigger time.
When shooter’s generally think about gun tools, what they carry to the gun range comes to mind. This could be a long list in reality and each gun enthusiast might have a different thought on what is the most important choices in their own personal equipment. What would you pick as your go-to gun tools? These following quality products will serve you well at the range for years to come.
EAR PROTECTION
Protecting your hearing at all cost against damaging gunfire noise is of utmost importance. It doesn’t take much to damage your hearing for the rest of your life. There are many varieties of styles to choose from in the world of hearing protection. Personal preference, such as comfort, plays heavily for your own choice on how to protect your ears. Let’s look at some of the more popular models that are sure to turn up at your local gun shop for purchase or of course on an easy online search.
Foam plugs. The good ‘ole cheap disposable foam ear plugs have been around literally forever and are easy to clean, you just throw them in the garbage can! These little buggers hold up well though for multiple range trips before they slow down expanding. They are perfect for keeping in your shooting gear for giving to guests you may have on the firing line or if you forget to bring your more expensive hearing protection. Better add some to your range bag!
A step up from the disposable foam ear plugs is the ear muffs. They are quick on and quick off. These bunny ears do have some major draw backs though. Those less than stellar issues include being quite hot in the summer. Try wearing a pair on a hot August day. They are also a bit bulky to use while firing long guns. This is especially true if you are firing from a shooting bench or prone. On the bright side though, in colder weather though they are quite comfortable while firing handguns. They are especially helpful when shooting in an indoor range to really protect your hearing. Those close quarters echo loud sounds and concussions off of walls quite epically to say the least. Take note: some seasoned shooters at indoor ranges use both ear muffs and ear plugs for maximum noise cancelation. That is a handy trick when the shooter in the next bay is firing a 12 gauge shotgun!
Now what if you are a fan of electronics? Well step on up to the head of the class and see what technology can offer for hearing protection. Stream Bluetooth audio while being protected from loud noises with products such as the Walker’s Suppressor Bluetooth Electronic Ear Plugs. Hear range commands clearly, and conversations of other shooters if need be. The protection is there when you need it, and not when you don’t. They also are very small and out of the way when firing long guns from a bench and also at the clay pigeon range. Remember though, if your electronic ear muffs need to be recharged or fresh batteries added, don’t forget that little helpful hint to keep them ready for your next range trip.
Make sure whatever you choose that you actually wear them. Also, never forget them at home! Your ears will certainly thank you.
EYE PROTECTION
Your eyesight is another thing to protect by all means necessary. If you damage your eyes, well, get ready to live with that for the rest of your life or face expensive repairs. Better invest in a quality pair of shooting glasses to protect your peepers! There are plenty of styles on the market to choose from. From old school aviator style glasses, to new age tactical, they all serve the same purpose. If you can, stop by your local shop to try them on before you purchase. Trying them on will help you pick out the pair that fits the best for you and your style. Also, you will probably look very cool while wearing them to your favorite gun range!
GUNSMITHING SCREWDRIVER SET
Screws on firearms need to have specific well fitting tools to remove them. Sloppy screwdrivers will mar and damage those screws causing an unsightly (and possibly expensive) mess. In the worse case scenarios, they can literally tear the head right off a fragile screw head. Better get a gunsmithing screwdriver set and play it safe. Remember to bring that set also to the range with you. Loosening screws are usually spotted at the worst times possible away from your home and your work bench. Also, a full set of Allen keys will tighten loose scope mounts and avoid another headache at the range. Add those to your gun tools and thank us later.
BRASS PUNCH AND HAMMER SET
Brass punches are required for drift sight adjustment on some firearms. Also, they come in handy on firearms such as the AR-15 platforms for moving disassembly pins out of the way for a thorough gun cleaning or upper replacement. A non-marring brass and nylon faced hammer gives you that little extra push when needed without dents and scratches to your blued steel and walnut stocked children. Buy a packaged set and be well prepared for those little gun parts that need a gentle persuasion.
GUN CLEANING KIT
A high quality gun cleaning kit is a must have for all hunters and shooters. An uncleaned firearm is an abuse to a great investment. Keep your firearms rust less, cleaned and lubed at all times. Remember, a mistreated gun is a sure sign of a lazy novice. Don’t be that shooter on the line that makes everyone else cringe with your firearm care neglect. Be proud of our beautiful shootin’ irons and keep them clean, lubed and functioning great!
RANGE BAG
Oh the uses of a well made gun range bag will never be overstated! What can’t you carry in such an important “tool” for the day of shooting fun? Well, anything that will fit in the bag you carry will tag along with you to your happy shooting grounds including your lunch. I originally started hitting the range in my much younger years with a simple military shoulder bag. It was just big enough to carry my ammo and maybe a bottle of water. Right away, I realized I needed more gear on occasion to save the day at the range during a firearm breakdown emergency such as gunsmithing screwdrivers, cleaning kit, and really anything else you could imagine. The drive home was a lot longer than I wanted just to attend to a small equipment malfunction. The range bags started growing in size and so did my necessary “luggage” to the gun club. Make sure from the start you pick a range bag size you will need well into the future. Oh yes, and be sure your snacks left in the range bag do not become outdated…
BENCH REST
A proper rest is very important if you are firing from a bench position. I personally prefer the adjustable versions over the old school “sand bag” for maximum flexibility and ease of use. Get a good one and it will last you a lifetime. The below Caldwell model has plenty of adjustment that is just right for any elevation you will need at any gun range you may visit. Shoot with comfort and an unstrained neck for the best grouping possible.
SPOTTING SCOPE
If you are a bench rest shooter, a good spotting scope is required. Walking all the way downrange to look at your target is a real bother to you and everyone else at the range. Why hold up the whole firing line when a spotting scope is all you need? When buying a spotting scope, invest in the best optics you can afford. When you are looking downrange on a cloudy day at 300 yards away from your target those tiny bullet holes are sure hard to see. Quality glass gets the job done easily and saves your eye strain.
PORTABLE SHOOTING TABLE
Does your favorite shooting area lack proper shooting benches? Why not bring your own? For rifle shooting, a good bench is way better than laying on the ground in the dirt. How brilliant is a folding and very portable shooting bench is? That is a sure win in any field and would also be a great addition for varmint hunting at long distances.
ADJUSTABLE TARGET STAND
A portable and adjustable target stand allows easy placement of a target as long as a good backstop is present. No more trying to pound in stakes into frozen ground or rocky terrain. That alone saves so much time and is well worth the cost.
