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View Full Version : What do you take when you go to the range?


Looking for Knowledge
December 16, 2006, 02:42 AM
I'm heading there tomorrow, was loading up my case, and wondered what most people take with them when they head out to the range.

Do you just take your regular carry weapons, or do you take some that you just love to shoot (are they the same?)?

I rarely pack my High Power...but always take it, because it's a joy.

I'm taking my .44 629 Classic, but only because I swapped grips on it this week.

Walter ppk/s goes (still breaking it in)

P3-AT & Kahr PM-9 are going (because I just got them.

Everything else is staying home, no matter how much fun they are.

What do you regularly take, or what have you been taking lately?

Black Snowman
December 16, 2006, 02:53 AM
I've been trying to limit myself a little more. I keep finding myself taking a bunch of guns I don't end up shootinh. Normally I'll take a gun if I've made a modification, a new load, or gotten a new accessory to try out. If only 1 or two guns fall under that catagory I'll bring something I have a lot of ammo for or haven't shot in a while. I've got a large selection, so it rotates.

I have a double pistol case that I can cram up to 6 handguns in. If that's full, I know I don't need to take any more. :)

10-Ring
December 16, 2006, 04:13 AM
I use to bring several guns w/ alot of diff't calibers & ALOT of guns to clean afterwards. Now, I usually only bring 2 guns - my HD gun & my 22lr wheelgun. And a value pack for each.

grimjaw
December 16, 2006, 04:29 AM
I only have the one handgun that I'm planning to keep, a Glock 19, and it goes most every time.

jm

gudel
December 16, 2006, 04:40 AM
I use to bring several guns w/ alot of diff't calibers & ALOT of guns to clean afterwards

I used to do the same, got tired cleaning a lot of guns! :D
Now I just bring a couple, yeah and the wwb or remington value pack.

bpisler
December 16, 2006, 07:45 AM
I always take my primany carry piece and one
or more fun guns like my S&W 422.Every
other week i take my BUG and my apt gun
along with my mossberg shotty.

wildburp
December 16, 2006, 08:08 AM
Range? I take my water proof pistol into the shower for protection. Against soap, and suds. Remember those sud missles from the last war? That was hell, man. Never again. Locked and loaded, that's what I say.

wb

jlh26oo
December 16, 2006, 09:33 AM
Hi. I'm on drugs.



:neener:

chris in va
December 16, 2006, 12:22 PM
Lemme think...

CZ 75 with kadet kit.
Mosin m39 (38?)
SKS
HiPoint carbine
Sig 220
Pardner 410


Tannerite
Cheap soda 12 packs
clays (with thrower)
1# propane cans (boooyah)
golf balls
old tennis balls
bowling pins
satellite dishes

Trying to locate a source of old steel scuba tanks. Someone left one at the range and it was fantastic to plink at.

AirForceShooter
December 16, 2006, 12:44 PM
Always my .22
Truthfully it's the one I put the most rounds through.
After that it's sort of what do I feel like.
.45, 9MM, .380, .357.
It's just what I feel like that day.

AFS

M2 Carbine
December 16, 2006, 12:54 PM
I have a couple "backyard ranges", so all my guns are already there.

The gun club range is 300 yards and since my range is only 100 yards I take guns that are better shooting at the longer distance, like the M1 Garand, AR, etc.
Then I'll take 3 or 4 pistols.

I have a couple Kel Tec PLR .223 pistols that do very good at 100 yards and I want to see how they will do at 300.

Walkalong
December 16, 2006, 01:00 PM
Depends on the mood, always a 1911 or two and then go from there.

TFin04
December 16, 2006, 01:06 PM
I only own two pistols at this time (PM9 and S&W J Frame), so I bring both of those and ammo for each.

My range box is basically my entire "gun box" at this point, so cleaning supplies, tools, eye/ear protection and other odds and ends are brought along. I always bring a Sharpie to mark groupings and things like that.

oldskag
December 16, 2006, 08:16 PM
I know its a lot to clean, but in most cases I take them all..I want to continue shooting while I'm resting from the BIG'uns..Ruger 22/45, Taurus 357, SW 629, Taurus RB 454, SW500..it gets pretty expensive, but you only live once, right?

sfhogman
December 16, 2006, 08:21 PM
Usually my Smith 620.
I shoot my Springfield 1911 Loaded a lot.

ALWAYS my Single-Six. Can't get enough of that little guy.:)

Jeff

MCgunner
December 16, 2006, 08:31 PM
Always a .22 revolver and a 550 pack of Federal. :D The rest depends on my mood. I'll either shoot revolver or auto. I have my Kel Tec I usually shoot and a P85 and P90 if I'm in an auto mood. Of course, sometimes I'm in a cap and ball mood. :D

Shooting box has stapler, targets, tools, cleaning supplies, and such. Sometimes I take my range log and chronograph. Sometimes the sand bags. Depends on what I'm going with that range session. I usually shoot my .22 and Kel Tec P11, the two constants. Those are the two guns I have big round counts with, but lately I've been more into my .38 and .357s.

nelson133
December 16, 2006, 08:37 PM
I'm going tomorrow and probably will take , Sig P220, Ruger SP101, Taurus .45LC snubbie, Hi-Point C9, Kel-Tec P40 and P3AT, Rock Island Govt Model .45, Beretta 96 and a S&W Model14. This list may change without notice. I spend way too much time reloading and cleaning. The ammo bag is my weight lifting workout.

battlehatch
December 16, 2006, 08:40 PM
I take the following firearms...
SA XD45 5" +200rds
Walther G22 +1100Rds
Mosin Nagant M44 +40rds

My roommate brings the following...
Beretta Neos +700rds
Savage .17hmr +200rds

We also bring the following supplies...
180 Sporting clays
10+packs of Shoot-n-c
1 EZ-up with 3 walls
1 propane heater
carpet to lay on
and a cooler full of the cheapest sodas we can find...

SoCalShooter
December 16, 2006, 08:54 PM
Unless I am entertaining other people with my toys I take my kimber and ruger MKIII only, practice practice practice for matches.

cdsdss
December 16, 2006, 09:06 PM
Always bring my Sig p229 service weapon and my Walther P99 off-duty piece. From there it's whatever gun I haven't fired recently: My P5, Browning HP, or EAA Witness 10mm.

Ilovemyglock
December 16, 2006, 09:13 PM
Always my browning model21,
My Yugo AK-47
Glock model 22 .40cal
and sometimes one of my M-1 Garand's
my shotguns,some pistols-like my FN-5.7 stay home.

longeyes
December 16, 2006, 09:28 PM
What I can comfortably carry and what I feel like cleaning.

sm
December 16, 2006, 09:50 PM
Add-
Clay field or Hunting.

I just show up.

I do not shoot on public / club ranges or clay fields.
I shoot on private spots...

I have my CCW, and that is about it. Mentors did this - so I do it. My stuff is off site and sitting in a safe and has not been looked at in a year. I keep on premise one NEF Youth 20 ga shotgun and one CCW, sometimes one more CCW.

I just show up. I assist with others shooting, and there is something there I can shoot if I feel like shooting. Handgun, shotgun, rifle, BB gun...

Gun buddy, I step out back - shoot stuff that needs shooting, he fusses my CCW has gotten wet, or not been cleaned in awhile - so he cleans mine, I shoot, and he gets to clean these I just shot.

I "think" I have some shooting glasses in my truck - pretty sure some ear plugs are...
Just easier to snag what is where I am and shoot others guns .
My Mentors shot my guns, and made me clean theirs - just passing forward as passed to is all.

I go snag another CCW to use for whatever reason, maybe to assist in helping others, get done bring it back dirty..

I do not even have a cleaning kit - that I know of. Why do I need one? Lady friend cleaned my CCW last time with ~ 1500 rds I had fired through it. Gun still worked - just...well...she felt I needed to have it cleaned.

I inspect and maintain, chamber clean, extractor clean, add lube if need...but clean - not until it gets wet, used in mud, snow, or somesuch. My stuff, my choices - work. Simple, bone stock, just work.

Assisting on shotgunning, there is an old single shot .410 I use as my instruction tool. Get throughassisting- one of the students puts it up.


Mentors were right - simple is great!

High Planes Drifter
December 16, 2006, 10:53 PM
quote:
Do you just take your regular carry weapons, or do you take some that you just love to shoot (are they the same?)?
---------------
IMO, your carry weapon should be something that you love to shoot. In case of the worst, it will probably be the weapon that you have on hand to defend your life with, therefore, you should be comfortable, proficient, and well versed with it.

orionengnr
December 16, 2006, 11:00 PM
A .22, always.

If I am shooting a semi-auto, I bring my Ruger MkII plus 100 rounds of .22LR and warm up with that before shooting 50-100 rounds of centerfire semi.

If I am shooting a revolver, I bring my S&W M-18 plus 100 rounds of .22LR and warm up with it.

Not only is my shooting getting better, my fun factor is up and my price per range session is down.

And I almost always get to let someone else shoot the .22...which always brings smiles.

possum
December 16, 2006, 11:18 PM
when i m by myself i a take a max of 2. either 2 handguns, or 1 handgun and one rifle, normally the latter, 100rds for the rifle, and 200rds for the pistol. that is the norm. but when i am home on leave, and it is gonna be an all day trip, then we normally take his and my ar-15's, am ak, a glock 19, 17, kahr k-9 elite, para lda, remington 870, ad he xd's! that makesfor a day of fun filled range time!

Looking for Knowledge
December 16, 2006, 11:52 PM
I was only asking because I have been considering trimming down the handguns I take to the indoor range. I enjoy shooting my Buckmark and my Long Colt, and though I usually take them for fun, lately I have been thinking of focusing more on the firearms I need to shoot (and having less to clean afterwards).

I was just curious if most people bring as many guns as possible, like I usually do, or if they try to keep it at a minimum, like I tested out today.

Next time the .44 will stay home too. The new grips didn't work out for me, so I'm back to the ones they came with....and I can live with that.

The Kahr PM-9, Walther PPK/S, and the P3AT will go with me again next time, as they are the ones I always have close at hand.

ZeSpectre
December 17, 2006, 12:03 AM
I rotate through pretty regularly but I do always take my Ruger MK III which is my "cool down" gun at the end. No matter how rambunctious I've been with other stuff the last two magazines are always .22 with nice slow fire and concentration on trigger control.

Monkeybear
December 17, 2006, 12:32 AM
I take one of my guns and as much ammo as I can afford. I usually like to alternate the way I shoot at the range though. Ill do some slow and controlled shooting. It takes a little while but my groups start to close up, Im still kinda new. When Ive done about 100 of those Ill move to faster shots, double action(my CZ has a decocker) and one handed. Before I leave Ill cut loose and see how well I shoot when Im not aiming :D followed by my "take home target" where I place 5 shots as best I can. I kind of need this whole cycle to feel fully satified when I leave and I cant afford to do this with more than one gun at a time.

Ultraman
December 17, 2006, 11:09 AM
I'll have 1 to 4 guns with me but when I go to the range I'm basically there to shoot 2 of them. I ALWAYS have my PRIMARY carry gun, a S&W 640 and my BUG of the day, either a American Derringer or a NAA Mini Magnum. Sometimes that is all I shoot but mainly when I plan to spent some time relaxing , plinking, just having fun I take any "one" of several Centerfire Revolvers and any "one" of several Rimfire Pistols, Revolvers or my Ruger 77/22 Rifle.

GRB
December 17, 2006, 11:26 AM
When I go to the outdoor range, I take whatever I think I may enjoy shooting that day. That usually means my Remington 870, a 22 rifle or three, a pistol or two. If I take one or more of my larger caliber rifles, I usually take less 22 rifles.

It works out that when we go to the outdoor range, we usually take a shotgun, two or three rifles, and a pistol/revolver or two.

There is almost always a 22 in the mix.

As for the indoor ranges to which I go, it depends upon what they allow. One does not allow anything but pistol, revolver and .22 rifles.

Add to the above hearing protection, eye protection, lots of ammo, a bag to hold ammo, a gun box to hold my gun gadgets, cleaning supplies, targets, a stapler and staples, and that about sets us up.


All the best,
Glenn B

Redneck with a 40
December 17, 2006, 11:46 AM
I always take my Taurus Mil-Pro 40, my XD-40, and my Ruger 22/45. I'll put 50 rounds out of the XD and 50 rounds out of the Mil-Pro every Saturday. The Ruger 22/45 will usually see 100 rounds fired. This keeps me proficient without breaking the bank, although my ammo is cheaper now that I have recently started reloading.:D I loaded some 180's for my 40's with 6 grains of Unique, minimum charge, they are a joy to shoot, low recoil and accurate.:D

TOADMAN
December 17, 2006, 12:22 PM
My CC guns..Subcompact Glocks and S&W J-frames.

Ala Dan
December 17, 2006, 01:33 PM
Usually two or three handguns, depending on mood I'm in with extra
magazines, lubricant, old toothbrush, gun rag, eye and ear protection,
and lots of ammo. Most of the time, these firearms are .45 caliber auto
loaders; but occassionally I throw in the Browning Buckmark or my Colt
M4A3 AR-15 in .223~!:uhoh: :cool: ;) :D

Cousin Mike
December 17, 2006, 02:05 PM
Always:

- Ruger Mark II - It's the only .22LR I own at the moment, and you ALWAYS need to take a .22 to the range, especially if you'll be there for a while.

- Sig P220 (.45ACP) and Sig Pro SP2340 (.357SIG) - These are my carry guns, so practicing with them at every opportunity is simply a must.

- Beretta Cougar 8000D (9X19mm) - My girlfriend shoots this gun better than anything else. She also gets frustrated easily when she doesn't do as well as she thinks she should, so when that starts to happen, I break out the 9mm DAO and let her go to work... brings back her confidence in no time!

Sometimes:

- Taurus 608 (.357 Magnum) - This one goes when I feel like pissing off that old codger who complains about noise at the firing range. You know, the one who is always there, but anything bigger than a .22 is too loud for him? :scrutiny: The Taurus is an 8-shot revolver, so it's fun to watch people try and count my shots. Let off 6, pause, then doubletap! Gets 'em everytime. :evil:

Well, that and .357 Magnum is just the shiznit... :D So far this Taurus is my first .357 Magnum. I think from now on, all of my revolvers will be Magnums.

- Colt Official Police (.38 Special) - This tack driver is as soft as a down pillow on the hands, and my girlfriend's favorite revolver. If she wants to shoot a sixgun, this one has to go along. It has the smoothest, lightest trigger I've ever encountered and it breaks like glass. This one also goes when teaching new shooters.

My 1911 almost never goes to the range anymore, sadly. I think I might be trading it in on a better 1911, or something else altogether. Found out the hard way that I really need a beavertail to enjoy shooting 1911s, and the razorblade sights give me a headache. :mad:

Hardtarget
December 18, 2006, 12:47 AM
I don't go to the range as often as I should...so when I get a chance to shoot I tend to take too much stuff. I take the four handguns...
...Ruger .22 Mk.I
...Colt Diamondback .22
...Colt Diamondback .38
...S&W .45 semi auto.
I also take two or three rifles...
...Rem. .22
...Win. .30-30
... .30 Carbine
... .303 Enfield ...ok, four.
I need to rethink my list of stuff...or go more often. :D
Mark.

Jackal
December 18, 2006, 02:13 AM
What do I take to the range? That's simple. A good attitude.

230HB
December 18, 2006, 07:21 AM
I always take my CCW Glock 27, one of my 1911`s and alternate between .38 snubs and 9MM shooters. The .480 Ruger gets a workout now & then but that gets a little expensive. Haven`t quite gotten around to doing any reloading for it but saved a stack of the brass ready to go.

pete f
December 19, 2006, 03:25 AM
All depends on the purpose of the trip.


Bringing a new shooter to the range, I have brought as many as a 20 handguns. Let the try them all and see what they enjoy most, always at least one SA .22, one DA .22 and one auto .22 plus someother options.

Getting ready for qualifying or hunting, only the weapon I need. Hunting either the .357 or the big .44 or .45 Qualifying is always my series 70 combat commander. I always shoot it best, and I never get any greif about shooting a gun just to make quals/

Just a fun trip to keep up, pretty much what ever calls my name when i open the gun safe,

orionengnr
December 19, 2006, 11:50 AM
Bringing a new shooter to the range, I have brought as many as a 20 handguns. Let the try them all and see what they enjoy most, always at least one SA .22, one DA .22 and one auto .22 plus someother options.

Wow, that is pretty gracious. When can I go shooting with you? :)

Only down sides I can see are:

1. Shooting 20 pistols in one session may be overload. Can the new shooter even recall the differences (and his preferences) among all of them?
2. Cleaning 20 guns after a range session. Ouch. I enjoy cleaning guns as much as anyone, but not 20 at a time...

Anyway, great job introducing new shooters to the sport.

CornCod
December 19, 2006, 01:40 PM
I use a system that alternates .22's and centerfire weapons, so I don't go broke shooting centerfire firearms all the time. I shoot nearly every weekend. I have a lot of great pieces I can't shoot due to ammo costs.

Week 1: Saiga 7.62X39
Week 2: Ruger Mk 11 .22
Week 3: Browning HP 9mm
Week 4: Henry Mod 001 .22 lever-action rifle

and back to Week 1.

shaggycat
December 19, 2006, 02:04 PM
I bring a centerfire and a .22.

Dr.Rob
December 19, 2006, 04:09 PM
A suitcase full of pistols. Usually a 9mm, a 45 or two and a .357.

A Dillon border shift bag.

An all in one cleaning kit for 38/9 and 45.

Earmuffs.

Ammo and spare mags/speedlaoders.

Target tape/targets.

I don't shoot my .22 pistol as much as I used to.

Black Majik
December 19, 2006, 11:03 PM
Usually a 1911 and a 9mm. And my Marvel kit.

Scorpiusdeus
December 20, 2006, 11:55 AM
I always take my P226 and P239 in .40 S&W. These are my primary defensive firearms and they are shot every time I go shooting. If I have a lot of time or bring a buddy, I will take my P228 and maybe my SP101.

Lord Bodak
December 21, 2006, 11:55 AM
All depends on the purpose...

Hoping to get to the range Saturday with my Ruger 22/45 (finally have an Ultimate Cliploader!) and my new Stoeger Cougar.

I might also take one of the revolvers and possibly my Bersa, but it depends on the mood I'm in.

Bill B.
December 23, 2006, 05:05 AM
I almost always bring my primary carry which is a 45 ACP. If I don't bring that I carry the same model in .40 S&W. Most of the time I bring at least two .22 autos and after that I bring whatever else I just happen to want to blow the dust out of .........:) . I always try to have a long gun in the mix also.

bigmike45
December 23, 2006, 09:15 AM
I recently purchased a large range bag that can carry many guns at once. I took it and my 3 1911's, and 5 revolvers to the range with another canvas bag full of ammo. After about 600 rounds I realized I was now going to have to spend all day Saturday cleaning the guns. :what:
But I had a great time.:p I am going to continue to take as many as I can.

Sven
December 24, 2006, 05:27 PM
I always bring my Valtro 1911, a 22, and my M1A.

Antihero
December 25, 2006, 01:06 AM
What do i bring to the range??

My wallet,as the only reason i go to ranges is to rent guns i want to try. Other wise i shoot on my 8 acres in the woods.

Idaho is great:D

LiquidTension
December 25, 2006, 03:59 AM
I always take my carry gun, and usually my HK because it's cheaper to shoot 9mm than .45. The .22 always goes as well. The .44 hasn't been out much because ammo expensive and I haven't had any time to load any up.

SJshooter
December 26, 2006, 02:31 AM
What do I bring?

-The guns I plan on shooting
-Ammo for the guns
-Eye/Ear Protection
-Paper Targets/Stickers that leave colored holes
-Mini screwdriver for sight adjustments
-Spray bottle of FP-10 or CLP
-Boresnakes
-Tons of cotton pads
-A gun rug or some pad to place gun on between firing
-Chewing Gum (sometimes with a lot of shooters, the lead/gunsmoke can leave a taste in mouth)
-Identification
-Lock box for gun transport

yongxingfreesty
December 26, 2006, 02:58 AM
the gun, hearing protection, eye protection and ammo of course.

i pack it all into my school backpack.

gandog56
December 26, 2006, 12:26 PM
I take all my guns, as I don't want any of them to feel jealous.:D

And at least two boxes of ammo per.

GroovedG19
December 26, 2006, 11:26 PM
My EDC is ever-present.Glock model 17.Also bring my HK USP 45, which is my dedicated night-stand home defense pistol.These two always go along for a work out.

I have quite a few so I have to rotate.

Avenger
December 29, 2006, 02:43 AM
Hearing and eye protection, natch.
Bottled water in unopened bottles, the range is cautious about opened containers.
My own bottle of hand cleaner, sometimes the range is out of soap.
And most importantly, a friend who is new to shooting, preferably female. Share the fun, girls like guns!