What should I wear at the range?

[joe sixpack]

This week will find me in possession of my first gun (handgun), and some cleaning accessories, extra mags and whatever else my economy minded mind has determined. Plus I shall have cleaned the cosmoline from it, and bought some ammo and so on. Basically I'm pretty much good to go lay down some hot lead on tgts. One more thing that is on it's way is a gun
wrapper (some cloth dealie).

Now, the question is not what clothes to wear or shoes (remember - I am a guy), But rather, what bag, holster, thingamajiggeys should I have for the gun.

I could have the gun in a paper bag (lunch type) at the low end of things.
Or at the high end - come out lookin like a communist block commando
(I got a Makarov, remember) replete with whatever they are replete with.

I don't like plastic (nylon, polypropolene etc.). I do like leather, canvas,
and cloth.

So, the real Q here is, do you think a double rig shoulder holster is appropriate for my trips to the range (I like the looks) or is this overdoing it, inappropriate and out etiquette?

Would a single rig shoulder holster be better? Or a common outside the wasteband type? Or maybe I should just tuck it in my jeans each time I'm at rest on the range? Place it in my paper bag...?

K, I'm ready for some schooling.

cheers, ab

 

[Josey]

Think CHEAP! A Uncle Mikes or Ambi nylon holster. I suggest a portfolio in nylon also. This holds notepaper and allows you to log your efforts, carries your targets to and from the range and allows you to write down transient thoughts/observations. A smaller plastic toolbox works fine for carrying ammo, tools, spare mags, camera and other needed items. Wetnaps are nice to clean your hands with. Water for hydration, snacks, gum, protective equipment and com device are all that I can think of. I try to look like a Sears repairman when going to the range. They are always neat and actually use the Craftsman tools. Credibility.

 

[sm]

Agree with Uncle Mikes suggestion.
After a bit and trying different holsters, then consult one of our members for something in leather -whatever.

[shameless plug for all the THR leather and holster makers]

I don't advertise firearms, I'm low profile- old backpack , canvas tote bag with a drug company name...is what I take stuff to the range with.

Long guns...Baseball bat carrier and what appears to be a folding chair...it is only the tote part. I look like I'm going to the ball park.

 

[Croyance]

I like an actual gun rug to transport the gun in. This keeps the scratching and denting down. This may be the cloth thing. Don't know without descriptin.

If it is a range where you hang your own target, a roll of scotch tape and a stapler (one that lets you staple on flat surfaces) are good ideas.

I keep track of how I did that day on each target, marking on the side each grouping. So something to write with is good.

Basic cleaning stuff. Unlikely a well maintained gun will need it, and you aren't going to go into a detailed cleaning job there. For me, it is more of a just in case thing.

Something to clean off with. Those towls for cleaning auto gunk from your hands are good. Forget what they are called, but it has that orange smell.

I like a compartmented gym bag or backpack.
Snacks and drinks.

If you want the double shoulder rig look, it is your choise. Not the one I'd make unless I was real good. For me, it is like walking into a pool hall dressed up and my cue in a snake skin case. YMMV.

 

[George S.]

I found a really neat nylon travel bag (9x12x16) at the local Target store on sale for $12. It has a bunch of zippered compartments, a detachable shoulder strap and carry handle, and it's large enough to carry 4 pistols in their own gun rugs ( I like to use the rugs to keep the handguns from being scratched too and just to keep things separate.

I got a plastic tool box from Home Deopt for $9 on sale that has a lift-out tray that holds some basic tools and cleaning supplies. In the bottom, I pack the ammo, ear protection, a couple of rags, a small first-aid kit, zip-lock bags for the spent casings (I reload) and a stapler and a roll of masking tape for targets. My spotting scope has a neat little plastic case so it's easily handled. I found a plastic shopping bag with handles that easily holds a bunch of paper targets. I toss in a couple of Sharpies for marking.

If I'm testing some new handloads, I have a small ring binder with data sheets and a pencil and pen. I usually shoot in the mornings, so I carry a thermos of coffee for break times.

I normally don't carry concealed on the way to a range day unless I will be shooting my carry weapon. Our range, which is private and has cardkey access only, has a policy of no loaded weapons inside the grounds except on the firing lines so it just makes it easier to not carry in the holster. But I do keep the carry gun in the console so it's not far away.

 

[bukijin]

Has anyone mentioned ear and eye protection yet ?

 

[AZgunstudent]

A holster is good, but I've never heard of a range that was happy to see a shoulder rig on the line. The company I work for is probably the most prominent maker of shoulder holsters in the US, and yet I constantly have to advise people to avoid shoulder rigs at the range. Get a strong-side belt holster of some type.

Get some spare magazines. At least two extras. Stopping to load your single magazine after every string is a drag.

Eye and ear protection are absolute necessities, as bukijin mentioned. If shooting indoors, consider using both foam ear plugs and muffs. Indoor ranges are loud, especially when the guys with .44 Magnums show up to make noise and miss targets set at seven yards.

Bring lots and lots of ammo -- as much as you can afford -- shooting is fun and addictive!

Don't forget targets. If self-defense is your intent, and I can't really envision another use for a Makarov, get humanoid silhouettes. If not, I like the fun Shoot-N-See targets that turn green when the bullet hits. Tape or a staple gun may be needed to secure your targets, as someone else noted, depending on what type of range it is.

You'll need a bag of some kind to carry your gun, ammo, and targets (unless you buy the latter at the range). I used to tote a high-dollar Waller bag, but the main zipper finally broke after about 15 years. Now I just use $12 red nylon bags I bought at the NRA show, and a Home Depot tool box (my shorty AR15 even fits in the box, if broken down). A gun rug will protect your pistol in the bag. I've used Kolpin rugs for many years with excellent results.

I bring cleaning gear to the range, but I have seldom used anything but lubricant, though I have twice used a steel cleaning rod to drive stuck cases out of rifles. An oily rag should be used to wipe the pistol down at the end of the range session, before you put it back in the gun rug. This will help prevent surface rust until you can give the pistol a good cleaning.

I'm pretty relaxed about loading guns (even rifles) into my car before a range trip, but I live in Arizona, where few people are bothered by guns. In California, I might try to avoid the mall ninja look and go for the "stealth existence."

Mike

 

[Smaug]

I would bet that unless you're a cop, they won't let you have a holster at the range.

Here are my suggestions, for what they're worth. (and yes, I love bullet points )

• Get a nice little gun rug for $5-10; the ones that just zip around the gun.
• Get a largish tool bag for use as your range bag.
• I have a Plano ammo can which I really love. $7 or something...
• bring a hat with a bill to keep the brass from hitting your face. I wear a Tilley Hat, which has the brim that goes all the way around. There is nothing quite like hot brass down your shirt to make you dance...
• Food is a bad idea; eat first. When you shoot, there is carbon and lead residue on your hands, which you don't want to ingest unless you can wash them first. Coffee or something may not be a bad idea though.
• AZgunstudent has a lot of great ideas! I'm taking notes...

 

[bobs1066]

A black cloak with a slouch hat pulled low over your eyes.

 

[Jeeper]

Dont wear a shoulder holster. I have never been to a range that allowed you to draw from one. Think about it! You would sweep anyone next to you or behind you with a loaded gun. They might be alright for carrying but they have ABSOLUTELY no place at a range near others. Get a bag or gun rug. Dont be a goof that dresses like a mall ninja.

 

[mack69]

Re:

For me....I am one of those non descript types who does not like to attract any attention. I have a real nice leather duffel bag set, one medium and one large that I take to the range with me. Both are expandable for bulky items and have lockable heavy duty zippers and lots of zipper pouches and compartments inside and out. My guns rest in soft SKB pistol bages also lockable. No one can tell whether I'm going to the gym, range or on a short trip. At the ranges I frequent they do not allow holster carry either. Few places do as I understand it. At the range I see all sorts of gear, from fancy gun maker logo bags to WalMart blue plastic bags, factory plastic hardcases and soft side zip bags too. Get what fits you....good luck, enjoy.... mack

 

[Brian Williams]

Clothes







Normal everyday street wear, For me khakis/polo shirt or jeans/t shirt.

For a quick trip I take an old GI tool bag that lets me carry 2 or 3 handguns wrapped in old hospital cloths, 200 rounds of 357 and 400 of 22lr, eyes and ears. 4" x 6" x 12"


For a grand trip to the range I use a Cabela's sport bag about 10" x 10" x 24" will hold all I need, long guns in old blankets sewn into carry bags and impregnated with silicon.

I leave the Holsters home unless I am going to do some draw and fire practice.

 

[spacemanspiff]

you need to make your own ghillie suit.

thats really the only truly acceptable wardrobe for the range.

 

[Pappy John]

Like Jeeper said..shoulder holsters are VERY unpopular at ranges. Assuming you're right handed, people on your left and rear are going to have your muzzle in their direction at every draw. No way to make friends.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Pants.

They tend to frown at naked shooters at the range.

Gun Rug, cleaning kit, ears and eyes... most ranges won't let you do "holster work" with a holster that encourages you to point a loaded gun BACK at them. Every range that let me do holster work wanted to see my IDPA card and said "strong side only" and wanted to see my gear/holster/gun.

You need to be mucho careful about the range rules, they are usually there for a reason.

Rob

 

[CZ52GUY]

For indoor range:

Small "range bag"...I have a big Uncle Mike's I use for all day outdoors, a little $10 bag from Totes which holds two HG's easily for indoors.

Gun rug is useful, but your "Makarov issue holster" will accomplish the same desired effect for in bag protection of your piece.

Most indoor ranges restrict "draw-from-holster" exercises...learn to safely use the bench. This is an unfortunate but too often necessary restriction to indoor range shooting. Part of being skillful with a HG is safely and rapidly drawing your weapon...consider finding a safe range where with proper instruction you can acquire this skill. I have a little Fobus paddle holster I use with my Mak's which I can use for this purpose. For carry, I'm looking for something else.

Eye and ear protection are absolute essentials.

Some rudimentary tools (I bring a screwdriver that flips over between slotted and philips), a small flashlight (in case I drop something on the ground).

Ammo' (plenty), targets (plenty), consider some target tape too (Targetbarn.com sells it...as does other places). I used to keep trophy targets...now I record results on paper and get more mileage per target.

Indoor range "attire"...I generally go in neat jeans and T-shirt for indoor work. Reloading gets the hands dirty and I may get some dirt on my clothes. I avoid "holey" attire because I think I should present myself as a "neat and clean good guy"...especially within the shooting community folks that frequent the range (I don't want them to think I'm a walking-shooting-parole violator).

I clean after I get home, so I seldom bring solvent and patches with me.

Etiquette...become familiar with the rules at your range. The 4 rules apply everywhere but they are not comprehensive. You will find additional "range-specific rules" that must be followed at nearly all establishments. If you do not know, ask someone who works there (not a fellow shooter)...I've gotten a "bum steer" more than once...get it strait from the horses mouth if you don't know...some common issues indoors, especially at a public access facility:

1) Muzzle direction (saw someone gesturing in my direction with his piece...let him know firmly to point it DOWNRANGE).
2) Hot shots (some folks think the range-specific rules are for newbies only)...not so. Beware those who think they are "above the rules"...learn the "house rules", abide by them, don't suffer those who don't (tell someone in charge if unsafe activities are occurring)...it isn't being a tattle-tale...the life you save, could be your own!
3) New shooters who aren't stupid or arrogant, they are ignorant (bring a friend who is more experienced until you learn the ropes). Ignorance isn't a crime, but the results of ignorance when using a firearm can be. None of us came out of the womb with comprehensive knowledge of safe shooting. If you don't know, ask, or bring someone who does.
4) Children - God luv' 'em, they are the future of our sport...however, the children of shooters are not immune from excessive energy or failures to behave safely...a 9x18 shell coming out of your Mak' will cause pain and perhaps permanent injury to a child that is positioned in the path of the ejection.

Finally, go with a plan...don't try to do too much in any one session. Some examples:

- Basic 5-shot groups at 7-yds one session as primary focus.
- When you are ready, mix in some strong hand only shooting with your two hand 7-yd groups.
- Receding bulls-eye...start at 5-yds, and work your way out from there a yard at a time...try to stay on a 3x5 card or equivalent size target and "promote yourself" to longer distances during the session.
- Focus on accuracy first, and don't get into the habit of simply chucking full mag's down range. Most coordinated adults can learn to shoot reasonable groups at 7-yds very quickly when shot consecutively. Shooting individual presentations by pulling the piece into your chest between shots while maintaining a shooting grip (while keeping the muzzle pointing downrange and level...or slightly downward) will challenge you to be accurate one shot at a time. When you can shoot five singles nearly as accurately as you can shoot 5 consecutive shots...you've reached a good first milestone.
- Be flexible with your plan...and make sure you have fun!! Primary focus is good, but let yourself push the envelope gently with each session.

Good luck and stay safe,

CZ52'

 

[aguyindallas]

I would go without a fancy holster rig for now. The ranges, like many have already said, do not like it. Shoulder holsters would be looked upon as being the worst choice for the range. If thats how you want to carry, more power to you. Since you are starting out, let me offer this advice..do not go spend a bunch of money on holsters that may or may not work for your application. I am sure a million other folks on this forum have at least $100.00 worth of nearly brand new holsters that we all thought were perfect until we spent a day or two to discover they are horribly uncomfortable or whatever the case may be. These holsters sit in the tops of our closets and probably end up on ebay at some point in time.

Take some water, some basic cleaning supplies, tons of ammo, targets, stapling device, and pretty much what has been mentioned.

I like to use masking tape to cover the holes on some of my targets to get a few more rounds through them before I toss em. Its not like they are expensive, but it sure sucks when you run out and you still have ammo left, lol.

Enjoy firearm ownership, and for the sake of all of us, do not do anything stupid and always, ALWAYS be safe.

 

[Johnny Guest]

More on clothing - - -

Unless you're participating in a "Theme Shoot" or such, leave the camouflage at home. Save it for hunting, where concealment matters. A trip to the range is not a masquerade party. Just because you're shooting a P38 or a KAR 98 doesn't make a Waffen SS uniform any more attractive to the guy whose dad or grandfather died in the ETO.

If the weather's cold, perhaps theres a good reason for wearing a nice hunting camo parka or the like. Also, it may be a good idea to sight in your deer rifle wearing the type clothing you'll wear in the field. Adjust the sling and such, fine. But an all-out fashion statement, coordinated hat, jacket, pants, and boots might be overdoing things a little. No use giving the casual passerby reason to think we're a buncha militants playing soldier.

Above comments certainly do NOT apply to active duty military personnel wearing their proper field attire.

My two cents' worth, and overpriced at that . . . .

Johnny

 

[CZ52GUY]

Respectfully...

Unless you're participating in a "Theme Shoot" or such, leave the camouflage at home.

It depends where you live and what you are comfortable with...

...As stated above, I generally try to make sure I'm neat and presentable because I want to set a good example of "solid-citizen-shooter".

At the same time, one has to be careful to balance "what will someone think" with retaining their right to express themselves with wardrobe.

Like most things in life, there is balance to be struck. I saw a gentleman at a match last night (I think Rush would describe him as a "seasoned citizen")wearing camo pants with a very neat looking shirt that was able to pull it all together without looking like he was "waiting for the order to attack". A big key was the way he interacted with other shooters and carried himself between stages.

Be sensible, sensitive to your surroundings (check out what other shooters are wearing that seem to be level headed guys), and your attitude and demeanor will most often outweigh your "ensemble" when presenting yourself at the range.

No disrespect to the Mod', just an alternative point of view from someone who wears his BDU's occasionally, or a traditional Camo' or even Mossy Oak shirt with clean jeans...and a smile and polite demeanor.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[woolfam]

Wow! Someone who asks first! Thanks!

Lots of good ideas so far. I try to wear a shirt / t-shirt / sweatshirt with a realtively tight fitting collar. Helps keep the hot brass from dropping down my shirt.

As Martha would say, "It's a good thing."

A couple of the Wal-Marts near me have a green rectangular shooter's bag for under $20. In the store they are folded flat, but open up to be about 8"x16"x10". They have a double-zippered opening in the top to give easy acces to the contents AND they come with two gun rags inside. I've enjoyed mine.

 

[DrAmazon]

Echoing what others have said...

Bag to transport gun and ammo (check local laws to see if that needs to be two separate bags and where in the car those need to go)
Eye and ear protection (if it cannot be rented at the range)
Targets (again, if they can't be bought at the range)
I prefer closed toe shoes-hot brass between the little piggies can be startling
Your usual comfortable casual wear
A clear open mind-all the better to hear/read the safety procedures at the range and be aware of what you're doing.
A willingness to ask questions

Possibly make the last two the most important!!! (How many of the "stupid newbie at the range stories that we could all tell could have been prevented by the right attitude!)

Maybe go check the place out first, sans gear, to see what you need. It will make you more comfortable the day that you do go.

If it is outdoors, water and sunscreen

As you go you'll notice what you don't have and your bag will get bigger and heavier.

Have a great time!

 

[BWC]

Check the rules regarding holsters, many ranges will not allow them, unless you have been "approved by the rangemaster" or are LE.

I use rather non descript bags for my range gear. Nothing with gun logos to attract undue attention. If I have anything that looks too "commando" I tuck it inside a gym bag, or something like that.

I prefer something comfortable to wear, long pants, long sleeve shirt. Functional.

 

[DMF]

I have to say this an odd question. Paper bags, leather or canvas over nylon, etc, etc. Just get something that will hold the gear you need securely without breaking the bank.

If you're going to be carrying the gun concealed get yourself a good leather holster. I only say leather because you say you hate plastic, or I would recommend what I use, which is a holster made of kydex.

If you're just using it at the range, and not carrying concealed, then a holster is nice to have, but not essential. But you do need something to carry everything in, so get yourself a nylon or canvas tool bag. I got one at Wal-Mart for $18 dollars. I wrap my gun(s) in an old towel (to keep them from getting banged up, throw in a set of Peltor Ear Muffs (NRR 30dB), a baggie of foam ear plugs (NRR 33 dB), safety glasses, at least 100 rounds of ammo per gun, a bore snake for each caliber, small note pad and a pen, and magazines for each gun. Everything you need at the range, and all carried in one small inconspicuous tool bag.

As for clothes, I recommend a hat to keep the rare occurrence of hot brass getting between your glasses and your face. Hot brass trapped next to your skin anywhere sucks, but on your eye or cheek is something you really want to take precautions against.

Just my 2 cents. YMMV.

 

[lbmii]

I like 50 cal ammo cans for the ammo, glasses, stapler, tape and ear protection.

You could creep everyone out by showing up in a gray three piece suit, dark glasses, and have a little speaker in your ear with the wire running under your shirt. Of course you would need to show up in a limousine or even better you could drop from a black helicopter.

Or you could always show up dressed like Clint Eastwood in the "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Of course you would need to show up ridding on a burrow.

 

[joe sixpack]

Thank you for the humour and very good advice, much appreciated!
I'll take this into consideration and as I plan my trip to the range
will definitely implement many of the suggestions.
Very good on the relation of the four rules to being at the range too.
Honestly, not having been much involved in this type of an activity (once to
both an indoor and outdoor) all the guns, people and possible situations
make me more than a little apprehensive.

This is a most informative and helpful place, and you are the ones that make it that way. Again, thanks!

cheers, ab