Range Gear

[BadKarma]

Need to start getting my kit together, so I need some input.
When you head for the range, what do you take with you? For a match? Practice?

[Dee]

For a match I usually bring a bottle or two of water and a snack/sandwich to eat between matches. Even if it is just a shorter half day long match I find I need some fuel. If I start to get hungry during it affects me at times. Besides that I usually just bring ear plugs and muffs, ammo, some tissue paper, pen and notepad to take any notes I might need, a small set of allen wrenches and other misc items like a lens pen for the scope. I take it you don't have a vest as of yet but I bring that as well and some small hand towels, one in my range bag and another clipped to my vest. A timer is handy as well. Bring a hat even if you don't wear it you might find you need it to keep the glare down. Hand warmers for the pockets in the winter and for our summers I usually bring a t-shirt to change if I get to soaked. A little clip board from bi-mart to hold your score cards is a nice item to have also. That about covers it except for a spotting scope but I let others bring theirs

Once you get all your things collected and organized it doesn't take long to load up for a match. I was out the door in 5 minutes this morning and that was with 3 rifles and a air tank for air rifle silhouette. I use a rifle caddy I made that I bring with me as well. Holds all the things I just mentioned along with a small range bag and keeps it all at hand while shooting. Some places have benches at every line and it works great for resting your rifle in instead of having to stand it upright on the butt stock. I just carry the rifle in one hand and the caddy in the other from spot to spot and it makes a great little improvised shooting rest to check my numbers without having to bring a rest and bags.

You will figure out what you need as you need it and don't have it lol.


Dee

[BadKarma]

Thanks Dee. That's a big help.
What do you like in a vest? What one do you have?

[Bob259]

Most use the Hardscrabble Vest's http://www.hardscrabblemountain.com/.

Innocent knows of another that makes custom vests also.

[Dee]

I have a Sanchez vest. It has a thicker shoulder area than the Hardscrabble. I love my vest but I never used a Hardscrabble before to really know the difference. Some people I know that used them and then got a Sanchez prefer the Hardscrabble but I think it has a lot to do with which one you prefer or have gotten used to as you start out wearing one.

I believe Marco makes his vests in El Paso and Innocent has his contact info. I think it has been posted a couple times in threads if you search for it.


Dee

[Jerry G]

I have a plastic tool box that I keep my junk in. Ammo and book in the bottom, OBI, ear plugs, and timer in the tray. All I need to remember is gun, vest, and box. I got everything I need. If I forgot anything else I can buy it on the way to the range. You know, drink and sandwich.

[BadKarma]

I have a plastic tool box that I keep my junk in. Ammo and book in the bottom, OBI, ear plugs, and timer in the tray. All I need to remember is gun, vest, and box. I got everything I need. If I forgot anything else I can buy it on the way to the range. You know, drink and sandwich.

Okay, I'm gonna show my ignorance. What is an "OBI"?

[CZforlife]

Not ignorance, it's an "open bolt indicator."

[lone ringer]

They call them "Empty Chamber Indicators" now.

[topclass]

As part of planning ahead for a quick get-away, I re-pack my box when I return home -- ammo, clean towel (if needed), etc. so I don't have to think on match days -- just load up and go.

[pistolero45]

Like Jerry, I keep all my shooting gear in a plastic tool box. The night before a match I just make sure there is enough ammo. I like having all my gear pre-gathered as it really reduces stress in the morning when I am trying to get out the door - just grab the box, vest, and rifle. A hat is very useful, too.

My box probably has more "stuff" than is really necessary. The philosophy is: better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

But at a minimum, your gear should include: ammo, magazines, ear protection, score book, match schedule/directions to the range, obi, assorted tools, assorted cleaning supplies, notebook w/pen, small towel, paper targets. I also keep a spotting scope and tripod in the box.

Also, I almost always bring sand bags for sighting in - but a quality bench rest is fine as well. A folding chair and a cooler with some drinks/snacks/lunch makes for a pleasant day.

[BadKarma]

Thanks everyone. That's exactly the help I was looking for. Y'all are the bestest.

[steveyacht]

OK, Stooooopid question. Where does one get an OBI??

[CZforlife]

From the lawn maintance store, aka weedwacker string with a knot!

[Innocent]

The NRA sells, them, most Regional matches have them, and many clubs also carry them. I think the NRA is now up to $2 each for them.
Also another commonly used one is pipe cleaners.
Mary