When planning a day on the range, you need a bag that can keep your gear organized and protected.
Some shooters prefer to have multiple range bags. For example, you might want one for handguns and another for rifle magazines and ammo. Some rifle cases also allow for extra magazine and ammo storage. We’ll look at a variety of options in this article.
Table of Contents
What Really Matters When Choosing Your Range Bag
Size
Larger bags make it tempting to take a lot of gear. There’s nothing wrong with taking a lot of guns and gear to the range for a day of fun, but it’s easy to overload a big bag. Instead of having a lot to carry at once, a few smaller bags might be better.
Style
Many of us are fans of bags that look tactical partly because tactical-style bags tend to be made of tough materials that can hold up to abuse for years.
If you want to be discreet, you may want a bag that doesn’t look tactical. Choose a bag without patches or company logos if you want to be as discreet as possible.
You can use a regular tactical backpack or duffel.
Backpacks are comfortable and distribute weight well, but some may prefer a duffel or messenger-style bag.
Remember, you can make a good range bag out of some basic backpacks or rucksacks. A good tactical backpack with a Molle system allows you to add extra pouches, including pouches to carry magazines for your AR-15 or handgun. Many tactical backpacks have a ton of internal storage for a well-organized day at the range.
The Orca Tactical Gun Range bag is made of military-grade materials. It features 13 distinct compartments for organizing and storing all the gear and supplies you need for a day at the range.
The zippers are heavy-duty and lockable. Two fast access compartments allow you to easily get to your favorite firearm. Two-end pockets with flaps provide easy access to your most frequently used accessories. The bag can be carried using the longer duffel strap or the short handles.
Osage River Tactical Range Duffel Bag
For those who want a bit more space, there is the Osage River Duffel. At 18″ x 13″ x 10″. It’s not quite as big as you might imagine when you see “duffel” in the name. Regardless, you can pack a lot in it because it’s well designed.
Nine individual compartments and two adjustable dividers keep things neat and organized. The two largest zippered external pockets provide storage for ammo and extra magazines. The three smaller external pockets allow for fast access to things like earplugs or small accessories.
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G.P.S Handgunner Bag
The G.P.S. Handgunner Bag features a foam pistol cradle that fits in the bottom zippered compartment. The cradle has enough space to protect four handguns. If you want, you can remove the entire cradle or a single gun at a time.
Some of the pockets have tags indicating they are for storing your glasses, earplugs, etc. The visual I.D. system is a feature that many find helpful and time-saving.
All the main zippers are lockable. There are a lot of external zippered compartments on this bag for storing magazines, ammo, and more.
The bag features a padded mesh back for good airflow and comfort and adjustable shoulder straps. A pull-out rain cover is included in case the weather turns foul.
On the outside, this bag measures 22″ W x 14″ H x 10.5″ D. In that space, you get eight pistol magazine pouches and two individual zippered and padded removable pistol cases.
The inside has two adjustable dividers. There is even a removable padded ammo bag. The bag comes with a 2″ wide shoulder strap.
I like how the magazine storage compartment has holders for each magazine, but the pocket zips over all that, so it’s concealed and secure. This bag is not for those who need a lockable bag for transportation.
It does not include a rain cover. Customers report that it will withstand some light rain, but it’s not 100% waterproof.
This basic nylon range bag is ideal for up to four handguns and ammo. The interior handgun compartments are padded.
The front of the bag features a pouch that conveniently holds your shooting glasses, earplugs, and other items. The backside has a nice, covered magazine storage area that fits six double or 12 single stacks.
The carry handles have a nice, padded grip, or you can use the 2″ wide shoulder strap.
Thisbag features three padded pistol cases with space for four magazines in each. The cases slide easily into the bottom zippered compartment. The rest of the interior and side pockets are designed to fit specific gear, including glasses, earplugs, shooting targets, earmuffs, tools, and more.
The chest strap and padded waist belt distribute the weight, reducing the strain even when carrying a full load.
The internal honeycomb frame keeps the pack rigid. The bag features Molle web triple stitching. I like that it includes a pull-out rain cover, so everything stays dry if you get caught in rainy conditions.
Tidewe Tactical Range Backpack with Pistol Cases
I like this case because it provides an individual sleeve for your pistols. Each sleeve has a nice handle and is accessed by a zipper.
The top interior compartment has a removable divider. The bottom has sturdy rubber matting so your bag won’t slide around.
The back is a well-padded mesh that provides ergonomic yet breathable support. Chest and waist straps provide good weight distribution and support.
This bag has a ton of external storage compartments to keep things organized. The zippers are strong and lockable for transportation and security.
Savior Equipment Double Rifle and Pistol Range Bag
Until now, we’ve concentrated on range bags specifically made for pistols and ammo. However, many of us shoot rifles and pistols. This bag allows you to take two full-size rifles and two handguns to the range in style. There is plenty of room for mags and ammo too. The zippers are lockable for security and transport.
This case comes with backpack-style straps for better weight distribution. Carrying two rifles, two pistols, ammo, and mags is not going to be light. So carrying it on your back, if possible, is easiest. The case comes in various lengths for different rifle sizes: 36″, 42″, 46″, 51″, and 55″.
The entire case is constructed of heavy-duty industrial 600D PVC nylon.
Tacticon Double Rifle Double Pistol Bag with Tuckable Straps
This bag is very similar to the Savior Equipment bag above. The main difference is that this bag is made in the USA by a veteran-owned company. It is only available in 36″ and 42″ lengths. Both bags have a lifetime warranty.
DBTAC Large Range Bag
The DBTAC is sized to fit at least four pistols, ammo, andgear. There are two adjustable dividers in the main compartment. The magazine pockets vary in size. Some don’t like that, but others do because they carry multiple calibers of magazines.
A universal holster and an American flag patch are also included. This is not the fanciest range bag, but it’s affordable and does the job. You can also add more pouches to the side via the Molle system on the ends.
Savior Equipment Double Handgun Case
This case is a major bargain for those who take just a few handguns to the range. Fully adjustable hook and loops securely attach handguns to the fully padded case. The zippers are double lockable.
There are loops for seven magazines. There is an elastic loop for a silencer and a side pocket to stash additional accessories. This case can also be used just to carry ammo and magazines.
This bag was designed as an organizer for the front of a patrol car, but it makes an excellent range bag. The many compartments make it easy to stay organized at the range.
The main compartment measures 18.5″ x 8″ x 12″. Its 40-liter capacity means it can hold quite a few handguns, ammo, and mags.
A removable padded shoulder strap offers multiple carrying options. The bag is made of durable 600D nylon.
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This rolling range bag is perfect if you want to take it all to the range. The interior features a foam cradle that will comfortably hold six handguns. Other internal compartments allow for up to four more handguns.
Like all G.P.S. bags, this one has a unique visual ID system so you can immediately find what you’re looking for—no more digging around in your bag when you want to be shooting. The front left pocket features eight magazine pockets.
Consider this bag if you teach self-defense or firearms courses and need something to haul a lot of gear. Its rolling feature takes the weight and strain off you.
Allen Heritage Range Bag
This bag is a bit different because it’s made of canvas rather than the typical nylon. The Allen Heritage offers a vintage look and plenty of space for a few handguns and associated gear. Some people wax the canvas for better water resistance.
It includes two removable pistol rugs with quilted lining. The two interior pouches store extra supplies. Two exterior pouches offer more storage.
Leather handles and a shoulder strap allow several ways to carry it. Satisfied customers like that the pistol rugs fold out, providing a nice, cushioned spot for your gun while at the range.
Faq
A simple backpack can make an excellent range bag. There are a few things to consider before using a regular backpack. First of all there is probably not padded compartments for your pistols. This means you will need some padded handgun cases that fit inside your backpack. Tactical backpacks are great to use as range bags because they are Molle compatible so you can add a variety of pouches and holders to create a custom range bag.
Here is a list of basic items you should pack. Additional items may be needed depending on how long of a day and what specific activities you have planned. Amenities at the range you go to will also influence how you pack.
- • Guns
- • Magazines and/or clips
- • Targets
- • Ear and Eye Protection
- • Shooting gloves
- • Water and snacks
- • Portable gun cleaning kit
- • First Aid Kit
In some states firearms legally have to be transported in a locked case. Even if it is not legally necessary in another state, it can look better if you are pulled over if you are transporting your firearms in a manner where they cannot be easily reached.
Conclusion
A range bag is a must-have if you want to safely transport your firearms and stay organized. It’s important to consider how heavy a bag will be once it’s loaded. There’s no point in getting a bag so large it’s too heavy to carry. Opting for a smaller bag or splitting your gear into two or more bags might make more sense.
Rifle cases with room for several handguns are a great option for those who like to shoot a variety of guns regularly.
Not all range bags have lockable zippers. If this important to you, make sure you carefully read the description before purchasing.
Rolling cases can help those who want to regularly transport a lot of gear for a long day at the range. Firearms instructors may find that at least one rolling case keeps gear organized and easy to transport.
Don’t forget that a favorite tactical backpack or small carry bag can easily be made it into a good range bag. At most, you may need to buy some extra Molle pouches or magazine holders.
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