Since the beginning of our military careers, we have been putting together range boxes, whether it be for a couple of guys going to the range, an SFODA, or a company-size element.
It seems as though there is never a good packing list put together for a range box so we decided to put together a good list of everything you might need in a typical range box.
In the following video, DJ from GBRS Group runs through his Seahorse case setup and what’s essential for a normal range day. The case is a Seahorse SE-1220 hard case.
Let’s get into what exactly should be in your range box.
The Range Box
We personally use the Stanley 50 Gallon Mobile Chest. This is because it’s durable, has wheels, and a nice little compartment where we can store stuff.
In addition, it’s lockable which is nice if you want to lock everything up. It’s also big enough to carry everything we need. No matter what you choose, we recommend looking for something that is durable, easily portable, and weather resistant.
Range Box Essentials
Shot Timer
We are huge advocates of using Shot Timers when going to the range since it’s a great way to record your results. If you want to get the most out of your range time, bring a notebook and pen and record your drills, times, and progression.
Most people simply go and blast away, however, you most likely won’t be improving your skills. We personally use the Pocket Pro and Pocket Pro II and this is a common timer used at USPSA Matches.
GunLube
Gun lube is an absolute must-have. If you don’t take care of your gun and lube it up, it won’t perform to its maximum potential and is much more likely to malfunction.
It’s good to have a good lube on hand to apply before shooting, and a good cleaner to help eliminate any carbon build-up after the shooting is done. This ensures that your weapon will continue functioning properly every time you pull the trigger.
Radcolube CLP Gun Oil is a great option because it is a great lube and can clean your gun after a long day at the range.
Gun Tool Kit
A gun tool kit is necessary for fixing and maintaining your weapon and weapon accessories. This can include specialty tools that your weapon or weapon accessories may need.
Most weapon accessories such as lights and lasers use specialty screws that require specific tools such as hex-keys, or star tools. So make sure you have all the specialty items you need when you head to the range.
The Real Avid Gun Tool pictured above is an all-in-one tool so it saves you space in the range box, and has everything you need to work on your weapon or weapon accessories.
Extra Mags
Having extra mags on hand can save you time, and maximize the amount of time you spend training while at the range.
If you can load more mags at a time, you will not have to stop to load mags as often and will be able to get in more repetitions in. This is pretty self-explanatory.
Targets
Choosing a good target can increase your training effectiveness, especially when paired with a solid training plan with challenging drills and scenarios. Don’t waste your time and ammo at the range by randomly firing rounds.
You will be much better off by identifying your deficiencies and practicing specific drills that will improve on these shortcomings.
The Essential Shooting Guide & Essentials Target combo has been proven to be an excellent training aid that starts with the Essentials Drill.
This drill is a 150-round drill designed to work on different aspects of shooting including basic marksmanship, drawing from the holster, reloads, target transitions, differing trigger manipulations, and combat-focused shooting.
Upon completion of the drill, you will diagnose areas that need improvement. The book then offers chapters of different drills that are used in conjunction with our Essentials Targets as well as areas to mark your improvement.
The Essentials Target is designed to give you an essential set of drills that will maintain your current proficiency level.
The drill takes 150 rounds to complete and covers multiple aspects of pistol marksmanship including slow-aimed fire, weak and off-hand shooting, target transition, trigger speed changes, drawing, magazine reloads, and controlled multiple shot groups.
This is a necessity for anyone who trains hard on the range. Running, dropping to the prone, and taking cover all allow for the chance of getting mud or gunk in your barrel if you take a spill.
Don’t be an idiot and attempt to fire your gun with a blockage in the barrel, pull out the bore punch and clear the barrel before continuing to fire.
The Tipton Cleaning Rod is great for cleaning rifle barrels after a range day or clearing your barrel that has been packed with mud, dirt, or grime.
Cleaning Kit
After a long day at the range, your gun can be filthy. Covered in carbon, dirt, mud, and sweat, your gin should be cleaned after every use to ensure it functions properly when you need it.
A good cleaning kit will include hard and soft brusher, bore rods, bore snakes, rags, and cleaning solvent at a minimum. These items not only clean your gun, but they make doing so much easier than simply using a rag and some elbow grease.
The Gloryfire Gun Cleaning Kit is a one-stop-shop in regards to cleaning a weapon and even comes with a bore punch.
IFAK
Your IFAK should include everything from bandaids and Neosporin to tourniquets, chest seals, and combat gauze. Ensure you have a sufficient amount of medical items to treat any type of trauma that is associated with tactical training.
That being said, the gear does no good if the user does not know how to properly use it, so make sure you and all others at the range with you know where the medical gear is located at all times in case of emergency, as well as how to properly use it if the need arises.
The above Trauma Kit can house all the medical items you would need if a traumatic injury occurs but it does no good if you do not know how to properly use the medical items that you have at hand.
Pasties
Pasties can save you time and money by allowing you to make your target last longer by covering up your shot holes. They can also be used to enhance drills or create new drills altogether like the dot torture drill.
Pasties can also be used to protect your nips from abrasion and sunburn.
Batteries
All lasers, lights, and optics run on batteries, so ensure you have plenty of the correct batteries for the accessories that you will be using at the range using.
A good pair of hearing protection that cancels out the sound of rounds being fired while still allowing you to easily have conversations are an absolute must-have at the range.
They are convenient to have and will save you from tents and hearing loss. We use Impact Sports for any non-tactical range day and they work great.
Eye Protection
Your eyes are important so protect them with quality eye protection. Always bring a quality pair of clear-lensed ballistic eye pro for indoor and outdoor shooting and a pair of tinted ballistic eye protection for outdoor range days.
Don’t forget an anti-fog lease cleaner and a lease cloth to ensure you see what you are shooting at with no grime or fog obscuring your vision.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting started, a well-stocked range box is an essential tool for enhancing your time on the range.
By having everything you need at your fingertips, from cleaning supplies to spare parts, targets to safety gear, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most out of your range time.
Remember, a well-maintained firearm is a safe firearm, and a well-prepared shooter is a confident shooter. So invest in a range box that suits your needs, gather all the essentials, and enjoy the satisfaction of being fully equipped for every shooting session.
With the right range box, you’ll not only enhance your shooting skills but also ensure a seamless and enjoyable range experience every time. Happy shooting!
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