What to pack first time going to the range

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is a notebook. It is certainly not neccessary, however, can prove beneficial over the long term. I use mine for two purposes. First, I track which ammunition (both factory and self-loaded) my guns like or do not like. The other thing I “track” are my thoughts on my performance; nothing crazy in depth, just one thing that went well, one that went poorly, and my thoughts on how to correct. By doing this I attempt to analyze my shooting, look for error pattern, and set one specific goal to work on the following session. I do not track scores anymore as I found that caused me to chase score vs focusing on technique.

As this is your first session I wouldn’t expect you to do any of this, but it would be somewhat cool to have a log all the way back to the first shoot.
 
These are all fantastic contributions. And because I frequently forget keys I've got combination trigger locks, case locks and even the range's locks are combos! BTW, the huntshield trigger locks from Can Tire are a 50/50 proposition. I bought two, one went back. Need to pick up a master lock.

I did think of bringing a notebook, or at least keep notes on my phone. I downloaded an app called CCW Guardian which has some great disassembly videos, training videos, range exercises, and I believe shooting logs. I'll play more with it one evening this week.
 
Sakoman .308 said:
Things you may need to go shooting:
Guns & ammo (not the magazine):)
Extra ammo in case your friend Bob forgets his.
Bring your pal card, club membership card, and registration certificates
A bag for your gear
spare magazines for anything that uses them.
pistol case, trigger locks, & a lock for your case
targets and a pen to date or score targets
a screw driver for adjusting sights
allen keys or other small tools you may need for dissembly
stapler & staples
target patches or tape for covering holes in targets
safety glasses & hearing protection
cleaning kit

A rest or sandbag for sighting in or testing ammo.
People go to the range without their keys, I have done it my self. It is a good idea to put your trigger lock, and pistol
case keys on with your car keys. A person could also use combination trigger, & case locks.

Some shooters bring spare parts to the range, such as extractors, recoil springs, & firing pins.

When I go shooting, I always take a rimfire pistol and rifle with me, they are too fun to leave home.
One week I bring a S&W 41, and a CZ452 Varmint, The next I bring a MKIII Target, and a KIDD Ruger 10/22.
I like red dots on pistols and scopes on my rimfires. (My eyes suck!)

I do often bring Food and a Drink as well.
A first aid kit in the car could not hurt.
I am also going to get a soft blow hammer, and a piece of brass for squibs.
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Sakoman you win the post of the week ...well done
 
GotHeem said:
I keep a checklist in my rangebag. A quick review before heading out the door ensures I havent ended up at the range without something important.
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That's the end goal of this post, I'll make up a nice little checklist. My club is about 40 mins from my home, so I'd like to make the most of my time there and not forget anything.
 
HooliganD said:
That's the end goal of this post, I'll make up a nice little checklist. My club is about 40 mins from my home, so I'd like to make the most of my time there and not forget anything.
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I understand completely your not wanting to forget gear. I would feel bad even though the range is only 10 minutes away.
I no longer use a checklist though. I leave my range gear bag packed, except for a small zip-lock bag of ammo. It gets locked up in an ammunition cabinet. I use a locked rifle case for the firearms I bring. So after a wipe down or cleaning, they are double locked in the big cabinet till the next range trip. I know we don't have to use both trigger locks and locked cabinets for non restricted transport or storage, but I got in the habit.
 
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Wet wipes to clean thy hands, especially after shooting lead nose rimfire. Special lead removal wipes are expensive, regular Wet Ones are better than nothing though.

Registration certificates - I prefer to make a photocopy, cut out the card and have it laminated (Staples "luggage tag" pouches are perfect size, and cost less than $2 all said and done). Tape a small ziploc bag to the inside of the transport container, keep the laminated card in there.
 
I’m with Sakoman; spend the money on a quality range bag or case and leave everything in it. I bought a pelican case with a trekpak divider system and lid organizer to keep all my gear put together. I keep everything but my firearms in it all the time. When it’s time to go to the range I just put my guns inside and go. Initial cost seemed steep but over time it’s been worth every penny, especially when moving or travelling.
 
its been said but DONT FORGET YOUR FRICKIN LOCK KEYS!!
nothing worse than driving a half hour or more and getting all set up and realizing oh crap!!! or your mags hahaha
i have since changed them all to combo locks way easier on the brain and the gun when your smashing against a rock or prying with a screwdriver!!!!
 
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