Range Bags and Packs

Range bags and or packs can be interesting things.  Many of us form a love/hate relationship with them and are constantly looking for something better as our handgun transport needs to the range, at the range, and from the range change. Many times range shooters use the exaxct same bags, which is not an issue, when the bag is kept at your shooting station.  But at some ranges they need to be kept away from the shooting station and left on a table generally ten to twenty feet behind you.

If I want to know where my range bag/pack is; and make sure no one accidently walks off with it; it needs to be different and it needs to stand out from the others. The one I currently use is shown below.  It works well; has all of the pockets and internal and external pouches I need for handguns and related supplies, and it definitely does not look like everyone elses.  The apocalypse/zombie theme colors are simply an added conversation piece.  When range bags/packs are all together on a back bench or table; having the ability to find mine quickly, when I need it, is now a very easy process.  

You can see all 5 of my post apocalyptic fiction books, 2 of my zombie fiction books and 1 of my horror fiction books on the left side of my blog page.  Go ahead and purchase one or more over at Amazon.com. They are really quite interesting and entertaining to read if I do say so myself.

 

The Shooting Range

When you take someone to the shooting range for the first time; here are some things you’ll want to make them aware of before they meet you there.

• Remind them that after you properly instruct them in how to use the particular firearms you will be working with; that they will be shooting real ammunition.  If they fail to follow appropriate safety protocols that you have discussed with them, then their day of shooting will stop immediately.
• They need to bring their own eye and ear protection as well as water and a snack especially on a really hot day.
• Wear appropriate footwear.  Sandals and flip flops do not qualify in this regard.
• Do they really know how to get to the range and the exact time to meet you there.
• Remind them if this is the first time they have ever gone shooting at a range; that they will not be an expert, or a sniper, after one session, nor should they try and act like one.
• Make sure they know it is okay to ask as many questions as they want regarding the weapons they are using, proper techniques, range etiquette, etc.

You can see 5 of my post apocalyptic fiction books, 2 of my zombie fiction books and 1 of my horror fiction books on the left side of my blog page.  Go ahead; take a chance and purchase one or more over at Amazon.com.  They are really quite interesting if I do say so myself 🙂

Weapons Proficiency

As I have had my pistol permit for about thirty years and have practiced/trained repeatedly with handguns, shotguns and rifles; I want to stress the importance of becoming proficient with your weapons of choice.  For all of the above referenced firearms make sure you know the proper methods of loading, unloading, clearing malfunctions, target aquisition, shot placement, proper stances, proper grip, enabling the safety mechanisms as needed, weapons maintenance, etc.  As much as many of us know about weapons; remember there is always something new to be learned or something you can share with others to improve their target shooting experience.

Above all make sure you know how to use the most common categories and types of weapons that you are likely to encounter and familiarize yourself with their functionalities and what they can and can’t do.  Make sure you are proficient with AR’s, AK’s, SKS and FALS  to name just a few semi auto rifles.  For shotguns if its Mossberg or Remington use them and gain confidence through proficiency.  Handguns practice, practice, practice.  I’ve always been a Smith & Wesson guy and my interchangeable carry guns depending on season are the S&W M&P45 and the S&W M&P9C.

Some additional points about bolt action and semi auto rifles.  It is essential that on any iron sight or scoped rifle you become well versed in zeroing the weapon regardless of whether it is bolt action or semi auto.  Zeroing your rifle properly will assure that your point of aim and your point of impact are one and the same.  Far too many people haven’t the foggiest idea of how to zero their weapons properly and if you watch them on the firing line it becomes readily apparent that they need help. So the next time you are at the range; if you see someone having difficulty with their weapons offer to show them the right way to use their firearm.  They’ll appreciate it; and you’ll have turned someones range time into a much better experience for them. So keep on training and support your second amendment rights.

The following is a list of fiction books I have written.  You can get a free preview of my first zombie fiction book or my first five post apocalyptic fiction survival books by clicking on the book cover images to the left of this blog post, on my blog page, which will take you to the Amazon.com website. Then you can click on the look inside option which will give you a free preview.  If my zombie or survival fiction books interest you; then go ahead and make a purchase.  Book titles include Biohazard Redacted Book 1 of the Zombie Apocalypse, American Rebellion Book 1 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 2 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 3 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 4 of the Revolution and American Rebellion Book 5 of the Revolution.   

 

My Favorite Range Bag Revisited

Whenever I take my handguns and shotguns to the range for practice; my range bag comes along as an essential piece of shooting gear.  Its purpose; to keep all my gear safely stored and together in one convenient, organized gear bag.  I’ve used a lot of range bags over the years but the one I find works best for my needs is the 511 Tactical Patrol Ready Bag.  It has convenient storage pockets for almost anything you need to bring with you and is sized properly to store whatever you need to ensure a proper and enjoyable range session.

Here’s what I keep in the various internal and external pockets.  Two water bottles, 9mm ammo in a molle pouch, 45ACP ammo in a separate molle pouch, pistol rugs, holsters, spare magazines, ear protection, gun cleaning equipment, first aid kit, targets, tape, 00 buck shotgun shells in molle pouches, shooting gloves, flashlight, spare batteries, fixed blade knife, bandanna, ball cap and a few other miscellaneous odds and ends.  

You can get a free preview of my first three post apocalyptic fiction books by clicking on the book cover images to the left of this blog post, on my blog page, which will take you to the Amazon.com website. Then you can click on the look inside option which will give you a free preview.  If my survival fiction books interest you; then consider purchasing them.  Book titles include American Rebellion Book 1 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 2 of the Revolution and American Rebellion Book 3 of the Revolution.

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