Whenever I head to the range, I feel like I have way too many bulky items. Just for a handgun outing, I have my range bag, a (bulky) S&W range kit for the handgun, and a 30 cal ammo can. It's a PITA. If I also take a rifle, I feel like a pack mule. Thinking about getting some small lock boxes that fit in the range bag so all I have to carry is the bag (and rifle case). One lock box for each handgun and one for ammo.
Was looking at the Hornady tri-point lock box partly because of the tubular lock, which is harder to pick, but there seem to be several reports of the lock failing.
Anyone have suggestions on reducing the bulk? Recommendations for lock boxes?
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
2Bring less crap? I usually fit everything into a TravelPro backpack. VP-9, P320, Kel-Tec Sub2000, eye and ear protection, speed loader, plastic ammo box, ownership/permit document copies, spotting scope, spare reddot batteries.
If I bring the Cx4, I need a rifle bag for it.
If I bring the Cx4, I need a rifle bag for it.
"Even if the bee could explain to the fly why pollen is better than shit, the fly could never understand."
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
3Look into getting a large locking tool box and shedding the cases. That's where the bulk is. Also, drop the 30 cal can...those things weigh like 3 lbs empty.
I can usually get one rifle and three handguns into one toolbox, with ammo and misc.
I can usually get one rifle and three handguns into one toolbox, with ammo and misc.
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
4Also consider TWO range kits. I have a small range bag that I can carry a couple of handguns and ammo in and not much else. Very liberating to have a paired-down range kit. Of course, I wouldn't use it to sight-in a rifle or anything, but otherwise very nice.
And get the smallest gun rugs for your handguns that you can find...it makes a big difference.
And get the smallest gun rugs for your handguns that you can find...it makes a big difference.
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
5i have a small backpack for spotting scope, eyes'n'ears, a couple of small tools, roll of targets, roll of tape. couple boxes of ammo, and a pistol or two. then all i have to wrangle is guns. milsurps usually have sling swivels, so i sometimes have one hanging off each shoulder. if i have to bring my own target stands, it's an extra trip to the car.
i'm retired. what's your excuse?
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
6i try to keep it to a backpack and plastic Plano ammo can for most trips. The most confounding are the shotgun/clay pigeon trips. There isnt a public range in TX that doesn’t make you schlep a good distance.
Ammo is usually the bulk of the weight in most cases.
Ammo is usually the bulk of the weight in most cases.
LGC Texas - Vice President
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
7I have transitioned to using Bang boxes for ammunition carriage and a Maxpedition pistol case and like them both. I am still looking for a better long gun case and range bag.
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
8I use a GPS backpack-style range bag, which holds everything I need. It's this one: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10856 ... -range-bag
Holds four pistols, ammunition, 12 magazines, hearing protection, stapler, target paster tape, tools, et cetera, and there are even loops on the side for rolled-up targets. There's a sturdy carrying handle on top for when it's lightly loaded, and backpack straps for when it's full.
Holds four pistols, ammunition, 12 magazines, hearing protection, stapler, target paster tape, tools, et cetera, and there are even loops on the side for rolled-up targets. There's a sturdy carrying handle on top for when it's lightly loaded, and backpack straps for when it's full.
Reunite Pangea!
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
9Thanks for all the suggestions!
I think step 1 is to thin out my gear and just use the ammo cans for at home storage. Also, 2 range kits is also in order - one for a "lite" outing and one for when I take the kids.
I think step 1 is to thin out my gear and just use the ammo cans for at home storage. Also, 2 range kits is also in order - one for a "lite" outing and one for when I take the kids.
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
10I use the soft zippered gun rugs for pistol range trips. I can get one small combo padlock through the zipper/ring closures of four of them. Box of ammo and cluster of guns go in a canvas tote.
Add some rifle ammo to the tote and a rifle case under my arm.
I don’t expect anything that’s just “locked” for transport to resist much tampering. If it can be carried away, it doesn’t matter if the lock is better or worse.
Add some rifle ammo to the tote and a rifle case under my arm.
I don’t expect anything that’s just “locked” for transport to resist much tampering. If it can be carried away, it doesn’t matter if the lock is better or worse.
Re: reducing bulk for range trips?
11Err...Ford 1-ton double cab.
Guns/fodder in back seat, targets, tables, chairs, shade, grub, h2o in bed.
The open desert is my range, 15 min away.
Might as well make a day of it.
SubRosa
Guns/fodder in back seat, targets, tables, chairs, shade, grub, h2o in bed.
The open desert is my range, 15 min away.
Might as well make a day of it.
SubRosa
"Oozing charm from every pore, he oiled his way around the floor."