Over the last two decades, range bags have surged in popularity. These bags are commonly used by IDPA and IPSC competition shooters, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t useful for a casual shooter. A range bag offers the chance to transport, store, and organize one or more handguns along with all the accessories you might need while shooting.
Are you wondering why you can’t just use an old gym bag? You could, but a shooting range bag is specifically designed for visiting the range. The bags are created to efficiently and safely carry your firearms, spotting scope, ammunition, shooting glasses, hearing protection, and other accessories you want at the range.
Rather than digging through a bag looking for everything you need once you reach the shooting station, your gear is separated into pockets and between dividers. It makes shooting at the range simpler and easier to enjoy.
However, that doesn’t mean that each and every range bag on the market is exactly the same. Some bags are better quality than others, some are larger than others, and some are going to fit your needs well while others do not. If you aren’t sure which bag is right for you, don’t fret. We have compiled a list of the top 12 range bags so you can find the one that fits your needs.
12 Top Range Bag List: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
1. Orca Tactical Gun Range Bag
The Orca Tactical Gun Range Bag comes in three colors, black, coyote brown, and OD green, and offers dimensions of 16 x 11 x 9 inches. It can hold up to three different handguns with extra compartments for all the gear you want to bring along to the range with you.
This bag is made of military-grade 600D polyester material. It is double stitched and reinforced at all the common stress points. It features high-quality YKK zippers with nylon pulls with a special coating to prevent rust. The zippers are lockable on the side pouches and can use a luggage lock for safety purposes.
Pros
- Holds up to three handguns and all your gear
- Offers lockable zippers for ultimate safety
- Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Some find the compartments are smaller than expected
2. Reebow Tactical Gun Range Bag
The Reebow Tactical Gun Range Bag is 15 x 12 x 10 inches on the outside and offers dimensions of 14 x 8 x 9 inches inside so you can store all your shooting gear with ease. The bag has multiple compartments, each of which is padded to keep all your gear from being scratched up during transport and storage.
The bag is created using 600D nylon fabric, which is water-resistant, heavy-duty, and durable. The main compartment has lock zippers so you can easily lock things up and keep items safe. The bag has two inner compartments so you can customize the bag to meet your needs best.
Pros
- Offers multiple padded compartments for gear
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Created of heavy-duty 600D nylon
Cons
- Only the main compartment can be locked
3. Explorer Tactical Range Ready Bag
This range bag, the Explorer Tactical Range Ready Bag, comes in an assortment of colors and designs. You can choose from black, ACU camo, black camo, brown, navy digital camo, OD green, and wood digital camo. The material is a 600D polyester that is high quality and durable.
One of the most interesting features of this range bag is that it has seven pouches for magazines in the front and four in the back. There is also a removable inner partition that you can use or get rid of depending on your preferences. There are two different handgun pouches included so you can bring two guns to the range.
Pros
- Offers a total of 11 magazine pouches
- Features removable inner partitions for customization
- Created of 600 denier polyester
Cons
- Lining attachment isn’t the highest quality
4. Beretta Tactical Range Bag
Are you looking for a shooting range bag that can hold everything you need it to? The Beretta Tactical Range Bag is perfect for both short term and long term trips to the gun range. The bag is created from 100% polyester and is designed to be durable and last a long time even with regular use.
This case uses the Beretta thermoshield padding to protect your guns, whether they are being stored or transported. The top is easy to open and features a zipper while there are additional interior and exterior pockets to store all your range gear. The large bag holds up to six cartridge boxes while the small one holds four.
Pros
- Bag holds up to 10 cartridges at once
- Features Beretta thermoshield padding inside
- Created of 100% polyester for durability and long life
Cons
- Not as large as some range bags
5. Osage River Tactical Shooting Gun Range Bag
This gun range bag by Osage River offers just what you need for a weekend or longer adventure. You can store your gadgets and gear in the many compartments and keep things organized no matter what your travels take you. You can carry it in your hand or toss it over your shoulder for transport depending on your preference.
This bag is made to last and made out of 600D ballistic nylon, which lasts a long time. It has padded compartments and a removable pouch for plenty of room to store all your gear. It has five zippered pockets, two large pockets, and storage for accessories.
Pros
- Offers nine different compartments and two dividers
- Features handle carry and shoulder strap options
- Comes in two sizes so you can choose based on your needs
Cons
- Some experience issues with the range bag lining
6. Smith & Wesson M&P Officer Tactical Range Bag
The Smith & Wesson M&P Officer Tactical Range Bag is created to offer durability and quality. The bag is made of a durable ballistic fabric and features heavy-duty hardware, high-quality hook and loop closures, thick nylon strapping, and oversized zippers.
The bag has foot skids and plenty of room for all of your gear. There are eight regular pockets, another eight for magazines, and two for handguns. Two accessory pouches, a removable ammo back, two side pockets, and two dividers are included. The inside dimensions of the bar are 18 x 10 x 10 inches.
Pros
- Offers rubber foot skids for durability
- Made of ballistic fabric that is weather-resistant and durable
- Contains eight pockets, eight mag pockets, and two accessory pockets
Cons
- May be heavier than other options on the market
7. Reebow Tactical Tactical Gun Range Bag
This tactical gun range bag by Reebow Tactical offers interior dimensions of 13.5 x 5.5 x 9 inches while the bag itself is 16 x 11 x 10 inches in size. The zippers for the side compartments are created to add a lock for safety sake while the bag itself has been constructed of high quality, durable 600D nylon fabric.
This range bag has a number of compartments so you can easily organize up to three handguns, magazine, shells, and all your accessories. The compartments are padded to prevent any scratching while the bag is in use. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know you’re getting quality.
Pros
- Lock style zippers for side compartments adds safety
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Many compartments and room for three handguns
Cons
- Some find bag smaller than expected
8. Case Club Tactical 4-Pistol Backpack
If you prefer to have hands free storage when heading to or from the shooting range, the Case Club Tactical 4-Pistol Backpack is a top option. You can wear it on your back and keep your hands free for other matters. It has a foam cradle built to protect and carry up to four handguns of up to 8 5/8 inches in length.
This range bag can store up to six extra magazines in the side pocket along with the gear you need while shooting. There is a rain pocket you can pull out as well to avoid exposure to moisture if a rainfall starts out of the blue. It even comes with Molle straps on the outside to hold extra items you can’t live without.
Pros
- Foam cradle can hold up to four handguns
- Offers two side pockets to hold up to six extra magazines
- Molle straps are built in to attach additional gear
Cons
- Zippers can be a bit tricky to work for some
9. SXIII S13 Tactical Pistol Range Bag
This gun range gear bag by SXIII comes in two different colors so you can choose between tan and black based on your preferences. Unlike most of the other bags on this list, which are 600 denier, this one is 1000 denier which makes it the most durable and long-lasting option you can find on the market.
There are tons of accessories that come with this bag to make for extra convenience at the gun range. You will receive a utility pouch, an inner tote, shell collector, gun pouch, and two dividers to separate your gear. There is also an insulated bottle holder so you can have a bottle of water with you at all times.
Pros
- Created using 1000D ballistic material
- Offers an insulated bottle holder for hydration
- Comes with several accessories like dividers, tote, and gun pouch
Cons
- Shoulder straps are made of an inexpensive material
10. Johnson Tactical Shooting Gun Pistol Range Gear Bag
This pistol range gear bag by Johnson Tactical comes with shoulder straps and carrying handles, both of which are made of heavy-duty nylon so you can carry a ton without worry. There are removable partitions on the inside so you can set up the interior however you like for organization purposes.
This bag has two Velcro pockets on front with buckles along with two zipper front pockets large enough for a cell phone. There are seven pouches for magazines and the gun pouch is padded and detachable. This is one of the larger range bags on the market with interior dimensions of 20 x 14 x 10 inches.
Pros
- Features padded pockets and plastic feet for durability
- Offers both carrying handles and shoulder straps
- Comes with a detachable zippered gun pouch
Cons
- Bag may be larger than expected for some
11. G.P.S. Handgunner Backpack
The G.P.S. Handgunner Backpack is an aesthetically pleasing range bag that comes in black or digital camo so you can tailor it to your style. The bag is made from high-quality nylon, so it will last a long time after purchase.
This bar can hold up to four handguns and positions them in a vertical manner for easy storage. It has a high-density foam storage cradle that you can easily slide in an out of the lower compartment of the bag. This bag weighs less than two pounds and is 16 x 10 x 19 inches in size.
Pros
- Holds up to four handguns in a vertical position
- Offers high-density foam storage cradle that slides in and out
- Pockets are labeled for ultimate organization
Cons
- Zippers may not be the best quality
12. NiceAndGreat Tactical Rapid Storage & Access Gun Range Bag
This is another storage bag in a backpack form for those who want to keep their hands free. It has room for five handguns with extra padding for protection. The backpack is made of 900D material and has padded back support and adjustable straps for transport.
The bag has 10 compartments for storage and 12 magazine holders. The zippers are also durable and lockable for safety and protection. The bag is equipped with a rain cover so you can bring your bag camping or hiking without worrying about the weather.
Pros
- Offers five different pouches for handguns
- Comes with a rain cover for use out of doors
- Created of water-resistant 900D polyester material
Cons
- More expensive than other models
A Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing a Range Bag
Range bags offer the most efficient and specialized way to store and transport your handguns, ammunition, and accessories to the gun range. It takes less time to find what you need and get it out of a range bag, while the bag also makes it a lot harder to lose small accessories in the clutter that a duffel bag might have. When you are in the process of choosing a new range bag, the number one thing to consider is what you bring along with you to the range. That will help answer what size of bag is right for your needs.
Selecting the Perfectly Sized Range Bag
When you start looking at range bags, one of the first things you are likely to notice is how many sizes they come in. If you are going to be shooting with one or two firearms, a simple and small bag that is less expensive than average might be sufficient to hold your guns, extra ammunition, hearing protection, and glasses. Those who are going to spend an entire day at the range with several different weapons are likely to appreciate a bag with several compartments that is larger than average.
Range Bag Organization Factors
Are you someone who is super organized that has a place for every last item you take to the range? Or are you the opposite where you toss everything in your bag and go through it later? Most people are somewhere in between the two extremes, but regardless, you should choose a bag that fits your preferences.
If you’re the type who doesn’t mind a few items sharing a compartment, a bag with a handful of side compartments and a large compartment might be the right choice. If you want everything in its own spot, you’ll want a bag with a more significant number of pockets. Both types can do the job. It all comes down to what kind of person you are and what is going to work best for your needs.
Considerations About Ammo in Shooting Bags
Some people keep their safety gear separate from their magazines and ammunition, while some people do not. Which type of person are you? This is important to consider as it will have an effect on which kind of bag is going to fit your preferences best. Those who prefer their safety gear and ammo are separate might want to purchase two small bags instead of one large bag. This is especially true if you will be bringing more than two calibers. On the other hand, if you don’t mind mixing your gear, a large bag can hold everything all at once.
How Much Ammo You Carry to the Range
Another thing that comes into play when choosing the perfect range bag is how much ammunition you tend to bring along with you. If you tend to spend long hours at the range and that means bringing a large amount of ammo, a bag with a reinforced bottom and sturdy straps is going to be well worth the investment. The reality is that this is a good idea for almost anyone, even if you don’t carry around an outrageous amount of ammo. All of the items you are going to carry in the bag will add weight, so reinforcement isn’t going to hurt.
Using a Holster vs. a Gun Bag
Some people prefer to keep their gun in a holster at all times, never adding it to their range bag. However, there are many people who want to keep their weapon in their bag until they reach the firing line. If you are one of these individuals, having a range bag with a special pocket for the gun is something you should absolutely look for. Those who go for this option should be sure the pocket is always clean and free of other objects. This will prevent any debris or objects going down into the barrel of the gun.
Pricing of Range Bags
Pricing is also an important factor when choosing a rifle bag, as with any other purchase you make. Since prices can range from about $30 to over $100, it’s important to be aware of what features matter the most to you. Some people use a bag that isn’t a traditional range bag, such as a duffel bag, but a range bag offers specialization and is created specifically for the purpose of visiting the range. Regardless of what bag you do with, think about the things that matter to you and don’t pay more for features you won’t use.
Understanding What to Carry in a Gun Bag
Once you choose the right range bag for you, you also have to fill it up. Having all the essentials on hand is crucial to enjoying a day spent at the range. Nobody wants to cut their trip short because something that could have been packed was forgotten. Below, we’ll share some of the most important items to stow in your bag and then go over some of the less necessary items that you may want to pack anyway.
Ammunition
When you pack up ammunition, make sure you bring along more than you expect to use. It might be surprising to find out how many people head to the gun range only to find they forgot their ammo in their gun safe or didn’t bring along enough. While you can likely buy ammo at the range, it’s not going to be cheap and you may not want to pay the prices. There’s also no guarantee that all the rounds you need will be available.
Additional Magazines
Sure, you can spend part of your range time filling up magazines, but most people would rather avoid that. This is why it’s important to buy extras as much as possible. Take some time out of your day to fill up the magazines before you go to the range. You’ll be ready to go and not need to stop and fiddle with magazines while you want to focus on shooting.
Extra Ear and Eye Protection
Every range is going to require eye and ear protection at a very minimum, so having a stash is an excellent idea. Even those without firearms are going to find that they aren’t allowed to step out onto the range without protection of their hearing and sight. If you lose, break, or scratch any of these items, it’s good to have a backup available for you. You may end up using the freebies at the range otherwise and they aren’t always of the best quality.
Multitool
Since you have a range bag, you might as well have a multitool contained within in. It can come in handy on the range just as it can anywhere else. If you run into a situation where you need to unscrew something, bend something, pull something, or pry something, the tool will make it easy and then you can get right back to the shooting that you came to the range for.
Knife
This is another tool that can come in handy on a regular basis so you should not leave home without it. It’s better to have a blade when you need it than to be in a bind and not have one available.
First Aid Kit
Having a basic first aid kit available in your range bag is always an excellent idea. When you have gauze, bandages, and saline, you can deal with small injuries without ever leaving your shooting lane. It can also come in handy in other situations, so don’t leave home without it.
Shooting Targets
You certainly need targets if you are going to be spending time at the range. You can likely buy them at the range, but it can be more expensive than bringing your own. Paper plates are a super inexpensive option that work just as well. Grab a package of 250 general paper plates and you can shoot hundreds of times for the price of a single range target.
A Staple Gun or Double Sided Tape
Now that you have your targets handled, you will still need a way to hang them up. Double-sided tape works just fine, as does a staple gun filled with staples.
Wet Wipes
After you finish up at the range, you’ll want to wipe off. You can use wet wipes or baby wipes to get rid of the gunshot residue that is found on your hands.
Bottled Water
If you plan to spend hours at the range, you are going to need some water now and again. Shooting for an extended period of time can make you thirsty, so be careful and keep yourself hydrated.
Flashlight
Now we come to the items that might not be necessary but can be handy for some. A flashlight can be useful at a gun range where there isn’t a lot of light available. It can save you time going through your bag for items and peeking out at an empty breach.
Batteries for Hearing Protection
Assuming you use electronic hearing protection, having a set of extra batteries is a great option. If you happen to have your batteries die when there are no extras available, you could end up relying on orange foam earplugs instead.
Masking Tape for the Targets
Having a roll of white masking tape and black masking tape can be used to make your targets reusable. This leaves you with extra money to spend on weapons and ammunition instead. Having two colored tapes lets you reuse the targets as much as you want.
Sweat Towel
If you’re going to be shooting at an outdoor range during the summer months, having a headband or a sweat towel can help you stay cool and avoid sweat dripping into your eyes. Sweaty hands can create grip problems which nobody wants to deal with.
Sharpie
Want to keep track of your shots? A sharpie marker is a great option for doing so. You can keep track of how your progress is going within a drill. It also helps when you choose to share a target to keep track of your own shots.
Log Book and Pen
Many gun range visitors are super into data. Having a logbook and a pen can let you know how many rounds a certain weapon has used so you can be sure to keep to a cleaning schedule. It can also help you prevent repeated mistakes and give you insight into patterns in your shooting. Anyone who shoots long-range needs a DOPE (data on previous engagements) or logbook.
Gun Mat
Save yourself plenty of frustration by packing a gun mat in your range bag. It offers a dedicated, soft surface where you can rest or strip your weapons and magazines without worrying about parts dropping to the floor like they might from a shooting bench.
Spotting Scope
There are also luxury items that some people want to have available and this is one of them. A great quality spotting scope can prevent you from guesswork and squinting while you determine if and where you hit your target.
Rangefinder
Those who are into long-range shooting can use a rangefinder to make easier calculations. While doing this on your own is a great skill to have, the rangefinder will offer confirmation of your findings.
Wind Gauge
Another choice for the range bag of a long-range shooter is the wind gauge. This is yet another skill that is great to develop, but a wind gauge or anemometer helps confirm what you determine and help you with your estimation skills.
GoPro or Other Video Camera
Just like a golfer can record their swings, a shooter can use a GoPro as a tool to improve their work. It can give you more insight into what parts of the firing sequence you need a bit of help with. Any practical shooter will find this an integral item for their range bag.
Target Camera
One of the coolest things on the shooting market right now is a target camera. You can set up a camera on your target, even up to a mile away, and see where your shot hits. There is software you can download onto your smartphone or tablet that shows your shots in sequence.
Making the Final Choice of the Right Range Bag
Now that you know what the top range bags for the year are and what you might want to add to your bag, you should have a good idea of how much space you need. After you find bags that fit your size needs, you can look at the materials the bag is made from, how many compartments there are, and what features are available that you need.
The 12 bags listed in this article will offer something for everyone, but don’t be afraid to do your own research and see what else is out there. Once you have a range bag in your hand, you’ll wonder how you ever did without one!