10 Must-haves you need to take to the shooting range

    Individuals and gun owners who have an innate flair and desire for shooting practice, hunting and tactical knowledge in the handling and eventual mastering of firearms & weaponry often find out that visiting a gun range; which is a specialized facility designed for firearms qualifications, training and practice is the best way towards enhancing one's knowledge and skill in firearms operations and use.

   Research has shown that about four in ten US adults aged 25 to 44 say they live in a gun-owning household hence, the need for training on the proper, safe and regulated use of guns either for hunting, personal protection or sports shooting.

    Law enforcement officers are not left out of the cycle on the usage of gun ranges as there are provisions of such facilities within their agencies for occasional & period firearm practice & tactical training, as this is essential towards enhancing their skill in the firing of arms when on duty and on the field.

    About half of gun owners (52%) within the ages of 25 to 44 say they go shooting or visit a gun range often or sometimes; (34%) go for hunting practice programs and (24%) attend gun related shows at least sometimes. This figure indicates the true importance of gun range facilities & the services they offer.

     Before visiting or trying out a shooting range facility, it is important to have some vital information on the essentials needed to carry along, in order to satisfy the use of the facility.

Some of the essentials include;

1. Gun range bag:

      This is very essential if you're going to the gun range, especially if it is going to be a habit either for fun or practice as the case may be, as this will be convenient to carry your pistol and necessary gear.

2. Gun Holster:

       This is very important as you do not want to walk into a gun range facility openly carrying a gun in your hand or carelessly around.

3. An Emergency Personal Injury Kit (EPIK) & Band-Aid:

     An EPIK & tourniquet are not optional items and it is irresponsible & reckless to operate firearms without the means or provisions to deal with a traumatic injury.

4.Eye and Ear protection (Sunglasses and prescription glasses are also permitted):

     The percussive vibrations of each gunshot during shooting range practice actually kills vital little hairs located deep in one's inner ear, and that can lead to high pitch ringing or humming noise that can develop later on in life and hinder ones hearing ability.

     Some best shooting ear protection required as essential when visiting or trying out a gun range facility includes;

A.) Disposable Foam Earplugs:

        These are one of the most affordable protective aids and are really protective at noise reduction.

B.) 3M Peltor Optime:

          They are big, affordable and protective. They are great if you don't like things inside your ears.

C.) 3M Shot gunner II:

            Provides adequate protection. 

5. Personal Ammunition (for your own guns only):

     If you're renting a gun, you'll probably have to purchase the marked-up ammunition the gun range sells.

6. A notebook and pen:

     For recording your rounds fired & perhaps notes on your training & performance.

7. A clean cloth or napkin & some lube:

      For wiping down your firearm and magazines after training.

8. A small flashlight:

      For seeing into firearms during minor repairs or for shining down a barrel in case of a suspected squib round.

9. A roll of masking tape:

      Which may come in handy once in a while for taping up targets or covering shots on your target.

10. Some specific or general purpose tools can help keep you running if your firearm or other training equipment experiences some minor malfunction or needs adjustment.

Beyond must-haves and advisable items, maybe carry along items that are specific to the type of training you do and things contextual to your training environment (indoors, outdoors, pistols or rifles, standing target practice, or dynamic moving and shooting, etc.).