Range Equipment Rundown—and Much More!

Watch this GUNSMARTS video to see why a successful day at the range requires more than just grabbing your gun and ammunition.

posted on December 29, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Ah, a day at the range—a time to clear your mind and burn off some energy while keeping your shooting skills from perishing. So all you need to do is grab your gun and go, right? Well, not so fast.

Although obviously it wouldn’t be a day at the range with your firearm, these days there is a lot more to consider when planning your outing. After all, there are more people engaging in the shooting sports than ever before—along with more gear and equipment than ever.

That’s why this latest Smith & Wesson GUNSMARTS video is incredibly valuable. Although it is titled “Range Equipment Information,” Smith & Wesson Pro Shooter Julie Golob actually covers four topics, each designed to make your range session as complete, successful and fun as possible. In the first section, “Range Equipment,” Golob details the various items that you should pack in your range bag, from the basics like eye and ear pro, belts, ammo, down to the things you might not have thought about, like pen and paper or a hat with a brim. And, of course, there’s the fun of choosing a range bag from the thousands now on the market. Golob cautions that the bigger the bag you choose, the more you’ll find to pack in it, and the more you’ll have to carry …  

The remainder of the video covers three more topics: transporting your firearm to the range; types of targets and stands and what you’ll need to bring with your for target setup; and finally, safety, courtesy and awareness once you get to the range—including important terminology you’ll hear once you are on the range. Terms like “Cease Fire”; “Hot Range”; and “Muzzle”—and what you MUST do when you hear any one of these. Because there is a lot of detail Golob covers in this information-packed video, we suggest you run the reel yourself.

For more information and to watch other GUNSMARTS videos, go to smith-wesson.com/gunsmarts.

Latest

Rao On Target Blank Target Photo By Rao
Rao On Target Blank Target Photo By Rao

3 Tips for Getting Your Firearm Student on Target

Here are some simple but effective ways to get your student on paper in quick order for early confidence building.

The Armed Citizen® October 16, 2026

Waiting for authorities to arrive is not always an option when a crazed intruder is intent on getting to you first.

How to Not Shoot a Button Buck

Is that a doe in the field, or a button buck? You’d better be sure before you take the shot!

Ladies Learn It's About More Than Just Shooting Clays

American Rifleman TV traveled to the NSCA Nationals to learn why so many women are calling "Pull!" on a clay bird for the first time.

Empowering Women and Undoing Good Intentions by Well-Meaning Men

NRA Certified Instructor Angela Vincent shares her firearms journey, which took her from complete novice to teaching women how to choose their own perfect pistol.

Call for Nominations: NRA Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award

To honor her accomplishment and the accomplishments of modern heroines, the NRA bestows the prestigious Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award in her name.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.