7 Important Must-Have Accessories for Your Shooting Gear

Introduction

Time to read: 8 minutes

Date: July 23, 2023

Competitive shooting is a dynamic sport that demands not only physical skill and mental acuity but also a host of essential gear. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, having the right equipment can make a big difference in safety and performance. This comprehensive guide details the following shooting gear that every competitive shooter needs: ear protection, eye protection, gun cleaning kits, holsters, shooting bags and cases, shooting targets, and range bag tool kits. Let’s dive in!

Ear protection

When it comes to shooting gear accessories, ear protection is a must-have for any shooter. It not only reduces fatigue but also protects the shooter’s hearing from the loud noise of firearms. The sound produced by gunfire can exceed 140 decibels, which can lead to permanent hearing loss if adequate protection is not worn. Foam plugs, ear muffs, and electronic ear muffs are the three different options available for ear protection. 

Earplugs

These accessories are a common choice due to their compact size and cost-effectiveness. They are made of soft materials that conform to the shape of the ear canal, creating a seal that blocks noise. High-quality earplugs can reduce noise levels by 15 to 30 decibels.

Earmuffs

These, on the other hand, are larger devices that cover the entire ear. They provide more substantial noise reduction than earplugs, typically between 20 and 30 decibels. Some earmuffs even have electronic noise-canceling features, which further reduce loud noise while allowing normal conversation and ambient sounds to be heard.

Electric earmuffs

Out of these options, electronic earmuffs offer superior noise reduction and still allow for conversations while shooting. Though they can be expensive, these accessories are a good investment for frequent shooters.

It’s not just important to have ear protection, but it’s also important to ensure that it fits comfortably and securely without interfering with your shooting performance. Custom-fitted electronic ear muffs are an excellent investment for those who plan to use them frequently. Keep in mind that ear muffs should be worn properly over the ears and not pushed up, which can reduce their effectiveness.

Eye Protection

Just like ear protection, it’s crucial to have eye protection when shooting to prevent any injuries from flying debris and hot brass. Safety glasses with anti-fog lenses and adjustable temples are accessories that are great options for shooters. Proper eye protection can also enhance visibility and contrast, which can improve shooting accuracy. Ballistic goggles or face shields can also provide full-face and eye coverage, offering added protection.

The lens material is crucial in choosing shooting glasses. Polycarbonate lenses are the most popular choice due to their high impact resistance and light weight. For maximum protection, lenses should meet or exceed the safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

In addition, the lens color can be chosen to suit different shooting environments. Yellow or amber lenses can improve contrast in low-light conditions, while gray or green lenses are ideal for reducing glare in bright sunlight. Some shooting glasses come with interchangeable lenses, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios. By wearing the right eye protection, shooters can prevent any potential injuries while improving their shooting performance.

Gun Cleaning Kits

In addition to protective gear, gun cleaning kits are essential accessories for any shooter. These kits contain a variety of tools including bore snakes, brushes, Q-tips, lubricants, oil pens, paper towels, and spare parts. Clearing jams and malfunctions quickly and efficiently is important during shooting, and a gun cleaning kit can offer the necessary tools for this purpose.

A good gun cleaning kit should contain the following:

• Cleaning rods: Used to scrub the barrel and remove residue.
• Brushes: Come in different sizes for various parts of the gun.
• Patches and patch holders: Used for applying solvents and removing residue.
• Bore snakes: Quick-cleaning tools that can clean the barrel in one pull.
• Cleaning solvents: Used to dissolve residue and dirt.
• Lubricant: To keep moving parts functioning smoothly.
• Cleaning mat: To protect your work surface from chemicals and scratches.
• Case or pouch: To store and organize your cleaning tools.

A well-maintained gun is essential not just for the longevity of the firearm, but also for maintaining its accuracy and reliability. With regular cleaning and maintenance, shooters can ensure that their firearm is always in top condition. It’s also important to keep spare parts on hand in case of any sudden malfunctions that might occur during shooting. These additional accessories can make a significant difference in the shooting experience, offering peace of mind and convenience to the shooter.

You can also learn more about the best practices for maintenance your firearm in our article here!

Holsters

For competitive shooters, having a good quality holster is essential to stay ahead of the competition. This is an accessory you can’t go without. A holster should not only securely hold the firearm but also allow for quick and easy access during shooting. When selecting a holster, it’s important to ensure that it fits the specific model of the firearm being used. 

Belt holsters, also known as OWB (outside the waistband) holsters, are widely used in competitive shooting due to their quick draw speed and comfort. They attach to the shooter’s belt and hold the gun outside the pants.

For maximum stability and security, many competitors prefer race holsters. These accessories are specialized holsters designed for speed shooting sports. They hold the firearm in an open and accessible position for faster draw times, often employing a locking mechanism to secure the firearm when not in use.

Choosing the right holster comes down to personal comfort, the specific requirements of the competition, and the type of firearm used. Regardless of the style, a good holster should retain the firearm securely, allow for a smooth and quick draw, and provide a consistent return point for the firearm.

Purchasing a holster that is made of high-quality materials is recommended to ensure it lasts a long time. Additionally, maintaining the holster’s cleanliness and ensuring it is free from any obstructions is important to ensure holstering during shooting is quick and effortless. A well-selected holster can make a big difference to how efficiently a shooter can access and use their firearm during shooting.

To learn more about holsters, read our other articles!
–Is an AIWB Holster Uncomfortable?
–What is a Retention Holster?
–What is the Most Comfortable Holster for a Glock?

Shooting Bags and Cases

Apart from protecting your gear from weather and damage, shooting bags and cases are accessories that provide a convenient way to transport them. A good shooting bag or case should be large enough to fit all your gear, including ammunition, and also be well-padded to prevent damage. Additionally, waterproof cases or bags offer added protection against the weather elements.

Shooting bags

Shooting bags, also known as range bags, are designed to carry all the necessary gear for a day at the range. They usually have multiple compartments for organization and are made from durable materials to withstand heavy use. A good shooting bag should have enough space for your firearm(s), ammunition, hearing and eye protection, cleaning kit, and any other accessories you may need.

Firearm cases

Firearm cases, on the other hand, are accessories that are specifically designed for transporting firearms. They provide protection and secure storage for your guns during transit. There are two main types of cases: soft cases and hard cases. Soft cases are lightweight and portable, but offer less protection than hard cases. Hard cases provide superior protection and often have foam interiors that can be customized to fit your firearm exactly. Some hard cases are also waterproof and dustproof, providing even more protection.

Investing in accessories like quality shooting bags and cases will undoubtedly lead to a more comfortable and convenient shooting experience. By keeping your gear safe and organized, you can focus on honing your shooting skills without having to worry about equipment damage or misplacement.

Shooting Targets

One of the most essential accessories for practicing shooting skills and measuring progress is the shooting target. Different types of targets are available, such as reactive targets, steel plates, and specialty targets.

Steel targets

Steel targets provide instant audible and sometimes visible feedback, making them a popular choice for speed shooting and tactical training. These accessories are more durable than paper targets but require a higher initial investment.

Reactive targets

Reactive targets, such as clay pigeons in trap and skeet shooting or pop-up targets in some pistol competitions, add a dynamic element to shooting, helping to develop a shooter’s timing and tracking skills.

Specialty targets

For long-range shooting competitions, shooters often use gong targets or specialty targets designed to swing or fall when hit. These targets provide both visual and audible feedback even at great distances.

Investing in the right shooting target accessories can vastly improve shooting skills and offer a clearer understanding of strengths and weaknesses. By setting goals and tracking progress, shooters can continually improve their overall performance.

Range Bag Tool Kit

This will contain tools needed for quick fixes, adjustments, or cleaning while at the range. A typical kit may include a multi-tool, a selection of hex wrenches or Allen keys for adjusting sights and accessories, a punch set for disassembling firearms, screwdrivers, pliers, a flashlight, spare batteries for any electronic gear, and a small first aid kit for minor injuries. Some shooters also carry a portable gun vise for more complex field adjustments or cleaning.

To ensure you’re prepared for any situation, it’s a good idea to tailor your range bag tool kit to your specific firearm and gear. This means including any special tools or spare parts your firearm may require.

Conclusion

Protective gear and accessories have become crucial for competitive shooters. From essential safety items like ear and eye protection to tools for firearm maintenance and accessories for training and competition, each piece of gear plays a crucial role in a shooter’s performance and safety. With the right equipment, training, and mindset, competitive shooters can focus on what’s most important: developing their skills and enjoying the sport.

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