Top 7 Best Range Bags For Pistols (Updated Picks For 2022)
Any shooting enthusiast, regardless of expertise, would agree that it is important to keep firearms and shooting equipment protected at all times.
It is also important to ensure that shooters are geared with the equipment needed to store and transport ammo, guns, and accessories safely. This is where a range bag, designed to organize your items and ensure that they remain protected while stored or during transit, comes in.
However, range bags come in various types and with a plethora of different features. So, how do you ensure that you end up buying one of the best range bags for pistols?
Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of the 7 best products on the market, tried and tested, so you do not have to take the trouble!
Alongside our recommendations, you will also find answers to some of the most common questions about range bags. Without further ado, let us jump right into it!
Key Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Range Bag For Pistols
1. Size
A pistol range bag should be big enough to hold a lot of pieces of stuff necessary for shooters like guns, ammunition. eye and ear protection tools, and more. If you plan to carry several accessories, then you should opt for a bigger size range.
On the other hand, if you have one small pistol and just a couple of magazines, then a smaller bag will do. Different types of pistol range bags come in different sizes.
Duffel bags are the biggest kind of pistol range bag. They allow you to fit in every shooting accessory you have.
Ammo boxes and crates also come in big sizes so you can feel free to bring anything you need.
People choose Mid-size backpacks generally
Backpacks are often in the mid-size but often have easy access compartments for handguns. A soft case is the smallest kind of pistol range bag you can buy nowadays, it is only used for small items such as magazines, compact cleaning kits, and others.
2. Capacity
The more stuff you bring, the heavier and tougher it could get to conveniently bring them to the range.
Always choose a pistol range bag that has enough capacity to accommodate all your stuff securely and safely.
3. Carrying method
Just like any bag, pistol range bags come in different styles and carrying methods. They can come in backpacks, soft or hard cases, duffel bags.
While any kind of pistol range bag is a viable option, you should always take into consideration your comfort and the bag's suitability first.
Duffel bags are easy to carry with one hand or over the shoulder with their sling for mobility. Ammo boxes and crates only allow one-hand carrying. On the other hand.
Backpacks allow shooters to carry their shooting items without having to use their hands. Meanwhile, soft cases are often carried by one hand.
4. Durability
Your pistol range bag will hold your important tools for range shooting. These tools are not just important but also costly so it is just necessary that the bag that will hold them is durable enough to ensure protection.
Durable bags can also last a long time so you can get more value from your money.
5. Storage
Just because your pistol range bag is big, doesn't mean that it has big storage, Bags that feature different compartments tend to store more items neatly and securely.
Backpacks can be advantageous for storage as they have easy access and customized built-in compartments for guns and accessories compared to other bags.
However, it all comes down to the user's organization and how he/she can fit items in the bag.
6. Comfort
Comfort plays a significant role in buying personal items like a pistol range bag. Opting for a bag that you are comfortable with allows you to use it more conveniently and effectively.
Take note of what kind are you most comfortable carrying and organizing. Pistol range bags are all built differently so if you can, it's best to try to feel the bag and carry it to examine its comfort.
7. Design
Modern pistol range bags can now come in different designs and appearances. While the design is just a minor thing to consider, it's still important to consider.
Remember to choose a pistol range bag with a design that suits your clothing style or personality. This way, you can feel more confident using the bag and carrying it around.
In addition, you should also look for a pistol range bag with a breathable and ergonomic
Reviewed below are 7 range bags that we think are the best. Each of these models, in addition to quality and reliability, has several unique features that have earned them a place on our list.
01. G.P.S. Tactical Range Backpack For 3 Pistols
Our sixth product is a backpack-style range bag. If that sounds uncomfortable right off the bat, we urge you to read on. The model has several features that make it unique, reliable, and worthy of being on this list!
Pistol Cases
This product on our list of recommendations is one of the best range bags with pistol pouches. This uniquely designed model has three removable pistol pouches that can each hold 4 magazines and 1 pistol.
Being removable gives you the flexibility of carrying the number of pouches you need, preventing overloading.
Chest and Waist Belts
This model also comes equipped with a waist and chest strap. These two straps ensure that the bag stays on your back without you having to put effort into it.
They also help distribute the load better and help stabilize it. Altogether, the straps make it easier for you to carry the load at all times.
Rain Cover
It would be tough to find shooters who have not encountered their fair share of bad weather. Thus, we are sure you will be as grateful for the rain cover as we are!
The waterproof rain cover keeps all your equipment, as well as the bag itself, protected during a downpour.
Visual ID
This bag comes with several pouches and pockets. While they do help organize your products very well, it might be a tedious task to try and remember what goes where.
Thus, visual ID storage system helps you find your items faster with the help of small signs and symbols.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Made with strong and scratch-resistant nylon material
- Internal honeycomb frame that provides rigidity allowing the bag to stand on its own
- Features 3 separate removable and padded pistol storage cases
- Provides enough space to store 3 guns and 4 magazines each
- Designed with a waterproof pull out rain cover to protect the bag and your items from water
- Constructed with triple-stitched MOLLE webbing system
Pros
- Removable pistol storage pouch
- Chest and waist strap
- Load stability
- Rain cover included
- 1000D polyester exterior
Cons
- Abrasive exterior fabric
- Not too roomy
02. BlackHawk Pistol Range Bag Black Nylon
For those who prioritize the protection of their firearms over everything else, there are not too many models on the market that can beat this. Let us take a look at all the features that make it so.
High-Quality Zippers
It is safe to assume that the zippers on a range bag will take quite the beating throughout its service life. Broken zippers can render a range bag prematurely useless.
Thus, one of our favorites of this bag is the self-healing zippers used in construction.
Good Weight Capacity
The durable bag also comes with wraparound technical web handles. These handles give the bag a great weight carrying capacity.
Furthermore, the handles also make sure the user does not feel the strain of heavy loads by distributing the weight evenly.
Dual-Density Foam
This model makes use of both internal open-cell foam and external closed-cell foam. The former protects the firearms and equipment inside from getting damaged, while the latter is used on the exterior to ensure the bag and its contents do not get damaged upon impact.
Altogether, it boosts the life of the bag and the items both.
Great Interior Finish
On the interior of the bag, you will find a soft fabric lining the compartments. You will also find flannel-lined rugs in the main compartment.
These high-quality components help protect the finish of your firearms, protecting them from every angle.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Made with durable 600 denier polyester
- Features two exterior slash pockets that hold magazines and other items
- Self-healing and heavy-duty coil zippers
- Designed with a wraparound tactical web handles and adjustable shoulder straps to ensure fit and comfort
- Constructed with MOLLE webbing system
- Holds up to 4 pistols
- Equipped with dual-density foam
Pros
- Self-healing zippers
- Dual-density foam
- Good weight support
- Finish protects firearms
- 600D polyester
Cons
- No separate magazine pouches
03. Orca Tactical Gun Range Bag for Pistols
Whether you are looking to store or transport your firearms, this product can be the one-stop solution for you. With the promise of military-grade performance, this range bag will not disappoint you!
Military-Grade
The first and perhaps most important feature is that this bag is heavy-duty and of military-grade. It is made of high-quality materials and is water-resistant plus completely scratch-proof.
Made of 600D polyester and several other highly durable components, this bag is set to last you for years.
Lightweight
However, being high-quality does not mean the product takes the convenience of being lightweight away. With a very light yet durable framing, the bag itself weighs in at only 2.8 pounds.
This makes it easy to carry without causing stress on you or your shoulders and hands.
High-Quality Zippers
The model makes use of two types of zippers to give you the best possible satisfaction. Firstly, there are YKK zippers with nylon pulleys. These pulleys are resistant to rust.
The second type of zippers is lockable zippers which help keep your equipment safe at all times.
Fast Access Compartments
Yet another useful feature of this model would be the fast access gun compartments on the side. These compartments keep your firearms separate from the rest of your equipment.
Not only does this protect your firearm and help with gun safety, but it also ensures your gun stays within reach every time you need it.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Carries more than 3 handguns
- Made with tough 600D polyester material
- Double stitched at all stress points to prevent damages and provide more support
- Rust-resistant, high-quality, and lockable YKK zippers with nylon pulls
- Equipped with a wide grip handle for a more ergonomic grasp
- Features a main compartment with a removable divider to allow the user to organize their bag according to their liking
- Fully padded and elastic compartments to store more guns and items
Pros
- Lightweight frame
- Military-grade, heavy-duty
- Lockable or nylon pull zippers
- Removable divider
- Padded compartments
Cons
- Relatively small interior
04. SMITH & WESSON Tactical Range Bag For Pistols
For range bags, one of the biggest functions is to fight abrasion. Without a durable exterior, the bag will most likely be unfit to protect your firearms. Luckily, our seventh pick has got all the bases covered.
Durable Fabric
This product makes use of ballistic fabric in its construction. The ballistic material is highly durable and resistant to the weather and damage from the elements.
It has been designed to survive and perform well under harsh conditions; thus, the durability of this product needs not be questioned.
Strong Hardware
All the components and parts used in this model are of very high quality. There are several hooks and loops of high quality that make it easier to organize your gear.
Oversized metal zippers come equipped with nylon pulleys that make it easier for you to zip the bag open even with one hand and gives you easy access.
Rubber Feet
To boost the longevity of the bag, the base comes with rubber foot skids that protect it against abrasion, water, and other types of damage. It prevents tearing, too, making it ready for any terrain and situation.
Pouches and Compartments
As for organization, the bag comes with 8 magazine pouches and 8 pockets. It also includes 2 padded handgun cases.
Furthermore, you will also find a removable pouch that you can use to carry your accessories as well as firearms.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Constructed with durable ballistic fabric
- Designed heavy-duty hardware and high-quality hook and loop closure
- Large zipper for more convenience and faster access to items inside the bag
- Thick nylon strap for comfort while carrying the bag
- Provides plenty of space for magazines and other necessary gear
- Gives your valuables extra protection with its padded storage
Pros
- Weather-resistant material
- Ballistic fabric
- Strong hardware
- Over-sized zippers
- Rubber skids
Cons
- Thin shoulder strap
05. G.P.S. 2215RB Rolling Range Bag, Black
We have heard of internal frames in backpacks and such – but this model makes use of the feature to give us an incredibly strong range bag. Let us take a look at all the features that have earned this bag a place on this list.
ATV Wheels
Carry handles, and shoulder straps are great – but who can say no to a bag that can be wheeled? This unit is a range bag that comes equipped with large ATV wheels.
These wheels allow you to wheel the bag around, even on rough gravel or uneven paths.
Internal Frame
As for sturdiness and durability, the models cover both bases with a strong internal metal frame. The rigid frame protects the bag against deterioration and amplifies usable space in the bag by holding the form upright.
Pistol Holsters
Pistol holsters included in the bag help you store your firearm vertically. This is one of the safer ways to store firearms when they are not in use; thus, it is great that the bag does so.
Storing the firearms vertically and in a dedicated compartment leaves more usable space for other equipment.
Lockable Zippers
Not only are the zippers in this bag heavy-duty, but they are also lockable. Using this feature, you can keep your equipment and firearms safe from prying hands.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Designed with padded sides and bottom to protect guns and gear effectively
- Equipped with dependable ATV wheels than can be used on different surfaces like gravel
- Features telescoping handle to adjust bag height according to comfort
- Strong metal riveted internal frame that protects your valuables
- Visual ID storage system with clearly labeled pockets for target, binoculars, tools, and others
- 3 zippered pistol pockets that can contain medium to large size handguns
Pros
- Padded interior
- ATV wheels
- Easy access top
- Metal internal frame
- Vertical pistol holsters
Cons
- Short handle
- No removable pouches
06. Plano Brand Range Bag for Pistols, Black
This one boasts a truly unique design. As opposed to being a bag, this is an ammo can with a light bag attached to it. Altogether, it makes for a sturdy, reliable solution to all your firearms storage and carrying problems.
Ammo Can
As we slowly approach the end of this list, we would like to introduce to you a unique range bag. This bag comes with a sturdy top access ammo can.
The can is sturdy, durable, and easy to access, thus making this one of the best pistol bags for the range.
Perfect for Short Trips
Since the product is an ammo box with a bag laced around it, it would be inconvenient to carry and use had it been large. Thus, we really enjoy the spacious yet conveniently sized nature of the bag.
It holds enough equipment for short shooting trips and can also accommodate a second pistol in the back zipper.
Separate Magazine Pocket
For those who want the convenience of having a separate magazine pouch, this bag has got you covered. Gone are the days of blindly searching for the magazine in a sea of equipment – they are now cleanly tucked away in the dedicated pockets.
Pockets
For further storage options, the bag includes a mesh pocket for accessory and a large side mesh pocket. The size and strength of these two pockets make them reliable for storing items that are not firearm or shooting equipment.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Highlights a large outer pocket for shooting accessories, tools, or other items
- Holds 1312 ammo can
- Features three external magazine pockets and 2 large pockets for other gear
- Designed with a back that zips open to provide space for a gun mat or place another gun
- Sports an adjustable padded shoulder strap and heavy-duty handle for convenient transport
Pros
- Ammo can included
- Sturdy
- Spacious enough for short trips
- Magazine pockets
- Accommodates the second pistol
Cons
- Uncomfortable handle
- Bag cannot be used as a standalone product
07. GunMate 1919687 Range Bag
This is one of our favorite products when it comes to space management. It is also flexible in terms of compartmentalization and offers great durability.
Space Efficient
In terms of size, this 900 cubic inch bag is not the biggest or most spacious option on the market. However, it does knock it out of the park when it comes to being space efficient.
If you are looking for a compact option that uses space wisely, this is the option to go for. It can hold two pistols as well as a great deal of equipment.
Comfortable to Carry
The size of the bag makes it easy to carry as it’s not bulky or heavy. In addition to that, the bag comes with a padded shoulder strap.
The padding not only makes the strap softer on your shoulder, preventing it from cutting into your skin, but it also helps even out the weight distribution.
Removable Dividers
This smartly designed range bag makes use of compartments to use space well. The main component has hooks and loops, which help you organize your equipment in an organized manner, keeping everything the way that is convenient for you.
Separate Gun Compartment
Another great feature of this bag is that it has separate pockets for your firearms. This feature not only keeps your gun in an easy-to-access area but also helps boost gun safety.
With a separate compartment, you will not be fiddling with the gun when it is not being used.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Designed with a main compartment that has removable hook and loop dividers for better organization of items
- Contains 2 handguns, spotting scope, shooting glasses, ear protectors, and other important items
- The main compartment is covered by a rollup flap with zippers on both sides to allow fast and convenient access
- Features lockable zippered side compartment that keeps a removable padded pistol rug
Pros
- Compact
- Durable material
- Padded shoulder strap
- Removable dividers
- Can accommodate 2 handguns
Cons
- Small interior
- Could use more pockets
FAQs Regarding Range Bags
Having looked at the recommendations, let us move on to the frequently asked questions.
Q. Are you a seasoned shooter or hunter?
Are you a seasoned shooter with plenty of equipment or a novice with limited items to carry? Choose the capacity of your bag accordingly to make sure it does not fall short and that it is not overkill either. Look for sturdy hardware such as zippers, buckles, loops, and belts.
Q. Is these bags will fare with rifles?
What could be one of the best small pistol range bags will most likely not fare well with rifles. It is very important to do your research beforehand in order to protect your precious firearm and accessories.
Q. What is the Common use of range bags?
The most common use for range bags can be seen in outdoor activities. Shooters prefer to use these bags to carry their items during camping or hunting trips – or any outdoor activity that involves shooting.
You can decide to get a range bag whenever you decide that you can use one!
Q. What should you keep in a range bag?
There are a number of essentials that should always be present in your range bag. The most obvious out of the lot are the firearm, magazine, and ammo.
However, you will also need eye protection goggles as well as ear protection for safety purposes. Ensure that the eye protection is ballistic rated, and the ear protection is noise canceling.
What should be in your range bag?
Your range bag should also have a first aid kid. Accidents are not unusual on any outdoor adventure, and when shooting is involved, it is safe to say the probabilities spike up quite a bit.
You can also choose to carry other emergency items like a flashlight, a signal like a whistle, tools as well as cleaning supplies for your gun.
In addition, you can carry whatever the current weather demands. This can include a rain cover for your bag, a raincoat, gloves, cap, and so on.
Q. What is the right size range bag?
The answer to this question will vary from reader to reader. You can find your perfect fit by deciding how many guns you are likely to carry, how much additional equipment you will carry, how heavy you are comfortable with your bag being, and the maximum size you are certain you can haul around.
With all of this decided,
you can consult the dimensions provided by the manufacturer and find the perfect size for you. Besides the size, do look into how effectively the bag makes use of the space and how the compartments are divided.
Hint: the biggest bags may not always be able to hold the most items or organize them the best!
Q. Can I use a backpack as a range bag?
Yes, so long as the backpack has padded compartments for safe transport and carrying. Modern outdoor backpacks are made with durable materials and ergonomic design fit for shooting activities.
While outdoor backpacks can be used, it is not advisable to use school backpacks as they are not optimized for storage and lack thick padding to secure ranging equipment.
Q. What should I bring to the range?
Your range bag is the first thing that you should bring. Apart from guns, ammunition, and magazines, you should also store other essentials in your range bag.
These essentials include safety equipment, a cleaning kit, documentation devices such as tape, pen, and camera, and suitable clothing.
Q. Is a range bag a locked container?
The truth is it depends on the state law where you travel. Locked containers refer to things that fully enclose items and prevent any possible access, According to the official website of the USA, firearms must be transported in hard-sided containers. Unfortunately, range bags were not mentioned in the report.
In the case of California, the Shouse California Law Group states that locked containers don't have to be hardshell cases. and pistol range bags can be considered as locked containers given the condition that they are locked.
The range bags should be enclosed by any type of lock including a padlock, key lock, combination lock, and other similar lock types.
Always check with your local authorities to make sure that you wouldn't violate any laws.
Final Words
Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing product or delve into the world of shooting as a novice, we hope this article has been of help to you! We are confident that our list of the best range bags contains your new favorite range bag.
While range bags may look deceptively simple to figure out, the wrong choice can lead to damage to your firearms and other items – and, not to mention, your pockets.
Thus, we hope you can find the best product for you and make your hobby that much more enjoyable.
