Like any hobby or sport, shooting comes with a whole new collection of equipment. There are a few MUST HAVE items and a few accessories to go along with the sport. Equipment needs and "wants" will be addressed in each class.
Hearing Protection (REQUIRED)
Ear Plugs - Good
Ear Muffs - Better
Electronic Hearing protection - Best - Electronic hearing protection allows you to clearly hear verbal commands while protecting your hearing from loud gunshots. Combining ear plugs and electronic hearing protection is a great idea for rifle and shotgun shooters.
Eye Protection (REQUIRED)
Shooting glasses - Any impact resistant protective eye ware is sufficient. Choose tinted eye wear for outdoor shooting. Eye protection should wrap around the sides of your glasses.
Firearm Storage (Highly Recommended)
Softcase - Every firearm should be transported in some type of a case, soft cases provide an inexpensive option.
Hardcase - A must for traveling with firearms. Some regulations require that your firearm is locked and inaccessible while driving. Never transport firearms loaded to and from the range.
Most pistols come with a hardcase, or can be carried unloaded safely in your range bag.
Range Bag (recommended) - With all the gear and supplies you will need for a day at the range and dedicated bag is recommended. It is a place to keep your hearing protection, eye protection, a few boxes of ammunition, tools, a staple gun and staples to mount targets, cleaning supplies, gun oil, pens and markers to take notes of progress.
Targets - Targets will be provided for all classes. Targets depend on the skills your are practicing. These splatter targets have great visibility. Plain paper targets help you focus on your sight picture rather than focus on the target while shooting.
Towel / Mat - Adds comfort to worn shooting points.
Ammunition - Be sure to have the correct caliber for your firearm and follow all State and Federal regulations while transporting. Refer to your firearms manual or local gun shop if you have questions on what ammo you should be using. Call or email before a class if you are still uncertain.
More Advanced Supplies
FIRST AID KIT - Many shooters carry a "bleed kit", some shooters carry an IFAK “Individual First Aid Kit”, or “Improved First Aid Kit.” This can be a lengthy discussion and everyone has their own recommendation.
I carry a kit with Bandages, Burn Aids, Tourniquet, Chest Seal, QuikClot and emergency shears for every visit to the range. These kits along with a CPR mask should be in everyone's vehicle. You never know when you will need to sustain life until a certified paramedic will arrive on the seen of a vehicle or firearms accident.
Spotting Scope - Scopes are very helpful for checking targets from a shooting position. It removes the need to wait and walk down range during a cease fire to check your target.
Gun Oil and Cleaning Supplies - Always clean firearms before heading to the range. Having your supplies with you allows you to do some basic maintenance if needed while at the range.
Tools - Tools specific to your firearm, or required in the event of a malfunction to make your firearm safe for transport away from the range.