{"id":119258,"date":"2020-02-13T14:11:58","date_gmt":"2020-02-13T19:11:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=119258"},"modified":"2020-02-13T14:11:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T07:56:06","slug":"packing-for-range-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a Range Safety Officer, I see people every day show up at the range without essential gear or supplies. We try to anticipate this and provide safety gear, tape, staples, and targets. As much as I would like to, I can’t provide that special caliber ammo for your grandfathers hunting rifle or a magazine for your antique pistol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has happened to me more than I would like to admit. I rush packing for the range and something essential ends up left behind in the garage. Sometimes a roll of tape or a side trip to the local gun store can solve the problem. I hate that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start with an idea of what you want to accomplish. If you know what resources the range has available, you can plan what you need and make sure you have a fun, productive day. You want to spend range time shooting, not improvising workarounds for targets. A little planning can save you a lot of time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visualize what is going to happen and what you need. If you\nare bringing friends, make sure they have eye and ear protection and know what\nto wear for the conditions on the range. Flipflops and low cut tops don\u2019t make\nfor a great shooting experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something to Shoot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This seems basic but start by making sure that you have the guns, magazines, and ammunition that you need to accomplish your goals. I have arrived at the range to find that the gun case did not have the gun I expected in it. I have found that I did not have the correct magazines for a gun I intended to shoot. Forgot the ammo can? Yep, that too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
Guns and ammo, training aid, holsters, and loading devices, I have everything I need to shoot in a concealed carry class.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a volunteer RSO at my local range, I frequently see shooters show up with every gun they own. They often want to put fifteen guns on the shooting bench which causes dangerous clutter. They normally don\u2019t shoot everything they bring and often lack correct ammunition for everything. Bring what you can shoot and uncase it as you use it. You can come back another day with your other guns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
Magazines, ammo and a Lee Armory build-class gun. Now all I need is something to shoot at.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If possible, buy ammunition ahead of time, prices are better in bulk and availability is assured. \u201cStopping by the Walmart\u201d on the way to the range may not yield the results you expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
I like to put gun cases inside golf bags or baseball bags. This helps me keep things together and reduces my profile when I travel.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have arrived at the range to find I brought the wrong ammo can containing the wrong ammo. You are a grizzled shooting veteran, so you know what you need. Check it before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like GI ammo cans. They are waterproof and take incredible punishment to protect their contents. But they are heavy, can damage car interiors, and they will rust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
These digitally printed vinyl magnets from ammocanmagnets.com<\/a> will stick to your ammo can and help you quickly determine what is inside. My ammo cans are now neatly organized. They also make stickers for plastic ammo cans or anything else you can put ammo in.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic ammo cans are not nearly as strong but they are light and don’t damage the things they are placed on or around. I prefer plastic for ready ammo on the range. Mark them so you don’t have to open them to see what’s inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stuff at Which to Shoot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I have seen many people show up to the range without any targets. Many ranges have stands available, but most don\u2019t provide targets. It is sad to see people digging in the dumpster for targets. Garbage in, garbage out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I use an old body armor bag to carry paper targets. Zero grids, Langdon Tactical Technology, NRA, Dot Torture and Tactical Performance Center among others. I also throw scrap paper and newspaper in there. Google “Free Printable Targets<\/a>” to see a whole universe of possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
The target bag is easy to grab and provides a wide array of targets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have a small ammo can with two staple guns (because one always breaks when you need it) and a supply of staples. I also have gear to mark targets; tape, markers, and 3×5 cards. The clothespins and the clothesline, in the bottom of the can, provide more target options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
This my target box, top painted red so I can find it. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some ranges are restrictive about what you can shoot. I have shown up with humanoid targets at ranges that do not allow humanoid targets. On a budget, you can use newspaper and tape to make great targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
Newspaper covers a political yard sign for a great target. Waste paper and black tape provide a precise aiming point. SIG320 SmallGunParts 80% build with Grey Ghost slide, Faxon barrel, Mirzon slide, and ROMEO1.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you going to hang your targets? If you are headed to an undeveloped range, you can run a couple of pieces of clotheslines and use clothespins to hold targets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
A clothesline and clothespins make a cheap and lightweight target line. Stencils provide shoot\/no-shoot drama.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can make simple target stands from PVC pipe. I prefer to use yard signs after elections and home sales. They are weather-proof, hold staples, stick to the tape and stand up in the ground. If the ground is too hard to drive in signs, a few wood screws will build a simple lightweight stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
Target stand and backer made from found yard signs.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactive targets are fun but make sure your range allows what you want to shoot. Portable steel targets are great, but they are still heavy. There is no replacement for that clang which immediately induces a warm feeling all over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
This small CTS plate is easy to carry and quick to set up. At 50 yards, you get instant feedback and don’t waste time checking and patching targets. Nomad 9 frame with Grey Ghost slide, CMC barrel, and Trijicon RMR.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can\u2019t use steel? The thrift store is full of things you can shoot. Start with a cleanup plan. In undeveloped ranges in the country, I like to use food. Not wasting edible stuff, but overripe fruit, stale expired cookies, and crackers all make great targets, especially for kids with .22s. I pick up unbroken skeet at the shotgun range and carry them out to the rifle range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
My local Goodwill Outlet sells reactive targets for $0.94 a pound. There are toy soldiers, dinosaurs, pool noodles, cookie sheets, tennis balls, and golf balls. Kids can learn about recycling firsthand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just make sure you have a plan to clean up what you shoot if it isn\u2019t biodegradable. Many public shooting areas have been closed because people shoot and abandon stuff like televisions, trash, and propane tanks. Please don\u2019t be that guy. It is just as easy to keep it clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things Which Allow You to Shoot Better<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I always bring a tool bag. What is in it? All the things that I ever needed and didn’t have on prior range trips. There is a multi-tool, mostly used as a knife, basic screwdrivers, an Allen key set, brass hammer, sight adjustment tools, cleaning rod, small flashlight, duct tape, and oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
The tools I need for the range all in one bag.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Probably the most used item is the oil. It never ceases to amaze me how many people overlook lubrication. “My gun is not working.” They will shoot until the gun will not cycle. Oil will frequently solve the problem. If you are the only shooter on the range with oil, you will be very popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing more frustrating than a gun that doesn’t hit where you aim. Sight adjustment tools and tools to adjust sights are pretty important. Some guns require a special tool (looking at you AK, UZI, and MP-5) to adjust sights. These tools are like a key to a lock. The sights are set at the factory and the sights are designed to PREVENT adjustment by the shooter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like sight pushers for handguns and have several of them for different models. Using red dots and scopes often require tiny screwdrivers or Allen keys. Most sights come with the tool needed for adjustment. I put it in the tool bag so I will bring it to the range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hammer and the cleaning rod are used to clear jams. I know what some of you are thinking, you should never use a hammer to fix a gun. When things get smashed at high energy, they often require substantial force to reverse entropy. The cleaning rod is the only thing that can clear a barrel. If there is a squib load, you will need the hammer too. The flashlight is used to see if you got everything out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things come loose, attached items are relocated or removed. You need the tools to make adjustments and minor repairs so that you can adjust your firearms for maximum efficiency and ergonomics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shooting mats, bipods, tripods, and shooting bags may come in handy if you need to shoot precisely. I have shot prone in mud and snow. It is much nicer with a mat. If you don’t want to spend a lot, an old sleeping pad or yoga mat will work fine. Shooting bags can be made from an old sock or the sewn up leg from a pair of pants with drawstrings in the cuffs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people fill these with dried beans or rice. If you live somewhere it rains, you may want to go with weighted stuffing beads from the craft store. I would stay away from dirt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandbags are useful for many things but a bag of dirt isn’t the best thing to rest a rifle on. Shot bags are handy but heavy to carry around. I put old golf balls in a kid’s backpack to weigh things down. They can always be repurposed into targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety and Protective Gear<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you are going to have eye and hearing protection for everyone on the range. It amazes me that people shoot without glasses. Don\u2019t gamble with your eyes; guns blow up, ricochets happen, a very minor injury can cost you your vision. They sell safety glasses that have magnified sections. These are great for working on guns. No matter how well you see, magnification lets you see better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hat with a brim will keep brass from getting behind your glasses. Long pants and sleeves protect from cuts and sunburn. Gloves make hot guns more manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water and snacks may not seem like safety gear, but you need to stay hydrated or you will suffer. A day at the range is much more fun if you have a snack and don\u2019t skip a meal. Take food and drinks that you can seal up to keep them away from lead contamination. Bring wipes to clean your hands before you eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can plan for the environment, but sometimes you get the unexpected. You should consider, rain gear, sunscreen, warm clothes, and\/or insect repellant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are dangerous things at the range. You can get anything from a paper cut or a gunshot wound. Even if you are a model of safe behavior, someone next to you on the range may need help. You need a first aid kit with band-aids and a trauma kit to fix a gunshot wound. If you don\u2019t know how to use them, get a friend who does. I suggest that everyone get some basic first aid training. Advanced training is available. Anyone who shoots should know how to treat penetrating trauma. Become the friend who knows what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are shooting in a remote area, check your cell phone reception. If your phone doesn\u2019t work, make sure you have some options to get help and get home. In an area with wildfire danger, you may want to pack a shovel in case you start a fire. Right after it starts, it is easy to put out. Wait a bit and you have a big problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Range Operations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a remote area, you have to establish a range. If you are alone, it is no big deal, but you still need to establish shooting positions, especially for drills. In a group or class, you need safe areas and firing points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
If you want to see bullet holes past 100 yards, you need a high powered spotting scope like this Nikon Monarch and a tripod.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on what kind of shooting you are doing, there is some other stuff that may come in handy. Binoculars or a spotting scope can save you a trip down to the target. Your cell phone camera is handy for collecting data on targets and videos of yourself shooting. You should consider loading apps for a ballistic calculator and a shot timer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in an undeveloped setting, plastic soccer cones can make yard lines or shooting positions. A shooting mat can make prone shooting more pleasant and shooting bags will keep your gun stable for a more accurate zero. You should bring a basic tool kit to tighten loose parts and sight adjustment tools to zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean Up<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you have the stuff, clean up is easy. I like to lay down a tarp where my brass lands. It can keep you out of the mud and I have used my tarp to cover me and my guns in an unexpected rainstorm. I prefer two 6′ x 10′ tarps to a larger single tarp. They are much easier to pack and are cheap enough to be disposable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
Not only does the tarp collect brass, but it makes a nifty photo background for a Rock Island 1911.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I am shooting steel core ammo, a magnet grabs that stuff. A small rake can grab rifle brass and shotgun hulls and a dustpan picks it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trash bags can do a lot of things like cover targets in the rain and make a raincoat. A five-gallon bucket can be a chair and hold your brass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Packing
Add a section of a pool noodle to your range packing list to make a remote range a little more family-friendly. Just add toilet paper and use the tarp for a little privacy. Photo courtesy of cooldiyideas.com.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter where you shoot, a little preparation goes a long way. The more remote the range, the more critical planning becomes. In SF they told us that if you fail to plan, plan to fail. Spend your range time shooting and training. If you can get to BLM land or a rural shooting area, you can make your own range. Get out there and shoot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featured image by Mark Miller. Solid 100 yard hits with CMMG 10mm Resolute on the highly portable CTS Steel Target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

No matter where you shoot, a little preparation goes a long way. The more remote the range, the more critical planning becomes. If you fail to plan, plan to fail. Spend your range time shooting and training. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":119274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[234,1107,10],"tags":[132,586,102,2221,2156],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-119258","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-columns","8":"category-mark-miller","9":"category-shootbetter","10":"tag-buzz","11":"tag-column","12":"tag-feature-articles","13":"tag-shoot-better","14":"tag-target-practice"},"yoast_head":"\nPacking for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Going to the range? Here is a checklist of all the things that you will need to take along with you to ensure that it is fun and productive.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"No matter where you shoot, a little preparation goes a long way. The more remote the range, the more critical planning becomes. If you fail to plan, plan to fail. Spend your range time shooting and training.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-02-13T19:11:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-09-06T07:56:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1732\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"2309\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mark Miller\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mark Miller\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mark Miller\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/bd2db133d0b9c8e1c459a43bea26821b\"},\"headline\":\"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-02-13T19:11:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-06T07:56:06+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/\"},\"wordCount\":2553,\"commentCount\":5,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg\",\"keywords\":[\"Buzz\",\"Column\",\"Feature Articles\",\"Shoot Better\",\"target practice\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Columns\",\"Mark Miller\",\"Shoot Better\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/\",\"name\":\"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-02-13T19:11:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-06T07:56:06+00:00\",\"description\":\"Going to the range? Here is a checklist of all the things that you will need to take along with you to ensure that it is fun and productive.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg\",\"width\":1732,\"height\":2309,\"caption\":\"Solid 100 yard hits with CMMG 10mm Resolute on CTS Steel Target\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/\",\"name\":\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\",\"description\":\"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America's premier destination for buying and selling firearms.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization\",\"name\":\"GunsAmerica\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png\",\"width\":286,\"height\":156,\"caption\":\"GunsAmerica\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/gunsamerica_official\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/GunsAmerica\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/bd2db133d0b9c8e1c459a43bea26821b\",\"name\":\"Mark Miller\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7acc8abe8e9ca87785130b205e2ed870863bf93fb70db09ad2d239811712eada?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7acc8abe8e9ca87785130b205e2ed870863bf93fb70db09ad2d239811712eada?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7acc8abe8e9ca87785130b205e2ed870863bf93fb70db09ad2d239811712eada?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Mark Miller\"},\"description\":\"Mark Miller is a former U.S. Customs Agent and Green Beret with operational experience in Afghanistan and other live-fire zones around the world. A lifelong student of firearms and tactics, Mark combines battlefield-tested wisdom with technical knowledge gained as both an FFL and a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT). His approach is rooted in hard-earned experience: terrain and situation dictate tactics\u2014and the enemy always gets a vote. Whether he's writing about firearms, evaluating gear, or analyzing real-world applications of force, Mark brings strategic insight and no-nonsense clarity to the GunsAmerica team. Experience: \u2013 Green Beret Veteran \u2013 Served in Afghanistan and multiple high-threat environments with U.S. Special Forces.\u2013 Former Customs Agent \u2013 Federal law enforcement background with real-world interdiction and enforcement experience.\u2013 FFL & SOT Holder \u2013 Licensed dealer and manufacturer with a deep understanding of firearms law and NFA weapons.\u2013 Tactical Thinker \u2013 Believer in adaptive tactics shaped by terrain, mission, and threat.\u2013 Combat-Proven Insight \u2013 Offers a rare blend of firsthand combat knowledge and technical firearms expertise.\u2013 Firearms Educator \u2013 Dedicated to improving skills, understanding, and mindset for both professionals and civilians.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/mark-miller\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance","description":"Going to the range? Here is a checklist of all the things that you will need to take along with you to ensure that it is fun and productive.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance","og_description":"No matter where you shoot, a little preparation goes a long way. The more remote the range, the more critical planning becomes. If you fail to plan, plan to fail. Spend your range time shooting and training.","og_url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/","og_site_name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","article_published_time":"2020-02-13T19:11:58+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-09-06T07:56:06+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1732,"height":2309,"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Mark Miller","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@gunsamerica","twitter_site":"@gunsamerica","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Mark Miller","Est. reading time":"13 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/"},"author":{"name":"Mark Miller","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/bd2db133d0b9c8e1c459a43bea26821b"},"headline":"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance","datePublished":"2020-02-13T19:11:58+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-06T07:56:06+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/"},"wordCount":2553,"commentCount":5,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg","keywords":["Buzz","Column","Feature Articles","Shoot Better","target practice"],"articleSection":["Columns","Mark Miller","Shoot Better"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/","name":"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg","datePublished":"2020-02-13T19:11:58+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-06T07:56:06+00:00","description":"Going to the range? Here is a checklist of all the things that you will need to take along with you to ensure that it is fun and productive.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred.jpeg","width":1732,"height":2309,"caption":"Solid 100 yard hits with CMMG 10mm Resolute on CTS Steel Target"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/packing-for-range-day\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Packing for Range Day: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","description":"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America's premier destination for buying and selling firearms.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization","name":"GunsAmerica","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","width":286,"height":156,"caption":"GunsAmerica"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/x.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/instagram.com\/gunsamerica_official\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/GunsAmerica"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/bd2db133d0b9c8e1c459a43bea26821b","name":"Mark Miller","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7acc8abe8e9ca87785130b205e2ed870863bf93fb70db09ad2d239811712eada?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7acc8abe8e9ca87785130b205e2ed870863bf93fb70db09ad2d239811712eada?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/7acc8abe8e9ca87785130b205e2ed870863bf93fb70db09ad2d239811712eada?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Mark Miller"},"description":"Mark Miller is a former U.S. Customs Agent and Green Beret with operational experience in Afghanistan and other live-fire zones around the world. A lifelong student of firearms and tactics, Mark combines battlefield-tested wisdom with technical knowledge gained as both an FFL and a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT). His approach is rooted in hard-earned experience: terrain and situation dictate tactics\u2014and the enemy always gets a vote. Whether he's writing about firearms, evaluating gear, or analyzing real-world applications of force, Mark brings strategic insight and no-nonsense clarity to the GunsAmerica team. Experience: \u2013 Green Beret Veteran \u2013 Served in Afghanistan and multiple high-threat environments with U.S. Special Forces.\u2013 Former Customs Agent \u2013 Federal law enforcement background with real-world interdiction and enforcement experience.\u2013 FFL & SOT Holder \u2013 Licensed dealer and manufacturer with a deep understanding of firearms law and NFA weapons.\u2013 Tactical Thinker \u2013 Believer in adaptive tactics shaped by terrain, mission, and threat.\u2013 Combat-Proven Insight \u2013 Offers a rare blend of firsthand combat knowledge and technical firearms expertise.\u2013 Firearms Educator \u2013 Dedicated to improving skills, understanding, and mindset for both professionals and civilians.","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/mark-miller\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cmmg10hundred-113x150.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119258"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":186037,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119258\/revisions\/186037"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119258"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=119258"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=119258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}