Like holsters, range bags and pistol cases are very personal, and they may get upgraded a few times until you finally figure out what you need. When I head to the range, I have two bags that I stack using luggage straps.
For my pistols, I use the $100 Casebuilder 5-pistol/ 8-magazine case, which is a Doro hard case fitted with a custom MyCaseBuilder foam insert with pre-punched adjuster pieces. This case is ready to be checked in when I travel by air.
The photo shows that I cut or moved several of the adjuster pieces to fit the guns I carry and am using the right-side cutouts to hold a weapon light, RDS tools and chamber flags. If you need a different configuration, MyCaseBuilder has hundreds of options including a design it yourself studio.
The MyCaseBuilder 5-pistol case has room for handguns, mags and other accessories. Note how spacers have been moved or cut.
Photo/Ron LaPedis
Three great range bags to pair with this case are the $290 5.11Mission Ready (13.0"H x 28.75"L x 15.875"D), $750 CAMS (16.25"H x 40"L x 20.5"D ), and $350 SOMS (14"H x 32"L x 18.5"D) roller bags. The Mission Ready is a standard roller bag, similar in size to a carry-on, but with many more pockets.
All three bags have internal fiberglass rods that allow for easy loading, and each bag stands on its end when empty. The rods can be removed for compact storage. The center of the SOMS and CAMS bags are lined with Velcro and MOLLE loops so you can store just about anything with a Velcro backing or that fits into a MOLLE-compatible pouch, including pistols, magazines, IFAK, tools and much more. And look at those 8” user-replaceable wheels for stability over rough terrain. The main difference is the CAMS has a dedicated lower compartment for two patrol rifles. LE discounts are available at Expertvoice.
The 5.11 CAMS roller range bag. Note the hidden rifle compartment and those huge user-replaceable wheels that give this bag extra stability.
Photo/Ron LaPedis
Many range bags have a huge undivided central compartment that is great for your battle belt and vest, but makes it hard to organize and locate other gear that may not fit into smaller pockets.
While 5.11 sells its own series of MOLLE pouches that fit these bags, I started to use CRDBAG see-through pouches and bricks to organize my gear. While originally designed for Hollywood’s film and photography pros, they are perfect for first responder duty.
In addition to the organizers, they have a wall-mount storage system and Velcro labels. Their Maglok MOLLE adapters use a magnet to pull the male and female connectors together where they are captured with a 22-lb rated push-button latch. Pouches can easily be moved from wall to bag to vest.
From left: CRDBAG Maglok male and female connectors; 5.11 SOMS with Maglok-equipped CRDBAG pouches on the right side with a battle belt, emergency kit, 3-pistol case, and benchrest bag in the center — yeah, this bag is a BEAST!; IFAK, first aid kit and tourniquet in the outer pockets of the 5.11 Mission Ready bag; Ballistic vest with CRDBAG Maglok and my range bag’s first aid kit ready to snap into place.
Photo/Ron LaPedis
CRDBAG bricks and pouches can be used in cases like the Mission Ready bag, which is not designed with pouch mounts like the SOMS and CAMS. The labels let me grab what I need without searching.
If you are looking for smaller pistol cases and range bags, we have you covered there too. Casebuilder also offers a $65 2 Pistol / 6 Mag case and Case Club has an even smaller $60 two pistol carrying case.
At only $45, the 4.7-star Goburos tactical gun range bag (L:11.8 x W:7.5 x H:12.8) comes with two gun rugs that go into the main compartment with room for a third pistol up top, padded dividers, built-in TSA-approved lock, zippered external pocket with 12 mag slots, and a detachable carry strap.
Until I got older and I had to go with a roller, my favorite range bag was this $75 Smith & Wesson MP officer tactical range bag (22” W x 14” H x 10.5” D). The best feature of this bag is the large removable bag that slips into the center compartment. This lets you store the main bag where convenient and then carry the center bag to your shooting station — great for indoor ranges with cubbyhole-sized stations.
The removable padded bag has two internal, zippered side pockets and two adjustable hook & loop dividers. You can put up to 4 pistols in the pockets, so you don’t violate range rules by carrying uncased weapons to your station. There is also plenty of room for ammo, mags, your mag loader, and eyes and ears.
The main bag has 8 pockets, 8 pistol mag pouches and two 13.5” x 9.5” padded, single handgun cases, 2 full-length accessory pockets and MOLLE loops. A handle up top and detachable shoulder strap make up the many features of this bag.
A nearly identical range bag is sold under the 5.11 name for $120 on Amazon. And a more versatile bag is sold for $150 as the Sig Sauer x 5.11 range ready trainer bag (10"H x 21"L x 14.5"D)
Not sure which range bag or pistol case is right for you? Start by identifying your mission. Consider what gear you need to carry, how much space it requires, and whether you prefer a shoulder strap or wheels. Will it need to fit in an overhead compartment for travel? Can it handle rough use and tough environments? Choosing the right bag starts with knowing exactly how you’ll use it.
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Ron LaPedis works with Saber Tactics, a law enforcement and civilian training organization. He also volunteers with Bayprofs, an all-volunteer non-profit training group dedicated to advancing firearms safety and knowledge in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Ron holds instructor ratings from NRA, USCCA and California POST, and is a uniformed first responder.
