Think of the stuff you bring to the range: is it a hodgepodge of kit and gear, or is it methodically selected and organized? Among the shooters I've encountered, they tend to fall into one camp or the other. In this series, What's in the Bag (yes, I stole that from the golf videos I watch on YouTube), I'll discuss what I take to the range, the different bags I use, the gear I bring, and the why behind it all. Everything serves a purpose; if it doesn't, it doesn't belong. Enjoy.
THE IDEA
Most of the time, when shooters build out their range bag, they focus on the gun. For many years, that was the most practical approach. However, nowadays, our guns—whether rifles or pistols (and even shotguns)—are adorned with optics. From high-end, high-performance precision riflescopes to budget optics used by Midwestern deer hunters and everything in between, shooters depend on the performance of their optics. But what happens when something goes awry? That's where having a maintenance kit in your range bag can go a long way.
Most of my shooting involves optics, so starting this series with my optics maintenance kit makes sense. This kit is relatively new to me, at least having a dedicated grab-and-go option. I've always kept extra tools and doohickeys in my larger range bag for optics, but it wasn't organized, and sometimes rummaging around for the right tool or bit takes time away from the shooting part of my range visit. Everything clicked when I found Magpul DAKA pouches on sale. They were the green ones with a clear front. I've always liked the DAKA line from Magpul, but I never found a use for it. As soon as I saw this offering, the idea of an optics maintenance kit popped into my head. And thanks to Prime shipping, I had it in hand the next day.
Everything fits perfectly in a Magpul DAKA pouch.
THE KIT
Before delving into the ins and outs of everything, I'll list the kit makeup with links, so if something catches your eye and you're like me, and you must have it, cool. This helps. (I always hate articles that list cool things but not where to find them. Then I waste my time on a rabbit trail). I'll link a facsimile if I can't find the exact item.
- Magpul DAKA Windo Pouch (OD Green)
- Retention Ring Multitasker Nano Combo
- Retention Ring Optics Cheat Sheet
- Vortex Fog Free Field Kit
- Leupold Lens Cloth
- Sightmark Laser Boresight (9mm)
- Assorted sight tools (no links for these. They are the ones that come in optics boxes)
- Assorted Batteries (2032, 1632, CR2, CR123, etc.)
- Blue Loctite (242)
Blue loctite and lithium batteries.
First things first. You'll notice one major exemption from this list: drivers and torque limiters. These are important. However, the DAKA pouch has limited space, and I wanted it to be a bit more grab-and-go. I keep drivers and similar tools in my larger range bag, but I find most problems can be quickly solved with the manufacturer's simple (and small) tools. Now, it's time for the breakdown.
DAKA Pouch: It is waterproof and durable enough to survive a nuclear blast (okay, maybe not quite, but it can certainly withstand a lot). The window makes it easy to spot and grab items, which is ideal for a tool kit. (There's nothing like dumping everything out and losing what you're looking for.) The zipper mechanism is strong; you won't have to worry about the paracord pull-tab ever coming undone. The pouch even features carabiner holes on the top left and right corners if you want to tether your gear that way.
Retention Ring Multitasker Nano Combo: Alongside the DAKA pouch, this is the most essential component of my maintenance kit. Retention Ring is owned by my friend Dan, an exceptional shooter, instructor, and all-around great guy. The concept behind the Retention Ring is to provide a third hand when you need to hold onto something. Maybe it's a light, a lighter, or even a knife. You don't want to lose grip on it, but you also need to use your hand for another task (like shooting). Dan combined his Retention Ring with the Nano Tool from Multitasker—a perfect match. The Nano Tool is a small (well, nano) sized tool designed for optic adjustments. Attached to the Retention Ring, I'm able to sight in optics while keeping the Nano Tool on my off-hand ring finger. This is a convenient way to keep your tools without ever losing them.
Vortex Fog Free Field Kit: This or any lens cleaning kit you may have. This one, in particular, consists of a microfiber cloth, a lens cleaning solution, and a bristled brush to whisk any dirt or dust from your optics. It is an essential and affordable piece of gear to add and can easily be assembled by visiting your local Walmart or ordering from Amazon.
Leupold Lens Cloth: This is a redundancy to the above kit. The cloth is attached to a neoprene storage pouch that doubles as a keychain, protecting it from the elements. I also like that the bright orange fabric makes it easy to spot and allows it to double as a workstation when spread out.
Sightmark Laser Boresight: This is a chamber boresight. Sightmark produces them for popular calibers. I keep a 9mm on hand in the kit for sighting in pistols. Are they a perfect solution? No, but I find them to be a helpful tool. The main downside is that you need one for every caliber you plan to sight in, which can become expensive.
Assorted Sight Tools: You know, all those Allen wrenches and other small doohickeys that optic manufacturers include in the box—what do you do with them? I take them and put 'em in a Ziplock bag to add to my optics maintenance kit. Are they the best tools? No, but they can be helpful in a pinch. Some optics have unique zero-stop mechanisms that require an uber-small Allen wrench to loosen and set. Others, mainly red dots, might need an uncommon tool head for the elevation and windage adjustments. Suffice it to say, these can be handy and aren't bad to keep on hand.
Assorted Batteries: If you're a modern shooter, your optics likely require batteries. Whether it's an illuminated reticle, a red dot sight, or even a flashlight, having spare batteries is essential. Imagine arriving at the range and finding out you left your red dot on maximum intensity from the last time you shot, and now it's dead. Make sure to keep a collection handy. I keep CR2032 and CR123 batteries (I use Energizer Lithium) in my optics kit, while I store others, like rechargeables (18350s), in my larger range bag.
Blue Loctite 242: This is in case an optic comes loose at the range. I can apply a small dollop on the screws to keep my gun running. Remember, DO NOT use Red or Green. Only use BLUE. After 13 years of working with customers, I've seen what happens when red or green is applied, which usually requires a trip to a gunsmith or a manufacturer's warranty department. The vials are small, but once opened, I recommend keeping them in a small Ziplock to prevent any leakage.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The gear you bring to the range is essential. A specific optic maintenance kit in my larger range bag helps prevent headaches, especially when shooting with friends and family. Having the right tool for the job and a thoughtfully curated collection of anecdotes addresses many problems shooters face. It's a lifesaver. Nothing is worse than an optic coming loose or forgetting to bring a tool to sight in a red dot, which can ruin a planned range trip (we all have busy lives, so there's no time to waste). It's enough to say that preparation is essential. Be ready.
