I finally picked up my first handgun (Ruger P95) and I'm getting itchy to take it out to the range. Having never been before, what's the best way to transport it? I'm guessing some sort of range bag is the best option. I'm looking for recommendations on a decent (cheap) bag. Also, what do you typically carry in your bag besides the gun and some ammo?

I use a Condor messenger bag.  It fits my handgun, ammo, ear protection, mags, and any other little odds and ends I may need.

Midway USA makes a few nice range bags for all types of budgets. I shoot USPSA and other matches and I carry just about every part to fix a Glock and an AR along with food drinks ammo (alot of ammo) cleaning stuff, wooden dowel for a stuck round tools to fix problems (allen keys,screw drivers)

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?dimensionids=4294846243&newcategorydimensionid=3939

For a while I was just carrying the firearm in the plastic case it came it and then all of my ammo, ear protection and other items in a backpack. Basically a bag that has a pocket for the firearm so it doesn't just tumble around is good enough in my opinion. But I'm also new and have not developed habits or the items of the trade that I would learn I actually need.

Hello Danw77,

Congratulations on your first handgun! When transporting a handgun in NJ make sure you firearm is cased and unloaded. Personally due to controversy of legality in NJ I make sure my magazines are unloaded and stored out of the gun. ("Please do not start a fight over this") Make sure also that your ammo is stored separately from the the firearm in another container such as an ammo can. Regarding a range bag I would recommend taking a look at the Midway USA branded bags. They are very inexpensive and good quality! As for range bag accessories I would highly recommend earplugs, shooting glasses, extra magazines, dummy rounds ("For Drills"), Maglula Magazine Loader ("Totally Worth The Money!") and a Quickclot Bandage ("In case of an emergency"). Make sure to also purchase good targets such as the Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C targets. This will enable you to see where your rounds are going. You might also want to bring a couple varieties of ammo to see what groups best for your gun. I would also suggest looking into purchasing electronic shooting muffs. This will enable you to hear people talking while cutting out the sounds of gunfire. I have a pair from Caldwell called the E-Max Low Profile they are inexpensive and work wonderful! You should also look into taking the NRA Basic Pistol class. This will help you learn the fundamentals of shooting stance, grip, trigger control and many other aspects which should help you greatly with pistol skills. I would also like to suggest that you clean your gun thoroughly before shooting it for the first time. I use Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber to clean and remove oils then I apply Froglube ("Fantastic Product") for lubrication. It takes a while to apply but its worth it. I hope this information helps! Have a fun and safe time at the range!

 

Range Bag

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?dimensionids=4294846243&newcategorydimensionid=3939

http://www.amazon.com/Butler-Creek-9mm--45-Universal-Unloader/dp/B001HBHNHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393344594&sr=8-1&keywords=maglula+loader

http://www.amazon.com/Quikclot-Advanced-Clotting-Bleeding-Package/dp/B001BCNTHC
 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2135226634/caldwell-orange-peel-target-5-1-2-self-adhesive-bullseye?cm_vc=ProductFinding

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2135226634/caldwell-orange-peel-target-5-1-2-self-adhesive-bullseye?cm_vc=ProductFinding
 

Cleaning

http://www.amazon.com/FROGLUBE-Brand-PREMIUM-Lubricant-Liquid/dp/B003ZW0LXQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1393344503&sr=8-2&keywords=frog+lube
 

http://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-Scrubber-Synthetic-13-Ounce/dp/B002E6T5FE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393344536&sr=8-1&keywords=gun+scrubber

 

Training
http://www.aisshooting.com/

Assuming I'm only shooting handguns, I just bring a nylon Uniqlo briefcase type messenger bag with each gun kept in its own gun rug inside the bag. Other items:

 

1. Maglula magazine loader

2. Electronic hearing protection

3. backup hearing plugs (generally don't use them, but just in case)

4. Extra magazine for each gun (I leave them in the bag, so just in case I happen to forget)

5. Sharpie (for when I want to draw my own circles on a target)

6. Multi-tool

7. Paper towels in a ziploc bag soaked in Hygenall Leadoff lead cleaner (to wipe my hands and other stuff down to help remove airborne lead particles)

 

I don't usually bring eye pro only because I usually shoot just with my prescription glasses.

Also, no rule says you have to use a "gun" bag. My bag is just a plain black gym bag. I chose that to stay discreet during transport

I bought a tool bag from Advanced Auto Parts. It has a bunch of compartments including a bottom one that holds the plastic cases most handguns come in when new, it's inconspicuous, heavy duty and was a whopping $25. The only downside is I wish it was a little bigger, but it's perfect for a beginner.

I use the Midway competition bag..  im usually bringing more than one pistol (either 2 or 3) and i also have a pistol pouch and a couple pistol bags that fit inside that range bag nicely..  holds cleaning supplies, ears, eyes, stapler (for targets if not at an indoor range) and other accessories such as mags (which end up on the outside of the part of the bag that holds your gun, so they are technically "separated")..  also can hold plenty of ammo (though, if too much, can get heavy)..  pretty much everything you need for a day/time at the range..  That said, the bag is fairly large and can hold a lot, so with 1 pistol, it may be a bit big for your needs..  they also make a compact version of the bag..

Thanks for all the great advice. I felt a little dumb asking such a basic question, but your responses are greatly appreciated!

Plastic Tool box from Lowes or Home Depot. You can fit a lot in there. Tools, cleaning kit, bore snakes and targets Etc.

I use an old laptop bag... Has separate compartments for both my pistols, extra mags, hearing and eye protection and range boxes of ammo. Worked out really well for finding it in the bottom of my closet.

I use an old laptop bag... Has separate compartments for both my pistols, extra mags, hearing and eye protection and range boxes of ammo. Worked out really well for finding it in the bottom of my closet.

 

I did exactly the same, I have an old laptop bag I was no longer using, fits everything nicely and I can lock a few handguns in one compartment and ammo in another compartment with luggage locks.  It's a very inconspicuous setup.

Also, no rule says you have to use a "gun" bag. My bag is just a plain black gym bag. I chose that to stay discreet during transport

+1 - an old, old gym bag/book bag, with a plain zipper top and web handles.  doesn't look like anything, cost almost nothing, and doesn't scream "Tactical!"

I use a jansport 4 compartment book bag. I keep 5 mags 200 rounds my pistol in a pistol sleeve and a nylon brush, ppe, lube and a multi tool.