Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

[sentry1]

I'm compiling a list of all purpose essential gear to have for a bolt action rifle. I'll mostly be using this gun at the target range, but I do plan on getting some feral hogs, and deer too if I can.

As usual, I like to rely on the wisdom of all you salty folks and a little comedy from the peanut gallery to build up my own knowledge.

Recommendations for additional items, and endorsements of specific products to purchase for the requirements are welcome.

<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">All Purpose Bag</span></span>
Carrying Case (to put most of this stuff in)
Cleaning Kit (because duh!)
Padded Scope Cover Doojigger (you know what I'm talking
about!)
Sling
First Aid Kit (blowout bag?)

 

[gpowers]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

I have in my bag,

Leica rangefinder
Small tool kit with a Borka torque wrench, allen and torx wrenches, couple sockets and a small screwdriver handle
Rear bag
Extra mags for rifle
Kestrel
Data book
Extra batteries for gadgets
Blow out kit, I have one in every shooting related gear bag.
Leatherman and a fixed blade knife.
And some other stuff that may or may not be necessary.

I have tried to get to the minimum amount of stuff to try to get the weight down, still working on it.

 

[Ed-G]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

For da range:
Spotting scope
Stapler for targets
Targets
Bench Rest or bipod and sandbags
First Aid
Active muffs
Multitool
water

For da woods:
Binoculars
Range Finder
Map, Compass, GPS
First Aid
Rubber Kitchen Glove
Light and spare batteries
Water and high energy food
Lighter or matches
Rope
Extra cloths based on the season
Sling
Bipod/shooting sticks/nothing depending on the hunt
Multitool

 

[SugarBooger]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

baggie full of extra hearing protection, don't know how many times i've double and triple checked my bag and then get to the range only to find out i forgot ears. or, someone else has.

while sticking 9mm bullets in my ears has worked in the past, the only thing i know for sure is how uncomfortable that is

 

[trilogymac]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

TP
flash light
matches
rope
packable rain gear
1st aid
snacks
water
rubber gloves
fixed blade knife
extra shells
batteries
leatherman
binos/rf
Thermo full of coffee

Eberlestock X1 with rifle

Grab and go!

 

[sentry1]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

What are necessary items for a blowout kit? I still have my old GI first aid kit with compression bandages and whatnot, but there's no Quikclot or anything in there.

 

[B3dlam]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are necessary items for a blowout kit? I still have my old GI first aid kit with compression bandages and whatnot, but there's no Quikclot or anything in there.</div></div>

http://www.itstactical.com/store/its-eta-trauma-kit/ Might be a good option. I currently carry a quick clot trauma kit an Israeli dressing and EMT shears its not perfect but it works for now.

 

[KWO]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

It all depends on how advanced you want to take your care. You can get away with just 4 items. Tourniquet, combat gause, trama sheers, Israeli bandage. That will give you what you need to stay alive until advance care gets there in a short period of time. Now there are other considerations. I kept aspirin or the like cause if you look through your scope long enough you will get a headache not to mention if u r in other than prone for any length of time. Cold packs to handle heat, chest seal, some sort of light and smoke, cause u know we hide place and aren't easy to find. I feel snipers should run bigger kits because we work away from support and if you don't bring it you don't have it. I run much more to include supplies for my teammate but that's the medic training in me coming out.

 

[jonthomps]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

Never really gave much thought to a basic trauma/med kit in my shooting bag - good idea. I'll be adding this.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

What's a good sling for a long rifle? I use a 2 point Blackhawk sling for my M4, but I don't think that setup would work well for a Remington 700 in an AICS stock.

Tourniquet, EMT shears, Israeli bandage, and Quikclot are definites for the first aid kit, plus some bandaids and other stuff for less serious incidents. I think I should be able to get it all into a small MOLLE bag.

Anyone have recommendations for a padded scope cover? I found this one by Triad, but still checking out alternatives.
Triad Tactical Scope & Muzzle Cover

 

[O_W]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

those from triad are great. Eagle also makes a nice one.

You can't go wrong with anything from Steve at TRiad. Order a TAB gear sling too and just be done thinking about it. you'll never look back.

 

[MarinePMI]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

Rifle, ammo and boots.

Everything else is a luxury item.

 

[KWO]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

As for a sling I run a blue force medic sling on both sniper rifle and M4. it allows me to run my 308 across my chest when needed which allows me to get on it fast from standing or kneeling. But gives me the slack I need to go prone. The true bonus of this sling is what it can do or doesn't do on your back. It sits secure enough that you can bend over and touch your toes without the rifle falling off. I have had get over fences and it stays secure. Then when u want it u pull one tap and it's back in front and ready to go. It may seem odd to some but yes I run my 308 just like I run my M4. I will only stop running this sling when I can't get them anymore. It also allows me to get good tension without having to wrap my arm into the sling. I don't normally like to throw company names out for products because there are usually several good makers for gear but to date I have not seen anyone else design a sling like this one.

 

[geometro]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

After reading a bunch of threads here: this is what I'm stuffing into a 3 Day backpack since I'm not going to be that far away from civilization:

ITS ETA Trauma Kit (yeah, maybe I'm a sucker): Some Version of an Israeli bandage or OLAES Bandage, Combat gauze or Celox, tourniquet, Nitrile gloves, EMT shears at the very least. Petroleum Gauze or Hyseal as a bonus. Either way: hope to never ever have to use them.

(Edit Eye (> ANSI Z87.1 rated) and Ear protection (Extra foam plugs just in case).
Leatherman MUT
Small lock back or fixed blade
Borka kit
Boresnake (yeah, potential can of worms here)
Otis field cleaning kit (use only if absolutely necessary)
Sling (TAB Gear)
Rear bag
Mediumish size towel (ghetto scope cover)
Shemagh or industrial sized hankerchief
LRF
Kestrel
Data Book
FDAC
Compass (that has a mirror)
Simple Calculator (in zip-loc bag)
Few 1 gal heavy Zip-loc Bags (for brass)
AAA LED Flashlight
Extra Magazine
Extra batteries
Cell Phone
Duct Tape & Zip ties

Outside of the backpack: Rifle, ammunition, shooting mat/case and appropriate clothing for the conditions. Depending on how far/where I'm going: GPS & Map, Water & Food/Snacks, Spotting Scope & Tripod, Paracord/Space blanket/Magnesium match.

Let people know of your travel plans (when, where, how) and check in at waypoints if you can to let them know you made it safely.

Be safe out there.

(Edit: this is a good thread: http://snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3391418#Post3391418)

 

[NOMAD]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

Dont forget a data book, Slope Doper, and mildot master as well. These are all tools every long range shooter should have!

 

[sentry1]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

Thanks for sharing Geo, but can you clarify the comment about the boresnake? Would you not want to clean the barrel in the field?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MarinePMI</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rifle, ammo and boots.

Everything else is a luxury item.

</div></div>
The thing about being a civilian now, is that I can carry all the luxuries I want. So yea, tossing some Twinkies in my bag! =p

 

[zenghost]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

I just purchased the Triad Tactical padded scope cover for my OBR. I am very pleased with it - well-thought out and constructed. Makes it very easy to carry the rig around and is an incredible value in my opinion.

Additionally, Triad's customer service is second to none. I was missing a portion of one buckle on my cover, and Steve corrected the situation very expeditiously. I highly recommend Triad Tactical and their padded scope cover.

 

[geometro]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

Rifle cleaning protocol seems to be a highly personal item: there was a recent thread about boresnakes:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3395667

My opinion is to run one through after a day's of shooting and really properly clean the rifle after it only needs it.

To stay on topic, Impact has an all in 1 kit for those starting out:

http://www.impactdatabooks.com/All_In_One_Sniper_Kit_p/t-kit.htm

It's a good starting off point and you can customize it later as you figure out what you need in a data book.

 

[AirborneFO]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

All good things to have, especially TP. I always have to go at the range, it's the excitement I guess.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

I think I'm going to go with the Red Tac scope cover. I like that I can get it in reversible MARPAT digital woodland/desert.

Still working on picking out a bag though, I saw one somewhere that had backpack straps and MOLLE webbing, hoping I can track that down again and that it's in my affordable price range. Would like to be able to put mag shingles on the MOLLE webbing to hold a few 10 round AI mags.

Purchasing one of the Cammenga lensatic compasses, looks pretty close to what they used to teach us land nav on. Getting an extra Bear Grylls Gerber multitool. Yea, I thought it would be a gimmick too, but for $30, it's a great tool that doesn't dig into my hand like my first Leatherman did.

For the first aid kit, I thought I'd start with one of these (in coyote brown) while it's on sale.
MOLLE EMT Pouch

Went to Amazon to pick up some QuikClot, a tourniquet, EMT shears, and Israeli bandages. Filled out the rest with the usual first aid gear. Bacitracin, gauze, tape, alcohol pads.

 

[Eric B.]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

As a backpacker and a Ski Patroller (EMT Level I equivalent training) I carry:

FOR HUNTING

1ST AID> My backpacking kit W/the addition of a Quick Clot trauma pad, short Sam Splint, a few personal (prescription) pain pills, and 2 oz.of hand sanitizer.

PACK> 2,000 cu. in. Camelbak Commander camo backpack that I also use for backcountry skiing.

SHELTER> silnylon 9'X 10' tarp & Triptease guyline cord. 2' X 7' poly painter's plastic sheet groundcloth. (Silnylon is the lightest waterproof nylon by far.))

HEADLAMP> Princeton Tech EOS & spare batteries (Headlamps are much better than flashlights. Most also have a strobe signalling feature.) Use on lowest power to conserve batteries.

HYDRATION> Camelbak 3 liter bag & insulated hose in pack. 6 Katadyn chlorine hydroxide purification tablets. 1 tab/liter of H2O(FAR better than iodine - and tastless. Get 'em at REI.)

FOOD> 4 Extra energy bars and a bag of GORP

EXTRA CLOTHING> light down jacket, ex. glove liners for my GTX shells and balaclava headgear (GTX camo parka worn)

ROUTEFINDING> Garmin Colorado GPS & batteries <span style="font-weight: bold">and</span> area topo map and Silva style protractor compass.

COMMUNICATION> Depends on locale. SPOT beacon if wilderness trip. You can send waypoints to 3 designated friends's e-mail and "Call 911" via satellite if all else fails.

FIRE> 2 adjustable butane lighters, Firesteel & tinder (cotton balls W/ Vaseline on them in Ziploc) and 2 ESBIT fuel tabs.

KNIFE> Gerber Parabellum 4" lock blade (made when Gerber WAS Gerber)

GUN CLEANING> Otis kit <span style="font-style: italic">minus</span> non-caliber stuff. Depends on the rifle I carry. Why carry extra weight?
Ever have yer rifle muzzle full of snow from slipping and falling? I have. Peeing down my breech worked but NEVER AGAIN!

SLEEP SYSTEM> For an emergency forced bivouac in winter I would carry my summer 20 F. Western Mountaineering down bag and a 1.5' X 2' X 3/8" thick closed cell foam "sit pad" for under my hips. The pack goes under my torso and head, boughs, leaves or branches under my legs. I'd wear all my clothes inside the bag but boots. They go in the bag's stuff sack & then in the sleeping bag. The agony of frozen boots in the morning (don't ask) makes this decision easy.

WISH LIST> Eberlestock Dragonfly pack (military version in the new MultiCam pattern). This pack is THE hunting pack, the excellent Mystery Ranch packs notwithstanding.


For the range it's the kitchen sink and all the necessaries.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

Suggestions re: cleaning kit for the Rem 700?

I've looked at the Remington Fast Snap and the OTIS 7.62 sniper kit so far. I like that the the OTIS kit is compact and includes items for cleaning optics as well.

 

[evilcoon]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: litehiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As a backpacker and a Ski Patroller (EMT Level I equivalent training) I carry:

FOR HUNTING

1ST AID> My backpacking kit W/the addition of a Quick Clot trauma pad, short Sam Splint, a few personal (prescription) pain pills, and 2 oz.of hand sanitizer.

PACK> 2,000 cu. in. Camelbak Commander camo backpack that I also use for backcountry skiing.

SHELTER> silnylon 9'X 10' tarp & Triptease guyline cord. 2' X 7' poly painter's plastic sheet groundcloth. (Silnylon is the lightest waterproof nylon by far.))

HEADLAMP> Princeton Tech EOS & spare batteries (Headlamps are much better than flashlights. Most also have a strobe signalling feature.) Use on lowest power to conserve batteries.

HYDRATION> Camelbak 3 liter bag & insulated hose in pack. 6 Katadyn chlorine hydroxide purification tablets. 1 tab/liter of H2O(FAR better than iodine - and tastless. Get 'em at REI.)

FOOD> 4 Extra energy bars and a bag of GORP

EXTRA CLOTHING> light down jacket, ex. glove liners for my GTX shells and balaclava headgear (GTX camo parka worn)

ROUTEFINDING> Garmin Colorado GPS & batteries <span style="font-weight: bold">and</span> area topo map and Silva style protractor compass.

COMMUNICATION> Depends on locale. SPOT beacon if wilderness trip. You can send waypoints to 3 designated friends's e-mail and "Call 911" via satellite if all else fails.

FIRE> 2 adjustable butane lighters, Firesteel & tinder (cotton balls W/ Vaseline on them in Ziploc) and 2 ESBIT fuel tabs.

KNIFE> Gerber Parabellum 4" lock blade (made when Gerber WAS Gerber)

GUN CLEANING> Otis kit <span style="font-style: italic">minus</span> non-caliber stuff. Depends on the rifle I carry. Why carry extra weight?
Ever have yer rifle muzzle full of snow from slipping and falling? I have. Peeing down my breech worked but NEVER AGAIN!

SLEEP SYSTEM> For an emergency forced bivouac in winter I would carry my summer 20 F. Western Mountaineering down bag and a 1.5' X 2' X 3/8" thick closed cell foam "sit pad" for under my hips. The pack goes under my torso and head, boughs, leaves or branches under my legs. I'd wear all my clothes inside the bag but boots. They go in the bag's stuff sack & then in the sleeping bag. The agony of frozen boots in the morning (don't ask) makes this decision easy.

WISH LIST> Eberlestock Dragonfly pack (military version in the new MultiCam pattern). This pack is THE hunting pack, the excellent Mystery Ranch packs notwithstanding.


For the range it's the kitchen sink and all the necessaries. </div></div>

+1 This is a great post

 

[sentry1]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

Costs more than an OTIS kit, but I decided to invest in a Dewey rod, bore guide, and nylon brush, plus that Parker Hale jag thingy.

I've taken a liking to the Eberlestock Gunslinger pack too, but that might have to wait awhile. I'm pretty sure I just dropped 2.5K in a week between rifle, scope, accessories, ammo, and miscellaneous gear. /shudder

Good thing I still have a day job.

 

[Shoottothrill]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

Great thread.

Sounds like alot of you guys head out for days at a time. I haven't heard of anyone taking a gps locator like "The Spot" it can alert the nearest sheriffs dept, or emergency response unit by sending your gps coordinates to them. It has three simple buttons on it, I'm ok, I need help, or emergency. It can also be tracked from a home computer so a family member can find you if your in trouble.

Thoughts?

 

[threetrees]

Re: Essential Gear List for the all purpose shooter

i don't trust/want to rely on electronics too much. rather a good map of the area and knowing how to stay warm than a device that freezes up after the first cold, wet night.