The MidwayUSA Compact Competition Range Bag

Sometimes something is just right. Unusual yes, but occasionally, it occurs. Such is the case with the MidwayUSA Compact Competition Range Bag. MidwayUSA makes a larger signature range bag, but often, more is not better.

Technical Specifications:

Overall dimensions: 16"L x 12"W x 10"H.
5 Total pockets
Heavy duty 2"W x 52"L removable carrying strap with shoulder pad and chrome plated steel clasps.
Full wrap around carrying straps with 5" strap connector/handle with hook and loop closure.
External ID pocket.
Main compartment 16"L x 7-1/2"W x 10"H.
Includes:
2 16"Lx7"H interior pockets.
2 Chrome plated steel D-rings for quick attachment of the carry strap.
Full wrap-around nylon handles.
Front compartments - 1 Padded zippered pockets 13"L x 2"W x 8"H - features embroidered MidwayUSA Logo.
Right side compartment - 1 zippered pocket 6"L x 6"H
Left side compartments - 1 zippered pocket 6"L x 6"H
Rear compartment - 1 Padded zippered pockets 13"L x 2"W x 8"H - features embroidered MidwayUSA Logo.

The dry numbers really don't begin to show just how superior this range bag is. Within the interior compartment, I was able to securely stuff five 1911 pistols, along with 350 rounds of 45ACP, 550 rounds of 22 long rifle, and 100 rounds of 38 special. I still had room for my shooting glasses and binoculars. I used two inexpensive four inch GunMate nylon pistol rugs to supplement the interior compartments of the range bag and help protect the finish on the pistols. I still had room to spare. If I could have carried it all, another 200-300 rounds of 45 could have been stuffed in there. I would have wanted a wagon to carry the bag though.

Now, here's the nice surprise...... There are more pockets to fill. One one side of the bag was a pocket perfect for stashing my Ruger MKII, along with a couple of spare magazine pouches. On the outside of that pocket was yet another zippered compartment. I stuffed my Model 649 in there. Now both are always handy for either plinking or more dedicated shooting.

Two wrap around nylon handles strained under the load of ammunition and shootin' irons, and it did seem as though I was packing more to the range than before. I decided to get on the scales and weigh the load I was carrying. It was 57 pounds. That's right, fifty-seven pounds of gunnie goodness.

But wait, there's more......... Turn the bag around, and unzip the other side. The panel drops to reveal a wall of your magazines and accessories. On the top are seven pockets to hold either single stack or double stack magazines. On the bottom is an elastic band to retain a variety of single stack magazines, screwdrivers and even a Sharpie or two for marking targets. Behind it all is yet another pocket perfect for holding stick-on targets and Shoot'n'See type targets.

On either end of the bag are zippered pockets that I have yet to find a use for. They seem to be perfect for a wallet. A KelTec P32 in it's blue pouch would fit too. I stuffed the carry strap into one of them and zipped it up. I carry my muffs outside the bag on a carbiner.

The MidwayUSA Compact Competition Range Bag is made of sturdy nylon, and the stitching is superb. The zippers are quality stuff. It is usually $39.99. Here's the best part. It's on sale until February 28. Order one now for only $26.99. Supplement it with a couple of the GunMate pistol rugs if you carry a lot of guns to the range. You will never wish for a different range bag.

The Allen Pistol Attache'

For a quick range trip to test fire a new pistol or to carry a couple of handguns to and from a gun show, it's hard to beat the Allen Pistol Attache'. This padded handgun case will hold two handguns in individual padded pockets in the center compartment, with room left over for a third pistol to be squeezed in if desired. The Allen Pistol Attache' is constructed from a tough nylon material with soft quilted interior pockets to cushion the handguns it contains.

I purchased this bag primarily to carry handguns to and from gun shows, but I have found it to be a useful addition on range trips as well. I paid $23.00 for mine.

The lack of ammunition carrying capacity limits this bag for general range use. The nylon handles are sewn onto the sides of the pistol attache' without encircling it. With the weight this bag is designed to carry however, the strap design should be sufficient.

The Allen Pistol Attache' opens to a flat 13 X 16 inch padded surface on which you can place your handguns when shooting. A heavy nylon and metal zipper closes the case back up. On the front of the case is a 11 x 6 x 2 inch bellows pocket for small accessories. It is a fold out pocket with a Velcro flap that limits it's use to slender or small items. It is ideal for targets and ear plugs. Five slots are sewn in the front pocket to control magazines. Most of my magazines are single stack, but the slots also handle double stack magazines quite well.

With the price of pistol rugs increasing, the Allen Pistol Attache's ability to carry two, and even three handguns within it's confines along with their accessories and carrying straps makes it a cost efficient addition to a shooter's range totes.

Allen Shooter's Carry All Range Bag

The Allen Shooter's Carry All Range Bag, available from Midway USA for $43.49 (and often found in Wal-Mart for a bit less) is an inexpensive, durable range bag that can hold a lot of gear.

"Featuring 2 removable cases, this case is great for transporting your favorite handguns or use it for taking your glasses, muffs and ammo to the range. Contains external zippered pockets for smaller items. Made of heavy-duty canvas. Dimensions 13" Long x 9" Wide x 9" High."

The Allen range bag is available in green or black nylon canvas. A nylon sling handle encircles the entire bag to provide protection from a handle ripping off under the weight carried.

Underneath a center zippered flap resides a void waiting to be stuffed with ammunition, muffs, safety glasses and more. Inside a pocket on either side of the interior rests a fleece lined nylon handgun rugs. These rugs lack zippers, however, and are not usable independent of the bag.

I have carried as many as six full sized pistols (one on either side of the two pocketed gun rugs, and one inside each rug) in this bag, as well as a snubbie or a 22 pistol in a holster inside the center void with the ammunition. Shoot N See type targets also fit easily beside the gun rugs. On the exterior end of the Allen range bag is an open pocket. This pocket isn't good for much, but it can hold a snub nosed revolver, a point and shoot camera, or small paper targets.

Because of the number of handguns this bag can accommodate, I find myself using it frequently. I like the Allen bag when I am taking a neophyte shooter to the range. It allows me to carry two sets of muffs, two sets of safety glasses, along with an array of handguns and ammunition for the new shooter to try out, all in a compact, albeit heavy package. At least the bag weighs half as much on the way out of the range. Over the past six or seven years, it has stood up to steady abuse. It has never failed me.

The Kolpin Rangetector Range Bag

One of the range bags I use is the Kolpin Kolpin Rangetector, available from Midway USA for $47.99. The product ad says:

"Constructed of durable Rhino Hide material, and with internal cargo space measuring 14" x 7", the Rangetector range bag is great for hauling your gear to the shooting range. It features multiple pockets for accessories, movable hook & loop storage compartments, reinforced handles, shoulder strap and Mud Guard® zippers that block outside debris from getting into the case."

I have found this bag to be well designed and durable. I have used mine for about four years now. The front pocket is just the right size for carrying four boxes of Winchester White Box 45 ACP. Of course, you could just put in 200 rounds of Col. Cooper's favorite, along with come compact muffs and specs, or any variation of ammunition you may choose. I have never had the Mud Guard zipper spring apart on this bag, regardless of the weight jammed into that pocket. There is a small snap ring on a short lanyard inside this pocket. I'm not certain what it's purpose is.

The heart of the Kolpin Rangetector is it's ability to carry and protect two handguns of almost any configuration and size. Between the securely stitched and bar tacked nylon sling handles are two padded and zippered compartments. One wall of each compartment is lined with Velcro loop material. Provided with the range bag are four pads and eight pouches, all with Velco hook backing. The result is a compartment that can be quickly customized to accommodate almost any handgun along with it's accessories. With a bit of ingenuity, it would be possible to accommodate a total of four moderate sized handguns, two in each compartment.

On the rear of the Kolpin Rangetector is a fold out drawstring net bag. To be honest, I don't know what this bag is supposed to be for. It is accessible with a zipper without folding it out, and when folded out, it can carry a great deal of spent brass, targets, or other lightweight items.

All edges of the Kolpin bag are bound with heavy nylon piping. The carry handles wrap all the way around the center portion, ensuring they will not rip loose. A shoulder strap is provided if you prefer to carry the bag that way.

All in all, the Kolpin Rangetector is a great bag if you are the type of shooter who carries two or three handguns to the range along with 500 or so rounds of ammunition. If Kolpin made a bag with an ammo pocket on both sides, that would be my choice. As it is, this one fills the bill neatly for a light range trip.