What to Avoid Wearing at the Range

rg115

New member
Joined
Jul 2, 2025
Messages
3
Been thinking a lot about what to wear to the range. It's not about the heavy gear, just casual stuff. I've been going a few times lately and started noticing everyone's outfits. Camo gear seems to stand out a lot when you're just doing the basics. I mean, if you're not hunting or in the woods, does it really fit? Not judging anyone, just feels like it's overkill sometimes.

Lately, I go for the basics: jeans, a simple shirt, and some sturdy boots. I want to be comfy and safe — definitely no flip-flops at the range. It's more about being practical for me than looking "tactical."

Am I the only one thinking like this? Or is there something I'm missing? What do you guys usually wear? Any tips on what's better to avoid as well? Just curious if I'm overthinking my range outfit choices.
 
Generally , Depending on the range.
Here in NM the outdoor ranges are remote to semi remote. They are dirty, rocky, and windy (strong at times (30 mph +) One range shuts down at 30 mph.
It is sunny, hot is the summer, and colder in the winter.
Clothing wise as a suggestion, wear comfortable clothing, slight loose fitting, that you do not mind getting dirty (layers).
Full length socks, Boots or good supportive footwear.
Eye Shields, Sun glasses (ballistic rated)
Sun screen
Hat with large brim (that does not block visual of target)
Long sleeve shirt with collar (to be turned up)

Many individuals (more new or visiting) just wear shorts, sneakers t-shirts. But hey are not stay to long at the range 30-45 minutes.
D-lead wipes and water again depending upon how remote or access to facilities
Alway bring First Aid Kit with trauma dressing, (know how to use it)
Cell phone connectivity as in NM we have ranges that are not manned, controlled or monitoring.

Don't forget about the four leg creatures and those that slither or take small bites stink etc.
 
My club has Stop The Bleed kits and the address as well as the Lat/Long coordinates are posted next to them. They also host "Stop The Bleed" courses provided by the local EMS system a couple of times a year. I think that there is also an AED at an accessible location, but am not sure. There should be given the age demographic of the majority of members.
 
I'm going to sight my Henry .41 mag carbine in tomorrow and I'll be wearing denim shorts, a tee shirt, short socks, and slip on shoes. My shooting bench is about 100 yards out my back door though, so I could shoot naked if I wanted to. I won't though, as I'll try to avoid splinters !:D
 
Another school of thought is wear what you normally wear, because if you ever need to use your firearm in an emergency that's what you'll have on. Especially true if you conceal carry a handgun.
 
I pretty much do, although my club doesn't allow drawing and firing unless you are participating in a match. That's getting more common at clubs from what I've seen. Another advantage of being able to shoot on your own or a friend's property.

I shoot my carry gun for the most part, but also like to bring other guns out from time to time. Most of them have the same manual of arms, so it's still good practice.

Another school of thought is wear what you normally wear, because if you ever need to use your firearm in an emergency that's what you'll have on. Especially true if you conceal carry a handgun.
 
I'm going to sight my Henry .41 mag carbine in tomorrow and I'll be wearing denim shorts, a tee shirt, short socks, and slip on shoes. My shooting bench is about 100 yards out my back door though, so I could shoot naked if I wanted to. I won't though, as I'll try to avoid splinters !:D
😧🙈
 
I'm not above showing up at the range, shorts, tee shirt with sleeves cut off, steel toe work cowboy ams straw cowboy hat. I ain't got nothing to prove lol. I'm retired and don't give a rate butt lol.

Last year there were two guys at the Texas City range shooting AR's . They both had khaki pants and black shirts, near matching with tan Jungle boots of some kind.. They both had so many gadgets hanging of their belts it was a sight to see. Flash lights, cell phones, pistol magazine pouches you name it and they weren't even shooting pistols. I think one even had pepper spray or mace on his belt.

These two guys had it going on.
 
This morning it was just a tank top, palm cowboy hat, cargo shorts, short compression socks, and moccasins.

I was just verifying the holosights on a 10/22 and was back in the house before the sun was over the treeline.
 
I wear jeans and some good shoes.
Also I usually wear some bright color, either shirt or cap so I'll not be overlooked when changing targets.
 
Depends on what kind of shooting i'll be doing.....it's mostly bolt guns for me and i'm not doing any high speed drills, just shooting slow and shooting from a seated position so shorts, t-shirt or fishing shirt and athletic shoes and even flip flops sometimes. If i'm going to practice positional shooting or something like that i'll make sure to wear pants, long sleeves and closed toe shoes but I don't usually do that at a public range.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top