What are your favorite accessories?

BarryLee · March 26, 2016, 10:07 AM

I was at the range shooting a 1911 and only had six magazines, so several magazine reloads were required. I was using an UpLULA loader and thinking what a great invention this thing is.

So, this got me thinking what might be some of people’s favorite firearm/shooting accessories. I’m primarily thinking about things that don’t permanently mount on a gun but are used with the gun. Examples might be tools, measurement devices, gloves, glasses, range bags, targets, etc.

Again, just for fun, so what are some of your favorites?

2ndsojourn · March 26, 2016, 03:28 PM

I like charging up hills, so I'd say a bayonet.

Rembrandt · March 26, 2016, 03:30 PM

Good optics.

DaleA · March 26, 2016, 03:35 PM

A good spotting scope. Sometimes it's a real pain to go down to your target and there's an indoor range I used to shoot at where the target carriers were...bad-it was just easier to bring the scope.

Oh yeah, a small set of screw drivers or allen wrenches or whatever it takes to adjust your sites, slings etc.

jmhyer · March 26, 2016, 05:57 PM

Discovering electronic earmuffs (Great discovery, I know) was huge for me.

Likewise, trying the Crossbreed Supertuck style IWB holster (after a number of holster fails) was eye opening.

And finally, my introduction to steel targets made range time infinitely more enjoyable.

Clark · March 26, 2016, 11:38 PM

Junk for the hunt
Rifle
scope
sling
bipod
cheek rest ammo pouch
rear bag hanging from the sling
range finder
GPS
knife
tow rope
Tape for taping the permit to the antlers
Something over the knees for pincushion cactus
A hat with a bill for shooting almost into the rising sun
binoculars around the neck.
walkie talkie
paper towels

a tiny flashlight runs on one AAA batter for 1/2 hour at 120 Lumens
Reverse the clip. Put it on the brim of the baseball cap. Now if it gets dark, you can still gut your animal with both hands free.
http://www.amazon.com/LUMINTOP-Tool-.../dp/B013QEGME4

Kvon2 · March 26, 2016, 11:53 PM

I just recently replaced the duct tape in my bad with a staple gun for targets and it has changed my life for the better.

Also a good ammo can has been a great addition. Keeps everything organized and if a box opens somehow rounds don't go everywhere.

I've recently only been taking 1 magazine to the range with me no matter what I'm shooting. When I have more loaded and ready to go I'm too tempted to blow through if. Having to reload after every mag has saved me some money lol

g.willikers · March 27, 2016, 09:36 AM

The most useful tool in my kit has probably been a steel rod, covered in shrink tubing to punch out stuck cases.
And several size screwdrivers and allen wrenches, to tighten all those things that loosen.

C7AR15 · March 27, 2016, 04:30 PM

Here are my most useful

1. Spotting scope

2. Staple gun

3. Electronic Ear muffs

and 3/4 Dia. white paper stickers from Staples - for covering those pesky bullet holes.

Clark · March 29, 2016, 10:11 PM

Quote:

g.willikers
The most useful tool in my kit has probably been a steel rod, covered in shrink tubing to punch out stuck cases.

I think if you've got a T-shirt with a bloodstain all over it, maybe laundry isn't your biggest problem. - Seinfeld

snubbyfan · December 16, 2016, 05:29 PM

Just got (discovered) the UpLULA. Where have you been all my life...my thumb thanks you, and a salute to its creator.

Sevens · December 16, 2016, 09:17 PM

I have an UpLula that was given to me and it works but I don't care for it. My formative years were with the HKS mag loading tool and while you need a bunch of different ones, I very much prefer it.

I get a lot of use out of a little screwdriver and bits toolbox with an array of allen wrenches.

Always nice to have a range finder handy.

Always have a box of band-aids.

Free shot timer app on my phone has been a very interesting addition but works best when the range is otherwise quiet.

Oh, and don't laugh (much) but I recently grabbed the world's cheapest dollar store knee pads (buck a piece!) and they are terrific when it's time to pick up brass, far better than bending down.

mr bolo · December 21, 2016, 07:15 PM

I like collecting the bayonets that go with military rifles

like the old German Butcher bayonets of WW1 or ersatz bayonets

http://i.imgur.com/52fC6ro.jpg

dajowi · December 21, 2016, 08:03 PM

"I like charging up hills, so I'd say a bayonet."

Eazyeach · December 21, 2016, 08:38 PM

Uplula mag loaders are awesome. Also electronic ear muffs are also sweet.

treg · December 21, 2016, 09:23 PM

Flip up scope covers.

A good sling for my winter hiking rifle.

A good holster for horseback riding.

Quickstrips for the .44 Spl.

shootniron · December 21, 2016, 11:00 PM

Bullet molds and reloading press.

I love being able to shoot as much as I want, whenever I want...and not going broke while doing it.

lefteye · December 21, 2016, 11:36 PM

A full-body safety harness, Swarovski binoculars and a Leica rangefinder!

rickyrick · December 21, 2016, 11:47 PM

A stylish ascot

EchoM70 · December 22, 2016, 07:14 AM

I really enjoy those primos monopod/walking sticks. They're like 50 bucks but on hunts where I walk a good bit they're invaluable. If I do get lucky and have a nice deer in range I have a very sturdy shooting stick to take the shot.

g.willikers · December 22, 2016, 09:34 AM

Is a spare gun considered an accessory?
But seriously, I carry enough small tools and parts to the range to bore you all.
Kind of left over from my motorsports and scuba diving days.
Old habits die hard.

aarondhgraham · December 22, 2016, 02:14 PM

The $34.95 I spent on an Uplula,,,
Was the best money I've spent on an accessory.

Aarond

.

Erno86 · December 22, 2016, 03:02 PM

Reactionary steel targets, amplified hearing protection muffs, a good pedestal rest with rear bags and plenty of thirty round magazines; since they are illegal to purchase here in Maryland but lawful to possess.

bamaranger · December 23, 2016, 10:26 AM

I bought a metal target stand from Dillon's, and the thing is great, with some old lath strips and cardboard, or a discarded election sign, you can place a decent paper target almost anywhere safe. No more scrounging or improvising something to hold a target.

I've got a middle of the road spotting scope, a burris 20x, that is useful on targets to 200 yds, and doubles as a a scouting/hunting optic, packable and clear enough.

I think the Boresnake gadgets are useful for a quick touch up on a bore.

And.....a .22 Cowbell Target is a hoot. Stick that thing out there a 100-200 yds and your .22 shooting takes on a whole new dimension.

mr bolo · December 23, 2016, 11:21 AM

I like to have BORE SNAKES for my popular calibers, they come in handy

just a light cleaning, I think using them is easier on your bore , you dont need to scrub your bore with a metal brush and rod everytime, especially if your firearm has a chrome lined bore, just use the bore snake.

I still use regular cleaning rods & brushes on my surplus rifles and the warm soapy water routine.

March 26, 2016, 10:07 AM	#1
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	What are your favorite accessories? I was at the range shooting a 1911 and only had six magazines, so several magazine reloads were required. I was using an UpLULA loader and thinking what a great invention this thing is. So, this got me thinking what might be some of people’s favorite firearm/shooting accessories. I’m primarily thinking about things that don’t permanently mount on a gun but are used with the gun. Examples might be tools, measurement devices, gloves, glasses, range bags, targets, etc. Again, just for fun, so what are some of your favorites? __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

March 26, 2016, 11:38 PM	#6
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	Junk for the hunt Rifle scope sling bipod cheek rest ammo pouch rear bag hanging from the sling range finder GPS knife tow rope Tape for taping the permit to the antlers Something over the knees for pincushion cactus A hat with a bill for shooting almost into the rising sun binoculars around the neck. walkie talkie paper towels a tiny flashlight runs on one AAA batter for 1/2 hour at 120 Lumens Reverse the clip. Put it on the brim of the baseball cap. Now if it gets dark, you can still gut your animal with both hands free. http://www.amazon.com/LUMINTOP-Tool-.../dp/B013QEGME4 __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

March 27, 2016, 09:36 AM	#8
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	The most useful tool in my kit has probably been a steel rod, covered in shrink tubing to punch out stuck cases. And several size screwdrivers and allen wrenches, to tighten all those things that loosen. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

March 27, 2016, 04:30 PM	#9
C7AR15 Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2011 Location: Burnaby Posts: 260	A few favorites Here are my most useful 1. Spotting scope 2. Staple gun 3. Electronic Ear muffs and 3/4 Dia. white paper stickers from Staples - for covering those pesky bullet holes.

December 16, 2016, 09:17 PM	#12
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I have an UpLula that was given to me and it works but I don't care for it. My formative years were with the HKS mag loading tool and while you need a bunch of different ones, I very much prefer it. I get a lot of use out of a little screwdriver and bits toolbox with an array of allen wrenches. Always nice to have a range finder handy. Always have a box of band-aids. Free shot timer app on my phone has been a very interesting addition but works best when the range is otherwise quiet. Oh, and don't laugh (much) but I recently grabbed the world's cheapest dollar store knee pads (buck a piece!) and they are terrific when it's time to pick up brass, far better than bending down. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

March 26, 2016, 03:28 PM	#2
2ndsojourn Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,416	I like charging up hills, so I'd say a bayonet.

March 26, 2016, 03:30 PM	#3
Rembrandt Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2002 Posts: 2,108	Good optics.

March 26, 2016, 03:35 PM	#4
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,313	A good spotting scope. Sometimes it's a real pain to go down to your target and there's an indoor range I used to shoot at where the target carriers were...bad-it was just easier to bring the scope. Oh yeah, a small set of screw drivers or allen wrenches or whatever it takes to adjust your sites, slings etc.

March 26, 2016, 05:57 PM	#5
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	Discovering electronic earmuffs (Great discovery, I know) was huge for me. Likewise, trying the Crossbreed Supertuck style IWB holster (after a number of holster fails) was eye opening. And finally, my introduction to steel targets made range time infinitely more enjoyable.

March 26, 2016, 11:53 PM	#7
Kvon2 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2016 Posts: 757	I just recently replaced the duct tape in my bad with a staple gun for targets and it has changed my life for the better. Also a good ammo can has been a great addition. Keeps everything organized and if a box opens somehow rounds don't go everywhere. I've recently only been taking 1 magazine to the range with me no matter what I'm shooting. When I have more loaded and ready to go I'm too tempted to blow through if. Having to reload after every mag has saved me some money lol

December 16, 2016, 05:29 PM	#11
snubbyfan Member Join Date: September 1, 2016 Posts: 65	Just got (discovered) the UpLULA. Where have you been all my life...my thumb thanks you, and a salute to its creator.

December 21, 2016, 07:15 PM	#13
mr bolo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2012 Posts: 432	bayonets I like collecting the bayonets that go with military rifles like the old German Butcher bayonets of WW1 or ersatz bayonets http://i.imgur.com/52fC6ro.jpg Last edited by mr bolo; December 21, 2016 at 07:23 PM.

December 21, 2016, 08:03 PM	#14
dajowi Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Posts: 1,196	"I like charging up hills, so I'd say a bayonet."

December 21, 2016, 08:38 PM	#15
Eazyeach Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2014 Posts: 706	Uplula mag loaders are awesome. Also electronic ear muffs are also sweet.

December 21, 2016, 09:23 PM	#16
treg Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Posts: 1,102	Flip up scope covers. A good sling for my winter hiking rifle. A good holster for horseback riding. Quickstrips for the .44 Spl. __________________ .44 Special: For those who get it, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't, no explanation is possible.

December 21, 2016, 11:00 PM	#17
shootniron Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,599	Bullet molds and reloading press. I love being able to shoot as much as I want, whenever I want...and not going broke while doing it.

December 21, 2016, 11:36 PM	#18
lefteye Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2006 Posts: 1,433	A full-body safety harness, Swarovski binoculars and a Leica rangefinder! __________________ Vietnam Veteran ('69-'70) NRA Life Member RMEF Life Member

December 21, 2016, 11:47 PM	#19
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	A stylish ascot

December 22, 2016, 07:14 AM	#20
EchoM70 Member Join Date: April 4, 2012 Posts: 65	I really enjoy those primos monopod/walking sticks. They're like 50 bucks but on hunts where I walk a good bit they're invaluable. If I do get lucky and have a nice deer in range I have a very sturdy shooting stick to take the shot.

December 22, 2016, 09:34 AM	#21
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Is a spare gun considered an accessory? But seriously, I carry enough small tools and parts to the range to bore you all. Kind of left over from my motorsports and scuba diving days. Old habits die hard. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

December 22, 2016, 02:14 PM	#22
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	I'm with the OP onthis one,,, The $34.95 I spent on an Uplula,,, Was the best money I've spent on an accessory. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

December 22, 2016, 03:02 PM	#23
Erno86 Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2012 Location: Marriottsville, Maryland Posts: 1,739	Reactionary steel targets, amplified hearing protection muffs, a good pedestal rest with rear bags and plenty of thirty round magazines; since they are illegal to purchase here in Maryland but lawful to possess. __________________ That rifle hanging on the wall of the working class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." --- George Orwell

December 23, 2016, 10:26 AM	#24
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,313	stuff I bought a metal target stand from Dillon's, and the thing is great, with some old lath strips and cardboard, or a discarded election sign, you can place a decent paper target almost anywhere safe. No more scrounging or improvising something to hold a target. I've got a middle of the road spotting scope, a burris 20x, that is useful on targets to 200 yds, and doubles as a a scouting/hunting optic, packable and clear enough. I think the Boresnake gadgets are useful for a quick touch up on a bore. And.....a .22 Cowbell Target is a hoot. Stick that thing out there a 100-200 yds and your .22 shooting takes on a whole new dimension.

December 23, 2016, 11:21 AM	#25
mr bolo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2012 Posts: 432	Bore Snakes I like to have BORE SNAKES for my popular calibers, they come in handy just a light cleaning, I think using them is easier on your bore , you dont need to scrub your bore with a metal brush and rod everytime, especially if your firearm has a chrome lined bore, just use the bore snake. I still use regular cleaning rods & brushes on my surplus rifles and the warm soapy water routine.