MidwayUSA Competition Range Bag

I was searching for a good range bag a while back, as my old duffle bag had given up on me. So, I went searching the web for something that would meet my criteria. What I found was the MidwayUSA Competition Range bag. During my search, I ran into a number of range bags, but most if them were too small for my taste. The Midway bag had almost everything I wanted. It is very large, which allows me to keep all my range goodies in one spot. It comes with a removable padded carrying strap. It has lots of different zippered compartments, 8 of different sizes plus 1 main compartment. Some of the larger ones even contain pockets inside of them. In the large side pocket, there are holders for 8 pistol magazines and 12 elastic holders for pens, cleaning rods, etc. Now, for the really good stuff. Inside the vast main double zippered compartment is a handled carry bag, which has its own zippered storage and padded hook & loop separators. You can use this handy little bag for ammo and supplies. It, basically, gives you the ability to leave the heavy bag in your vehicle and just carry what you really need for the shooting session. I use this little bag for carrying ammo and magazines at matches where I have to go from stage to stage. The other nice feature about the range bag is that it comes with a matching bag to put brass in. It also comes with 2 padded pistol pouches. These pouches are quite large, also, and can fit full size handguns without any problems.

The only thing I don't like about the pistol rugs is that they are fairly flimsy and not padded enough.  The zippers are double stitched, and some of them have a round zipper pull to aid in using them. Overall, I am very pleased with this range bag. It stores all of my range goodies, plus an extra kitchen sink.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Large Range Bag with lots of storage pockets

Target Market: Anyone looking for a good range bag

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Length: 22"
• Width: 15"
• Height: 10"
• Main Compartment: 17" x 10" x 10"2 removable padded pistol rugs with zippers 8-½" H x 12" W fit most large frame semi-auto pistols and revolvers with barrels up to 6"
• Removable stage bag/ammunition carrier with carrying handles for portability 15" L x 5" W x7-½"H
• Front: 2 Padded zippered pockets (8" L x 2" W x 8" H)
• Rear: 8" x 2" x 16"8 magazine pouchesInternal padded pocket 8" x 15.5"
• Shoulder Carry Strap: 2" W x 52" L removable carrying strap with shoulder pad
• Carry Handles: Wraparound with hook & loop closure
• Removable stage bag/ammunition carrier features:2 Padded zippered pockets (7-½" H x 15" L)2 Padded moveable hook and loop equiped compartment walls2 Chrome plated steel D-rings for quick attachment of the carry strapFull wrap-around nylon handles2 removable padded pistol rugs features:8.5" x 12" will fit most large frame semi-auto pistols and revolvers with barrels up to 6"
• 9 Pockets
• Material: PVC Coated Polyester
• Capacity: 2404 C.I.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Grey, Coyote, and Olive Drab (MultiCam not available anymore)

What others are saying?: 

• From MidwayUSA: by Terry in Mount Sterling, KY.  5 out 5 stars:  Roomy, nice compartments, lots of storage, sturdy, practical, not sure what else you would want in a range bag.
• From Thetruthaboutguns.com: by Nathan Shonts.  4 or 5 out 5 stars:  Useability: * * * * Flexible, practical design with more pockets than I know what to do with.   Value: * * * * * At its $45 sale price, this well-made bag is a fantastic bargain. At its “normal” price of $80, it’s still nice.      Overall: * * * *(*)  At $45 it’s a great value and gets all five stars. At the $80 full price, still a solid four stars. Either way, you won’t regret it.

Price point: 

• MSRP = $49.99-80.99 Depending on Sale price or Retail Price
• Retail = $59.99

I need it now! Availability:  MidwayUSA

Our Rating: 

Pros:

• Number of pockets (9)
• Comes with 2 pistol pouches
• Removable ammunition/storage bag
• Double stitching on zippers
• Brass bag
• Padded Carry strap
• Built in magazine pouches

Cons:

• Flimsy pistol pouches
• Heavy, especially when loaded with all your stuff

Score: 8.0 Great

Chad's Links: Saddle Butte Machinegun Shoot

Concealed Carrie Leather Compact Carrie Review

Concealed Carry is such a beautiful concept. The market for vessels to carry a concealed handgun is exploding as more manufacturers expand their product line, offering an equal opportunity for both men and women to get quality products that fit their lifestyle.  Concealment products are usually unisex, with holsters typically designed for either men or women.  When it comes to outside the body / external carry, there is a rapidly growing market for purses, totes, and handbags designed for concealed carry.  In fact I would no longer considered them niché as how popular pocket sized pistols have become, and how many bag crafters have started incorporated 'concealed pockets' into their products. While some prefer the security of having a pistol holstered on their body, there are times when a female might be unable to conceal on her body as the dress for the occasion may make it impossible.

To clear the air right off the start, yes I have an X and Y chromosome and I am reviewing a product with a female target demographic. It shouldn't matter as being objective and having experience as a concealed carrier should be all the qualification I need. I did however get plenty of perspective and help from my partner, who also carries and knows a thing or two about purses!

Concealed Carrie (best brand name ever!) specializes in purses, totes, handbags, and clutches that allow for secure and conceal carry of a compact or subcompact firearms. Their "Compact Carrie" is a compact clutch that has two compartments, one for a firearms mounted with included velcro holster, and the other for your cash, phone, ID and other necessities. The quality of materials of the Compact Carrie are really high, the leather is bright red and the stitching is very well done. It comes with a tassel zipper pull and a keychain as well as a leather wrist strap, which you can choose to use or remove with simple clasps. My partner gave it a thorough look over and found it had plenty of organizing pockets for what she typically has in her standard pocketbook.

As for the firearm carrying capability we found that with both our compact sized carry pistols (a Glock 26 and M&Pc) the Concealed Carrie Leather Compact Carrie had some extra added bulging. The Glock 26 in the included holster seems to cause printing, which was somewhat noticeable from a close distance that there was something large and heavy in the bag. While it's not enough to prevent the zippers from closing, it was something we both picked up on right away. However if your compact pistol of choice is a single stack with a slimmer profile, say a S&W Shield, Glock 42, Ruger LCP, etc. it will stow in the Compact much easier. Weight also becomes a bit of concern, as a fully loaded 10+1 gunplus another loaded magazine makes the Compact feel hefty to carry via the wrist strap or in the bare hand, and we both agreed stepping up to a purse or tote from Concealed Carrie would be to way to go if your carry gun is anything wider than a subcompact, .85" slide width model.

If you are looking for a stylish way to conceal your pistol on the go, I would say Concealed Carrie is the best way to go, both for the value and craftsmanship you really will be impressed (and more importantly, so will she)

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Compact Carrie is perfect for carrying in style to the range or using as a gun bag and wallet

Target Market: Concealed Carrying Women

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Double sided design acts as a wallet on one side while keeping your firearm separate on other side.
• Zippered main compartment is full of dividers for cash, ID, credit cards and personal items.
• Firearm compartment is double zippered and velcro-lined (universal holster included)
• Carry by either the removable wrist strap or simply, grab it and go.
• Fits any compact or sub-compact handgun will including Glock 19/23, Glock 23/27 or similar size handgun.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Red Leather or Cool Blue Leather

What others are saying?:

"Finding your site has brightened my day!  I've been looking for a concealed carry bags for YEARS, but most of them are so ugly and so poorly constructed that they must have been designed by men.  Even other high end lines are just now getting up to speed on quality and design although they still don't equal Concealed Carrie."  ~Susan D.

“Just received this bag as an early Christmas gift from my husband and am absolutely over the moon! It is more beautiful than Photographs can show and so very worth the money. I can conceal any one of my weapons with ease and also get to it with ease. Ever since I started carrying, I’ve been waiting for a fashionable handbag and this is it. I am a Bag Harlot so I own just about every purse made… Louis vuitton, coach, kate spade, even stunning bags from Italy. This bag is as good as or better than those bags I own. It is so well-made and fits right in with my fashion queen persona. just today, I had ten people compliment the bag and ask me where I got it. They don’t even know, which is the way it should be. Thanks!" ~Karla F.

Price Point:

• MSRP: $149.00

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at concealedcarrie.com or Amazon.com

Our Rating:

+-Holster is double sided with 'loop' velcro of ambidextrous mounting.-per +-Stiching and zippers are good quality and seem to be durable to last. +-Tons of pockets for cards, checkbook, cash, change

--Bag begins to bulge when carrying a double stack pistol, design and profile better suited for a single stack like Ruger LCP or S&W Shield. --With weight of loaded pistol (glock 26 w 10+1 rounds) its really heavy to carry via wrist strap, needs a shoulder strap especially if carrying and extra mag.-

Score: 8.0 Great

DTOM Concealed Carry Fanny Pack Review

By Gene Carangal

I bought this fanny pack because I wanted a carry option for my Glock 26, keys, wallet and cell phone while exercising. There are 4 zippered compartments. The largest one holds the weapon and has a fast breakaway zipper for easy access. There are 2  elastic bands on each side to hold the pistol in place. It is big enough to hold my Glock 19. The second compartment can fit a large wallet, keys and other items. The third one can hold a large smartphone. My Samsung Galaxy S4 in an Otterbox case fit perfectly. Compartment 4 is meant for a charging cable but I use it for a small wallet.

I wish there was a magazine holder in one of the compartments. They advertise that it has room for spare mag, but it will have to share the same space with your wallet and keys. I have used it jogging several times without any problems. The gun stays intact no matter what. As long as I keep the belt tight, the pack feels secure and I can move freely. Wearing it while doing weight training takes getting used to. Ab exercises are impossible to do.

I like that it is all black and it doesn't call attention to itself. I like to wear black shorts to make it even more discreet.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: A slim fit fanny pack that fits close to the body yet allows you to carry a medium size gun without anyone realizing that this is a concealed weapon fanny pack.

Target Market: Joggers, hikers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Slim Fit
• Works for Right or Left Handed shooters
• Works well for small to medium sized guns
• Fits up to 42" waist

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The DTOM Concealed Carry Fanny Pack is available in black only.

What others are saying?: "I bought this holster pack for a good option for running and still being able to carry. It works well for almost all my guns except the ruger LCP which the product description advertises. If the LCP is just in the holster and you are walking, its fine. But if you add running to the mix, where the fanny pack is moving a lot up and down, the LCP will slip out fairly quickly and just be moving around freely on the inside. The only way to remedy this is to use both straps, the one for right hand and the one for left hand together to hold the firearm in place, this ruins the ability to draw the firearm with any quick speed though.

Once again this works just as intended for larger guns..." - Amazon Reviewer

Price Point:

• MSRP = $49.00
• Retail = $34.92

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this fanny pack from Amazon and directly from DTOM Conceal and Carry.

Our Rating:

+ Looks like a regular fanny pack + Fits a medium size pistol + Plenty of room for wallet, keys and cell phone

- No magazine pouch

Score: 8.0

Fox Tactical Advanced Tactical Hipster Review

You read correctly, I bought a Fox Tactical Advanced Tactical Hipster. No its not a bushy bearded, shmegah & skinny-jean wearing, Pabst Blue Ribbon sipping bodyguard that follows me everywhere I go (that would be hilarious though!) It's actually a messenger/shoulder bag thats quoted as being "designed for law enforcement use but works just as well for everyone." You could call it a very tactical man purse, and I'd be hard pressed to argue with you. This bag consists of everything from a concealed weapon compartment, to MOLLE straps for attaching additional pouches, to multiple storage pockets to use for your everyday items you carry around with you on a regular basis. This back of the bag is padded with mesh cushion backing and an adjustable padded shoulder strap to provide all day comfort.

The key features include one main compartment with a large flap with quick release buckle, one large dump pouch with mesh pocket, one 'concealed' velcro-lined pocket with zippered closure, one mesh pocket for radio or flashlight storage and one accessory pouch on side. There's a place for everything, and also places for nothing. What I mean, is it probably has more compartments than your mother's purse.

I picked this bag up for only $30 locally on a whim, knowing that with summer travel and warmer weather concealed carry will be a bit of a challenge with my preferred firearms. I don't like pocket guns, and wanted to be able to stow a full-size pistol, extra mags, water, sunglasses, cellphone, and really anything that won't fit in my speedo. So far my only real complaint is the 'holster compartment' only has two strips of velcro and a very rudimentary velcro / strap / loop thats mean to hold your barrel. It's sloppy and not ideal for keeping foreign objects out of the triggerguard as it's completely exposed. Something like a velcro-backed holster chassis or pocket holster that can be secured to the inside of the pocket would be ideal for keeping the gun oriented correctly after running/shifting the bag. Crossbreed makes velcro backed holsters that would work well in this application. Unless that's too mainstream for the Advanced Tactical Hipster.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Keep everything within easy reach for the mission with pockets galore.

Target Market:  Tactical Hipsters (Law Enforcement and Civilian)

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Constructed Of Rugged Tactical Polyester
• One Main Compartment With Large Strap Secured With Quick Release Buckle Containment
• One Large Dump Pouch With Mesh Pocket
• One Concealed Holster Pocket With Zippered Closure
• One Mesh Pocket For Radio Or Flashlight Storage
• One Accessory Pouch On Side
• Cell Phone Pocket
• Extra Attachment Points For Adding Other Modular Accessories

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Coyote, Olive Drab, Red, Safety Orange, Digital Woodland, Multicam, and Terrain Digital

What others are saying?: “Had one of these bags (black) for over two years now. Bought it to replace my fanny pack which I used to haul family stuff when we're out and about or as a field bag. Quite comfortable to carry all day as long as you don't over load it. Description says the mesh pocket is for a radio or flashlight. I use it to carry a 20 OZ water bottle. It's fairly water resistant, but I tuck a couple of half gallon ziplock bags for additional waterproofing in heavier rains. Much handier then the butt pack it replaced. After two years of hard use there is no discernible wear to the bag." Kelly Keefe - Amazon Review Price Point:

• MSRP = 56.95
• Retail = $40.95

I need it now! Availability: Fox Outdoors, Amazon, Optics Planet, eBay, Military/Tac shops

Our Rating: + Main dump pouch has synch to secure loose items + Seams and plastic buckles seem well made/secure + Velco strip on outside to stick all those elite operator moral patches, sweet! + Shoulder Strap and Backing mesh pads are comfortable and breathable

- Personally do not like tiny mesh netting, prone to stretching and eventually holes - Included 'holster' is actually just looped velcro strap for barrel - No MOLLE webbing on inside or enough velcro to insert an actual holster - Screams "I may have a gun" with all the unnecessary tactical outer webbing, would be nice if instead of extra pouches with MOLLE webbing, pouches themselves were removable from entire bag to minimize pockets

Score: 7.0 Good

Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack Review

Maxpedition’s Fatboy Versipack is a high-quality, heavy-duty EDC shoulder bag. I decided to purchase mine one day when, on my walk from my car to the office, I dropped every single thing I was trying to carry in that day. It has many pockets, pouches and compartments to accommodate an endless variety of items. There is a wide, well padded shoulder strap to keep it from digging into your shoulder when you’re carrying it. It’s main pocket is big enough to carry my Kindle Fire HD tablet and a hybrid IWB holster (for when I’m not wearing it), along with a few other odds and ends. This compartment has a nylon cinch-sack type top that keeps debris out. Behind the main compartment is a large, zippered pocket. This pocket is to store a handgun separate from the other contents of the bag. It has the soft side of hook-and-loop on it for attachment for holsters. Maxpedition sells a universal holster for just this task and another called the SNEAK that allows you to carry a spare mag alongside the pistol. It is large enough to hold a mid-sized handgun, like a Glock 19. In front of the main pocket is a smaller, zippered pouch that is the perfect size to carry a smaller notepad and more miscellaneous items. On one side, there is a magazine holder with a large hook-and-loop flap that has plenty of coverage to adjust to many different size magazines. The other side has a zippered pouch that is a little larger than the magazine pouch, which could probably hold at least 2 double-stack mags. The outside of this pouch has MOLLE webbing to attach even more gear. On the shoulder strap, there is a large buckle that allows you to easily put the pack on or take it off. Just below the buckle is a pouch with a buckled flap that is the perfect size for a large multi-tool with a pen sleeve on either side of this pouch. On the end of the shoulder strap that faces the rear, there is a HK style hook that can be used to hang keys or any other small tools. There are many color options, left and right handed versions and a model that replaces the side magazine pouch with a water bottle holder. The Fatboy Versipack is a very durable pack that I doubt I will ever wear out.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Seemingly compact exterior with a surprisingly ample interior. 

Target Market:  Concealed carriers that need more storage. 

FNBs:

Key Features

• Heavy duty construction
• Many useful pockets, pouches and compartments
• Many color options
• Holds a lot of stuff
• Wide shoulder strap for comfort
• Exterior MOLLE webbing

 What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  The Fatboy Versipack comes in many colors and color combos, like black, blue, red and pink. Check Optics Planet for all of their colors. There is a G.T.G. model that replaces the side magazine pouch with at water bottle holder. There are also left-handed versions of both models called the S-Type.

 What others are saying?:  “If you want the best compact everyday carry bag you can find, you want the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack.”  - Survival News Online

For a good review and to see what all this bag can hold, see Sootch00 at Sensible Prepper.

Price point:

• MSRP = $88.99
• Retail = $72.68

 I need it now! Availability:  The Fatboy Versipack is available from many retailers like Amazon and Optics Planet. Optics Planet has many more colors available than Amazon.

Our Rating:

+ Sturdy construction + Ample storage +Concealed-carry compartment +Comfortable strap

 Score: 9.0

G.P.S. Handgunner Backpack

There is a place for everything and everything in its place.   I saw this backpack when I was browsing for gear on the NRA Stores website and fell in love with it from the picture alone.  Now that I have owned this for over a year, I am even more in love with it.  This backpack holds a ton of gear and the pictogram storage pockets are amazing at keeping it all organized and easily accessible.  The main compartment at the bottom opens up and allows you to carry up to 4 handguns, or you can remove the foam cradle and stuff it full of ammo boxes.  Going to the range can be a ton of fun, but carrying all your gear to the range .... not so much.  On top of that, take a minute and think about some of the gear you carry every time you go (guns, hearing protection, glasses, targets, ammo, etc.).  The amount of gear we carry adds up and so does the weight of it all.  On top of that, keeping it all organized can be a bit of a chore.  If you're paying for a lane at a range, you know all too well that time spent looking for your gear is taking away from your trigger time and is ultimately adding up to some serious $ at the end of your practice.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  A backpack designed to provide superior storage capacity and organization for all of your guns when you are out on the range.

Target Market:  Any one who practices at a range.

FNBs: (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Specially designed compartments for hearing protection, glasses, stapler, tape, thumbtacks, silicone cloth, binoculars and magazines.
• Each compartment is clearly marked with a pictogram of its contents
• Includes ammo cup and Velcro strap for rolled targets
• Slide-out 4 gun foam cradle
• Includes a waterproof rain cover

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  G.P.S offers this in black and digital camo.

What others are saying?:  "Great handgun pack."

• Amazon

Price point:

• MSRP = Unavailable  
• Retail = $88.79
• NRA edition = $119.95

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available on the Optics Planet , Amazon and the NRA websites.

Our Rating:

+ Carry up to 4 handguns + NRA edition + Pictogram storage compartments + Dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps + Glove-friendly pull tabs

- Inside the pockets are black.  If you have have any dark colored stuff stored in there, it can some times make it a bit tough to see right away.

Score: 9 

Jared prefers Simon Peter Sport Company for all his FFL needs.

5.11 Tactical Bail Out Bag

By Lance from Calamity Arms

I have had this for a few months and absolutely LOVE it! It's great for gun drills, speed reloads, I use one for a emergency trauma kit, and also have for my bug out bag.  It holds 7- 30 round AR15 mags, gloves, flashlight, water filter, cleaning kit (and rods) dope book, fixed blade knife, multi tool, extra handgun mags, and theres still room for my Glock!

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Great for SHTF scenarios, med kits,range bag, alternative to chest rig

Target Market:  Police, Military, Preppers/ Patriots, First responders, Everyday Shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Webbed shoulder pad for wolf clip style slings
• Quick detach clip for shoulder strap
• Great breathable mesh on back side and excellent padding
• Velcro belt clip for securing to your body, to reduce shifting while running
• Easy to open zippers with loop extensions
• Front and back pouches for quick access (handcuffs or flashlight)
• 3 double mag pouches, with elastic band and high quality velcro flap
• Webbed interior for additional pouches

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black or Coyote

What others are saying?:

• several men use it as a “manly diaper bag”
• “great for the truck”
• “awesome range bag”

Price point:

• MSRP: $69.99
• Average price point: $59.00
• Cheapest price:   $48.45
• Feautured:  $57.50  Calamity Arms

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available online  at 5.11 Tactical. Also on Amazon.com

Our Rating:

+ Very comfortable + Holds a perfect light combat load + Easy to open pouches, (even with gloves) + Made from extremely high quality cordura and velcro - Flops a little when running with all 6 mags fully loaded

Score: 8.5

5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack

 Whether it's carrying extra gear out to the range, hiking, a bug-out bag or just a general carry-all backpack, the 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 is a winner all around.  I have owned this bag for over a year now and have found a variety of different uses for it.  Originally I purchased this bag with the intent to use it as my keep in the truck bug-out bag.  5.11 gave this bag the name "Rush 24" because it 

was designed to hold enough gear for 24 hours.  However I found myself using this bag so much on a day to day basis, that I purchased a second bag.  If you are looking to carry less or more gear, 5.11 Tactical offers this bag in a Rush 12 and 72.

Here is what I love about this bag.  First is its durability.  After a year and a half of use, the bag looks and still performs as if it was brand new.  Second, the molle/slickstick system is great for customizing additional pouches to this bag to fit your needs.  Third, the internal and external pockets are set up in a way that all your gear stays organized, doesn't move around and you can access it all very easily.  Last, the hydration pocket.  To be honest, I didn't  think that I would ever use this feature.  Then I discovered that if you are going to be hiking or just traveling around with this pack on your back all day, the hydration pocket is great for keeping you refreshed.  Instead of having water bottles shoved in the main pack and taking up room, you can simply have the bladder bag delivery tube at-the-ready.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  A backpack designed to provide superior storage capacity and organization without slowing you down.

Target Market:  Any one who physically carries around gear and wishes to keep it all organized and safe.

FNBs: (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Durable 1050D nylon
• Water repellent coating
• 2070 cubic inch capacity
• Adjustable height sternum strap
• 2 external compression straps
• Twin drainage grommets
• Self-repairing YKK zippers
• Hydration pocket

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  5.11 offers this in black, dark earth, sandstone, OD and multicam.

What others are saying?:  "Best pack so far."

• Amazon

Price point:

• MSRP = $129.99
• Retail = $114.01

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available on the 5.11 Tactical or Amazon websites.

Our Rating:

+ MOLLE/SlickStick System with additional attachment points + Top pockets with non-scratching fleece liner + 1 interior stuff-pocket with a draw cord + Dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps + Glove-friendly pull tabs

- Twin grommet drain holes could allow sand/water/bugs/etc into the bag if its put down

Score: 9.0

Jared prefers Simon Peter Sport Company for all his FFL needs.