The Short Answer: The must-haves for any range visit are hearing protection, eye protection, and the right clothing. Everything past that is about comfort or performance. You can start simple and add gear as you go. The team at White Birch Armory in Dover, NH can set you up and answer your questions before you ever step onto the firing line.
The Gear You Can’t Skip
Some shooting range gear is about comfort. Three things are non-negotiable about safety, and you cannot step up to the firing line without them.
Hearing Protection
A gun is loud, and a single shot can permanently damage your hearing. Indoor ranges make the risk higher because the sound bounces off the walls and ceiling. Earplugs or earmuffs are not optional; they are necessary safety gear.
Eye Protection
Safety glasses guard your eyes from hot brass, powder, debris, and the possibility of a ricochet. A flying piece of brass at the wrong moment can become an emergency, but a pair of glasses prevents it.
Range-Safe Clothing
Most ranges, including ours, follow a simple dress code built around safety:
- Closed-toe shoes. No sandals or flip-flops. Hot brass lands on the floor and so does the occasional dropped round.
- A high collar or crew neck. A low or open neckline can catch hot brass against your skin, which is a common and painful surprise for new shooters.
- A hat with a brim. It keeps brass off your face and out of your glasses.
How to Choose Your Ear and Eye Protection
Hearing and eye protection matter most, so it is worth a closer look. The good news is the choices are simple once you know what each one does.
For your ears, you have three main options:
- Foam earplugs: Cheap, light, and effective. Roll them down, slide them in, and let them expand. A great backup to keep in your range bag.
- Earmuffs: Easy to take on and off, with strong protection. Good for a shooter who steps on and off the line a lot.
- Electronic earmuffs: These block the gunshot but still let you hear range commands and normal conversation. They are the top pick for training courses and longer practice sessions.
For the loud noise of an indoor bay, many shooters double up and wear plugs under muffs, giving them the most protection on a busy range day.
For your eyes, look for safety glasses rated to a real impact standard, not fashion sunglasses. A wraparound style guards the sides where brass likes to sneak in. Clear lenses work best indoors, while a tinted pair helps outdoors. You can find shooting glasses in our showroom, the staff at our facility can help you find a pair.
What Goes Inside Your Range Bag
A range bag keeps your shooting gear in one place so you are not hunting for things at the firing line. You do not need to fill it on day one. The table below sorts common range equipment by what it does and how soon you need it.
|
Gear |
Why it matters |
Must or Nice-to-have? |
| Ear and eye protection | Safety gear you cannot shoot without | Must-have |
| Range bag | Keeps your gear organized and easy to carry | Must-have |
| Ammunition | Match it to your firearm and confirm you have enough ammunition for your session | Must-have |
| Targets | Paper targets for fundamentals, reactive or steel targets for feedback | Must-have |
| Stapler or tape | Hangs paper targets and repairs target holes | Nice-to-have |
| Gun cleaning kit | Keeps your firearm running after a session | Nice-to-have |
| Multi-tool | Handy for a quick adjustment to sights or a sling | Nice-to-have |
| Water and snacks | A long range day goes better when you are not running on empty | Nice-to-have |
| Notepad or smartphone app | Tracks your shooting drills and progress over time | Skip for now |
Most of these are simple to find. Our showroom stocks range accessories, targets, cleaning supplies, and ammunition, so you can build your kit in one stop. If you are not sure what to grab first, ask. We would rather point you to the right gear than sell you a pile of stuff you do not need.
Gear That Grows With You
Plenty of people show up for one range visit and want to come back for more. If that is you, there is a next tier of gear worth knowing about. None of it is required, and none of it replaces good fundamentals.
A rifle shooter working on long-range or precision shooting will get a lot out of a spotting scope, which lets you see your hits without walking downrange. A rear bag supports the stock and steadies your aim from a bench or the prone position. Once you have trained with a handgun, a quality gun holster opens up drawing and reholstering drills under supervision. A simple smartphone app can log your shooting drills so you can see real progress between sessions.
The gear makes a difference, but skill makes the bigger difference. A competitive shooter with a worn bag will still outshoot a beginner with a trunk full of accessories. When you are ready to grow, our classes and private instruction will move you forward faster than any single piece of equipment. You can also browse our firearms selection when you are ready for a gun of your own.
Why Gear Is Only Half the Battle
The right gear keeps you safe and makes a range visit more comfortable, but it will not make you a better shooter on its own. Improvement in skill comes from training, repetition, and good habits.
Safety is the foundation under all of it. Know the range rules, keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, and treat every gun as loaded. If you are a new shooter, one of the fastest ways to build confidence is through a class. Our H1: Intro to Handguns course covers safe handling, the fundamentals, and live fire in a controlled setting, with loaner gear available so you can focus on learning.
For more on protecting yourself at the range, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has solid guidance on range safety and eye and ear protection. The CDC’s NIOSH program also explains how loud noise causes hearing loss and why good hearing protection matters every single time.
Ready for your first range day? Stop by White Birch Armory in Dover, NH to pick up your gear, rent a firearm, or book a lane on our indoor range. We are open seven days a week, and we are here to make the shooting experience approachable for everyone, no matter your skill level. If regular practice is the goal, ask about our membership options on your way out.