Essential Shooting Accessories Every Gun Owner Needs

Congratulations on your firearm purchase! Whether you just bought your first gun or you’re adding to your collection, the right accessories make ownership safer, more enjoyable, and help you get the most from your investment. This guide breaks down the must-have accessories, nice-to-have upgrades, and specialty items for different shooting activities.

Browse our complete selection of shooting accessories to see what’s available.

The Absolute Essentials

These are non-negotiable items every gun owner needs from day one.

1. Gun Cleaning Kit

Why you need it: Firearms are precision machines that operate under extreme pressure and heat. Regular cleaning prevents malfunctions, maintains accuracy, and extends your firearm’s life by decades.

What to look for:

Basic cleaning kit includes:

  • Cleaning rod (brass or coated steel to prevent barrel damage)
  • Bore brush (caliber-specific, bronze or nylon)
  • Jags and patch holders
  • Cleaning patches (cotton or synthetic)
  • Bore solvent (removes powder residue and copper fouling)
  • Gun oil (lubricates moving parts)
  • Cleaning brush (for exterior and hard-to-reach areas)

Caliber-specific vs. universal:

  • Caliber-specific kits: Perfect fit for your firearm, typically $15-$30
  • Universal kits: Work with multiple calibers using different attachments, $30-$60
  • Pro tip: If you own multiple firearms, invest in a comprehensive universal kit

Quality brands to trust:

  • Otis Technology (excellent universal kits with cables instead of rods)
  • Hoppe’s (affordable, reliable, widely available)
  • Real Avid (innovative designs, great quality)
  • Bore Snake (pull-through cleaner, perfect for range use)

Budget: $20-$60 for a quality kit

Maintenance schedule:

  • After every range session (minimum)
  • Before long-term storage
  • After exposure to moisture or harsh conditions
  • Monthly if stored and not used

Shop gun cleaning kits and supplies

2. Gun Case or Safe Storage

Why you need it: Legal requirements in many areas, prevents unauthorized access, protects your firearm from damage, and secures your investment.

Storage options:

Hard Cases:

  • Protects during transport
  • Lockable for legal compliance
  • Foam padding prevents damage
  • Water-resistant options available
  • Cost: $30-$150 depending on size and quality

Soft Cases:

  • Padded nylon or canvas
  • Lighter and easier to carry
  • Less protective than hard cases
  • Great for range trips
  • Cost: $20-$80

Gun Safes:

  • Ultimate security and fire protection
  • Required in some jurisdictions
  • Various sizes: single gun to entire collection
  • Electronic or mechanical locks
  • Cost: $200-$3,000+

Cable Locks and Trigger Locks:

  • Minimum security requirement
  • Often included with new firearms
  • Prevents unauthorized use
  • Cost: $10-$30

What to choose:

  • Minimum: Quality hard or soft case + trigger lock
  • Better: Hard case + small gun safe for home storage
  • Best: Comprehensive gun safe + cases for transport

Legal note: Check your state and local laws regarding storage requirements, especially if you have children in the home.

Browse gun cases and safes

3. Hearing Protection

Why you need it: Firearm noise causes permanent, irreversible hearing damage. A single shot without protection can cause hearing loss.

Noise levels:

  • Normal conversation: 60 dB
  • .22 LR rifle: 140 dB
  • 9mm pistol: 160 dB
  • .308 rifle: 165 dB
  • Shotgun: 165 dB
  • Hearing damage begins at 85 dB

Types of hearing protection:

Foam Ear Plugs:

  • Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 30-33 dB
  • Cheapest option ($0.25-$1.00 per pair)
  • Disposable
  • Can be uncomfortable for extended use
  • Block all sound (can’t hear range commands easily)

Passive Earmuffs:

  • NRR: 22-33 dB
  • Comfortable for long sessions
  • Easy on/off
  • Reusable
  • Cost: $15-$50
  • Popular brands: Howard Leight, 3M Peltor

Electronic Earmuffs (Recommended):

  • NRR: 22-30 dB
  • Amplify ambient sounds (conversations, range commands)
  • Instantly block gunfire
  • Can hear what’s happening around you
  • Essential for instruction or hunting
  • Cost: $50-$300
  • Popular brands: Howard Leight Impact Sport, Walker’s Razor, 3M Peltor Sport

Custom Molded Ear Plugs:

  • Made specifically for your ear canal
  • Maximum comfort for all-day wear
  • Electronic options available
  • Cost: $100-$2,000+ (high-end electronic custom)

Pro tip: “Double up” at indoor ranges—wear foam plugs PLUS earmuffs for maximum protection (indoor ranges are significantly louder than outdoor).

Budget: $20-$100 for quality electronic earmuffs

Shop hearing and eye protection

4. Eye Protection (Shooting Glasses)

Why you need it: Ejected brass, powder residue, ricochets, and debris can cause serious eye injury. Safety glasses are mandatory at all ranges.

What to look for:

Essential features:

  • ANSI Z87.1+ rated (impact resistant)
  • Wrap-around design (side protection)
  • Comfortable fit (you’ll wear them for hours)
  • Anti-fog coating
  • UV protection

Lens options:

  • Clear: General purpose, indoor shooting
  • Yellow/amber: Low light, enhances contrast, great for clay shooting
  • Gray/smoke: Bright outdoor conditions
  • Vermillion/rose: Enhances orange targets

Prescription options: If you wear glasses, you have several options:

  • Over-the-glass (OTG) safety glasses
  • Prescription shooting glasses
  • Safety glasses with insert for prescription lenses

Quality brands:

  • Oakley (premium, excellent optics)
  • Wiley X (ballistic-rated, very protective)
  • ESS (military-grade)
  • Pyramex (budget-friendly, good quality)
  • Howard Leight (affordable, reliable)

Budget: $15-$150 depending on features and lens options

Pro tip: Keep multiple pairs—one in your range bag, one in your gun case, spare pair in your vehicle. You’ll never be without protection.

Browse shooting glasses and safety equipment

5. Ammunition

Why you need it: This seems obvious, but the type and quantity of ammunition matters.

How much to buy:

For practice:

  • Start with 200-500 rounds for rifles
  • 500-1,000 rounds for pistols
  • Buy in bulk (better pricing, ensures consistency)

For self-defense (if applicable):

  • 50-100 rounds of quality defensive ammunition
  • Test your carry ammo (at least 50 rounds without malfunction)
  • Replace carry ammunition annually

Types of ammunition:

Practice/Target Ammunition:

  • Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) for pistols
  • FMJ or soft point for rifles
  • Cheaper than premium ammunition
  • Purpose: Training, skill development, plinking

Match/Competition Ammunition:

  • Premium bullets with tight tolerances
  • Consistent velocity and accuracy
  • More expensive
  • Purpose: Competition, long-range shooting, load development

Defensive/Hunting Ammunition:

  • Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) for self-defense
  • Soft point or ballistic tip for hunting
  • Designed to expand on impact
  • More expensive
  • Purpose: Self-defense, hunting

Storage:

  • Cool, dry location
  • Original boxes or ammo cans
  • Organized by caliber
  • Rotate stock (shoot oldest first)

Budget: Varies widely by caliber, but expect $100-$300 to start with adequate practice ammo

Shop ammunition for all calibers

6. Extra Magazines

Why you need them: For semi-automatic firearms, magazines are a wear item and the most common source of malfunctions.

How many to own:

Pistols:

  • Minimum: 3 magazines (one in gun, two spares)
  • Better: 5-6 magazines
  • Competition/training: 10+ magazines

Rifles:

  • Minimum: 3 magazines
  • Better: 5-10 magazines
  • Tactical/competition: 10-20+ magazines

Why multiple magazines matter:

  • Allows continuous practice (load while shooting)
  • Magazines wear out—have spares
  • Identify problematic magazines
  • Some ranges require loaded magazines before shooting begins

Quality vs. cheap:

  • Factory magazines: Most reliable, more expensive ($25-$60)
  • Aftermarket magazines: Variable quality, cheaper ($10-$30)
  • Pro tip: Buy factory magazines for carry/defensive guns, aftermarket OK for range use

Magazine maintenance:

  • Inspect feed lips regularly
  • Replace springs every 5,000+ rounds or annually
  • Number your magazines to track problems
  • Keep clean but don’t over-lubricate

Budget: $75-$200 depending on firearm type

Browse magazines for all firearms

7. Basic Tools

Why you need them: Field stripping, maintenance, and minor adjustments require basic tools.

Essential tools:

For most firearms:

  • Screwdriver set (hollow-ground bits to prevent screw damage)
  • Punch set (brass or polymer to prevent marring)
  • Small hammer (brass head preferred)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Tweezers
  • Hex key set (many modern firearms use Allen screws)

Firearm-specific tools:

  • AR-15: Armorer’s wrench, bolt carrier group tool
  • Glock: Disassembly tool, sight pusher
  • 1911: Bushing wrench

Multi-tools: Many manufacturers make firearm-specific multi-tools with the most common tools in one package.

Popular brands:

  • Wheeler Engineering
  • Real Avid
  • Fix It Sticks (torque-limiting tools, excellent)
  • Leatherman MUT (military utility tool)

Budget: $30-$100 for a basic set

Shop gunsmithing tools and accessories

Important Accessories for Range Day

These items make range sessions more productive and enjoyable.

8. Range Bag

Why you need it: Organizes and transports everything you need for the range in one convenient package.

What to look for:

  • Dedicated compartments for ammunition
  • Padded pockets for electronics and optics
  • Reinforced construction
  • Water-resistant material
  • Comfortable carry handles or shoulder strap

Size considerations:

  • Pistol shooters: Smaller bag (12-18″)
  • Rifle shooters: Larger bag (18-24″)
  • Multi-gun: Large tactical backpack or roller bag

What goes in your range bag:

  • Ammunition (multiple types/quantities)
  • Magazines (loaded and empty)
  • Hearing and eye protection
  • Tools and cleaning supplies
  • Targets and tape
  • Stapler or target hangers
  • Note pad and pen
  • First aid kit
  • Snacks and water
  • Spare batteries

Popular brands:

  • 5.11 Tactical
  • Savior Equipment
  • Drago Gear
  • GPS (Global Positioning Systems) – specialized range bags
  • Midway USA

Budget: $40-$150

Browse shooting bags and gear

9. Targets and Target Stands

Why you need them: Proper targets help you measure progress, practice specific skills, and provide feedback.

Types of targets:

Paper Targets:

  • Standard bullseye
  • Silhouette (IPSC, IDPA)
  • Precision rifle (NRA, F-Class)
  • Diagnostic targets (shows point of impact tendencies)
  • Cost: $0.25-$1.00 per target

Cardboard Targets:

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to see hits
  • Good for general practice
  • Cost: $0.50-$2.00 per target

Steel Targets:

  • Instant feedback (audible “ping”)
  • Reusable indefinitely
  • More expensive initial investment
  • Must be AR500 or AR550 steel (hardened)
  • Maintain safe distances (minimum 10 yards pistol, 100 yards rifle)
  • Cost: $30-$200+ depending on size

Reactive Targets:

  • Spin targets, poppers, swingers
  • Great for fun and skill development
  • Cost: $50-$300

Clay Pigeons:

  • For shotgunning practice
  • Biodegradable
  • Cost: $8-$15 per box of 90

Target Stands:

  • Portable stands for outdoor shooting
  • Wooden frames with legs
  • Metal portable stands
  • Cost: $20-$100

Shoot-N-C or Splatter Targets:

  • Bullet holes show bright color
  • Easy to see at distance
  • No walking downrange between strings
  • Cost: $1-$3 per target

Budget: $30-$100 to start (reusable steel is best long-term investment)

Shop targets and shooting supplies

10. Shooting Rest or Bipod

Why you need it: Stable shooting platform improves accuracy and helps you isolate your skills from equipment issues.

For rifles:

Shooting Bags:

  • Front and rear bags
  • Filled with sand or lightweight media
  • Stable, adjustable
  • Cost: $20-$80

Bipods:

  • Attach to rifle’s forward sling swivel or rail
  • Adjustable height
  • Swivel and cant options
  • Essential for precision and tactical rifles
  • Cost: $30-$400
  • Popular brands: Harris, Atlas, Magpul

Shooting Benches/Rests:

  • Mechanical rests (Caldwell, MTM)
  • Lead sled (absorbs recoil, great for sight-in)
  • Cost: $50-$300

For pistols:

Handgun Rests:

  • Mechanical rests for accuracy testing
  • Sandbags for support
  • Cost: $20-$150

Budget: $30-$100 for basic quality support

Browse shooting rests and bipods

11. Bore Sighter or Laser Sight Tool

Why you need it: Gets your scope or sights close to zero before firing a shot. Saves ammunition and frustration.

Types:

Laser Bore Sighter:

  • Insert into chamber or barrel
  • Projects laser dot on target
  • Adjust scope/sights to laser
  • Cost: $20-$100
  • Works for rifles and pistols

Magnetic Laser Bore Sighter:

  • Attaches to muzzle
  • Universal fit
  • Less accurate than in-bore type
  • Cost: $15-$40

Optical Bore Sighter (Collimator):

  • Look through device and down bore simultaneously
  • Very accurate
  • More expensive
  • Cost: $100-$300

Budget: $30-$60 for a quality laser bore sighter

Shop scope accessories and tools

Upgrades That Improve Performance

Once you have the essentials, these upgrades enhance your shooting experience.

12. Upgraded Sights

For pistols:

Night Sights (Tritium):

  • Glow in the dark (no batteries)
  • Essential for self-defense guns
  • 10-15 year lifespan
  • Cost: $80-$150 + installation

Fiber Optic Sights:

  • Bright, easy to acquire
  • Great for competition and daylight use
  • Cost: $40-$100

Adjustable Sights:

  • Fine-tune windage and elevation
  • Better than fixed sights for accuracy
  • Cost: $60-$150

For rifles:

Upgraded Iron Sights:

  • Aperture/ghost ring sights
  • Better than factory sights
  • Cost: $50-$200

Optics (Red Dots, Scopes):

  • Dramatically improve accuracy and speed
  • See our “Understanding Scope Specifications” guide
  • Cost: $100-$3,000+

Budget: $50-$200 for pistol sights, $100+ for rifle optics

Browse rifle scopes and sights

13. Sling

Why you need it: Carry your rifle hands-free, stabilize your shooting position, and retain your firearm.

Types:

Single-Point Sling:

  • Attaches at one point near receiver
  • Allows weapon to hang freely
  • Great for tactical applications
  • Quick transitions
  • Cost: $20-$60

Two-Point Sling:

  • Most versatile
  • Attaches at front and rear
  • Traditional carrying method
  • Better weight distribution
  • Cost: $20-$80

Three-Point Sling:

  • Complex design
  • Less popular now
  • Can be awkward

Shooting Slings (Competition/Precision):

  • Tight, stabilizing sling for marksmanship
  • Not for carry
  • Cost: $30-$100

Quality brands:

  • Magpul
  • Blue Force Gear
  • Vickers Sling
  • Viking Tactics (VTAC)

Budget: $25-$60

Shop rifle slings and accessories

14. Weapon Light (For Home Defense Guns)

Why you need it: Identify targets in low light, essential for defensive use. Never shoot at what you can’t identify.

What to look for:

  • Minimum 300 lumens (500+ preferred)
  • Reliable activation switch
  • Durable construction (recoil-rated)
  • Long battery life
  • Fits your firearm

For pistols:

  • Requires rail (Picatinny or proprietary)
  • Integrated or separate activation
  • Consider holster compatibility
  • Cost: $80-$300

For rifles/shotguns:

  • Higher lumen output available
  • Pressure switch options
  • Various mounting options
  • Cost: $100-$400

Popular brands:

  • Streamlight (TLR series – excellent value)
  • SureFire (premium, military-grade)
  • Olight (good budget option)
  • Modlite (high-performance)

Budget: $100-$200 for quality defensive light

Browse weapon lights and lasers

15. Improved Grips

For pistols:

  • Better texture/ergonomics
  • Can dramatically improve control
  • Grip tape, rubber grips, or replacement grips
  • Cost: $15-$80

For rifles:

  • Vertical grips (VFG)
  • Angled fore grips (AFG)
  • Enhanced pistol grips
  • Cost: $15-$60

Popular brands:

  • Hogue (rubber grips)
  • Talon Grips (adhesive texture)
  • Magpul (polymer grips and furniture)
  • Pachmayr (rubber grips)

Shop grips and gun parts

16. Upgraded Trigger

Warning: Trigger work should be done by qualified gunsmiths. Improper installation can create safety hazards.

Why upgrade:

  • Factory triggers often have heavy, gritty pulls
  • Upgraded triggers improve accuracy
  • Better consistency
  • More enjoyable to shoot

Cost: $100-$300 for parts + installation

Popular brands:

  • Geissele (AR-15 triggers – excellent)
  • Timney
  • TriggerTech
  • Apex (for specific firearms)

Browse gun parts and accessories

Specialty Accessories by Activity

For Home Defense

Must-haves:

  • Weapon-mounted light
  • Night sights (pistols)
  • Quick-access safe
  • Spare loaded magazines in safe
  • Defensive ammunition (tested for reliability)

Estimated cost: $200-$400 in accessories

Shop home defense accessories

For Concealed Carry

Must-haves:

  • Quality holster (IWB or OWB depending on preference)
  • Gun belt (stiff, supportive)
  • Magazine carrier
  • Concealment clothing considerations
  • Defensive ammunition

Nice-to-haves:

  • Reload/spare magazine holster
  • Kydex wedge for comfort
  • Weapon light

Estimated cost: $150-$300

See our guide: “Concealed Carry Basics” (coming soon)

Browse holsters and concealed carry gear

For Hunting

Must-haves:

  • Quality rifle scope (see our scope guide)
  • Sling (two-point adjustable)
  • Shooting sticks or bipod
  • Bore sighter
  • Hunting ammunition (match bullet to game)
  • Weather-resistant case

Nice-to-haves:

  • Rangefinder
  • Ballistic calculator or app
  • Rifle cover/sock (protects from weather)
  • Suppressor (where legal)

Estimated cost: $300-$1,000 depending on optic quality

See our guides:

Shop hunting rifles Browse rifle scopes Shop hunting ammunition

For Competition (USPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun)

Must-haves:

  • Competition belt
  • Multiple magazine pouches (5-10)
  • Holster (fast draw, retention level appropriate)
  • 10+ magazines
  • Magazine extensions (capacity)
  • Shot timer (practice)
  • Lots of practice ammunition

Nice-to-haves:

  • Reloading equipment (see our reloading guide)
  • Upgraded sights (fiber optic or red dot)
  • Trigger upgrade
  • Compensator (where allowed)

Estimated cost: $400-$1,000+

See our guide: “Beginner’s Guide to Reloading”

Browse competition gear and accessories Shop magazines Browse holsters

For Long-Range Precision Shooting

Must-haves:

  • Quality scope (4-16x minimum, see our scope guide)
  • Bipod (Harris or Atlas)
  • Rear bag
  • Rangefinder
  • Ballistic calculator/app
  • Data book or notepad
  • Anemometer (wind meter)
  • Quality ammunition (match grade or hand loads)

Nice-to-haves:

  • Kestrel weather meter
  • Spotting scope
  • Level (anti-cant device)
  • Chronograph
  • Ballistic turrets

Estimated cost: $500-$2,000+ depending on optic

See our guides:

Shop precision rifle scopes Browse shooting accessories Shop match ammunition

For Tactical/Modern Sporting Rifles (AR-15, etc.)

Must-haves:

  • Red dot or low-power variable optic (LPVO)
  • Sling (two-point adjustable)
  • Multiple magazines (10+ recommended)
  • Magazine pouches
  • Backup iron sights (BUIS)

Popular upgrades:

  • Upgraded trigger (Geissele, etc.)
  • Free-float handguard
  • Vertical or angled foregrip
  • Weapon light
  • Muzzle brake or compensator
  • Improved charging handle

Estimated cost: $300-$1,500 depending on upgrade level

Browse AR-15 parts and accessories Shop red dot sights Browse magazines

Maintenance Supplies

Beyond the basic cleaning kit, these supplies keep your firearms in top condition.

Cleaning Solvents and Lubricants

Bore Cleaners:

  • Hoppe’s No. 9 (classic, removes powder fouling)
  • Break-Free CLP (cleaner, lubricant, protectant all-in-one)
  • Shooter’s Choice (removes copper fouling)
  • Wipe-Out (foam bore cleaner, very effective)

Copper Removers:

  • Sweet’s 7.62 (strong, effective)
  • Montana X-Treme Copper Cream
  • Only needed occasionally for precision rifles

Gun Oil:

  • Break-Free CLP
  • Rem Oil
  • Ballistol (works on wood, metal, leather)
  • Lucas Gun Oil

Grease (for high-wear areas):

  • Slide rails on pistols
  • Bolt lugs on rifles
  • Any high-friction metal-on-metal contact

Popular brands:

  • Hoppe’s
  • Break-Free
  • Ballistol
  • Slip 2000
  • Frog Lube

Shop gun cleaning supplies

Other Maintenance Items

Cleaning Patches:

  • Cotton flannel (most common)
  • Microfiber (lint-free)
  • Size-specific to your caliber
  • Buy in bulk (100-500 count bags)

Cotton Swabs:

  • Regular Q-tips work fine
  • Useful for detailed cleaning

Toothbrush:

  • New toothbrushes work perfectly for scrubbing
  • Nylon bristles won’t damage finishes

Microfiber Cloths:

  • For wiping down after cleaning
  • For polishing
  • For applying protectant

Rust Preventative:

  • Especially important in humid climates
  • Long-term storage
  • Options: Renaissance Wax, Barricade, Eezox

Budget: $40-$100 for comprehensive maintenance supplies

Browse cleaning supplies and chemicals

Nice-to-Have Tech and Gadgets

Chronograph

What it does: Measures bullet velocity (feet per second)

Why you want one:

  • Essential for load development (if you reload)
  • Verify factory ammunition performance
  • Calculate ballistic data
  • Diagnose problems

Types:

  • Optical chronographs: $100-$200 (Caldwell, CED)
  • Radar chronographs: $500-$700 (LabRadar, Garmin Xero)

Budget: $150-$700

Shop shooting accessories and tools

Ballistic Calculator / App

What it does: Calculates bullet trajectory, wind drift, energy, and drop based on your rifle, ammunition, and environmental conditions.

Options:

  • Free apps (Strelok, Ballistic AE)
  • Paid apps with more features (Applied Ballistics, $30)
  • Kestrel with Applied Ballistics ($600-$800)

When you need it: Long-range shooting beyond 400 yards

Shot Timer

What it does: Records split times between shots and total time for drills.

Why you want one:

  • Track progress objectively
  • Essential for competition training
  • Adds pressure/stress to practice

Cost: $100-$150

Popular models:

  • Competition Electronics Pocket Pro II
  • PACT Club Timer III
  • CED7000

Browse competition accessories

Spotting Scope

What it does: High-magnification viewing of targets at distance (15-60x typical)

When you need it:

  • Long-range shooting
  • Hunting (glassing for game)
  • Checking hits without walking to target

Cost: $200-$2,000+

Popular brands:

  • Vortex
  • Leupold
  • Bushnell
  • Swarovski (premium)

Shop optics and scopes

Action Camera

What it does: Record your shooting sessions for review and improvement.

Why it’s useful:

  • Analyze your form and technique
  • Document load development
  • Create content if you’re into that
  • Review competition runs

Cost: $100-$400 (GoPro, Insta360, etc.)

Safety and Emergency Equipment

First Aid Kit

Why you need it: Ranges can be dangerous. Be prepared for minor injuries (and know where the nearest hospital is).

What to include:

  • Bandages and gauze
  • Medical tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Pressure bandages
  • Tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W)
  • Chest seals (for gunshot wounds)
  • Gloves

Specialized trauma kits: Purpose-built for firearm-related injuries, available from medical supply companies.

Cost: $30-$150

Important: Get training. A tourniquet is useless if you don’t know how to apply it. Consider a “Stop the Bleed” course.

Browse safety equipment

Fire Extinguisher

Why you need it: Fires can occur at shooting ranges (grass fires from muzzle blast, etc.)

Keep in your vehicle if shooting on public land

Cost: $20-$50

Building Your Accessory Collection: A Suggested Order

Day 1 (Immediate Needs) – $150-$300:

  1. Cleaning kit
  2. Gun case
  3. Hearing protection (electronic earmuffs)
  4. Eye protection
  5. Ammunition (practice ammo)

Month 1 (Range Essentials) – $100-$200: 6. Extra magazines (3-5) 7. Range bag 8. Targets 9. Basic tools

Month 2-3 (Performance) – $100-$400: 10. Bore sighter 11. Shooting rest or bipod 12. Sling (if rifle) 13. Better ammunition (test loads)

Month 4-6 (Upgrades) – $200-$800: 14. Optic or upgraded sights 15. Weapon light (defensive guns) 16. Improved grips 17. Quality holster (pistols)

Ongoing (Specialized/Advanced) – Budget varies: 18. Activity-specific accessories 19. Tech and gadgets 20. Reloading equipment (see our guide)

Money-Saving Tips

Buy quality once: Cheap accessories break, wear out, or don’t perform. Quality tools last decades.

Watch for sales: Black Friday, holiday sales, and closeouts offer significant savings on accessories.

Buy in bulk: Ammunition, cleaning supplies, and targets are much cheaper in bulk.

Join a club: Many shooting clubs offer equipment to members (chronographs, spotting scopes, etc.)

Prioritize: You don’t need everything at once. Build your collection based on your actual shooting activities.

Consider used: Optics, safes, and reloading equipment hold value well. Buy used from reputable sellers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Buying the cheapest option False economy. Cheap hearing protection, sights, or cases fail when you need them most.

Mistake #2: Over-accessorizing before shooting Learn what you actually need through experience. Don’t buy every gadget before you’ve fired 500 rounds.

Mistake #3: Neglecting maintenance supplies A $1,000 rifle with no cleaning kit is a recipe for malfunctions and damage.

Mistake #4: Wrong holster for concealed carry Uncomfortable or unsafe holsters sit in drawers unused. Get quality, purpose-built gear.

Mistake #5: Not having enough magazines Magazines fail. Having only one or two means you’re out of commission when (not if) they break.

Mistake #6: Skipping eye and ear protection Permanent hearing loss and eye injuries aren’t worth saving $30.

Mistake #7: Buying accessories that don’t fit Verify compatibility before purchasing (especially magazines, holsters, sights, lights).

Storage and Organization Tips

Organize by activity:

  • Competition kit (all match gear in one bag)
  • Range day essentials (general practice gear)
  • Cleaning station (all maintenance supplies)
  • Hunting kit (season-specific)

Label everything:

  • Ammunition (caliber, type, date purchased)
  • Magazines (numbered, track problematic ones)
  • Maintenance logs

Climate control:

  • Store in low-humidity environment
  • Use desiccant packs in safes
  • Monitor humidity (ideal: 50-60%)

Inventory system:

  • Track what you have
  • Note when items need replacing
  • Helps prevent over-buying

Dedicated space:

  • Reloading bench (if applicable)
  • Cleaning area
  • Storage for ammo and components

Final Thoughts

The accessories you choose should match your shooting activities and goals. A competitive shooter needs different gear than a hunter or a concealed carry permit holder. Start with the essentials, develop your skills, and add accessories as your needs become clear.

Remember:

  • Safety equipment is non-negotiable
  • Quality beats quantity
  • Training matters more than gear
  • Maintenance prevents problems
  • Organization saves time and frustration

Need Help Choosing the Right Accessories?

At Arms East, we stock a complete selection of shooting accessories from trusted manufacturers. Whether you’re setting up your first gun or adding to an extensive collection, our team can help you choose exactly what you need.

Shop by category:

We carry:

  • Complete cleaning kits and supplies
  • Hard and soft gun cases
  • Electronic and passive hearing protection
  • Safety glasses and shooting glasses
  • Magazines for popular firearms
  • Range bags and storage solutions
  • Targets and target systems
  • Bipods, slings, and shooting rests
  • Sights and optics
  • And much more

Contact us for personalized recommendations:


Ready to gear up? Browse our complete selection of shooting accessories and get everything you need for a successful day at the range.

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top