Essential Gear for Rifle/Pistol Training: What You Really Need to Bring
- Rick Crawley
- May 29
- 3 min read
Whether you're attending your first firearms training course or you’re a seasoned shooter looking to maximize your time on the range, the gear you pack can make or break your experience.
Most instructors will provide a basic packing list and round count, but that’s just the start. The reality is that being overprepared can mean the difference between valuable reps and sitting out a drill because something went down.
At Achilles Heel Tactical, we’ve trained thousands of shooters across the country and in Europe.
Based on that experience, here's our deep dive on the essential gear for rifle/pistol training, including often-overlooked items that keep you squared away when others are scrambling.
The Basics: Gear You Have to Bring
Let’s start with the obvious. These items are the bare minimum:
Rifle and/or pistol (depending on the course)
OWB battle belt setup with holster, pistol mag pouches, and rifle mag pouches
Enough ammo to meet the course requirement—plus an extra 10-15% in case of malfunctions or makeup drills and additional reps
Spare magazines for both platforms
Eye and ear pro
*Be sure to check the course pages for the minimum required gear.
What Most Shooters Forget
Spare Parts and Backups
Firearms break. Period. If you have the ability, bring a spare rifle and/or pistol. If that’s not in the cards, at least pack:
A spare bolt carrier group for your AR
A spare slide or recoil spring assembly for your pistol
Spare batteries for red dot optics—because they always die when you’re halfway through a drill
A multi-tool and cleaning cloth for quick fixes
Pro tip: If your optic uses CR2032 batteries, bring at least two extras. And if another student’s red dot fails, you just became the class MVP.
Trauma Kit / IFAK and Tourniquet
At Achilles Heel Tactical, we don’t just train you to shoot—we train you to survive.
Always pack a trauma kit (IFAK) and a tourniquet that is easily accessible with either hand.
Bonus if you know how to use them (and you should).
Range Efficiency Tools
Dump Pouch
A dump pouch isn’t just for spent mags. Use it for:
Holding target pasties and a Sharpie
Stowing gloves, snacks, and water on the fly
Keeping trash off the range
Target Pasties
These little stickers are gold. After every drill, the class has to patch up holes before moving on.
If you show up with your own roll of target pasties, you’re not only helping out—you’re speeding up the timeline and maximizing reps for everyone.
Don’t Sleep on Clothing
You’d be surprised how many students show up in jeans and a T-shirt, only to regret it after the first hour. Here's what we recommend:
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key)
A rain jacket, even if the forecast looks clear
Spare socks and a T-shirt (trust us—this Marine Corps trick can save your day)
Ball cap or boonie for sun protection
Gloves (optional, but helpful for rifle training drills)
Notebook and Sharpie: Your Best Training Tools
You’re not just here to shoot. You’re here to learn. A small notebook and a Sharpie let you:
Jot down course of fire details for later practice at your local range
Record performance data from drills such as the DOPE drill (If you’re not tracking data, you’re not progressing)
Final Checklist: Pack This Gear
Rifle + Pistol (Obvious, right?)
Spare Mags (Minimum of 3 rifle and 3 pistol)
OWB Battle Belt Setup
Eye + Ear Pro
Trauma Kit + Tourniquet
Spare Parts + Batteries (Keep yourself (and others) in the game)
Target Pasties (Help reset faster between drills)
Dump Pouch (Carry everything from mags to tape and water)
Rain Jacket, Extra Socks, T-shirt (Stay comfortable and focused)
Notebook + Sharpie (Learn and retain what matters most)
Ready to Train Like a Professional?
Gear can’t replace mindset or skill, but it sure helps you maximize your time on the range. The students who come prepared walk away with more reps, better insights, and fewer avoidable setbacks.
At Achilles Heel Tactical, our rifle and pistol courses are designed to exploit weaknesses and push your limits in a safe and conducive environment. Our instructors are seasoned professionals who will push you to elevate your performance, mentally and physically.
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