by Dr. Jim and Mary Clary
G.P.S. Large Rolling Range Bag review and field trial.
United States -(AmmoLand.com)- Like most shooters, we have purchased and used a variety of bags to carry our equipment out to the range.
They are available online as well as in most of the big-box stores. Yet, all of these bags share some common problems. They are poorly manufactured from thin material, usually single stitched with thread that rots out or breaks over time and fitted with cheap plastic zippers and snaps.
All these wonderful features are available at prices that range from $20 to $50.
As a result, a lot of shooters have simply given up trying to find a durable range bag and have reverted to boxes, duffel bags or a combination of smaller bags.
The G.P.S. Rolling Range Bag is unique to the market. This new range bag is constructed with the same strong materials used in high quality luggage. A rigid internal frame with 6 metal rivets ensure its long term durability. That means this bag will stand up to being bounced about in the back of your car/truck, dropped on the ground, rained on and generally “beat up” at the range. When empty, it doesn’t collapse in a heap, even when wet, because of the internal frame. And, it features a first in range bag technology, oversized ATV wheels, a wide mouth top opening and a telescoping handle for easy transport. It is now possible to have all of your ammo, pistols and shooting gear in a single wheeled range bag. This bag rolls easily over gravel and dirt.
This bag (like all of the G-Outdoor products) is fitted with oversized lockable zippers with nylon pulls. The lockable zippers are essential if you live in California or other states which require handguns to be in locked cases during travel. The base-attachment points for the auxiliary carry straps are box stitched and reinforced for strength. And, throughout the entire bag, nylon thread is used to prevent mildew and rot. This bag is tough!
This bag was obviously designed by a shooter for shooters, with “little” extras throughout to insure that it meets the demands of the most discriminating individual. The front flap that closes over the magazine storage area is reinforced to prevent fraying and wear on the front of the bag. This area holds 10 magazines and there is room inside the bag if you have extras. The pockets for shooting glasses and ear protection are lined with velour for extra protection.
The internal handgun pockets allow the shooter to store two medium and one small frame handguns which allows better organization at the range. There is a pocket for your ear muffs, tape/pasters, a small stapler, binoculars and more.
G-Outdoors doesn’t do anything “halfway”; they included a small plastic utility box for emergency tools or cleaning supplies. If all of the above has not convinced you that this bag is a “must have” for every shooter, we have saved the best for last.
The patent pending “Visual ID Storage System” has found a home on this bag. The photo realistic icons are strategically placed on specific pockets to maximize the protection and storage of each item. Not only do these icons take the work out of organizing your stuff, it makes it easy to quickly check your bag before heading home to insure that everything is present.
The G.P.S. Rolling Range bag has an MSRP of $169.99, (we found it way cheaper online), but worth every penny.
About the only thing you can’t put into this range bag is a cast iron tripod front rest…… but, I did try.
About Jim and Mary Clary:
Jim and Mary Clary have co-authored over three hundred and fifty articles, (and counting) on shooting and hunting. You can read many of them on AmmoLand News.