Shooting & Range Accessories

Top Shooting & Range Accessories: Best US Stores to Buy Gear

Why the right shooting and range accessories matter

Buying the right shooting and range accessories is like picking the right pair of hiking boots — they can make the difference between a comfortable, confident outing and a frustrating, risky one. Whether you’re a new shooter learning the ropes or a seasoned hunter dialing in long-range accuracy, small upgrades — quality hearing protection, a reliable range bag, or a set of realistic targets — can radically improve safety, accuracy, and enjoyment.

How to choose accessories that actually help

Start with a list of your priorities: safety, comfort, accuracy, or convenience. Ask yourself questions like “Do I need a hearing solution for indoor ranges?” or “Will I be carrying this gear over long distances while hunting?” Then match features to needs: level-dependent ear protection for range time, sealed optics for wet conditions, and durable materials for items that take a beating in the field. Keep it simple — buy fewer things that perform well rather than a pile of junk.

Top US stores for shooting and range gear — overview

There are several reputable US retailers where shooters often shop for accessories. Some specialize in firearms parts and gunsmithing tools, others are outdoor superstores with a broad selection, and a few online retailers focus on optics and competition gear. Below are trusted places to start your search, with comments on what each does best.

Cabela’s — outdoors-focused selection

Cabela’s is a solid choice if you want one-stop shopping for hunting and range accessories. You’ll find everything from high-quality range bags and hearing protection to hunting-specific optics and clothing. Their stores and website tend to carry well-known brands, which makes Cabela’s a great place to touch and feel gear before committing.

Bass Pro Shops — integrated outdoor experience

Bass Pro Shops mirrors Cabela’s with an emphasis on the outdoors lifestyle. It’s a good source for rugged range accessories like weatherproof cases, durable binoculars, and field-ready optics. If you like shopping where the product displays are curated to real-world use, Bass Pro is worth checking out.

Brownells — gunsmithing and technical parts

If you geek out about tools, parts, and upgrades, Brownells is a go-to. This retailer is beloved by builders and armorers for barrels, magazines, maintenance kits, and specialized range tools. Expect detailed spec sheets and a wide selection of components for custom projects or in-depth maintenance.

MidwayUSA — competitive shooting and reloading gear

MidwayUSA focuses heavily on reloading, competition shooting, and tactical accessories. Their catalog covers brass, dies, precision ammo components, and competition-grade targets. If you reload or compete, MidwayUSA’s selection and pricing are hard to beat.

OpticsPlanet — optics and specialized range equipment

When optics are your top priority, OpticsPlanet is a strong option. They specialize in scopes, red dots, rangefinders, and mounting solutions, plus a large array of protective eyewear and night-vision gear. For anyone who values optical clarity and reliable mounts, OpticsPlanet’s filters and brand depth are helpful.

Academy Sports + Outdoors — value with variety

Academy Sports + Outdoors is a favorite for value-conscious shooters. Their selection includes essential range accessories like targets, ear and eye protection, and carry cases without breaking the bank. For beginners building a first kit, Academy often offers practical bundles and discount-friendly options.

Sportsman’s Warehouse — regional outdoor specialist

Sportsman’s Warehouse blends hunting tradition with modern shooting gear. Their stores are great for local shooters who want knowledgeable staff and a range of brands geared to both field hunting and range practice. They tend to stock a good mix of mid-tier and premium accessories.

Amazon and Walmart — convenience and breadth

For sheer convenience and fast shipping, Amazon and Walmart are hard to beat. They carry a massive range of products across price points, from basic range targets and disposable earplugs to premium electronic muffs. The tradeoff is variability in quality and the need to vet sellers and read reviews carefully.

Must-have shooting and range accessories and where to buy them

Let’s walk through specific accessories every shooter should consider and point out which shops tend to carry the best options for each item.

Hearing protection — muffs and electronic ear plugs

Protecting your hearing is non-negotiable. Electronic earmuffs with sound amplification and instant compression are ideal at indoor ranges, and passive muffs or tight-fitting earplugs work well outdoors. Stores like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Academy carry mainstream brands such as Peltor and Howard Leight, while OpticsPlanet and Amazon might stock higher-end or niche models.

Eye protection — ballistic-rated glasses

Ballistic-rated eyewear prevents eye injuries and improves focus in bright conditions. Look for ANSI Z87.1-rated lenses, wraparound styles, and anti-fog coatings. OpticsPlanet and MidwayUSA have deep eyewear catalogs, while big-box retailers carry affordable options for casual range days.

Targets and target systems

Targets range from simple paper to steel reactive plates. If you want immediate feedback, visit MidwayUSA or Brownells for steel targets and AR500 plates rated for different calibers. For economical practice, buy paper and silhouette targets from Academy or Walmart; they’re cheap and easy to replace.

Range bags and cases

A sturdy range bag keeps your gear organized and protected. Look for compartments for muffs, ammo boxes, and cleaning kits. Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops offer heavy-duty soft and roller cases, while Amazon has a vast selection of budget and premium options.

Cleaning kits and maintenance tools

Regular cleaning preserves accuracy and function. Brownells is especially strong here — they offer brushes, solvents, bore guides, and gunsmith tools. MidwayUSA and Cabela’s also carry cleaning kits suitable for rifles, shotguns, and handguns.

Optics and mounts

Optics are often the most personal piece of gear. For tactical or competition optics, OpticsPlanet and MidwayUSA offer a wide range of scopes, red dots, and laser aiming modules. Brownells is useful for mounting hardware and gunsmith-level scope bases and rings.

Stands, rests, and shooting supports

Whether you’re zeroing a rifle or bench-testing a new load, shooting rests and tripod supports stabilize shots. Brownells and MidwayUSA carry precision rests and bags for benchwork; Cabela’s and Bass Pro often have portable supports geared to hunters in the field.

How to evaluate store selection and authenticity

Quality varies across retailers and sellers. When you shop, check product specs, return flexibility, and user reviews. For technical gear like electronics or optics, look for authorized dealers who support warranties. For generic items like targets or bags, reputation and price are the primary factors.

Online vs. brick-and-mortar: what to choose

Shopping online gives you access to a vast catalog and customer reviews, while physical stores let you inspect fit and finish. If you want to test an optics’ eye relief or try on earmuffs, visiting Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops is ideal. For hard-to-find parts and gunsmith tools, Brownells or MidwayUSA’s online catalogs are unbeatable.

Budgeting: get the most bang for your buck

Set a budget per accessory and prioritize safety items first: hearing and eye protection get top priority, followed by a proper range bag and reliable targets. Look for seasonal sales at big retailers, clearance bins at specialist shops, and bundle deals that package several essentials together to save money.

Shopping tips: make smarter purchases

Compare prices across several stores, read verified reviews, and avoid impulse buys based on flashy marketing. If possible, try items in person and test for comfort. For electronics, check battery life specs and warranty details. Finally, keep a small notebook or phone list tracking what works and what doesn’t — it helps refine future purchases.

Safety first: accessories that increase range safety

Some accessories don’t just improve performance — they prevent accidents. A quality chamber flag, a reliable firearm lock for safe transport, and clear ballistic backers or safe-distance markers all add layers of safety at the range. Stores like Brownells and MidwayUSA carry a variety of range-safety items that are inexpensive but essential.

Specialty stores and niche gear worth exploring

If you’re into competition shooting, tactical training, or long-range hunting, explore specialty shops that cater to those communities. MidwayUSA excels in reloading supplies, Brownells is deep on gunsmithing, and OpticsPlanet offers high-end optics. These niche retailers can provide expert-level gear and technical support that general retailers may not.

Where to find professional advice and product comparisons

Beyond product pages and reviews, seek out comparison guides and community forums. Many shooting communities publish gear roundups and in-the-field reviews that help separate hype from reality. Use these resources to learn how a product performs over time and in real conditions.

Putting it all together: building a practical kit

Start small: pick a pair of electronic muffs, ballistic eyewear, a basic cleaning kit, a quality range bag, and a box of reliable targets. As you gain experience, add optics, specialty rests, and reloading tools based on your shooting style. Prioritize durable, multi-use items — they’ll save money and make every session more productive.

Final thoughts and buyer mindset

Buying shooting and range accessories is a blend of safety-first thinking and smart shopping. Don’t chase every new gadget — instead, invest in core essentials, buy from reputable stores, and lean on user reviews and comparison resources when in doubt. With the right gear in your bag, you’ll enjoy safer, more accurate, and more satisfying range time.

Conclusion: The best accessory is the one that keeps you safe and gets you back to the range or the field sooner. Shop wisely, compare trusted retailers, and build a kit that matches your goals — whether that’s hunting season success or hitting tighter groups at 100 yards.