Every shooter knows it’s the little things that make the difference in performance. The right shooting accessories can enhance your safety, comfort, and accuracy whether you’re plinking at the range, competing in an event, or out on a hunt.
Below we cover the top 10 must-have shooting accessories – essential gear (aside from your firearm and optics) that every recreational shooter should have.
1. Electronic Hearing Protection
Example of electronic earmuff hearing protection (SWATCOM Active8 Electronic Ear Defenders).*
Loud gunfire noise (often 140–175 dB) can cause instant and permanent hearing damage without proper protection.
Quality electronic ear defenders are a must-have accessory to safeguard your hearing. Unlike cheap foam earmuffs, modern electronic hearing protectors actively filter out harmful gunshot noise while amplifying safe sounds like voices and range commands. This means you can converse or hear range officers, but the moment you fire, the circuitry blocks the blast noise in milliseconds.
Top-end models like the SWATCOM Active8 or Sordin Supreme Pro X offer built-in microphones and sound compression that limit sound to safe levels (around 82 dB), providing all-day comfort and situational awareness for shooters.
Electronic earmuffs often have high Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR ~25–30) and some instructors require them for training, since being able to hear instructions is crucial. In short, a good pair of electronic ear defenders will protect your ears without isolating you from your environment – truly essential for anyone firing guns regularly.
2. Quality Ear Plugs
While earmuff-style defenders are excellent, high-quality ear plugs are another must-have for shooters – either as primary hearing protection or as a backup. Foam or molded ear plugs can offer NRR values of 25–33 dB, which significantly reduce gunshot noise.
For example, disposable foam plugs with NRR 30 can turn a 140 dB gunshot into a much safer 110 dB noise level. Plugs are low-profile and convenient, great for hot weather or when wearing helmets/hats that make muffs awkward. Many shooters even “double up” by wearing ear plugs under electronic muffs, especially indoors, for extra protection.
Reusable options include filtered or electronic in-ear plugs that allow speech to pass through but still block shots. Some shooters invest in custom-molded plugs for maximum comfort over long sessions. Whether as your primary ear pro on a hunt or a supplement at the range, a set of quality ear plugs ensures you’re never caught without hearing protection.
3. Protective Shooting Glasses
Eye protection is absolutely mandatory whenever you’re shooting. The primary purpose of shooting glasses is to guard your eyes from hazards like flying debris, ricochets, and ejected shell casings. Even a .22 rifle can send hot brass or lead fragments in unpredictable directions, and a stray particle could cause permanent eye injury.
Good shooting glasses are made of shatterproof, ballistic-rated lenses (often polycarbonate) that can withstand high-impact projectiles. They wrap around the sides of your eyes to block fragments coming at an angle. In addition to safety, many shooting glasses also enhance visual clarity and contrast, helping you see targets better in various light conditions. For example, yellow-tinted lenses can improve contrast on overcast days, and some models have anti-fog, anti-scratch coatings for durability.
Always choose eyewear that meets ANSI Z87.1 or MIL-PRF ballistic standards – your regular sunglasses won’t cut it. Whether you’re shooting clays under a bright sun or zeroing a rifle at dusk, a reliable pair of ballistic safety glasses will protect your eyesight and may even sharpen your view of the target.
4. Shooting Gloves
A good pair of shooting gloves can significantly improve your shooting experience. First, gloves give you a better grip on your firearm, especially in sweaty or rainy conditions. “A secure grip is vital for accurate shooting.
Gloves can improve traction, particularly in adverse weather or when sweat is involved,” as one guide notes. This improved grip helps prevent the firearm from slipping or twisting in your hands, which in turn aids accuracy and control. Secondly, gloves protect your hands from various hazards: they cushion against the shock of recoil, shield your skin from hot barrels or spent casings, and prevent blisters during long shooting sessions. Many modern shooting gloves (such as the SWATCOM Fast Fit Tactical Gloves) also have touchscreen-compatible fingertips and reinforced padding in key areas for comfort in “harsh conditions”.
Additionally, if you’re shooting in cold weather, insulated gloves will keep your trigger finger warm and responsive. The key is to get gloves that fit snugly without impeding finger dexterity – you should still feel the trigger. Whether you’re on a tactical carbine course or a winter hunt, quality gloves will enhance your grip, safety, and comfort.
5. Shooting Vest
A dedicated shooting vest is extremely handy for shotgun sports and field shooting. These vests (often used in clay pigeon, trap, or skeet shooting) are designed with padded shoulder panels and plenty of pockets for ammo and accessories.
The shoulder padding makes a big difference when firing dozens of shotgun shells, minimising the damage caused. Shooting vests also include integrated cartridge pouches or loops that let you keep shells within easy reach. Instead of fumbling in a box or bag, you can quickly reload from your vest pockets, maintaining focus on your target.
Many vests use breathable mesh fabrics for ventilation so you don’t overheat in summer, while still being durable. They often have adjustable fits to accommodate various body sizes or layering. Even for rifle or handgun shooters, a vest with pockets can be useful for holding magazines, tools, or spent brass.
6. Range Bag
When heading to the range or into the field, you’ll need a sturdy range bag to carry all your gear. A well-designed range bag is like a shooter’s toolkit: it safely holds your ammunition, eye/ear protection, targets, multitools, and more in one convenient package.
High-quality range bags come with smart organization features – for instance, padded dividers to protect optics and shooting glasses, elastic loops for magazines or choke tubes, and pockets for tools or first aid kits. Durability is key: look for bags with rugged, reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers that can withstand dust, mud, and the weight of ammo without tearing. Many range bags also have a hard or rubberized bottom to keep contents dry and stable.
Carry options (handles, padded shoulder straps) make transport easy, and some even include removable inner bags. By keeping everything in its place – ear defenders in one mesh pocket, targets in another, ammo in loops – a good range bag streamlines your setup and teardown. You’ll spend less time searching for gear and more time shooting.
7. Gun Case or Slip
Whether you’re driving to the shooting range or trekking to a hunting spot, a proper gun case (or soft gun slip) is a must for transporting your firearm safely. A quality case serves multiple important functions: it prevents damage to your firearm, helps avoid accidents, and keeps your gun secure from unauthorized access.
For example, a padded soft gun slip or hard case protects your rifle/shotgun from scratches, bumps, and bad weather during transit. This is especially crucial for maintaining zero on scoped rifles – you don’t want a hard knock throwing off your sights. Safety-wise, enclosing the firearm in a case prevents accidental discharges and keeps the gun unloaded and inaccessible, which is often legally required in many jurisdictions when transporting firearms.
There are two main types: hard cases, usually made of rigid plastic or metal with foam interiors (great for airline travel or maximum protection), and soft cases/slips, made of padded fabric or leather (lighter and ideal for daily range trips). Many cases are lockable for security and have extra pockets for ammo or accessories. Using a case is not just about rules – it’s common sense. It ensures your firearm stays in optimal condition and that you arrive at your shoot with everything (and everyone) safe and sound.
8. Binoculars or Spotting Optic
While not directly attached to your firearm, a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope is an invaluable accessory for many shooting scenarios. If you’re a hunter, binoculars are “one of the most critical tools a hunter can carry” – they let you scout game from a distance, spot movement, and evaluate targets long before the animals are in shooting range.
Quality hunting binoculars (typically 8×42 or 10×42) give you a sharp, magnified view without having to point your rifle at everything, allowing you to glass the field without giving away your position. For target shooters, especially those into long-range rifle shooting, a spotting scope on a tripod can be equally essential. It enables you or a shooting partner to see bullet impacts on distant targets and call adjustments, saving you trips downrange. Even at 100 yards, spotting your tiny bullet holes can be tough with the naked eye – a 20–60× magnification spotting scope makes it easy.
Many competitive shooters also use binoculars or monoculars during matches to observe wind flags or trace bullet vapor trails. And don’t forget rangefinders: a compact laser rangefinder is extremely handy for hunters or precision shooters to measure distance to targets and ensure accurate shots. In short, having some form of optics for observation – be it binoculars around your neck or a spotting scope in your kit – will greatly enhance your situational awareness and shooting effectivenes
9. Ammo Carrier
Efficient access to ammunition is vital for any shooting activity, which is why an ammo carrier makes the must-have list. The type of carrier can vary – shotgun shooters often use a cartridge pouch or shell belt, while rifle/pistol shooters might use magazine pouches or dump bags – but the goal is the same: keep your reloads handy and organized. For shotgun sports or hunting, a belt-mounted shell pouch is extremely convenient.
For example, the SWATCOM Leather Cartridge Pouch attaches to your belt and allows easy one-handed access to fresh shells as you need them. No digging in boxes or pockets; you can drop empties and grab new cartridges fluidly, which is a big help in activities like sporting clays or bird hunting. These pouches are built tough (high-quality leather or heavy nylon) to hold up under field conditions, and many are quite stylish too.
If you shoot a rifle or handgun, you might use a tactical belt or vest with magazine pouches, or even simple plastic ammo boxes for the bench. The key is to avoid having loose rounds rattling around. Having a dedicated ammo carrier keeps your cartridges protected, speeds up reloads, and lets you focus on shooting rather than scrambling for ammo. Plus, it’s safer – reducing the chance of dropping rounds or mixing calibers by mistake.
10. Two-Way Radio and Communication Headset
Communication might not be the first thing that comes to mind for shooting gear, but if you ever shoot with a partner or in a group (guided hunts, team competitions, or even just coordinating on a large range), you’ll appreciate having a two-way radio. In fact, two-way radios (walkie-talkies) have become “extremely popular with hunters,” to the point that many models come in camo and include earpiece headsets specifically catering to shooters.
For hunters spread out in the woods or hills, a radio allows you to quietly coordinate movement, call out spotted game, or check in for safety without yelling and spooking wildlife. Even in shooting competitions or training classes, instructors and range officers often use radios to communicate firing line status or ceasefires.
Pairing a radio with a tactical headset lets you keep your hands free and hearing protected while receiving communications. Some advanced electronic ear muffs can even plug into radios, combining hearing protection with comms. The bottom line: if you’re frequently involved in group shoots, clear communication can be as important as good aim. A reliable two-way radio with a comfortable headset ensures that everyone stays on the same page – enhancing safety and teamwork during your shooting activities.