Essential Gear for Competition Shooters

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A. Your holster needs for competitive shooting are markedly different than those for concealed carry. Uncle Mikes’ Range/Competition Holster is an affordable outside-the-waistband option constructed of sturdy Boltaron to provide a smooth, consistent draw. This holster is adjustable for ride height so your handgun is exactly where you need it, and a simple polymer belt loop anchors it in place. The Range/Competition holster is available in right- or left-hand configurations for a variety of handguns. MSRP: $40.46; unclemikes.com

B. If there’s anything that will make your life easier (and less painful) when shooting high-round matches, it’s a quality magazine loader like the Caldwell Mag Charger Universal Pistol Loader. Designed to work with both single- and double-stack magazines, the Universal Pistol Loader can make quick work of loading most common-caliber magazines. Lock the magazine in place, drop a round into the loader, squeeze the handle and repeat until the magazine is full—what could be easier MSRP: $30.99 caldwellshooting.com

C. Having lots of loaded magazines readily available is imperative for keeping up in competition, and stowing them all in one place makes life much easier. Tuff Products’ Original InLine Magazine Pouch holds five single- or double-stack magazines side-by-side in a double-layered, 1,000-Denier nylon pouch. Straps on the back of the pouch allow for attachment to a belt or MOLLE-compatible pack, so this is a bit of gear you can use both for competitive purposes and for general range trips. Available in black or tan. MSRP: $42; tuffproducts.com

D. An invaluable tool for practice, and a necessity for the competitive shooter, the PACT Club Timer III keeps track of your critical shooting data. The Club Timer III records multiple shots in a single string, time to your first shot, split times and each shot time. It allows par times to be employed to make sure you’re on target in time, and has an extra-loud buzzer so you’re certain to hear it even on indoor ranges with doubled-up hearing protection. MSRP: $129.95; pact.com

E. When you’re at a match, you might not have room for a toolbox full of helpful gear, but the Gun Tool AMP – Pistol from Real Avid brings a number of useful items in a small package. With nine common bits and driver, four hex keys, file, pick, punch and a blade, most ordinary needs are covered. The Gun Tool AMP packs a lot of utility into something you can carry on your belt or clip to your range bag. MSRP: $69.99; realavid.com