The Complete Checklist of Essential Firearm Accessories

Have you recently brought home your first firearm? Whether you are an aspiring hunter, a target shooter, a backyard can shooter, or you are looking to increase self-defense, gun ownership is a privilege and a right that comes with great responsibility.

But buying a gun by itself is just half the story. There are many firearm accessories you should also invest in to make shooting your new gun easier and more enjoyable. Having the right gun accessories also means it’s easier to store your gun when not in use, easier to take with you to the range, and easier to keep in optimal condition.

There are hundreds of accessories you could waste your money on, but there are really only a few that you actually need. Keep reading to learn what firearm accessories you need for different types of guns to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Firearm Accessories On the Gun

First off, you’ll need a couple of other things to add to your gun. These will improve the shooting experience on the range or in the field.

Scope

Few things are as important as a scope. If you have a rifle, investing in quality glass for your gun is vital. Many people spend about the same amount of money on a scope as they do the rifle itself. Scopes will radically improve accuracy and allow you to take shots up to 300 yards or more, depending on the gun you have.

If you have a shotgun, consider a red dot sight instead. And even on handguns, you can add a scope or new sight to improve your accuracy.

Sling

If you have a large firearm, such as a rifle or shotgun, it helps to have a sling on it. A sling makes it much easier to carry around in the field or the backyard. This is especially important for hunters, who may walk for miles while searching for animals and spots to hunt.

Magazine Extension

Many guns have small ammo-carrying capacities. This is especially true for shotguns and some handguns.

Luckily, it’s easy to increase the number of rounds you can load into your gun by picking up a magazine extension made to fit your specific firearm. These let you shoot more rounds at a time, making it more fun to operate.

Muzzle Brake

If you are a new shooter, you are probably annoyed by the amount of recoil your gun has. Recoil is the amount your gun bounces back at you after each shot. Some more powerful guns have serious recoil, which can make your arms sore after a while.

You can reduce the amount of recoil on your firearm by adding a muzzle brake. These devices redirect the flow of gas after each shot, helping to direct the movement of your gun in the opposite direction. This can make it more enjoyable for new or young shooters to get used to a particular gun.

Firearm Accessories At Home

Your firearms are going to spend most of their time in your house. Here are the accessories you need for gun safety at home.

Cleaning Kit

Firearms will operate most effectively when they are kept clean. After each shot, debris builds up inside your gun, thanks to exploding gun powder.

You’ll want to clean your guns at least a few times per year. If you shoot regularly, you may want to clean them once a month. A gun cleaning kit has all the supplies needed to quickly clean and protect rifles, shotguns, or handguns.

Gun Safe

If you have multiple firearms, consider a gun safe. These allow you to store all of your rifles, shotguns, and handguns in one safe, secure place. Not only will they be kept safe from inexperienced shooters, such as children, but they will be kept safe in case of a break-in as well.

Gun safes can keep your firearms locked away, as well as kept safe from dust and debris.

Ammo Container

You likely have lots of ammunition laying around as well. With national ammo shortages, many people have to stock up on excess rounds anytime they find some in the store.

Don’t just stick them in your closet. Keep them in pristine condition by getting a proper ammo container, which keeps out dust, debris, moisture, and light.

Gun Accessories On the Go

You’ll likely need to take your gun to the shooting range or out into the field to practice your shots from time to time. These accessories will make that easier and safer.

Holster

If you have a handgun, you also want to have a holster. These let you carry them around your waist, which is perfect for the range. In between shots, you’ll need a place to set your gun while you reload magazines and set up new targets.

Phlster has a great selection of holsters and handgun accessories. Learn more here about the current selection of accessories you should try.

Gun Case

Regardless of what types of firearms you use regularly, you’re going to want a gun case. In most states, guns need to be properly cased and stored away from the driver, such as in the trunk of your car when driving around.

A case will protect your firearm from sliding around or getting debris into the barrel or action. A case is also necessary when carrying your gun from your car and into the shooting range, gun store, or anywhere else you may need to carry your firearm.

Range Bag

If you visit the shooting range often to practice your shots, you should also have a range bag. These make it super convenient to visit the range frequently. You can store ammunition, additional magazines, cleaning supplies, targets, shooting aids, ear and eye protection, and anything else you need while target shooting.

Be a Responsible Gun Owner

Guns are fun to shoot. But they are even more fun to shoot when you have the right firearm accessories.

From the gun itself to your storage options at home and on the go, there are tools you need to be a safe and responsible firearm owner. Make sure you buy all of the above as soon as possible to keep your gun safe and to maximize each target shooting session.

Looking for more tips like this? Visit our blog today to keep reading.