Rifles are great for a variety of purposes from hunting to target practice. Many of us enjoy spending our weekends out shooting, enjoying nature, and hanging with our friends. Buying a new rifle to take with you to these shoots will up your shooting game and your enjoyment levels.
Each time you go out with your rifle, you’ll likely need a few accessories. From sights to protection, there are many essentials that every gun owner should have. With that in mind, take a look at our list of accessories that every new rifle owner should pair with their new gun below. These are the best and most useful extras you could need for your rifle.
Red Dot Sights
Shooting is all about accuracy, which is why we add sights to our guns. Sights with red dots are preferred by many shooters these days because as opposed to traditional crosshairs, they place the target and the reticle in almost the same focal point for the user. This means higher accuracy, quicker focus, and an all-around easier experience when aiming. There are also view 34mm scope rings that assist with sights.
It is for these reasons that many professional speed-shooting sportspeople opt for red dot sights. They are usually more expensive than traditional sights, but that’s because they’re an upgrade. We recommend anyone who wants to get serious about their rifle use gets red dot sights as soon as possible! This is of course dependent on whether your rifle platform supports the use of a red dot sight or if there are alternatives which work just as well. If you’re using the Armalite platform, with a model such as the AR-15, then you might see it more beneficial to use an ar-15 carry handle with a2 rear sight attached. This provides you a comfortable carry method whilst also giving you the functionality of a sight with the ability to adjust for elevation, which can provide more useful than a static red dot sight.
Tactical Gun Bag
Of course, often we do our shooting away from home. This is no problem, as long as we can transport our firearms safely from one place to the other. In many states, the rules differ on how you can and cannot transport a firearm, so make sure you are aware of these rules before heading out.
Whether the gun needs to be dismantled or not, a proper gun bag will come in handy. These bags are lightweight so as not to slow you down, whilst protecting your rifle efficiently. Their extra pockets for ammo, straps, and other gear are a bonus. In any case, whether you plan to travel often or not, we recommend a proper gun bag.
Bipod
A bipod may not be for everyone. If you are essentially going to be shooting mostly at close range or while on the move, you may not think one is necessary. However, if you have any intention of long-range or competition shooting, a bipod is an essential item. The way a bipod will steady your aim for long-range shooting is far better than you will ever achieve resting on your arms alone. Combine this with your red dot sights and you’ll be distance shooting better than ever before!
Weather Centre
Alongside that bipod, if you’re serious about distance shooting, you should grab a portable weather center. When shooting at greater and greater distances, the wind and weather conditions have serious effects on the flight of a bullet. A portable weather center, small enough to fit in your tactical bag without adding much weight is just another way to up your long-range game. Once you know how to understand the weather readings and how to adjust your shot accordingly, you’ll find yourself shooting – and shooting well – at distances that you never thought possible before.
Gun Cleaning Kit
It is essential to use items like gun oil and a scrubber to look after your firearm properly.Part of this is with regular cleaning because if you don’t regularly clean the barrel of your rifle it will become more and more worn, pitted, and inaccurate. This will have a serious negative impact on your shooting abilities as the gun will start to hold you back. If you’re paying top dollar for a gun and all these accessories, you probably want to look after them properly!
Ear Protection
Finally, it’s always worth considering protecting yourself when shooting. You likely have glasses, proper boots, and hiking gear, but do you have anything to protect your ears from the sound of your and your buddy’s rifles? Depending on the age, make, and model, rifles can be surprisingly loud. It is very important to look after your ears. Repeated exposure to these loud noises will slowly damage them, causing long-term hearing damage, tinnitus, or even deafness. Simple earplugs will do, but proper ear defenders or even molded earplugs are the ideal choices.
These are our absolute must-haves for the new rifle owner. Whether it’s your first gun ever or just the newest rifle in your collection, each of these additions will improve both the shooting of that rifle and your enjoyment of it. Get out there and get hunting, while making sure you stay safe and responsible with your firearms.
