Must Have Accessories for Gun Owners

Accessorizing firearms goes a little beyond just flair and personal style; accessorizing firearms means enhancing functionality, safety, and the overall shooting experience. Accessorizing a firearm is an important part of gun ownership, making sure the firearm is not only well-maintained but also optimized for particular needs-be it home defense, hunting, or merely recreational shooting.

Accessories can greatly extend the capability of a firearm: better accuracy, easier handling, and so on. They are very important in terms of safety and provide additional measures that will help prevent accidents and allow for secure storage. Besides, convenience accessories can streamline everything from transportation to regular maintenance and make gun ownership more manageable and even enjoyable.

In this blog, we go in-depth into some of the accessories every gun owner should have. We will discuss everything from safety essentials, eye protection to maintenance tools such as cleaning kits and lubricants, performance enhancers like optics and grips, and add-ons for convenience such as range bags and holsters. Grab your coffee and enjoy!!

1. Safety Accessories

Gun Safe

Securing your firearms is an owner’s foremost responsibility with guns. The gun safe provides an answer to storage in such a way that it keeps unauthorized access from your guns, keeping them out of the hands of children, guests, or any other potential intruders. In many locations, this is also a legal requirement when not in use.

The several different types of gun safes include varying levels of security and convenience. First, there are:

Biometric Safes: These employ biometric fingerprint recognition and thus allow one to access them without struggling with any combination. Very much ideal in terms of ease and speed in case some emergency requires one to attend to their firearm as fast as possible.

Key-Lock Safes: Traditional and dependable, these safes keep things behind a key for access and usually come a little cheaper.
Combination Safes: These safes blend security with access. They open with a numeric combination. The best type of safe to suit your needs will depend on your needs, budget, and the speed at which you may need to access the firearm.

Trigger Locks

Another measure one may take, but this time more as a supplement to a gun safe or on its own, is using trigger locks. Trigger locks fit over the trigger of the firearm itself, preventing it from firing. This is especially useful in households with children or even when transporting firearms.

Trigger locks are particularly helpful for temporarily securing firearms when access to a safe is not possible, such as when traveling or at a range. However, they should never be installed on a loaded firearm because they do not inhibit the loading of a gun and can cause an accidental discharge if improperly applied.

Eye and Ear Protection

ANSI Z87.1-rated shooting glasses afford an appropriate degree of resistance to impact.
Polarized lenses may reduce glare and thereby enhance visibility in light conditions.
Wrap-around designs afford added protection from debris.

Ear Muffs: These are devices worn over the ear, which are easy and simple to use. They offer very efficient noise reduction. For ear muffs, at least an NRR of 25 is recommended.
Ear Plugs: In-ear protection, lightweight, and portable; normally used along with ear muffs for the best possible protection. The custom-molded provides an excellent fit for outstanding comfort.
Your investment in good-quality eye and ear protection will create a long-lasting atmosphere of safety and comfort while shooting.

First Aid Kit

Accidents do happen, and for this all gun owners should be prepared with some sort of first aid kit specifically for gun injuries. It should be readily available, easily accessible, and suitably equipped to handle the type of injury which could be sustained either at the range or in the field when hunting.
Items to include but are not limited to:

• Tourniquet application: to stop severe bleeding should a gunshot wound occur.
• Hemostatic Gauze: is a type of gauze that helps speed along blood clotting.
• Bandages and Dressings: Assorted sizes for different types of wounds.
• Trauma Shears: To cut clothing to expose injured areas.
• Antiseptic Wipes: For cleaning the wound to prevent infection.
• Burn Cream: Several small burns may be caused by discharged casings.
• CPR Mask: In case resuscitation is needed. Gloves: Protective gloves when administering first aid.

A well-stocked first aid kit and knowing what’s inside and how to use it can make the difference between a life or death emergency.

2. Maintenance Accessories

Cleaning Kits

Cleaning your gun periodically will increase its life and maintain it in prime working order. The residue from rounds fired, along with dirt and moisture inside the gun, can cause corroding and malfunctioning, not to mention the general lack of accuracy. A good cleaning after use can prevent such conditions and allow your firearm to work the way it was intended.

A good cleaning kit should include the following essential tools:

• Cleaning Rods: Long, sturdy rods that allow you to push brushes and patches through the barrel.
• Bore Brushes: Available in different sizes to match the caliber of your firearm, these brushes help scrub away fouling from the bore.
• Patches: Small cloth patches used to apply solvent or oil and wipe the inside of the barrel.
• Jag or Loop: Attachments for the cleaning rod that hold the patches as you push them through the barrel.
• Solvent: A chemical used to break down and remove powder residue, lead, and copper fouling.
• Lubricant/Oil: Keeps moving parts well-oiled to prevent wear and corrosion.
• Nylon Brushes: For scrubbing parts like the bolt, slide, or trigger assembly.
• Cleaning Mat: A mat to protect your work surface and organize tools during cleaning.

Investing in a high-quality cleaning kit and using it regularly will extend the life of your firearm and ensure it performs reliably when you need it most.

Gun Oil and Lubricants

Proper lubrication is one of the most critical aspects of gun maintenance. Without lubrication, friction between moving parts leads to wear and tear, eventual malfunction, and loss of accuracy. Apply gun oil or lubricant regularly to keep the action smooth and to protect it against rust and corrosion.

Choosing the Right Oil:

• All-Purpose Gun Oil: General-purpose light viscosity for most firearms; good balance of lubrication and protection.
• CLP = Clean, Lubricate, and Protect: applied to clean, lubricate, and protect in one simple application.
• Synthetic Oils: These provide superior performance in extreme temperature and heavy-use scenarios.
• Grease: Ideal for high friction areas found in bolt action rifles or semi-automatic pistols that call for a thicker lubricant.

On the other hand, when choosing a lubricant, think about what your firearm will need. A high-caliber rifle with high temperature and pressure may do better with synthetic oil, while the light-used small handgun may be just fine with basic gun oil.

Bore Snake

The bore snake is one of those handy tools that’ll make the task of cleaning the barrel of your firearm really quick and could be done even on-the-go. This flexible fabric tool has embedded brushes that get pulled through the bore in one easy pull to remove fouling and debris.

Advantages of Using a Bore Snake:

• Portable: Small and simple to carry, suitable for use either at the range or in the field.
• Efficiency: It cleans the bore in one pass, saving a lot of time compared to old-school methods.
• Variety: It comes in several sizes to suit various calibers; thus, it will suit your firearm model.

How to Properly Use a Bore Snake:

• Using Solvent: Take a little solvent and apply it to the front end-mostly the thicker, bristle-covered part-of the snake.
• Insert into Barrel: Drop the weighted end of the bore snake into the breech of the gun and allow it to slide through the barrel.
• Pull Through: Firmly pull the bore snake through the barrel from breech to muzzle. The bristles will scrub the bore, while the fabric wipes away residue.
• Repeat if Necessary: If the barrels are heavily fouled, you may need to repeat the process a few times.

The bore snake is a great tool for quick maintenance, but it should not replace a full cleaning session with a proper cleaning kit.

3. Performance Enhancing Accessories

Optics (Sights and Scopes)

One of the best ways to build a firearm’s accuracy and target acquisition is with optics. Whether one shoots close in or out at long distance, the right sight or scope can make all the difference in the world.

Red Dot Sights: These are ideal for quick target acquisition mainly in close to mid-range shooting. The dot is illuminated, thus your proper aim with both eyes opened for quicker instinctive target engagement.

Holographic Sights: Working similarly to a red dot sight but using a more sophisticated reticle and projecting a more intricate aiming point, which may be easier to use in low-light conditions or when engaging targets that are moving.

Scopes: This will be the essential scope for a long-range shot, as magnification will view and target with precision. They come in different magnifications, and your choice depends on your shooting needs—higher magnification for longer distances and lower ones for mid-distance shots.

How Optics Improve Accuracy:

• Enhanced Visibility: Optics provide a clearer view of your target, especially at longer distances, which can significantly improve your accuracy.
• Faster Target Acquisition: Sights like red dots and holographic models allow for quicker alignment with your target, reducing the time it takes to aim.
• Increased Precision: Scopes with magnification enable you to focus on specific target areas, leading to more precise shot placement.

Choosing the right optic depends on your shooting style and the specific use of your firearm, whether for hunting, self-defense, or competitive shooting.

Upgraded Grips

The grip is a very important interface between you and your firearm, directly influencing comfort, control, and even accuracy. The upgraded grips attached to your firearm will most definitely add to a better shooting experience by improving your grip and reducing fatigue in extended use.

Benefits of Customizing Grips:

• Improved Comfort: A well-fitted grip reduces hand strain, especially during prolonged shooting sessions.
• Better Control: Enhanced grips provide a more secure hold, reducing the chances of slipping and improving overall control, which is crucial for accuracy.
• Personalization: Custom grips allow you to tailor the feel of the firearm to your hand size and preferences, making the shooting experience more enjoyable and effective.

Material Options:

• Rubber Grips: Known for their shock-absorbing properties, rubber grips offer excellent comfort and reduce felt recoil.
• Polymer Grips: Lightweight and durable, polymer grips are often textured for enhanced grip and are resistant to wear and tear.
• Custom Molds: For the ultimate in personalization, custom-molded grips are designed to fit your hand perfectly, providing unmatched comfort and control.

Upgrading your grips is a simple yet effective way to make your firearm more user-friendly and performance-oriented.

Extended Magazines

Extended magazines increase the capacity of your firearm, allowing you to carry more rounds without needing to reload as frequently. This can be particularly beneficial in competitive shooting, tactical scenarios, or when using a firearm for self-defense.

When and Why to Use Extended Magazines:

• Competitive Shooting: Extended magazines allow for more rounds before needing to reload, saving time during competitions and providing a tactical advantage.
• Self-Defense: In high-stress situations, having extra rounds without the need to reload can be critical for ensuring your safety.
• Range Practice: Extended magazines reduce the frequency of reloads, allowing for more continuous practice and training.

Considerations for Balance and Weight Distribution: While extended magazines offer obvious advantages, they can also affect the balance and weight of your firearm. A longer magazine can make the firearm feel front-heavy, potentially affecting your aim and control. It’s important to practice with your firearm equipped with an extended magazine to get used to any changes in handling.

Recoil Pads

Recoil pads are designed to reduce the felt recoil when firing a gun, making shooting more comfortable and manageable, especially with high-caliber firearms. They are typically made of rubber or gel and are installed on the buttstock of rifles and shotguns.

How Recoil Pads Reduce Felt Recoil:

• Shock Absorption: The pad absorbs and disperses the energy from the recoil, reducing the impact on your shoulder.
• Increased Comfort: By softening the recoil, pads make it easier to shoot for longer periods without discomfort or bruising.
• Improved Control: Less felt recoil means you can maintain better control of your firearm after each shot, leading to faster follow-up shots and better accuracy.

Different Types and Their Benefits:

• Rubber Recoil Pads: These are the most common and offer a good balance of comfort and durability.
• Gel Recoil Pads: Gel pads provide superior shock absorption, making them ideal for heavy-recoiling firearms.
• Slip-On Recoil Pads: These are versatile and can be easily added to or removed from a firearm, making them a great option for shooters who use multiple guns.

Choosing the right recoil pad depends on your firearm, the type of shooting you do, and your personal comfort preferences.

Other Firearms Accessories

Range Bags

Range bags are for carrying your firearms, ammunition, and shooting gear to and from the range. Most of them have multi-compartments and pockets so that they are able to fit anything from a pistol and magazines to eye and ear protection, tools, and cleaning equipment. A good range bag keeps your equipment safe and easily accessible, helping you stay organized during your time at the range.

Holsters

Holsters are used both for safe carrying and storage of firearms, providing quick access but keeping the gun safe and protected. There is a great variety in the type of holsters, with each one serving a particular purpose:

• IWB (Inside the Waistband) Holsters: These are designed for concealed carry, fitting inside your waistband for discreet carry.
• OWB (Outside the Waistband) Holsters: Often used for open carry, these holsters sit on the outside of your waistband, offering easy access and comfort.
• Shoulder Holsters: Worn under the arm and over the shoulder, these holsters are ideal for carrying heavier firearms or when wearing a jacket.

Speed Loaders

It’s a device that would help the user load as many rounds into the cylinder or magazine of his revolver with just one swift movement. They could be more beneficial to the owners of revolvers and desiring to cut down their reload times on the range or in competitive shooting, but yes, they’re around.

Speed loaders come in different designs, namely circular and linear, and compatible with various calibers. Besides the saving of time, a speed loader also saves the physical energy of manually loading rounds into the cylinders, which can be quite tiring with so much ammunition.

Dummy Rounds/Snap Caps

Dummy rounds and snap caps are types of dummy cartridges used for training and other exercises for firearms, including testing in general, without the danger of live ammunition.

• Dummy Rounds: A replica of a standard round of ammunition but without any powder or primer, rendering it harmless enough to be handled and loaded into weapons for mock exercises. Often used for function testing and teaching safe gun handling.

• Snap Caps: These are similar to dummy rounds in the sense that they are used for practicing dry firing in order to prevent any damage to the firing pin. These have a spring-loaded primer that absorbs the strike from the firing pin, so that damage is prevented and you can continue on practicing trigger control and firing.

Both the dummy rounds and snap caps allow for safe training and honing of shooting skills by allowing gun owners to practice loading, unloading, and firing in a controlled environment.

Conclusion

Accessorizing firearms helps keep the shooter safe, enhances performance, and makes the whole shooting experience more convenient. From essential safety gear like gun safes and eye protection to performance-enhancing optics and upgraded grips, each accessory has its significant place in optimizing functionality for your firearm.

Take a little time to assess your setup and consider where upgrades might benefit you. Investing in the right accessories can improve your shooting, while keeping you prepared, protected, and confident each and every time you handle your firearm.

If you found this article informative and helpful, take a minute to read our other posts. And do not forget to share this information with your fellow gun owners so they too can make informed decisions on what to do with their accessories.