Dressing for the Range: Keep It Simple

[rg115]

Curious about what everyone thinks about range attire. I've been to the range a few times lately, and it's really made me pay attention to what others are wearing. It's kind of funny because I thought most people would go with the usual tactical gear. But honestly, some folks have shown up in full camo and it just feels a bit much, especially if we're just doing some basic drills or running a couple of mags.

I'm not here to judge anyone's style or anything. Wear what you want! But for me, I prefer to keep it simple. I've been leaning toward jeans, a plain t-shirt, and sturdy boots. It feels comfy, safe (definitely no sandals!), and it doesn't look like I'm gearing up for a military operation.

Am I the only one feeling this way? Are others out there mixing it up with more casual clothes? Just trying to figure out what's cool and what's not when it comes to dressing for a day at the range.

 

[LoProfile]

Jeans and a T-shirt .... But being retired that just normal clothing. I don't wear shorts shooting. I do wear camo cargo pants sometimes. But it's usually what I'm wearing that day anyways

 

[Bonez]

I am at the point where what other people think of my appearance is pretty close to non-existent on my list of cares so I focus on function over form.
As I am cheap and don't like the idea of paying someone else for the privilege of exercising my freedoms and subsequently being subjected to their rules and being crowded around other people I don't know that are in possession of firearms, I always head out to the desert to spread freedom seeds (responsibly so including removing all that I brought and more whenever possible) so I dress accordingly. Usually this consists of attire generally purposed for yard work (e.g. sometimes stained, torn, or in some other form of disrepair); a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun off my face/neck, t-shirt (preferably a long sleeve one to further prevent sun damage), sunglasses suitable for eye protection, and footwear with no holes and decent support / protection. I also usually have some heavy leather gloves for picking up trash others have left behind

This may not be 'cool' or 'tacticool' or whatever, but I would rather get GSR, oil, wax (.22LR coated projectiles) and all the other mess that comes with these activities on crappy clothes than something that is still in decent shape.

 

[oldcorps]

This may sound snobbish but my wife and I, being former law enforcement, have to suppress an out loud laugh when we see people kitted up in full tactical gear at the range. First of all it's hot in the summer. Second, tactical gear is just plain uncomfortable. Jeans and t-shirt for me.

 

[Mad L]

Jeans, comfortable shirt, old tennis shoes or boots depending on the range...one thing I like that makes some people do a double take is my hat; having spent decades renacting, I like my wide brim beaver felt hats, i feel naked shooting without it and it blocks the sun well - besides it's a replica of the hat Jim Bridger sold at his trading post way back when.

Now in winter you spot me wearing my Capote or hand made eastern hunters frock, only because they are comfortable and warm.

 

[Canyon Man]

I too chuckle at the ppl dressed for combat. In Summer, I'm in shorts, thin light weight button down shirt, and tennis shoes. Some type of ball cap usually. I don't wear gun related clothing ever, but I figure you are still in the normal zone if you want to wear a gun related ball type cap at the range. That's about as far i would go with tactical type clothing at the range.

 

[oldcorps]

Thanks Mad.

 

[Mad L]

.....deleted...
Oh well, it appears uploading photos don't work.
Stupid photo and story anyway

 

[Janizary]

Whatever is comfortable for me. Cargo pants in winter, cargo shorts in summer (unless I'm shooting steel plates then pants for spatter protection for the legs), whatever shirt is handy, and a hat to keep the death orb from searing my pate. Add a light coat in the winter (usually not much more than a zippered hoodie unless the wind is blowing). Exactly the same as I dress for any other 'outside' endeavor.

I don't care how other folks dress, that's their business and none of mine. If folks want to come in full gear to train, that's their business.

One anecdote: I was up at BRPC a few weeks back and watched a group of fellows jogging about the members area in full kit with slung rifles. Now that was unusual, but I'm guessing they were likely training to get their heart rate up to simulate stress perhaps? Definitely interesting to see though.