Brownells' Signature Bags and Cases

Range bags? “Ho-hum.” Gun cases? “Yawn.” When Brownells announced it was offering a new line of bags and cases, I was, frankly, bored with the news. Who’s gonna get excited about a few more gun cases and shooting bags?

Like most compulsive shooters, I’ve lost count of the range bags and gun cases I own. When you get right down to it, one bag or case is pretty much like another Ð at least that’s what I thought until I got my hands on a couple of cases from Brownells’ new Signature lineup. I’d asked Brownells to send me a sample to review for Rifle readers, but when I opened the shipping box, I actually said, “Wow!”

The inside dimensions of the range bag were roughly the same size and shape (7 1/2x7x16 inches) as the other bags I’ve used to tote protective ear muffs, shooting glasses, ammunition, handguns and other paraphernalia to the shooting range. But instead of being made of black nylon or canvas, Brownells’ Signature Leather Pro Shooters range bag is constructed of heavy 4-ounce genuine suede leather. The wraparound carrying handle is brown Cordura¨ nylon and sports a snap-together suede handgrip.

The YKK zipper pulls (all five of them) are made of sturdy brass, and the detachable Cordura shoulder strap also has brass fittings. The main compartment is accessed by pulling two parallel zippers connected by a leather strap, then lifting the long suede cover. All the zippers are solidly double-stitched in place against heavy nylon backings, while a wide VELCRO pad secures the cover at one end.

A pair of sturdy partitions with VELCRO fittings allow you to customize the space inside the main compartment. Separate, full-length compartments on either side contain removable, heavily pile-padded pockets to protect handguns, scopes or other gear. As an added custom touch, a handsome, weathered leather Brownells patch stitched to the outside of the bag serves as an auxiliary pocket for business cards or other small items. Two bottom layers of corrugated, waterproof plastic are positioned at 90-degree angles, allowing the bag to carry seriously heavy loads without buckling.

Okay, it’s just another range bag, but what a range bag! This handsome suede bag should last a lifetime and is guaranteed to catch the eye of other envious shooters.

If you want a larger version to tote more stuff, Brownells’ Pro Shooters Deluxe range bag measures 23x16 1/2x12 inches. This bag isn’t suede leather but is made of rugged 1000 denier Cordura nylon. The Leather Pro Shooters range bag is priced at $129, while the more voluminous Pro Shooters Deluxe bag goes for $246. For more information, go to www.brownells.com.