With the Winter Classic just a couple of days away, we thought it was a good time for another tip to keep you runnin’ & gunnin’ on match day...
A spare parts kit is an absolute essential to take out to the range any time that you are shooting, especially match day. There is nothing more frustrating than when you take the time to load up your gear, head out to the range and get all set up, only to have your firearm go down in the first 10 shots...ugh!
I like using small tackle boxes. You can usually pick one up at the local sporting goods store for $10-15. They come in various sizes and can be customized to fit your specific needs. They are also small enough that they easily fit into most range bags. I currently have 2: one for my main USPSA gun and another for multi-gun matches.
What you put into them is the key though! I try to have any part that I would normally replace for regular maintenance, key parts that are known to break in practice/matches and specialty tools for specific firearms. Here is a list of items that I currently am keeping in my spare parts kit for my handgun:
Magazine parts (spring, basepad & follower)
Recoil spring
Firing pin & spring
Extractor (and springs if firearm requires)
Trigger spring
Additional springs per firearm
Guide rod
Slide stop (important for CZ’s,1911’s)
Grip screws
Fire control parts
Bushing wrench (other firearm specific tools)
Fiber for front sight (nail clippers & lighter)
Small screwdrivers
Small Multi-tool
Dental pick
Tweezers
Set of Allen keys
Spare screws, nuts, etc for belt attachments
Syringe of gun line
Small tube of blue Loctite
Batteries for optics, hearing protection, timer
I also keep a mag brush and small flashlight in my bag, but they don’t fit into the kit.
We hope this tip helps keep you shooting the next time you have a firearm go down at the range. If you have other items that you like to keep in your kit, please share in the comments below.
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