The Ultimate Guide to Shooting Range Accessories in the UK: Buy Smart, Shoot Safer

Why the right shooting range accessories matter

If you’re heading to the range or prepping for a day in the field, the right accessories can make a huge difference. Think of accessories as the unsung heroes of accuracy, comfort, and safety — the way a good pair of boots transforms a hike, the right ear protection and mats transform a shooting session. They help you shoot better, stay safer, and protect your kit so it lasts longer.

Core categories to consider

Shooting range accessories cover a wide range of items. To make sense of the market, break them down into categories: hearing protection, eye protection, targets and target stands, shooting mats and benches, cleaning and maintenance kits, ammunition storage and reloading gear, optics and spotting scopes, and range bags and cases. Each category has options from budget to premium, and understanding which you need will save you money and frustration.

Hearing protection

Good ear defenders or electronic ear muffs are non-negotiable if you regularly shoot at the range. Electronic models amplify quiet sounds like range commands but clamp down when a loud shot occurs. For most shooters, a pair with at least a 25 dB noise reduction rating is a safe baseline.

Eye protection

Polycarbonate shooting glasses with anti-fog coatings keep debris and glare out of your eyes. Clear lenses for indoor ranges and shaded lenses for bright outdoor days are an easy swap. Look for wraparound designs and ANSI-rated lenses for impact resistance.

Where to shop in the UK: trusted retailers and what they specialize in

Shopping for shooting accessories in the UK means choosing between high-street outdoors shops, specialist firearms suppliers, and large online marketplaces. Below are reputable options that cover a broad spectrum of needs, from low-cost basics to specialist reloading gear.

Decathlon

Decathlon is a great starting point for budget-friendly basics like range bags, ear protection, and shooting gloves. Their products are geared toward practicality and affordability, so if you’re starting out and want to kit up without spending a lot, Decathlon often has solid value choices.

Go Outdoors

Go Outdoors stocks a broad selection of outdoor and shooting-related gear, including shooting mats, backpacks, and some optics. It’s a handy place to try items in person and compare sizes and comfort before buying. They often have seasonal sales which can be useful for picking up larger items like spotting scopes.

Brownells UK

For specialised firearm accessories, Brownells UK is a recognised name. You’ll find cleaning kits, maintenance tools, reloading supplies, and small parts. If you’re into reloading or need precision tools and spare parts, specialist suppliers like Brownells tend to provide a deeper, more technical catalogue than generalist stores.

Screwfix

Screwfix is known for tools and worksite safety, but it’s also a surprisingly good source for sturdy hearing protection, cases, and workshop cleaning supplies that double as gun-cleaning materials. If you need durable, no-nonsense equipment — think heavy-duty toolboxes or commercial-grade ear defenders — a hardware supplier is worth checking.

Amazon UK

Amazon offers huge choice and quick delivery. You’ll find everything from targets and cheap ear plugs to premium spotting scopes. The key with marketplaces is vetting sellers and reading reviews carefully to avoid counterfeit or low-quality products. Prime delivery can be handy if you need an item before a shooting session.

Cotswold Outdoor / Blacks

Cotswold Outdoor (part of the Blacks family) focuses on outdoor pursuits and stocks performance layers, backpacks, and optics that can be useful for shooters who combine hiking and field sports. Their clothing and packs are built for long days outdoors and often include technical features like weatherproofing and modular storage.

Sports Direct

Sports Direct can be a place to pick up basic accessories like gloves, utility belts, and some protective items at low prices. Their selection isn’t specialist, but for low-cost add-ons and apparel it’s worth a glance, especially during sales.

Halfords

Although Halfords is best known for car and cycling gear, they stock storage cases, toolboxes, and general-purpose optics and mounts that can be repurposed for range use. If you need a sturdy case to transport equipment, larger DIY retailers and automotive shops often carry hard-shell solutions rated for travel and impact protection.

How to choose the right items for your shooting needs

Buying the right accessories depends on what you shoot, how often, and whether you’re a beginner or seasoned competitor. Think in terms of safety, comfort, and performance. Start with the essentials — hearing and eye protection, a basic cleaning kit, and a target setup — then add tools like a spotting scope or reloading gear as your needs grow.

Assess frequency and environment

If you shoot weekly at an outdoor range, invest in higher-end ear defenders and a weather-resistant spotting scope. If you only shoot occasionally at an indoor club, a solid pair of basic ear plugs and a lightweight range bag may be all you need.

Prioritize safety first

Never skimp on protective gear. It’s the one area where a cheaper product can cost you long-term hearing or eye damage. Choose certified products and replace consumables like foam earplugs regularly — foam plugs should be swapped after each day of use to maintain effectiveness and hygiene.

Budget buys vs premium upgrades

Budget shopping makes sense for one-off accessories or items that wear out quickly, such as paper targets or basic gloves. For things that directly affect performance — triggers, scopes, reloading dies, and quality cleaning rods — a mid-range or premium product will often save money in the long run by lasting longer and delivering consistent results.

When to upgrade

Upgrade when your gear limits your accuracy or comfort. If you’re topping out on what you can do with a standard spotting scope, a better optic will let you see small groups at 100 yards. If your hearing protection is uncomfortable, you may avoid wearing it — so comfort matters as much as attenuation rating.

Must-have accessories list for every shooter

Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced shooter, some items belong in every kit. They’re straightforward additions that help safety, performance, and convenience on the range.

Top essentials

- Hearing protection (electronic or passive ear defenders)
- Safety glasses with clear and shaded lenses
- A cleaning kit: rods, brushes, patches, solvent, and lubricants
- A durable range bag or case to organise gear
- Targets and target stands
- A shooting mat for prone work or comfort on hard benches
- A spotting scope or monocular for shot observation
- A lockable ammo box or storage container

Reloading and ammunition storage: what to know

If you reload or handload rounds, quality dies, a reliable press, and scale are essential. Reloading is both an art and a science: accuracy improvements come from careful measurement and consistent technique. For storage, use lockable, labelled ammo boxes and keep them dry and cool in a vented cabinet. Also, follow local laws for legal storage and transport.

Tools of the trade

Basic reloading setups often include a single-stage or progressive press, chamfer/deburring tools, a powder measure or electronic scale, primers tray, and reloading dies. Buying reputable brands and calibrated scales pays off in safety and repeatability.

Optics and spotting: pick the right glass

A decent spotting scope or a handheld monocular improves practice sessions by letting you see where rounds land from the firing line. For ranges between 50 and 300 yards, a 60 mm to 80 mm objective scope with 20x to 60x magnification is a popular choice. Look for tripods with a workable load rating to keep images steady.

Mounting and tripod tips

A sturdy tripod that supports at least 5 to 10 pounds will keep your spotting scope stable in windy conditions. A ball head that locks smoothly helps you find targets quickly. If you plan to hike out to remote fields, consider a lightweight carbon-fibre tripod for easier carrying.

Maintenance: keep accessories in working order

Regular maintenance extends the life of your accessories. Wipe down optics with a lens cloth, relube moving parts lightly, and inspect ear defenders for torn cushions. Replace consumables on a schedule — foam earplugs, worn out cleaning brushes, and frayed mats should be swapped out before they fail.

Storage and transport

Store gear in dry, ventilated spaces. Use desiccant packs in optics cases to control moisture. Hard cases with foam inserts provide the best protection for delicate items when transporting them by vehicle or on foot.

Safety and legal considerations in the UK

Shooting and owning firearms in the UK are subject to strict laws and safety rules. Always ensure you hold the correct licences and follow local range rules. Even accessory purchases can be subject to regulation — for instance, some high-powered optics or certain items intended for use as weapon parts may require checks. Familiarise yourself with the legal framework before investing in specialist equipment.

Range etiquette

Range etiquette is simple but critical: obey range commands, keep firearms pointed downrange, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and wear your personal protective gear at all times. Being predictable and respectful keeps everyone safe.

Smart shopping tips and how to spot a good deal

Look for bundles that pair essentials (for example, ear protection and glasses) at a discount, but only if both items are from reputable brands. Seasonal sales are great for high-ticket items like spotting scopes and tripods. Read verified buyer reviews, check return windows, and when buying from a marketplace, verify the seller’s history and ratings carefully.

Warranty and aftercare

Check warranty terms on electronics and optics. A multi-year warranty on a scope or ear-defender electronics indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product, and it provides you peace of mind if issues arise after a few months of use.

Putting it all together: a sample kit for a typical range day

Here’s a practical kit that covers most shooters’ needs on a day at the range: quality ear defenders, ANSI-rated safety glasses with both clear and shaded lenses, a shooting mat, a small spotting scope on a compact tripod, a cleaning kit, a range bag to keep everything organised, paper or reactive targets, and a lockable ammo box. Add a light jacket and water — the weather can change quickly outdoors.

Final checklist before you head out

Before you leave, run through a quick checklist: licences and permits, targets and stands, protective gear, ammo secured according to law, tools and cleaning kit, a charged phone, and a small first aid kit. A little preparation prevents a lot of wasted time at the range.

Whether you’re a casual plinker or a competitive shooter, the right accessories improve safety, accuracy, and enjoyment. Shop smart: start with the essentials, buy reputable brands for anything safety-critical, and gradually upgrade as your needs evolve. With the right gear and a bit of care, every range session can be more productive and safer.

Conclusion: Investing in the right shooting range accessories is both a safety decision and a performance strategy. Focus on quality for protective items, moderate spending on frequently used accessories, and shop a mix of specialist retailers and trusted general stores to get the best value for your money. Happy shooting — and stay safe on the range.