RIA New Range Bag

Reviewed by Hunter Lee Elliott (Hunter, ) and Steve Clark (Rio Vista Slim, ).

As of last week I carried a large plastic unorganized box to the range with everything I thought I needed (and of course sometimes leaving something behind). I have an old ALICE pack that I sometimes used as a range bag, but that was not always the best way to go. Well, I believe someone is looking out for me (I suspect John Caradimas).

My friend Rio Vista Slim and I were lucky enough to have a few RIA range bags sent to us by Ray at Advanced Tactical to try out and report on how we like them.

Both Steve and I received a small and large bag in the mail shortly after speaking with Ray on the telephone.

Steve and I have worked together before on the CED chronograph review, so we decided to combine our efforts with the range bags. I spoke with Steve on the phone and we decided we would each take a bag and review it thoroughly. I opted to check out the large bag and give my ideas on the small one. The bags are made of tough nylon.

So my quick thoughts on the small bag first.

I like the bag. It seems to be well thought out, with plenty of pockets and storage. But honestly, it would be too small for what I need. Don't get me wrong, I like it, but I would need the bigger bag so onto the large bag.

Here are my thoughts on the large range bag.

This is more along the lines of what I need in a range bag. The first thing I noticed was the separate bag that rides in the center of the large bag.

To me this worked out great, as this bag became my tool storage, when I get to the range I can set it out and it is out of the way of everything else, but handy when I need it.

The separate bag has adjustable Velcro dividers as well as two zippered pockets in the outer wall.

As for the main bag it is plenty big for my needs with a total of five small pockets.

Three larger pockets are also present on the RIA Large Range Bag.

I filled it up for a nice Sunday at the range, and I was able to get everything secured with room to spare, but I was glad for the adjustable shoulder strap.

The bottom of the bag has plastic feet sewn onto the bottom to add stability

The large pouch, featuring the Rock Island logo, unzips on all three sides to reveal pouches that I use to hold magazines.

The top unzips using two zippers joined together to reveal a large inside.

The outside dimensions of the bag are approximately 22" long by 14 ½" wide by 10" deep, while the outside dimensions of the inner bag are approximately 16" long by 7" wide by 8 1/2" deep.

After a few range trips with the RIA large range bag, it is now my go to bag for carrying all of my equipment and accessories to the range.

Several trips with the bag reveal it is still looking new, and holding up to use very well.

Specifications

Rock Island Armory Large Range Bag
Overall Dimensions: 22"x14 ½"x10" (55.9cm x 36.8cm x 25.4cm)
Inner Bag: 16"x7"x8 ½" (40.6cm x 17.8cm x 21.6cm)
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 U.S. Dollars

Below are Steve's comments on the small RIA Range Bag.

Regular readers of the Model 1911 Pistols Organization E-zine and Forum probably think I have little use for a range bag. Since my home is in a rural part of Texas, I can walk out my front door and shoot to my heart's content, without disturbing anyone. However, another of my pursuits is traveling the Lone Star State, and I often find myself in locations that have gun ranges which intrigue me. I own a couple of range bags that have accompanied me on these trips, but one of them is too small to carry very much, while the other is so large as to be overly conspicuous.

Ivan Walcott and Ray Witham, Jr. of Advanced Tactical Firearms in Pahrump, Nevada recently sent me two examples of Rock Island Armory Range Bags. Hunter Elliott discussed the larger of the two bags we received. It is my pleasure to discuss and review the smaller edition.

"Smaller" is actually a misnomer, as this bag is of medium size. The exterior dimensions are 17 ½" long, by 13" across, by 9 ½" deep. The two padded pistol holders, included with the bag, measure 12 3/4" long by 8 inches tall. The bag and pistol holders are constructed of black 600 denier nylon, with foam padding between all layers of the bag. The only exception to this padding is found on the bottom of the bag and the double zippered opening of the main compartment. As shown in the photographs, both sides of the bag are embroidered with the Rock Island Armory logo, as well as the words "Rock Island Armory". One side area unzips to reveal a storage compartment for one of the padded pistol holders. The other side unzips completely to reveal the other pistol holder, six elastic magazine holders, and two 6 ½"x 6 ½" storage pockets. (Metric conversion units are listed in the "Specifications" section of this review.)

The center compartment measures 17 ½" long by 6 ½" wide by 9 ½" deep.

All of the stitching on the bag is nylon reinforced thread, with extra care taken at points of stress. The flap that closes the central compartment is secured at the end with a Velcro closure. While there are no built in provisions for a lock, this bag is secure enough for its intended purpose.

This photograph shows 500 rounds of factory ammunition in the central compartment.

After adding a .45 caliber Bore-Snake, shooting glasses, ear muffs, and some targets (not visible), there is still room in the center compartment of the Rock Island Armory range bag.

The RIA Range Bag, when fully loaded down, can become quite heavy. The generous shoulder strap is secured to the bag by a substantial plastic catch, which is easily attached or disengaged from the bag as needed. The straps for the handhold run through the interior of the bag, attaching to the bottom, for added strength.

The bottom of the bag has five rubber "feet", which supply a slip-free base for the bag, while also cushioning the contents from shock.

While this range bag is perfect for the carrying of two handguns and the accompanying paraphernalia associated with firing those weapons, I found there was still room in the side storage areas for an additional gun or two. The recreational shooter who has a specific need for a functionally efficient range bag will find the Rock Island Armory Small bag ideal for weekly trips to the range. If one regularly finds themselves carrying multiple firearms, or additional equipment such as spotting scopes, pistol rests, etc., the larger bag (reviewed by Hunter) would be the logical choice.

For my needs, this particular range bag has all the room I need, provides excellent protection for the contents, and is reasonably priced at $65.00 U.S. Dollars. The Rock Island Armory Small Range Bag is perfect for my intra-state meanderings, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a sturdy, functional, medium-sized range bag.

Specifications

Rock Island Armory Small Range Bag
Overall Dimensions: 17.5"x13"x9.5" (44.5cm x 33cm x 24.1cm)
Central Compartment: 17.5"x6.5"x9.5" (44.5cm x 16.5cm x 24.1cm)
Pistol Holders: 12.75"x8" (32.4cm x 20.3cm)
Interior Pockets: 6.5"x6.5" (16.5cm x 16.5cm)
Material: Black 600 denier, water resistant ballistic nylon, padded throughout, with padded pistol Pockets, detachable shoulder strap w/padded insert.
Price: $65.00 U.S. Dollars

Acknowledgements

What can I say about Ivan Walcott and Ray Witham, Jr. of Advanced Tactical Firearms that hasn't been said a thousand times over? I sincerely thank you gentlemen for your support of this E-zine and the Model 1911 Pistols Organization. Because of your diligent pursuit of customer satisfaction, Rock Island Armory has risen from a relatively obscure brand name to a dominant force to be reckoned with.

As your fame has grown, you've remained anchored to your customer-oriented philosophy, and all shooters are the benefactors.

Thank You!

You may discuss about these product, ask questions or in general discuss about this review, in this thread in our Forums Site.

Sources:

Bags

Advanced Tactical Firearms
150 N. Smartway
Pahrump, Nevada 89060
USA

Phone: 775-537-1444
Fax: 775-537-1446
Web Site: http://www.advancedtactical.com