Gear Review: Lynx Pistol range bag from Lynx Defense

Shooters can either carry the Lynx Defense Pistol range bag with the included hand carry straps or with the padded shoulder strap. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

I get sent a lot of bags for review. A lot. Everything from range bags to backpacks to concealed carry purses show up at my door for review. When the Lynx Pistol Range Bag came knocking I was sure it was going to be just another range bag. As it turns out, the bag is an impressive display of quality meeting configuration.

The basics

The Lynx Defense Pistol Range Bag is durable and sturdy with 500D Cordura fabric construction. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

The bag, made by North Carolina based Lynx Defense, is 100 percent American made. If you’re looking to keep your business local to the U.S., Lynx is the way to go.

The Lynx bag may look small but it packs a ton of surprises and small details that elevate it from just another bag to the range bag.

In addition to the compartments, two deep pockets are situated on either ends of the bags. I found myself stowing my wallet, keys and phone in one pocket and glasses case, cleaner and notepad in the other.

The Lynx Defense Pistol Range Bag is a spacious range bag that makes the most of organization through the use of removable dividers. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

A nice thick strap ensures good weight distribution when toting around guns and gears. Made from 500D Cordura fabric, the Lynx feels sturdy and secure. At no time did I worry about holes or broken shoulder buckles. If you prefer to hand-carry your bags as opposed to throwing them over a shoulder, the bag also comes with two carry handles.

While I opted for the color black for the review, shooters who prefer a splash of color have the option to order tan in addition to black.

Organization galore

The reviewer has everything from a gun and holster to cleaning supplies and review materials stashed in the pistol bag. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

A zippered top opens to reveal a blank canvas ready to be configured the way the shooter needs it. Panels separate different areas of the bag to help organize range necessities so you’re not digging through an open bag. The panels are backed with Velcro that aligns with Velcro on the inside of the Lynx.

As I regularly tote a camera, small tripod and notebook in addition to my regular range gear (ammo, eyes, ears, etc.), the ability to configure individual compartments to better organize my gear was straight Heaven sent.

The cleaning mat folds out from behind a front zippered pocket. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

Prior to the Lynx, you’d regularly find me digging through an old backpack desperately searching for a pen or marker, spare box of ammo or my eye protection. With the Lynx, I can easily group like items together so I know exactly where to go for the individual components I need without digging through a sea of other stuff to find them.

On days where I was shooting for gun and not for Guns.com, I could easily pull out the panels to create a nice, open area to toss my large items in.

An added bonus

The Springfield XD was a hot mess but the cleaning mat handled it like a champ.
(Photo: Jacki Billings)

One of my favorite nuances of the bag is the included cleaning mat. Featured behind an inconspicuous zipper on the front, the mat is great for quick cleaning on the range and in-depth cleaning at home.

I opted to test the mat during a cleaning session with my Springfield XD. This gun had not had a good cleaning in a while and was due for a good scrub. The mat proved to be an asset as I cleaned the grime and sand from the XD. The mat’s surface is made to easily wipe clean and it performed as promised.

While a cleaning mat is certainly not a deal breaker while looking for a new range bag, it certainly helps. You never know when you’ll need to quickly dissemble a firearm on the range and it’s nice to have a mat integrated into the bag, ready to use.

Final thoughts

I went into the Lynx review thinking it was going to be just another bag. It’s so much more though. The configurable compartments and the sturdy material matched with the bonus cleaning mat, make this bag a veritable contender in the range bag world. I was so impressed by this system, that I now exclusively carry the Lynx for all my range activities.

The Lynx Pistol Range Bag is made in the U.S. and retails for $119.99.