Many people regard gun owners as “hard to shop for,” and in some instances, that is completely fair. Arguably one of the most technical and nitpicky of hobbies, it’s easy to purchase something that might be useless for your loved one who enjoys spending time afield or on the firing line. From those in the know, here are a few great gift ideas that speak to a wide breadth of shooters, broken up into four handy budget tiers:
Under $50
Wildlife Research Center Scents – $18.99 – $47.99
If your giftee is a true hunter, then they likely view the holidays as an abrupt interruption to their regularly scheduled whitetail season. Typically, late December is prime for a restock or a change in approach, making Wildlife Research Center’s scents a perfect extra little something. With its deeply informative website, it’s easy to match a scent to what your hunter needs for that time of year. wildlife.com
Primos Power Crow – $19.99
Most calls are relatively straightforward in their use, as you’re typically using them to attract a specific type of game. However, the utility of a simple crow call is often marginalized. Obviously good for getting the attention of a murder, the Primos Power Crow is also great for locating squirrels or to get a Tom turkey to gobble. A low MSRP of just $19.99 makes it a perfect stocking-stuffer, and its range of use ensures it’ll be a hit with nearly any hunter. primos.com
Under $100
Viktos Ruck Recovery SF Slide – $75.00
No matter what it is you enjoy outside, nothing beats getting cozy afterwards. Viktos Ruck Recovery SF slides offer a cushy sole and an adjustable set of straps to accommodate your feet, no matter how unique they might be. Taking the customization to a new level, these are moldable by simply sticking them in an oven for a few minutes and standing in them while they cool. The final product precisely supports the foot, making them a perfect fit for anybody. viktos.com
5.11 Tactical Bailout Bag – $85.00
Breaking gear into separate bags based on activity is one of the best ways to stay organized while minimizing the unnecessary weight that might be associated with a range trip. The 5.11 Bailout Bag makes a perfect gift for those who like to stay organized, but not cluttered, or the shooter who enjoys fast-paced sports or hunts. 511tactical.com
Magpul M-Lok Dovetail Adapter – Pro Stock Full Rail for RRS/ARCA Interface – $74.95
Just like music, formats change in firearms. The latest connectivity to hit our industry is ARCA-Swiss, as it’s more robust than other options and better suited to handle excessive weight and recoil. This device from Magpul takes up a series of M-Lok slots, swapping them over to ARCA. Once installed, the rifle can accept beefier bipods, be mounted to tripods and more. It’s a perfect gift to give if you’re not up on firearms tech but know your loved one likes to expand and accessorize. magpul.com
Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Cleaning Kit – $69.99
Shooting quietly is fun, but cleaning suppressors isn’t. Breakthrough Clean’s new suppressor cleaning kit makes short work of an otherwise tedious task. Using its proprietary solvent, simply soak your suppressor in the included tube and achieve a pristine core with only minor agitation with the brushes that are enclosed. Show them you care by giving them the most valuable gift of all: More free time. breakthroughclean.com
Lyman 30 Piece Heritage T-Handle Set – $69.95
Do you have a tinkerer on your list? Lyman’s latest tool kit gives them what they need to mount scopes, disassemble firearms and more. Thirty dual-head drivers cover nearly every Hex and Torx head on the market, and their rubber grips ensure a firm purchase when dealing with stuck hardware. It also includes the pictured stand, keeping your workbench organized and helping you to keep track of each tool. lymanproducts.com
Birchwood Casey Steady Shot Bags – $49.99-$109.99
You would think, by now, we would have mastered the art of putting sand into a bag, but the truth is, things keep changing. Birchwood Casey’s Steady Shot bags are thoughtfully designed for an array of shooting positions. Built with a waxed canvas exterior, two different fill weights are available, delivering the right bag for any need. birchwoodcasey.com
Under $150
5.11 Range Ready Bag – $140.00
Regardless of shooting activity, every gun owner invariably needs more room or better organization in their range bag. The Range Ready Bag by 5.11 provides both through a generous 43-liter capacity and pockets surrounding its entirety. Inside many of these pockets are well-laid-out compartments for magazines, tools, ammunition, targets and other common items that shooters have trouble stowing. 511tactical.com
RCBS Automatic Priming Tool – $134.99
When we start reloading, a simple hand priming tool is typically all that we need to get the job done. However, as we develop our craft (and our grip weakens), moving to a bench-mounted solution becomes quite desirable. This unit from RCBS uses existing shell holders and takes away the repetitive squeezing by replacing it with the mechanical advantage of a lever. In short, their hands will thank you! rcbs.com
$150+
Nomad BA Crossover Boots – $150.00
Have somebody on your list that likes to do it all? Nomad’s BA Crossover boot is a perfect footwear solution. Constructed from neoprene and waterproof suede, this more subdued pattern looks great out of the field, while offering the protection from the elements required to enjoy your time outdoors. No need for laces, as a contoured fit allows for easy slip-on/slip-off convenience. nomadoutdoor.com
Viking Solutions Rack Jack 4×4 – $239.99
Got a hunter whose eyes are bigger than their muscles? This handy jack from Viking Solutions makes the small work of big game. It attaches to a trailer hitch and allows the hunter to crank their harvest off the forest floor and then swing it directly into the bed. Works great for other heavy items outside of the hunting season as well. vikingsl.com
Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph – $599.99
Knowing how fast your bullet is traveling is essential for long-range shooting and hunting applications, but getting that information is often a pain. Garmin’s Xero C1 Pro Chronograph offers pocket-sized Doppler radar that requires little more than pointing it at the target to set up. A compact tripod is included, and it makes a great gift for shooters obsessed with precision and performance. garmin.com
Caldwell Claycopter Launcher – $239.99
Breaking clay is always a blast, but even this has a way of becoming monotonous. Caldwell’s Claycopter Launcher puts a new twist on this classic sport. This handheld device more realistically mimics flying birds and makes throwing just as fun as shooting. With two target sizes to choose from, either is capable of traveling over 100 yards, adding yet another layer of difficulty to the game. caldwellshooting.com
Hornady High Speed 3-in-1 Case Trimmer – $775.33
If there is a reloader on your list, ask them what their most dreaded step of the process is. I’ll bet they say it’s trimming. Hornady’s new high-speed trimmer takes the sting out of this step by helping to achieve precise results in record time, making it worth the expense. This trimmer even encourages the steps of chamfering and deburring, getting reloaders off the bench faster and having them back to what they truly enjoy sooner. hornady.com
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