Oh, boy. It’s almost time! The Christmas decorations are up. The fruit cakes are baked. The holiday carols are playing on the radio. And the stockings are … still empty?
If you’ve neglected to fill those brightly colored socks hanging on the mantle, there’s still a little time left. And I’ve got six suggestions for awesome items you can get right now for the firearms enthusiast on your list. From flashlights, keychains and magazine holsters to training aids, cleaning tools and ammo, these gifts might be small, but they’ll definitely put a smile on the recipient’s face … while keeping money in your wallet. All six gifts are priced under $40, with three options listed at less than $20!
Happy holidays … and happy shopping!
1. Tactical Flashlight
(Streamlight ProTac 90)
Streamlight.com
A quality, handheld tactical flashlight is something you can use every day, and it makes a really great gift for just about anyone on your list. One of my EDC favorites is the compact ProTac 90 from Streamlight. This 300-lumen flashlight, with its unique right-angle and three operating programs, is perfect for a purse, pocket or bedside table.
MSRP: $39.99
2. Self-Defense Keychain
(MUNIO)
MunioSelfDefense.com
If you need a perfect little gift for friends, loved ones and family members, check out MUNIO Designer Self-Defense Keychains. These stylish, inexpensive self-defense tools can give you that extra edge to fight off an attacker or provide extra seconds to distract or thwart an aggressor while you access your firearm. With such a great price point (and with so many designs to choose from) this is an ideal stocking stuffer for everyone on your list. Frequent fliers can even take this sleek defensive tool on an airplane!
MSRP: $11.95
3. Ammunition
(Hornady Critical Defense Lite)
Hornady.com
Who couldn’t use more ammo? Be sure your loved ones have a large quantity of high-quality ammunition in their self-defense handguns. One great option is Hornady’s Critical Defense Lite. This highly effective, reduced-recoil hollow-point is designed with the same proven components as Hornady’s Critical Defense line, but it features a 90- or 100-grain FTX bullet with a unique PINK Flex Tip. (Hornady donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this ammo to help find a cure for breast cancer.) Available in 9mm or .38 Special, this self-defense ammo makes a much-needed and much-appreciated stocking stuffer.
MSRP: $23.99
4. Dry-Fire Training Aid
(BarrelBlok)
BlokSafety.com
Dry fire is an important element of firearms training, and BarrelBlok helps to make dry-firing a safer training option. The easy-to-use training aids slip into an empty firearm and empty magazines, rendering the firearm harmless and clearly showing the gun is empty and clear of ammunition. BarrelBlok also enables the user to practice more realistically by using magazines as if they were loaded. It also helps reduce mechanical vibrations during dry-fire activities. Grab a bunch in several calibers so everyone on your shopping list can dry-fire.
MSRP: $12.99
5. Gun Cleaning Tool
(Swab-its Bore-tips)
Swab-its.com
Gun cleaning might not be the most fun activity, but it is necessary. The washable and reusable Bore-tips are a must-have for gun owners because these strong, durable and non-abrasive foam replacements for cotton swabs do not leave lint and fibers behind. Gun cleaning and maintenance just got quicker and easier. Just pick the size that fits your gun and you have a useful stocking stuffer … and a happy gun owner.
MSRP: $19
6. Magazine Holster
(Snagmag)
Snagmag.com
If you or someone you know carries a spare magazine, the Snagmag may offer a perfect way to carry it — and a perfect gift idea for the holidays. Snagmags are concealed magazine holsters designed for comfortable, easy and secure pocket carry. They allow a fast, fluid draw for tactical reloading. The best part is these clever holsters won’t draw attention to themselves since the pocket clip attachment looks much like an everyday flashlight or pocket knife. Models are available for right- and left-handed shooters in just about every handgun magazine model.
MSRP: $34.95
About Beth Alcazar
Beth Alcazar, author of Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals, associate editor of Concealed Carry Magazine and creator of the Pacifiers & Peacemakers blog, has enjoyed nearly two decades of working and teaching in the firearms industry. Beth is passionate about safe and responsible firearms use and enthusiastic about teaching others. She is certified as an instructor through SIG Sauer Academy, ALICE Institute, DRAW School, TWAW and I.C.E. Training and is a USCCA Certified Instructor and Senior Training Counselor.
