Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the gun enthusiast, hunter or outdoorsman in your life? At The Armory Life, we all have our favorite gift ideas. We’ve combined them into this list to offer you some ideas for this holiday season.
Also, be sure to add your own ideas in the forum (link at the end of the article).
Practical Gifts Under $50
Finding the right gift pick isn’t terribly hard as there are a wide range of options in the sub-$50 category. Here are some of our top picks:
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife
If you would like to gift a quality folding knife that doesn’t break the bank, the No.08 Stainless Steel knife from Opinel is an exceptionally good choice. The design pre-dates World War I by more than 20 years, and it is just as good today as it has ever been.
This simple folding knife offers good service for everyday carry and kitchen duties. Knife enthusiast and The Armory Life writer Randall Chaney stated that the knife “…is an unbeatable value” at its MSRP of $19.00. No one hear can find any fault in his statement. Read Chaney’s review of the Opinel No.08 knife for additional details.
Real Avid Gun Boss Cleaning Kits
Real Avid makes a range of gun care products and gunsmithing tools. The company’s products frequently incorporate new innovations, making “old tools” even more functional. Each of the company’s products I’ve purchased has exceeded my expectations.
Real Avid offers a number of cleaning kits that would be a welcome Christmas gift for even shooters with existing cleaning tools. The Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit comes with a variety of bore brushes, patches, jags and cleaning rods that work with virtually all pistols and revolvers from .22 through .45. The kit also comes in a zippered case that easily fits into a hunting backpack or range bag. It has a suggested retail price of $19.99.
The Gun Boss Pro Universal Cleaning Kit expands the cleaning capabilities to include 12- and 20-gauge shotguns and popular rifle calibers. The kit is in a hard case that should provide years of service. The MSRP is $34.99.
CRKT CEO Thumbstud Folding Knife
The CRKT CEO is an elegant knife — thin and svelte with the ability to handle much more than merely opening a letter. It has the right look for the boardroom, yet is still very affordable.
Designed by custom bladesmith Richard Rogers, this “Gentleman’s Knife” boasts sleek lines and a refined appearance, making it an ideal companion for both office and everyday tasks. Its slender profile, measuring just 9/16″ in width when closed, ensures discreet carry, resembling a pen in the pocket. The 3.1″ blade, crafted from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, offers scalpel-like sharpness, perfect for precise cutting needs.
Beyond its functional excellence, the CEO knife exudes sophistication, making it a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate both form and function. Its deep-carry pocket clip ensures it remains unobtrusive, aligning with the understated elegance desired in professional settings. And, it is available for only $45 in the Springfield Armory Store. Plus, for Black Friday through Cyber Monday, you can get an additional 25% off. The discount is applied automatically in the cart.
Firearm Gifts Under $250
With up to $250 to spend, there are a lot of Christmas gift options for the shooter on your list. Things like ammunition and magazines are always welcome. Here are some additional ideas:
Hellcat Pro .177 BB Air Pistol
The Hellcat Pro Air Pistol, available in black on Desert FDE, is an exceptional gift for firearm enthusiasts this holiday season. It allows for more realistic training. Designed as a 1:1 replica of the Springfield Hellcat Pro, it closely mirrors the weight and handling of its 9mm counterpart.
The durable, optics-ready metal slide features realistic blowback action, and the pistol includes a drop-free 17-round magazine, allowing users to practice drawing, drills, and magazine changes effectively.
This air pistol combines safety, affordability and realism, making it a thoughtful and practical gift for both novice and experienced shooters. It sells on the Springfield Armory Store for $89.99. And if you purchase it between Black Friday and December 2, you get an additional 25% off.
Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muffs
Electronic ear muffs — especially good ones — are a fantastic addition to anyone’s range bag. In general, electronic muffs amplify ambient noises and conversations while protecting you against excessively loud sounds like gunshots.
One of the advantages that Walker’s Game Ear products have is an excellent amplification circuit. It allows the wearer to hear conversations clearly while instantly protecting your hearing from each gunshot.
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Additionally, Walker’s offers these in a range of colors and camo patterns. The MSRP is $69.99 for these, but I’ve seen them on sale for as low as $40.
1791 Gunleather M3 Tanker Holster
The 1791 Gunleather M3 Tanker Holster is an exceptional gift for firearm enthusiasts and history aficionados this holiday season. This authentic replica of the World War II-era M3 holster is meticulously crafted from premium American steerhide, offering both durability and a touch of nostalgia.
Designed to accommodate standard 5″ 1911 pistols, it features an adjustable over-the-shoulder strap for a comfortable fit and a secure retention system to keep the firearm in place.
Its crossbody design ensures easy access to the firearm while keeping it out of the way during activities, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and reenactments. Priced at $99.99, this holster offers a blend of functionality and heritage, making it a thoughtful and unique gift choice. It is available on the Springfield Armory Store here with a 25% discount for Black Friday.
For an in-depth review, be sure to read Will Dabbs’ review of the M3 Tanker holster.
Mantis Blackbeard System for AR-15 Rifles
The Mantis Blackbeard AR-15 Dry-Fire Training System is an exceptional gift for firearm enthusiasts aiming to enhance their shooting skills safely and cost-effectively. This innovative device replaces the bolt carrier group and magazine of a Springfield SAINT or other AR-style rifle, enabling automatic trigger reset without manual cycling. This feature allows users to improve trigger control without expending live ammunition.
Its quick installation and user-friendly design make it accessible for both novice and experienced shooters. It makes for a fantastic gift for anyone looking to improve his or her shooting with an AR. The MSRP for the kit is $219.00 — or about half a case of 5.56 NATO ammunition.
Christmas Gifts Above $250
If your budget exceeds $250, you have a lot of options available to you. Guns, for example, are certainly on the menu. So are good quality scopes and higher-end red dot sights. Here are some of our favorites to consider when doing your Christmas shopping.
Range Membership
Membership to a local range is one of the best gifts you can give to a loved one this holiday season. Membership varies from range to range, but generally, it will allow the recipient to visit the range, without charge, for the full year.
Memberships often include additional perks like discounts on targets, ammo and other gear or the ability to reserve lanes ahead of time. Prices vary depending on where you live.
Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 Pistol
If your special someone is wanting a new pistol for Christmas, the Springfield XD Mod.3 is an excellent option for consideration. Built on the incredibly reliable XD design, the new Mod.3 adds an improved texture, updated slide serrations and an optics cut ready for the addition of a red dot sight.
It’s chambered for the most popular semi-automatic pistol cartridge: the 9x19mm Parabellum. In all of my testing, it runs great and is completely compatible with all of my existing XD 9 magazines.
Lest you think this one is expensive — it’s not. The suggested retail price is only $325, and you can probably pick one up at the local gun shop for about $300. It is the best deal in defensive firearms I think I’ve ever come across. I’ve got one for myself, and I love it. You can read my full review of the XD Mod.3 here.
Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 Rifle Scope
Have a shooter in your life that is needing a medium- to long-range scope? Consider this one from Primary Arms. The Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 FFP rifle scope features a variable 3-18x magnification range that can work well for hunters and precision shooters alike. Its first focal plane design ensures that the ACSS Apollo .308/6.5 Grendel reticle remains accurate across all magnifications, providing reliable holdovers and ranging capabilities.
One feature many shooters will like is the locking turrets with an integrated return-to-zero function. This helps protect your settings during transport and use. It has an illuminated reticle, which really helps during twilight. The company set the price at $799.99, and I’ve occasionally seen them on sale for a little less. If you’re thinking about giving this as a gift, I suggest checking out our Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 scope review.
SureFire X300 Turbo Weaponlight
The SureFire X300 Turbo is an exceptional gift for firearm enthusiasts seeking a high-performance weapon-mounted light this holiday season. Renowned for its durability and reliability, the X300 Turbo delivers a focused beam with an impressive reach, making it ideal for both self-defense and duty use. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand rigorous conditions, providing consistent illumination when it matters most.
Beyond its powerful performance, the X300 Turbo offers user-friendly features that enhance its practicality. The ambidextrous switching allows for easy activation, accommodating both left- and right-handed users. Its versatile mounting system ensures compatibility with a wide range of firearms, making it a valuable addition to any tactical setup.
The suggested retail price of this is $379, and I’ve seen it for less at most online retailers. I really like this light and wrote a Surefire X300 Turbo review that goes into a lot more depth about this.
Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary Rifle
Do you know a hunter looking for a new rifle? The Springfield Model 2020 Boundary is a great gift for the hunter in your life this Christmas. This bolt-action rifle seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with modern performance, featuring a hand-laid, pillar-bedded carbon-fiber stock and a stainless-steel receiver with an integral recoil lug.
The gun uses a TriggerTech trigger, adjustable down to 2.5 lbs., to ensure a crisp pull for the best possible accuracy.
The Model 2020 Boundary offers practical features that make it an incredibly thoughtful gift. It’s a lightweight design makes it easy to carry during extended hunts across rough ground. The rifle’s threaded muzzle readily accepts a sound suppressor, providing added versatility. With its blend of tradition and innovation, the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary is a gift that will be cherished for years to come.
Prices vary depending on the model selected. Be sure to read Wayne van Zwoll’s Springfield Model 2020 Boundary rifle review. As a lifelong hunter, van Zwoll put the gun through its paces and offers an unvarnished view of it.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got a ton of options now, from practical to high-end, for the gun lover in your life. Don’t forget, the best gift might be something unique or an experience they won’t forget. So, check what they’ve got already and pick something that truly adds to their collection or skills. Happy shopping!
Editor’s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in!
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