by Scott Smith | Contributing Editor
You can see the padded divider (L) protecting your firearms and the large pockets of the BLACKHAWK Padded Weapons Case that give you extra storage.
It’s hard to imagine that the year-end holidays are almost upon us. When I started writing this, it was 90 degrees out with humidity near 70%. But, not with the elections over, it’s time to get serious about holiday gifts.
This year has seen a lot of small items come to market that make great gifts for shooters and outdoorsman. We are going to look at a variety of kit to maintain your firearms, carry them, illuminate targets and even carry ammunition. Literally a little bit of everything over a broad price range.
Blackhawk (Phone: 800-379-1732; Online: Blackhawk.com) has been a major player in the tactical side of the industry for over two decades. It is often overlooked by competition shooters and hunters. This year when looking for gifts, you might want to consider lights and firearms cases from Blackhawk.
With the rise of three gun competition and various long range and rifle shooting competitions The Padded Weapons Case is a good option. It can be had in a 38” and 44” size to accommodate most M4 carbines or tactical shotguns on the market.
The heavy duty nylon closes with two zippers for ease of access. As the name implies this case is padded on the external walls and on the divider between the two weapons. You will find the external zipper pouch is also padded to protect items such as binoculars or spare optics. The large hook and loop closure pocket can be used to carry holsters, rain gear, magazines—but you get the idea.
To make this weapons case easy to carry there is an adjustable strap with a non-slip shoulder strap. The pad is non-slip enough that it keeps the fully loaded Padded Weapons Case on your shoulder even in the rain on a Gore-Tex parka. The 38” case will set you back $143.45 while the 44” version runs $153.45. To protect your duty, hunting or competition rifle/shotguns this is cheap insurance. I have used this bag for several years when I packed my long guns for work. The optics never lost zero or got any damage, this is a fine case.
This Xiphos is mounted on a Sig P229 and you can see the easy access switch.
If you are looking for a versatile weapon light, the Xiphos NTX is one I highly recommend. I have one used since it came to market years ago. This light operates on a single CR123A battery. That single battery will run for approximately two hours putting out 180 lumens.
What sets this light apart from other lights is the clamp. There are no complex platforms or additional locks required to make the Xiphos fit virtually any mount, be it an original Glock or H&K to a standard Picatinny rail or a Weaver rail. The rotating locking lever is the key; this allows you to quickly secure the light to the rail. To remove the light, just flip the lever up and the Xiphos can be removed.
The other big difference between this and other lights is the tail cap. It is designed to be easily operated without breaking your shooting grip on a handgun and it is just as easily operated on a long gun. This ambidextrous switch is momentary, strobe or constant on.
Over the years my Xiphos has traveled thousands of miles on a Sig P226 in a SERPA holster. It has survived ventures to Gunsite, Sig Academy, Surefire’s Three Gun World Championships and lord knows how many thousands of bullets fired. The polymer levers and lock have never failed even in monsoons, when turned on the CREE LED shined bright. At 2.5 ounces with a battery it is one of the lightest lights on the market. With an MSRP of $204.45 it is competitively prices with other lights you will find online or at your favorite shop.
When it comes to keeping your firearms in top working order, one of the newer companies in the industry; Real Avid (Phone: 800-286-0567; Online: realavid.com) has what you need. All of their tools and cleaning kits are designed to offer the end user a great value with innovative designs.
Real Avid’s Gun Boss Pro Precision Cleaning Tools shown in their case that folds to give you an easy access stand.
The Gun Boss Pro Precision Cleaning Tool is one of their offerings. At $19.99, this kit has everything you need to clean the heavy gunk from your handguns and long guns. The entire tool kit stores in the case which folds to become a stand/rack to keep the tools organized so you have them when you need them. This kit includes a handle, two rods, cleaning brush, screwdriver, two pin punches, a scraper, a hook/scraper and a round stiff brush to remove grit from rails, links, etc.
This kit is designed to clean all the hard to clean parts of firearms. I found this kit to have everything needed to make tearing your handgun, modern sporting rifle or shotgun apart. You will find the scrapers work not only on your handguns but on the locking lugs of an AR while the stiff brush cleans gunk off shotgun bolts. The hook not only gets baked on carbon from small spaces but it is a godsend when it comes to removing the cotter pin from the bolt carrier group of an AR. I wish we had kits like this back when I was on active duty; it would have made maintaining our well-traveled M16s a lot easier than some pipe cleaners, paper clips and other jury-rigged tools we used to get into the nooks and crannies.
When you are in the field or on the range and things go sideways with your AR or other firearms, it is nice to have a “pocket” tool kit that actually has tools you need. Real Avid’s Gun Tool Pro-AR15 is that kit. When I say it puts all the tools you need to fix most issues with your firearm, I mean it. This hand sized kit is everything from a hammer to a bolt override tool. If you cannot scrape, tighten/loosen, install, adjust or store it with the Pro-AR15, then odds are it’s something you will not be able to repair on the fly.
Accessory tool bits will fit into the ¼” bit driver to allow you to tighten/adjust optics, most common screws and be a punch for challenging pivot pins or retaining pins. If the screws are really tight, there is a driver at the end of the handle to give you more torque.
Gun Tool Pro AR15 by Real Avid is a must have if you have a modern sporting rifle aka AR/M4. It will keep your rifle running and clean.
If your AR goes down due to carbon build-up, fear not. This tool has scrapers for every part of the bolt/bolt carrier group. There is also a cotter pin puller to make pulling the pin for the bolt cam an easy task. The bolt carrier scraper even has a fine file to get those burrs off of items. You will find the claw point knife blade ideal for opening ammo boxes or cases of targets; literally something for most any occasion on the range. For safety, all of the folding tools lock in place with a liner lock.
One tool that you will find a godsend is the bolt override. This gadget makes clearing double feeds or any feed way jams of an AR a snap. Simply lock the tool open, slide it into the space at the front of the bolt created by the jam and pull the tool. This tool saves you from bouncing the AR off a bench/ground while attempting to rack the slide. It will also help alleviate damage to your AR from smacking it off a hard surface; this alone is worth the $49.99 price. Thanks to the handy carry case the Pro-AR15 can be carried on MOLLE gear or stashed in your range bag, keeping it close at hand.
If someone on your list needs a serious knife, I suggest one from Steel Will Knives (Phone: 877-969-0909; Online: steelwillknives.com). Steel Will Knives is a relatively new company that opened its doors in 2008. These knives are built to exacting specifications with steel from Austria, Japan, the US and other countries to match the steel to the knife’s purpose. The grips too are built from G10, Micarta or high strength rubberized materials to fit the mission.
Steel Will’s Gekko folder, a knife that is built for most anything life/field can throw at it.
For this last minute gift guide, I chose to look at the 1503 Gekko. This is one of the most popular knives in their line because of the size and price point; $234.99. This might sound expensive but in today’s market, this is about average for a quality knife. From what I see, this knife is anything but average.
Made in Italy, this Gekko has orange G10 grips that are easily seen in low light and simple soap/water will wash away any body fluids from field dressing your trophy. To ensure your blade is sharp and survives the harshest treatment N690Co steel is used. This steel is highly corrosion resistant, holds a sharp edge and sharpens fairly easily. Out of the box, this knife is razor sharp and quickly shreds paper, so it will easily field dress game or cut your sandwich at lunchtime.
When I first opened the box, obviously the orange handle with its satin finished blade caught my eye. When you hold the Gekko you feel a solid knife, which weighs 6.8ozs. Opening the blade with the thumb stud, you will notice the action is smooth as silk and the blade clicks solidly into the lock back. To make finding the lock easier, Steel Will gimps the pivot point like it does the blade. In low light or when you have your hands are full this makes unlocking the blade a snap.
The pocket clip can be placed on either side of the knife allowing the owner to choose where it carries best for them. One feature that can be overlooked on the Gekko, or any Steel Will Knife, is the glass breaker “hidden” in the lanyard hole. Since you already have a seatbelt cutter, the Gekko, you need a way to get out of a vehicle if your doors become stuck. That is why the glass breaker; which is one of the tools vehicle safety experts suggest you have. No matter the activity—hunting, fishing, hiking, shooting a match—the outdoorsman/women on your list will appreciate and use the Gekko 1503.
Mag Lulas to spare: Strip Lula top, 22LR Lulas, single stack adapter on standard Mag Lula, 22LR Mag Lula fits 9mm double stacks as well and an AK47 Mag Lula, front, if you own an AK or AR it’s a must have gift.
Another must-have for a shooter is a Mag Lula (Phone: 972-8-6488001-Isreal; Online: maglula.com). What’s a Mag Lula? Mag Lula’s are one of the best magazine loaders on the market, if not the best. I say that as someone who really does not like magazine loaders, mainly because they generally do not help that much. Leave it to the Israelis to make a piece of kit that really works.
I started using the Mag Lula for ARs during 3 gun matches because they not only make loading the magazine easy, they make unloading them a snap too. The AR Lula clips onto any AR magazine (Lulas are made for AR15 and AR10s) and you just toggle the lever back and forth dropping in a cartridge. Reverse the process and the magazine is empty, literally in a few seconds.
After success with the AR Lula, I tried the Strip Lula; which is way better than the stripper clip loader Uncle Sam issued with ammunition. This Lula is really simple: load an AR stripper clip into the Strip Lula, attach to the slots on your magazine, hold the Lula and push down on the handle. Ten shots are loaded in a flash and the stripper feeder does not go flying off. This Lula is always in my match ammo box because I load my AR ammunition on strippers to make more room in the box.
Mag Lula has loaders for AK47s, M1As, most single stack 22LR, they also offer one for 1911s chambered in 22LR. This one is a godsend in the winter when loading those skinny cartridges in the cold can be challenging. For those of us who still shoot single stack 1911s, Mag Lula has a bracket that clips into their standard wide body Lula that works like a champ. Mag Lulas make great gifts for any shooter, they range in price from $29.95-$38.95, and the 1911 insert is $19.95. If you shoot a lot or in all conditions, these are a must have item.
Safariland’s 086 GLS Pro Fit holster is the most versatile and best fitting level two holster on the market.
The last two items that will make good gifts are from Safariland (Phone: 800-347-1200; Online: safariland.com). They are the new GLS Pro Fit holster and Model 086 12G Shotshell Holder. Over the last summer both of these items have seen extensive use shooting 3 gun matched from Pennsylvania to Texas. They survived and functioned well in Kentucky’s monsoons, the extreme heat/humidity of Texas and everyday practice on the range.
You can have the Model 086 in either a four- or eight-shell holder with a belt clip or ELS bracket. While these shotshell carriers are designed for quad loads, they work well as a dual load. Unlike other shotshell carriers, you can remove single shells without fear of losing another shell. The 086 keeps shells secure when running, shooting prone or climbing various stage props. Unlike other carriers I have used, shells do not pop off when you bend over thanks to the clips being recessed into the carrier. The Model 086 Shotshell carrier has an MSRP of $58-$113 depending on the model.
The last piece of individual gear on this year’s Holiday gift list is the GLS Pro Fit holster. This is a level two retention holster that will fit virtually any of the popular handguns on the market. It ships with a paddle and belt slide attachment, but will also fit any three-hole Safariland mounting system. If you like a paddle holster, you will like this one. It is comfortable, locks onto your belt and removes easily as long as you push down on the holster before removing. This unlocks the lower catch, and then it just rotates off your belt.
I am not a fan of “one size fits all holsters” because they generally do not. The GLS is the exception thanks to the tensioning system and different body sizes. The bodies fit pistols with similar frame sizes such as Glocks, M&Ps, HK P30s or Sig 320s, 226s and Beretta 92s or CZP09s. Safariland’s website will get you the right body size for your pistol, then you adjust the tension screw for a secure fit.
The GLS is an ideal competition and daily carry holster because it a level two system. The security lock is released when you draw the pistol. As you grip the pistol a lever at the rear of the holster is engaged without you even being aware of it. This holster is as fast as any polymer holster on the market but the lock keeps your pistol in place when climbing, crawling, running, etc. I have used this holster since its introduction at the 2015 SHOT Show for USPSA, 3 gun and a couple IDPA matches. It is competitively priced at $55 and worth every penny.
MTM Case Gard’s ACR7 and AC30C: tough cases to secure whatever gear you need to carry.
To carry all your gear you need the final item, MTM Case Gard’s (Phone: 937-890-7461 Online: mtmcase-gard.com) Ammo Crate ACR7 and Ammo Storage Can AC30C. These watertight boxes are ideal to carry most anything in, to keep it all in one spot. Not only will these cases keep your gear dry but you can lock them for a degree of security.
The ACR7 measures 17.2” x 10.7” x 9.2” (H) to give you 890 cubic inches of storage space. What that translates to is eight boxes of 12G shells, four boxes of slugs, 300 rounds of .223 Rem on stripper clips, and 400 rounds of 9mm in a peanut butter jar. There is also room for other small stuff like Mag/Strip Lulas and sunscreen/bug spray. The ACR7 then can be carried behind your passenger seat or storage area of an SUV.
The AC30C lies much flatter than any of the other storage boxes in the MTM line, measuring: 7.4” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 5.1” (H). It will easily pack 1,000 rounds of 9mm which should make for a serious shooting session. What I am setting my AC3C up for is a travel box for my video cameras and small digital SLR. Once lined with closed cell foam it will protect this precious cargo from the elements; something cameras do not deal well with.
I have been using MTM Case Gard boxes since I was a kid. They are often copied, but only MTM holds up when used as a chair, step ladder, make shift mini-sawhorse, etc. If you want to protect your gear and ensure your ammo is secure, MTM Case Gard’s AC30C and ACR7 are two boxes that you should use. You will find these cases online starting around $14. They are worth the extra few bucks over the bargain ones.
All of the items in this year’s Christmas list are kit I use regularly. It has been used hard and literally weekly. All of it has survived my travels from Steel City to Sin City to hills of Texas and North Carolina. It is tough, durable and will be used for years to come. Hopefully this list will give you a few ideas for shooters on your Christmas list. If you like me are braving winter weather to shoot, be safe, shoot straight and have fun. Have a blessed holiday season.
