November 16, 2016
By Brad Fitzpatrick
With the holidays approaching it's time to start thinking about presents, and if there's someone on your list that loves to shoot and deserves something more exciting than a tie or scarf then draw your gift-buying inspiration from the following list.
We've assembled a collection of the items that shooters can use and enjoy, presents that won't be relegated to the back of a closet. Good stuff. Gun stuff. Fun stuff.
Perhaps you aren't a shooter yourself and you're confused on what gun owners want. Or maybe you're the shooter who's sick of scarves and wants to help your well-meaning friends and family buy a good gift this time. Either way, this list will help. That is, if you've been good this year.
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Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 SPORT
The M&P15-22 SPORT features a 10-inch M&P slim handguard that incorporates the popular Magpul M-LOK system. The M-LOK system allows rifle owners to easily customize their M&P15-22 SPORT by adding accessories without removing the handguard. M&P15-22 SPORT owners have the option of easily mounting numerous M-LOK-compatible accessories or any number of Picatinny-style rail sections designed to accommodate other accessories. MSRP $449 | Smith-Wesson.com
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Springfield Armory SAINT Series
Like those who are unapologetic about protecting their legacy, the SAINT™ makes no compromises when it comes to features, engineering, and operator experience. As the ultimate refinement of the AR-15 form, the SAINT™ combines innovations like the Accu-Tite receiver mating system with the relentless execution of core features.
The SAINT's flat top design is optics ready and includes a flip-up rear aperture sight and fixed A2-style front. The 16-inch Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel features a 1:8 twist rate to handle a wide range of bullet types. The operation of the M16 bolt carrier group is managed by a mid-length gas system paired with a heavy tungsten buffer, resulting in an exceptionally smooth action. A good shot starts with the trigger, so that's why the SAINT™ features micro-polished and Nickel Boron treated components. While it offers the right pull weight for defensive use, you won't feel it.
Unlike most defensive rifles in its price range, the SAINT™ includes top notch furniture designed to improve both shooting experience and operator performance. An all new, exclusive Bravo Company PKMT KeyMod handguard packs heat shields and flexible attachment points into a slim and easy to handle form factor. The Bravo Company buttstock is rattle-free and complemented by a Bravo pistol grip designed to improve defensive performance. Built for the free and independent, Springfield Armory®'s SAINT™ represents the next generation of America's personal defense rifle. Built with relentless dedication to reliability, it'll be ready when you are because you can always trust the SAINT™. MSRP $899 | Springfield-Armory.com
Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2
The new Streamlight ProTac® Rail Mount 2 features an integrated rail clamp that securely fit rifles, carbines and sub-machine guns with a MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail. It comes with both remote pressure and standard push-button tail switches, and offers the added convenience of using either one lithium or one AA alkaline battery. On its high setting, the ProTac Rail Mount 2 delivers 625 lumens, 22,000 candela, a 297-meter beam distance and a run time of two hours. Lightweight and compact, it offers tremendous value with its many features. MSRP $104 | Streamlight.com
Daniel Defense Ambush 308
The Ambush 308 by Daniel Defense is the company's take on the perfect AR for big game. This .308 rifle is loaded with essential features like an 18-inch cold hammer forged barrel with a DD Superior Suppression Device Extended that is mated to the upper receiver using Daniel Defense's 4-bolt connection system, ambidextrous controls, low-friction bolt carrier group and a two-stage Geissele SSA trigger. There's plenty of room on the top rail for mounting even the largest scopes, and this rifle is available with either a Kryptek Highlander or Realtree Xtra camo. At 8.6 pounds recoil is mild and the gun comes with a five-round Magpul PMAG magazine and a hard plastic case. MSRP $2,899-$2,949 | DanielDefense.com
Leupold Kenai 2 Spotting Scope
A good spotting scope is a must for all rifle shooters, whether they are punching paper at a half-mile or searching for elk in a distant canyon. The Leupold Kenai SX-2 Kenai 2 has a magnification range from 25-60x and the large 80mm HD objective lens makes the most of available light. It also comes with Leupold's Guardian lens protection coating which protects the lens from stains and smudges and allows water to run off the glass. Combined with the durable exterior shell this scope is ready to stand up to the most inclement weather, and the resolution and contrast is excellent. MSRP $1,299.99 | Leupold.com
Trijicon MRO
The MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) is a compact sealed reflex sight that works on a variety of shotgun and rifle platforms. It has a 25mm aperture and offers a wide field of view that enhances situational awareness — perfect for a defensive carbine or rifle. The sealed, waterproof housing is constructed from hard-anodized forged 7075-T6 aluminum, and this sight has ambidextrous brightness controls and sub-flush adjusters. It's powered by a single CR2032 lithium battery that has a lifespan of up to five years. This is a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight, compact, durable red dot sight for their firearm. MSRP $579 | Trijicon.com
Hornady Reloading Handbook 10th Edition
The perfect gift for the reloader on your list, Hornady's 10th-edition reloading manual is a wealth of information. Over 1,300 loads were tested during the writing of this 1,000-plus page book, and it includes data using the newest Hornady bullets like the ELD-X and ELD Match and cartridges like the .280 Ackley Improved, 7x64 Brenneke and .338 Federal have been added. In addition, there are lots of tips and tricks from the Hornady experts that will help you improve your loads and shrink your groups. Even if you aren't a handloader this text provides a tremendous amount of information on various cartridges, making it a valuable resource for any shooter. MSRP $42 | Hornady.com
Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter
The FTW draws its moniker from the ranch of the same name in Texas, home of the SAAM shooting courses. And this rifle truly is a hunter's gun, designed with functional features that will help in the field and on the range. It shares DNA with other Hawkeye rifles, same CRF action, three-position safety, and LC6 trigger. The laminate stock is covered in Natural Gear camo and the metal is stainless steel, making this a rifle that can withstand the elements. Three half-inch stock spacers allow for LOP adjustments, and the scope bases are machined to the receiver. The threaded barrel comes with a muzzle brake, a barrel weight and thread protector, and it's chambered in cartridges ranging from .260 Remington all the way to the mighty .375 Ruger. There's also a left-handed version for southpaws. MSRP $1,269 | Ruger.com
SIG Optics Tango6
SIG's optics division is offering a new scope, the Tango6, a serious optic that is designed for everything from dangerous game hunting to long-range precision shooting. The long list of features includes Hellfire fiber optic and glass etched illuminated reticles, LockDown Zero System turrets with zero stop, reset and rotation counter and the HDX Optical System for fantastic clarity. Each scope comes with a free SIG Ballistic Turret, too. Models range from 1-6x24 all the way to 5-30x56, and you can select either first or second focal plane models depending upon your shooting needs. These features combine to make this a top-notch optic for a wide range of applications. Prices start at $1,399.99 | Sigoptics.com
Tikka T3x
Tikka helped usher in the current trend toward affordable, extremely accurate bolt guns and the brand has upped their game with the new T3x with the inclusion of items like a modular stock with interchangeable pistol grips and interchangeable forearm widths, an improved recoil pad, metal bolt shroud, and a foam insert in the stock that helps reduce noise and allow you to get closer than ever to game. The ejection port was widened for easier top-loading and the top of the receiver has extra screw placements for adding a Picatinny rail. With almost twenty different models there's something for every shooter, and like the previous T3 this rifle promises one-inch accuracy. Starting at $575 | Tikka.fi
Crimson Trace LiNQ
The LiNQ uses a secure wireless connection to pair a light/laser module on your MSR to controls on the pistol grip, which means no more fumbling to turn on the electronics or switch modes. You can select between light and green laser, laser only, light only or laser with light strobe, all without removing your hand from the firing position. The laser is adjustable for windage and elevation, and the dot size is approximately a half-inch at 50 feet, making it clearly visible. And, like other Crimson Trace products, the unit is backed by a great warranty and excellent customer service as well as free replacement batteries for life. MSRP $649 | CrimsonTrace.com
Savage 112 Magnum Target
Long-range shooters love the .338 Lapua cartridge, but until now target rifles chambered for this cartridge have been expensive. Savage helped changed that with the 112, which comes with a single-shot Magnum Target action, a pillar-bedded 26-inch heavy barrel with brake, a Target Accutrigger that can be reduced to just six ounces for serious long-range precision. Other key features include a target-style gray laminate stock and oversized bolt handle. The rifle measures just under 50 inches and weighs 12 pounds, ideal for handling the .338's serious setback. MSRP $1,177 | SavageArms.com
