November 12, 2013
By RifleShooter Online Staff
We all need new stuff. Always. Otherwise, what's the point of even having a hobby like shooting? The nice thing about our chosen sport is that the price range of things we need — or make that want , if you're honest — moves from stocking-stuffer trinkets worth a few bucks to a bright, shiny new gun or scope. So without further ado, here's a look at our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide, with 10 things you must have on your wish list this year. You can tell your significant other we said so.
Zeiss Terra Zeiss has restructured its optics into three lines: Victory (roughly gallery=64,000 and up), Conquest ([imo-slideshow gallery=64],000 and up) and the new Terra ($400 and up). The company calls the new Terra a 'best in class ' riflescope. There are three Terras — 2-7x32, 3-9x42 and 4-12x42 — that are outsourced but quality controlled in both Germany and the U.S. Built on 1-inch tubes, they feature MC anti-reflective coatings, ¼ MOA clicks, and either Z-Plex or the new RZ6 (3-9X) and RZ8 (4-12X) ballistic reticles. Not only won't they break the bank, they won't bog you down, with weights ranging from 13.4 to 14.8 ounces.
Price: $ 388 to 555
MTM Case-Guard Survivor Ammo Can OK, all you preppers out there, here's the ammo storage solution you've been waiting for. The
MTM Case-Guard Survivor Ammo Can is fully waterproof and weatherproof with double O-ring seals, and it features a unique protective cap that drains water away from the seals. Built tough enough to withstand a shovel strike.
Price: $ 30
Fusion MSR You put a lot of work into your modern sporting rifle — customizing it with the best components — so wouldn't it make sense to choose ammo that's designed specifically for it?
Fusion's new MSR hunting ammo employs primers, propellants, bullets and cases chosen specifically for 16-inch AR-15s and 20-inch AR-10s. Bullets feature a molecularly fused jacket around a pressure-formed lead core and a skived bullet tip for long-range expansion. Loads include .223 (62-grain), 6.8 SPC (115), .308 (150) and .338 Federal (185).
Price: $ 29 — 40
Magnum Research Glacier Ridge Made in the USA, the Glacier Ridge replacement thumbhole stocks fit both
Magnum Research's MLR-22 and Ruger 10/22 autoloaders. They're also the first in a series of products to be offered by this new Magnum Research brand. The stocks are fiber-reinforced polypropylene with a semi palm swell on both sides of the grip and a high comb for proper head position when shooting optics. Simple to install.
Price: $ 80
Lyman 1878 Sharps Sharps turned out its last side-hammer rifle with the rare Model 1877, and this new replica — produced by
Pedersoli to Lyman's specifications — features William Lyman's now-famous tang sight, which he developed in 1878. As befitting a buffalo gun, the .45-70 sports double-set triggers, Lyman tang and globe sight, and a shotgun-style butt. The fore-end is set off with an ebony tip, and the receiver and buttplate exhibit period-style laser engraving.
Price: $ 1,995
GunVault TacVault Got a home defense rifle or shotgun that you want hidden but easy to get to and totally secure? The new
GunVault TacVault is small enough to fit in any closet, and it will house any AR or tactical shotgun, along with a shelf for storing mags, ammo and other emergency tools. Pre-drilled to secure to a floor, the TacVault is built of tamper-proof, 14-gauge steel (12-gauge door) and is offered with the firm's No-Eyes keypad or a biometric fingerprint scanner. Weight is 80 pounds.
Price: $ 500 (manual), 550 (biometric)
Leupold VX-6 We can't wait to get our hands on one of these. The
Leupold VX-6 , as the designation suggests, features six-factor magnification. Not only that, but these scopes feature high-end construction, from the Xtended Twilight and DiamondCoat 2 lens coatings to a fast-focus eyepiece and a twin-bias spring erector system.
Built on 30mm tubes, they all feature the Custom Dial System that allows you to change out dials easily to accommodate different loads; they come with one free Custom Ballistic Dial. Models include 1-6x24, 2-12x42 and 3-18x44 side focus (shown), with illuminated and non-illuminated reticle options.
Price: $ 1,000 to 1,375
Otis Ripcord One-pass cleaning systems are quick, easy and effective, but the knock on them is that you can't punch out a stuck case or other obstruction. The new
Otis Ripcord uses a Nomex fiber braid over a molded, rubberized core/cable that is rigid enough to remove obstructions. The Nomex fibers serve the dual role of brush and patch. The ends are also threaded if you feel the need to add components. Currently available for .22/.223 and .308.
Price: $ 15
Ruger American Rimfire Following on the success of the centerfire American Rifle,
Ruger is bringing out a rimfire version. It's available in standard (22-inch barrel, 13.75-inch length of pull) and compact (18, 12.5) configurations. Both can be had in .22 LR or .22 Mag., and they feature swappable modules that change comb height for scope or iron use. The receiver is grooved for rimfire mounts and also drilled and tapped for scope bases. Iron sights include a 10/22-style rear and fiber-optic front. The rifles feed from 10/22 rotary mags and also feature the Marksman Adjustable trigger.
Price: $ 329
Hornady Cheek Piece Slip-on padded cheek pieces are great for getting your head properly positioned behind a scope or other sight; if the pad doesn't raise your head enough as is, simply shim it up with some closed-cell foam. This one from
Hornady has Velcro straps and five exterior elastic loops that will accommodate most centerfire rounds — and particularly handy for single-shot rifles — along with a zippered pouch.
Price: $ 30
SureFire Magazines When standard 30-round G.I. magazines won't cut it,
SureFire 60- and 100- round magazines are just the ticket to keep you throwing rounds downrange. Compatible with all M4/M16/AR-15 variants, their simple design allows for field disassembly with no special tools required. The mags are constructed from anodized aluminum, with steel springs and a tough polymer follower to feed rounds reliably with no lubricants required.
Price: $159 (60-round);
$199 (100-round)
Smith & Wesson M&P-10 Capitalizing on the success of its M&P15 rifle line,
Smith & Wesson upped the ante with the M&P10, an AR-10 rifle chambering the .308/7.62x51 cartridge. The hunting version is a camo, flattop rifle with an 18-inch 4141 steel barrel (1:10 twist with 5R rifling). It features a Magpul MOE stock and comes with a five-round metal magazine. The lower is 7075 T6 aluminum and the gas key, bolt carrier and firing pin are chromed. It operates off a mid-length gas system, and the safety, mag release and bolt release controls are ambidextrous. Throw in Smith & Wesson's lifetime service policy and American-made quality, and this rifle has the makings of the perfect gift this holiday season.
Price: $ 1,729 (pictured with camo finish)
