Christmas will be here soon, and procrastinators everywhere are shopping for the right gifts for the last few people on their lists. Aren’t sure what to get the last competitive shooters on your list? No problem: Below is our roundup of last-minute holiday gift ideas for 2021.
Springfield Armory SA-35 9 mm
The new Springfield Armory SA-35 9 mm pistol is a modern take on a design created by John Moses Browning himself. Springfield Armory pro shooter, Rob Leatham, sums up the new SA-35 best: “Best built version of this design I have seen. Better sights and better safety and best trigger I have felt on any P-35. I’m very excited about this gun. Maybe it’s the old school aspect but I have always liked them.” $699, springfield-armory.com
Magna Lens
Magna Lens is a unique product that will help reduce pinching while wearing earmuffs over eye protection. Using magnets, Magna Lens eyewear is secured to the outside of the earmuffs. This patented connection keeps eyewear from being compressed under the earmuff cushions, and also eliminates any break in the ear cushion seals. If you know someone who experiences discomfort like this, the gift of Magna Lens could be a gamechanger. $44.95, magnalens.com
Mantis Blackbeard Dry-Fire Training System for AR-15s
Using this ingenious laser training system, AR-15 competitors can practice the timing of rapid-fire stage shots during dry-fire practice. In his review of the Mantis Blackbeard, Field Editor Art Merrill says, “High Power competitors might want to add the Mantis X Firearms Training System, a kind of [electronic] coach that offers diagnoses of errant shots — why you landed that shot in the 7-ring.” $199, mantisx.com
CZ Shadow 2 Orange
CZ-USA’s new Shadow 2 Orange 9 mm pistol adds to the popular Production action pistol with a barrel bushing that increases slide-to-barrel fit, special orange grips, mag bases and mag release button. The magazines include matching orange aluminum basepads and the gun also has an extended safety. In addition, the trigger is tuned for a smooth, crisp release and with a short reset, while the hammer and sear of the CZ Shadow 2 Orange are hand-fitted. $2,245, cz-usa.com
JP Rifles JP-5 PCC
When JP Rifles released its JP-5, a 9 mm pistol-caliber carbine based on the roller-delayed blowback system, it was welcomed as an innovative and lightweight PCC that handles recoil well. Diverging from the traditional AR-15 design used for PCCs, the JP-5 is much different; but items such as grip, stock, handguard and fire controls for both platforms are interchangeable. Note that barrels, recoil system, upper receiver and bolts are not interchangeable. With JP Rifles’ solid reputation, this is a must-buy for the PCC lover in your life. $3,199, jprifles.com
Remington Core-Lokt Tipped Ammo
Remington Ammunition’s new Core-Lokt Tipped ammo comes equipped with improved accuracy and long-range potential. Developed over thousands of tested rounds, Core-Lokt Tipped combines truer flight, flatter trajectory and devastating terminal energy. The “Big Green” polymer tip improves long-range ballistics and in-flight accuracy, while the Core-Lokt jacket is tuned for optimal performance on big game. Additionally, for match-grade accuracy, the center of gravity has been adjusted rearward. Available calibers include .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-06, .308 Win. and more. $44.99-$65.99, remington.com
Winchester AA Diamond Grade Elite Trap
Winchester Ammunition’s AA Diamond Grade Elite Trap shotshells are similar to the original AA Diamond Grade ones released last year. Elite Trap is loaded with an alloyed 8 percent antimony shot — the hardest shot available. Winchester has taken an additional step of precision sorting the shot to make sure that only the most round, consistent pellets make the grade. And to ensure that the new Elite Trap product is legal under ATA rules, it uses non-plated Diamond Grade shot. $13.99, winchester.com
Sierra MatchKing Competition Ammo
Sierra’s new MatchKing ammunition combines the time-tested accuracy of the company’s MatchKing bullet with high-quality components to create match-winning ammunition, right out of the box. The initial release consists of four cartridges: .223 Rem. (69- and 77-grain), 6 mm Creedmoor (107-grain), 6.5 mm Creedmoor (140-grain) and .308 Win. (168- and 175-grain). In addition, this ammunition uses the highest quality brass to allow for reloading. $39.99-$54.99, sierrabullets.com
Kestrel 5700 EliteWeather Meter
Many precision rifle shooters recommend using a good ballistic solver. Kestrel’s 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics is one of the most popular, and with good reason — it combines real-time atmospheric collection with the solid data from long-range shooting guru Bryan Litz and his team at Applied Ballistics. Perfect for the long-range shooter in your life. (Read my article about this Kestrel.) $699, kestrelmeters.com
Armageddon Gear Game Changer Bag
Shooting bags can be a great aid in building a stable position in precision rifle shooting, and Armageddon Gear makes one of the best available in its Game Changer bag. Made in the USA, you can use it on stages that have barricades or as a rear rest while shooting in the prone position. With the perfect weight at about five pounds, the Game Changer also sports removable Velcro-lined straps that provide plenty of configuration options. This is a great gift for PRS or NRL competitors. $109, armageddongear.com
Federal HOA Shotshells
Federal describes its new High Over All ammunition: “A hard, high-antimony lead payload and exclusive one-piece Podium wad produce the most consistent patterns, while the solid brass head and tapered, one-piece hull make reloading easier than ever. From beginners to elite and all shooters in-between, it’s the ultimate load for anyone wanting to knock more clay targets at the range.” The Federal Premium HOA lineup has 16 offerings in 12-gauge, 2¾-inch size with different payloads, velocity, dram and shot sizes to accommodate multiple disciplines. Price varies, federalpremium.com
