Now that we are only a few days away from Thanksgiving, it’s crunch time if you haven’t already started holiday-gift shopping yet. No need to worry, because we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
This year’s round-up includes 36 recommendations across seven categories that fit every holiday-gift budget. This is Shooting Sports USA, so naturally we included the best rifles, pistols, shotguns, optics and other competitive shooting accessories that your loved one didn’t know they needed, but soon won’t be able to live without.
Ammunition and Components
Berger .22 Cal. Hybrid Target Bullet
The new 85.5-grain bullet from Berger provides a “real” 1,000-yard long-range .22-caliber option. And, with a G7 BC of .268 and muzzle velocity at 2,800 fps, Berger says the new 85.5-grain .22-caliber bullet suffers 15 percent less wind drift at 1,000 yards than a 155-grain .308 bullet. Beyond that, the bullet promises to perform well in cases of greater powder capacity, such as the .244 Valkyrie and 22 Creedmoor. $41.99 per 100-pack, BergerBullets.com
Winchester AA Shotshells
The choice of six-time Olympic medalist and NRA Board Member Kim Rhode, Winchester’s legendary AAs are a sure-fire way to please the clay shooter in your life. For over 40 years, the specially designed AA wad has delivered consistent performance and patterns. And, thanks to world-class primers and powder, the AA line is known as a dependable, clean-burning ammunition. Our pick: the 12-guage, 1 1/8-ounce heavy target load. $9.99 per 25-round box, Winchester.com
Eley .38 Super Comp
Eley has a new competition round for action sport shooters. Instead of it being a .22 LR rimfire, for which they have earned a sterling reputation, this is a center-fire in the form of .38 Super Comp. This round is made for IPSC/USPSA shooters that makes major power factor and targets guns in Open Division that have compensators. $19.75 per 50-round box, KilloughShootingSports.com
CCI Pink Clean-22
The new Clean-22 Pink rimfire rounds are intended to help raise money to combat a deadly disease. A portion of the proceeds from every box (actually a bottle) of the new .22 LR offering sold will go directly to support the fight against breast cancer. This high-velocity rimfire round with 40-grain round-nose bullet uses a polymer bullet coating that reduces copper and lead fouling in the barrel without leaving a residue. $29.95 per 400-count bottle, CCI-Ammunition.com
Hornady A-Tip Match Bullets
A-Tip Match Bullets, with their precision-machined aluminum tips, simply ooze performance. Add in AMP bullet jackets, aggressive profiles and optimized boattails; the result is a bullet with improved drag efficiency. When pro shooter Jake Vibbert won the 2019 PRS Quiet Riot using these bullets, he said, “The Hornady A-Tip bullets provide the accuracy you need when shooting a PRS match. They just flat out shoot.” Our pick: the 6mm (.243 diameter) 110-grain bullet. $74.99 per 100-count box, Hornady.com
Starline .30-06 Sprg. Brass
Since 1906, the .30-06 has been chambered in an abundance of rifles in every action type. It has been touted as one of the most-versatile cartridges of all time—large enough to take on any game in the Western Hemisphere and almost anything in the Eastern Hemisphere. This new rifle brass option from Starline is a must-buy for the handloading Garand fan in your life. $108 per 250-pack, StarlineBrass.com
VihtaVuori N320 Powder
Fast burning N320 handgun powder is one of the most popular for action shooters, for both the modern and cowboy games. A very reliable powder, it can be used for a wide range of pistol calibers, from .32 to .45. Surprise the handloader or reloader in your life with a nice big container of this premium powder. We bet they won’t have to ever clean their powder measure while using it. $112.50 for a 4-pound container, VihtaVuori.com
Pistols
Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0
In 2017, S&W offered an upgraded version of the original M&P polymer-framed, semi-automatic pistol called the M2.0 series, providing improvements to several aspects of the gun. The M&P pistols have an 18-degree grip angle for a natural point-of-aim. For production pistol shooters, we recommend the 5-inch M2.0 model, which offers the longest sight radius of all M&P pistols, as well as adding velocity. The 9mm model we tested had 17+1 capacity. $599, Smith-Wesson.com
SIG Sauer P320 X-Five Legion
The X-Five Legion answers the current trend in competition handguns that heavier is better. The weight of the Legion 9mm is 41.7 ounces (without the supplied magwell), achieved with the innovative TXG tungsten-infused Xgrip module. The TXG grip module is the first of its kind in the firearms industry with the weight of steel and the flex of polymer. This combination reduces muzzle flip by up to 50 percent. The affordable Legion makes it quite easy to decide which production gun to gift your favorite USPSA shooter. $899.99, SIGSauer.com
Colt Gold Cup Trophy
Introduced in the late 1950s, the Colt Gold Cup National Match became the standard by which all other factory bullseye pistols were judged. Keeping up with the times, the recently introduced Gold Cup Trophy is a full-size 1911 with a 5-inch NM barrel (1:16-inch twist), Series 70 action and iconic three-hole aluminum trigger. The rear sight is a fully adjustable, Bomar-style with a plain black blade, and the front sight is a Novak fiber-optic. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a nice gift for the action shooter in your life. $1,699; Colt.com
Ruger Koenig SR1911
The Ruger Custom Shop Koenig SR1911 is ideal for competitive shooting in disciplines like IDPA, IPSC, USPSA, Bianchi Cup and Steel Challenge. Designed in conjunction with 18-time Bianchi Cup Champion Doug Koenig, it features a low-mass hammer and competition sear. Combined with the custom flat-faced trigger shoe, precision-machined disconnector and hand-tuned sear spring, shooters can expect a match-grade, clean break with every trigger pull. And, the competition-grade, 1:16-inch slow twist barrel with a polished feed ramp, fitted barrel lug and target crown is the icing on the cake. $2,499; Ruger.com
Rifles
Daisy Model 1938 Red Ryder
In 1940, Daisy introduced the legendary Red Ryder, and what better way to celebrate the 80th anniversary than gifting this commemorative edition this holiday season to your favorite shooter. Stroll down memory lane with its wood stock and forearm, lever action, saddle ring and leather thong—plus an anniversary medallion. Both old and young shoters alike will be thrilled to receive their very own Red Ryder. $39.99, Daisy.com
Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range
Geared toward precision shooters, this Browning X-Bolt will not disappoint the PRS shooter in your life. Pairing the company’s highly adjustable Composite Max stock with the venerable X-Bolt action allows long-range enthusiasts to get the custom fit needed for just about any optic with repeatability in mind. Plus, the 26-inch, stainless-steel heavy sporter contour barrel is fluted and includes a removable muzzle brake along with a thread protector. $1,299.99; Browning.com
Bergara Premier Ridgeback Rifle
The Premier Ridgeback Rifle from Bergara is available in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester, .300 Win. Mag. and .300 PRC, and built by hand to provide near-custom performance at less-than-custom prices. Part tactical, part competition, every Ridgeback rifle sports the company’s Premier action, a stainless-steel bolt, a Palma-style barrel and a Grayboe Ridgeback stock. We learned firsthand at the 2019 SHOT Show just how great of a bargain the Ridgeback is for PRS shooters looking for an affordable, Production-legal rifle. $2,000; BergaraUSA.com
Savage 110 Elite Precision
The new Precision Series rifles combine Savage actions with MDT chassis. The 110 Elite Precision is an improved version of the Savage 110 design. Standard from the factory, it sports a blueprinted action, MDT ACC chassis with fully adjustable stock and a user-adjustable AccuTrigger. Although it’s available in eight calibers, we recommend the 6 or 6.5 Creedmoor versions for shooters looking to stay within PRS Production division rules. $1,999; SavageArms.com
Shotguns
TriStar Viper G2 Silver
TriStar Arms is well-known for its quality imported Turkish shotguns that often represent some of the best bargains available for scattergun lovers. The company’s Viper G2 Silver 12-gauge semi-automatic represents an affordable option for those seeking a great value in an all-purpose shotgun. The steel receiver, in combination with the beautiful furniture make for one handsome shotgun. The only thing that outshines the beauty of this gun is the stellar performance. $670, TriStarArms.com
Mossberg 930 Pro-Series Sporting
The Pro-Series Sporting 12-gauge semi-automatic was designed for competitive clay shooters. Mossberg enlisted shotgun instructor Gil Ash to help with design aspects, such as proper fit and eye alignment for a wide range of shooters. The resulting gun is tough enough to handle the rigors of sporting clays or an extended upland bird hunt—all while providing an ergonomic platform that adapts to the user. Shooter customization is provided by Mossberg’s Stock Drop System that utilizes five drop-at-comb adjustment shims. $1,093; Mossberg.com
Beretta 694 Sporting Over/Under
Sporting clays enthusiasts will appreciate Beretta’s new 694 over/under 12-gauge shotgun that replaces the 692 series released back in 2013. Designed in collaboration with the company’s shooting team, the 694 was built specifically for clay shooting. As such, it has a new receiver and a stock with a more upright pistol grip. There’s also the superior Steelium Plus barrels (30- and 32-inch available), which are cold-hammer forged in-house at Beretta’s Gardone Val Trompia factory in Italy. The 694’s modern, “technical” design also sports a new fore-end design that uses a button instead of a lever release. $4,500; Beretta.com
Browning Citori 725 Trap Max
The Citori 725 Trap Max is a sleek, highly-adjustable shotgun perfect for trapshooters looking for a new gun that will help them consistently shatter clay birds. Like all Citori 725 shotguns, it features a transversely mounted, tapered locking bolt and hinge pin that is designed to wear in, not out. Put simply, the more you use this gun, the more the Citori action improves. The included HiViz pro comp sight and ivory-colored mid-bead, in combination with the adjustable Monte Carlo comb for dialing in bead alignment, make this an ideal trap gun. $5,859.99; Browning.com
Optics and Sights
XS Sights Standard Dot Tritium Front Sight
Pair this with your favorite AR to guarantee the perfect shot even in the dark. A white circle surrounds the green tritium dot for a clear picture of your front sight. Simply install them onto your rifle with the tool provided to make sure your rifle’s sights are up to the task even when the lights go out. $71, XSSights.com
SIG Romeo1 Pro Red Dot
The Romeo1 Pro red-dot sight is dimensionally identical to the original Romeo1, with the exception of a slight extension on the lower front end. The mounting footprint is also the same and SIG notes it will fit the optics-ready P320 X-Five Legion. The sight window is the same 30mm size, and the top-loading battery uses the common CR1632. It’s available with either a 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot that’s one of the brightest we’ve seen yet on a micro red dot. $519.99, SIGSauer.com
Leupold VX-4.5HD Service Rifle Optic
The VX-4.5HD represents Leupold’s factory-supplied (as opposed to custom shop) entry into the high-power optics fray. The scope borrows heavily from the successful VX6 line with a new reticle specifically tailored for bullseye shooting. Key features for the optic include a second-focal-plane optical design, 1-4.5x variable power, fixed parallax (focus set at 175 yards via collimator), ¼-minute clicks, zero-stopping turret knobs and premium glass. $1,819.99; Leupold.com
Swarovski dS Smart Riflescope
Swarovski’s dS 5-25x52 P has a built-in rangefinder that can measure out to 1,500 yards, accurate to within 1 yard. The display shows target distance, estimated shot energy (optional) and also an illuminated aiming point for the distance ranged. The calculated aiming point is based on individual ballistic data for your firearm and ammunition. Trajectory is calculated using ballistic data in real-time, including distance, angle, barometric pressure, wind and temperature. Incredibly, all of this is accomplished with a mere button press or two. $4,999; SwarovskiOptik.com
Shooting Gear
Lyman Essential Rifle Maintenance Mat
Whether disassembling, assembling or cleaning your firearms, the Lyman rifle maintenance mat protects your guns as well as the table you are working on. Every part has its place with the molded in storage compartments. Additionally, the mat is chemically resistant for easy clean-ups and is made from synthetic rubber for a non-slip surface. $35.98, LymanProducts.com
Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs
Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs have an extremely low profile, plus a NRR of 22 decibels and amplification of low-level ambient sound. These comfortable muffs are water-resistant, have integrated power and volume controls, an external audio plug and a 350-hour battery life from two AAA batteries (included). It also has a 4-hour auto shut off and folds nicely for compact storage. $60, Honeywell.com
Phoenix Shooting Bags Medium Ridge Runner
Designed for use in the field, all of the bags in the Phoenix line-up are useful for PRS shooters, but especially so is the Medium Ridge Runner—which is an effective blend of light weight (less than a pound at 14.8 ounces) and robust construction. It’s loosely packed, so you can seat it easily on an irregularly shaped obstacle like those commonly seen at precision shooting matches, and it’s not terribly overfilled like other bags. $84, PhoenixShootingBags.com
Clothing and Accessories
Nine-Line Overwatch American T-Shirts
NRA Overwatch “America” T-shirts come in men’s and boyfriend-fit versions for women. With a striking design that marries the American flag with the state-of-the-art Mossy Oak Overwatch pattern, all the incredible details are on full display with this black short-sleeve tee. (For a short history of how the NRA and Mossy Oak joined forces to create the Overwatch pattern, read this article.) $26.99, NineLineApparel.com
Iron Bean Coffee Fierce Roast
This upstart Ohio coffee roaster wowed us at Camp Perry this summer with delicious nitro-brew, among many other offerings. We recommend the potent Fierce blend, which combines Arabica and Robusta beans roasted in small batches for bold flavor. Jon Draper, the executive editor of American Hunter magazine said, “I’m not a coffee connoisseur, but I know bad coffee when I taste it. When good coffee stands out even more, like my first cup of Fierce, it’s a rare and pleasant surprise.” Do you really need a better testimonial? $18, IronBeanCoffee.com
Propper Expandable Backpack
Propper’s Expandable Backpack is a great choice that includes the little things that make it a great way to carry all your stuff. There’s already ample room for gear in this pack, but you can unzip for an extra 2 inches of storage that can come in handy when you least expect it. The bag includes plenty of dividers and comfortable padding will help with a full load. Our favorite feature is the mesh pockets on the straps, which happen to be size-matched to popular smartphones. $99.99, Propper.com
Prohands Tactical Hand and Finger Exerciser
Labeled as the “ultimate training tool for handgun accuracy,” the Prohands Tactical hand and finger exerciser mounts a laser on top of the exerciser to add another level of training for accuracy. Five levels of resistance are available in order to work the entire hand, wrist and forearm. So get ready to train strength and steadiness with the Prohands Tactical. Simply fix the laser on a target and challenge yourself to keep it steady while exercising your fingers. $34.95, Prohands.net
Black Rifle Coffee Freedom Roast
Give the gift of Freedom with a side of Joe this holiday season. Everyone needs that morning brew before heading to the range or to the office, and what could be better than one with a side of American pride? The Freedom Roast Medium Roast by Black Rifle Coffee Company gives you 100 percent Colombian coffee roasted to perfection. Veteran owned, Black Rifle Coffee is sure to put the spring in your step after a sip of this Joe. $14.99, BlackRifleCoffee.com
Blue Force Gear Admin Dapper Pouch
Whether headed to the range or to the office, the Admin Dapper Pouch can easily attach to an inside of a backpack with its hook-and-loop stripes and can hold M4 mags, pens, chargers or other personal items. Gear is easily organized and accessible, yet discreet, and it is sure to make you dapper. No matter if you’re headed to a match or simply to the range to practice, keep your equipment in check with the Admin Dapper Pouch. $36.95, BlueForceGear.com
Casio Pro Trek PRW-6600Y-2 Watch
Featuring triple sensor technology (altimeter, barometer and compass), Multiband 6 Atomic time keeping as well as Tough Solar charging, the PRW-6600Y-2 watch is a great companion when headed to the range. With a sporty look, this Casio Pro Trek watch also includes the date and has the company’s Smart Access system, which gives you quick access to all of the watch’s key functions using an electronic crown. $350, Casio.com
Pelican Dayventure Soft Cooler
The rugged Pelican Dayventure backpack cooler has two insulated storage compartments in a smart division of space. The bottom one can easily fit a six-pack, and the leak resistant zipper will keep the contents inside safe. The outer shell is tearproof and water-resistant, and at 21.7 inches high it’s just the right size for an extended day trip. Padded shoulder straps will help if you are out trekking. $249.95, Pelican.com
Cordova 50 Medium Cooler
Cordova is the official licensed cooler manufacturer of the NRA, and with several hard-sided chest coolers in their line-up, it’s easy to see why. Our favorite is the Cordova 50 Medium, which is the perfect compromise, size-wise, for a rotomolded cooler. Here’s why: Although larger-sized Cordova coolers are available, this one is the ideal size to keep plenty of cold refreshments on hand for a few people for an entire day or longer. All Cordova rotomolded coolers include reverse T-lock latches and aluminum handles that include a built-in bottle opener. $279.99, CordovaOutdoors.com
Books
Applied Ballistics Long-Range Shooting Book
Modern Advancements in Long-Range Shooting is a tome that should be on every precision shooter’s radar screen. In this ongoing book series, the author, noted long-range shooting guru Bryan Litz, discusses the topics that plague novice shooters and then presents live-fire experiments to show how shooting theories manifest themselves in the real world. Each volume is a must-read. $39.95, AppliedBallisticsLLC.com
Practical AR-15 Book
America’s Gun: The Practical AR-15 is Glen Zediker’s fourth book on America’s favorite rifle. While keeping the focus on solid advice and insight, this particular book deviates from his previous ones that emphasized on precision target rifles suitable for competition. The 35 sections over 378 pages provide a comprehensive look at all the different AR-15 systems. $36.95, BuyZedikerBooks.com
Off the Porch Book
Off the Porch by Dick Jones is a delightful collection of stories from the author’s childhood spent with his Uncle Evander and family in rural North Carolina. Written with Jones’ unmistakable sense of humor, the book harkens back to days gone by, with chapters covering fishing, hunting and shooting, along with everything in between. Our favorite chapter is one that includes a High Power Casanova who met his match one year at Camp Perry. $17.95, WeROffThePorch.com
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