I’m a gun guy and like to think I have an ‘In’ on what gun enthusiasts truly want. Finding the perfect Christmas gifts for gun owners can be tricky—you need the just-right item at the just-right budget.
With that challenge in mind, I’ve curated a diverse guide covering a wide variety of budgets, from practical stocking stuffers to high-tech training systems. Whether you’re shopping for your dad, mom, brother, or sister, my goal is to provide a comprehensive list of practical gun gifts they will actually use at the range or in the field.
String up the lights, put on Charlie Brown, sip cocoa, and let’s get into the giving spirit.
Gift Guide Table of Contents:
- Ammo: The Universal Gift
- Safariland Gravity: IDPA-Approved Passive Retention Holster
- Shooting Targets: Affordable Range Essentials
- Safariland Pro Impulse Bluetooth Hearing Protection
- Bianchi 126GLS Assent: Multi-Fit Concealed Carry Holster
- Mantis TitanX: Dry Fire Training System
1. Ammo: The Universal Gift
Budget: Stocking Stuffer (Varies widely by amount and caliber)
If there is one Christmas gift that any gun guy or gal will absolutely love, it’s ammunition. You’ll have to do a little research to find the right caliber (ask a close friend or subtly check their existing supply!), but with just a little effort, you can easily please any gun owner. Ammo is a bit modular by price; you can buy a single box or a case of 1,000 rounds.
Pro Tip: Instead of just giving the box, buy two boxes of ammo and give time. Go shooting with your loved one and experience their hobby with them.
For Defensive Shooters: Consider giving a few boxes of quality defensive ammo (like hollow points) to allow them to test their carry weapon.
2. Safariland Gravity Holster: Best IDPA-Approved Passive Retention
Mid-Range: MSRP ~$65.00
One of Safariland’s newest products is the Safariland Gravity holster, an interesting name for an Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holster that merges modern design with classic passive retention.
The Gravity name makes sense because gravity, assisted by internal friction and an adjustable retention screw, keeps the gun securely in the holster. This holster uses the patented SafariLaminate construction for near indestructibility.
Key Feature for Competition: The Gravity is IDPA and USPSA approved and is perfect for shooters looking for a stable platform to compete from without relying on an active locking mechanism.
Safariland Ecosystem Ready: It works with all of Safariland’s three-hole attachments (like the QLS system), giving your loved one a broad market of accessories and mounting options right off the jump. It even comes in cool colors like M81 Woodland Camo.
3. Shooting Targets: Affordable Range Essentials
Budget: $1.00 – $40.00 (Per pack/set)
If you shoot, you are racing against an ever-dwindling supply of ammo and shooting targets. Targets are a simple, affordable Christmas gift that any range enthusiast will love, and they fit the smallest budget.
Recommended Targets for Practical Training
VTAC Targets (Viking Tactics): These are my top suggestion. They are two-sided, providing a skeletal silhouette with vitals marked on one side for realistic defensive training, and a series of four B8-style targets on the other. This allows you to zero firearms, create challenging drills, and train realistically. (~$0.55 – $2.00 per paper target depending on quantity)
RE Factor Essentials Target: This is a huge target covered by a variety of small, practical targets. This includes a B-8, 3X5 index cards, and an IPSC A-zone, providing a ton of various aim points to work on many different drills in one session.
4. Safariland Pro Impulse Bluetooth Hearing Protection
Mid-Range: ~$75.00
The Pro Impulse is a new consumer-friendly set of electronic hearing protection that comes with a high-tech addition. These headphones protect your hearing while easily connecting to your phone via Bluetooth. This means you can take calls at the range without removing your hearing protection, or stream music to jam out to the Wu-Tang Clan.
The Pro Impulse features electronic noise amplification that allows for conversation at a range, and for taking a class, it’s all but mandatory. It automatically activates when it detects loud impulses (gunshots), protecting your hearing while still allowing you to hear range commands.
If you have a loved one who is still shoving little orange squishies in their ear, it’s time to get them an essential upgrade!
5. Bianchi 126GLS Assent: Multi-Fit Concealed Carry Holster
Mid-Range: MSRP $101.50
Do you have a gun guy or gal on your list who owns a variety of guns? If so, the Bianchi 126GLS Assent might be the perfect multi-fit gift for them.
Universal Fit: This holster uses the innovative Grip Lock System (GLS), which allows it to safely accommodate over 250 different semi-automatic firearms (Note: it does not accommodate revolvers).
Hybrid Design: The holster blends a modern polymer fit (using a synthetic liner) with the attractive look and feel of premium leather.
Active Retention: The GLS retention device is defeated simply by gripping the gun naturally, making it safe and intuitive for use as a concealment or general-range holster.
The 126GLS Assent offers style, security, and exceptional versatility for a shooter with a diverse handgun collection.
6. Mantis Titan X: High-Tech Dry Fire Training System
High-End: MSRP $199.99
The Mantis TitanX is a game-changer that blends dry fire training with technology to produce high-tech, actionable feedback—all without firing a single round of expensive ammunition.
Integrated System: The Titan X is an inert training pistol designed to work with the Mantis App to provide real-time feedback to shooters on their grip, trigger pull, draw speed, and more. Current models emulate the functional features of popular Glock platforms (G17, G19, G45) with other models matching HK, Sig Sauer, and Walther coming soon.
Realistic Training: It features a realistic, resetting trigger and a laser that flashes when the shot breaks, allowing for continuous rapid-fire practice. The TitanX is designed to fit most standard holsters for the firearm it replicates (e.g., Glock 19 holsters).
Red Dot Ready: It is even red-dot-ready to accept RMR and RMSc optics, making it blend seamlessly with the modern shooter’s setup.
Ultimate Value: The Titan X is one of the most effective and efficient ways to train. For the cost of a few boxes of ammo, you can get near-unlimited training sessions, making it a fantastic long-term investment. Plus, it’s 100% safe.
It’s That Time of the Year
If you’re not a gun guy or gal, it can be hard to find the right gift. Hopefully, I’ve given you a few ideas for practical gifts for shooters so you can get your loved ones something they’ll truly love and use.
Remember, if times are tight, consider giving your time—going shooting with that loved one is an amazing gift in itself!
Merry Christmas!
