By Scott Smith
It’s hard to believe Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year are just weeks away. The holidays seem to have snuck up on us with the country being embroiled in the election. Now that it is over, it is time to accept the results which by all indicators were good nationwide for shooters/hunters and get ready for Christmas. We are going to look at a variety of kits to maintain your firearms, carry them, illuminate targets and even carry ammunition. A little bit of everything for shooters over a broad price range.
BLACKHAWK has been a major player in the tactical side of the industry for over two decades. It is often overlooked by competition shooters and hunters. This year when looking for gifts, you might want to consider lights and firearms cases from BLACKHAWK.
With the rise of three gun competition and various long range and rifle shooting competitions The Padded Weapons Case is a good option. It can be had in a 38” and 44” size to accommodate most M4 or tactical shotguns on the market.
The heavy duty nylon closes with two zippers for ease of access. As the name implies this case is padded on the external walls and the divider between the two weapons. You will find the external zipper pouch is also padded to protect items such as binoculars or spare optics. The large hook and loop closure pocket can be used to carry holsters, rain gear, magazines – you get the idea.
You can see the padded divider protecting your firearms and the large pockets of the BLACKHAWK Padded Weapons Case give you extra storage.
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To make this weapons case easy to carry there is an adjustable strap with a non-slip shoulder strap. The pad is non-slip enough that it keeps the fully loaded Padded Weapons Case on your shoulder even in the rain on a Gore-Tex parka. The 38” case will set you back $143.45 while the 44” version runs $153.45. To protect your duty, hunting or competition rifle/shotguns this is cheap insurance. I have used this bag for several years when I packed my long guns for work. The optics never lost zero or were damaged. This is a fine case.
If you are looking for a versatile weapon light, the Xiphos NTX is one I highly recommend. I have used it since it came to market years ago. This light operates on a single CR123A battety. That single battery will run for approximately two hours putting out 180 lumens.
Xiphos is mounted on a Sig P229, you can see the easy access switch.
What sets this light apart from other lights is the clamp. There are no complex platforms or additional locks required to make the Xiphos fit virtually any mount be it an original Glock or H&K to a standard Picatinny rail to a Weaver rail. The rotating locking lever is the key part because this allows you to quickly secure the light to the rail. To remove the light, just flip the lever up and the Xiphos can be removed.
The other big difference between this and other lights is the tail cap. It is designed to be easily operated without breaking your shooting grip on a handgun and just as easily operated on a long gun. This ambidextrous switch changes the beam from momentary to strobe or constant on.
Over the years my Xiphos has traveled thousands of miles on a Sig P226 in a SERPA holster. It has survived ventures to Gunsite, Sig Academy, Surefire’s 3-Gun World Championships and lord knows how many thousands of rounds mine has survived. The polymer levers and lock have never failed, even in monsoons, when turned on the CREE LED shined brightly. At 2.5 ounces with a battery is it one of the lightest lights on the market. With a MSRP of $204.45 it is competitively prices with other lights you will find online or at your favorite shop.
When it comes to keeping your firearms clean one of the newer companies in the industry, Real Avid, has what you need. All of their tools and cleaning kits are designed to offer the end-user a great value with innovative designs.
The Gun Boss Pro Precision Cleaning Tools is one of their offerings. At $19.99, this kit has everything you need to clean the heavy gunk from your handguns and long guns. The entire tool kit stores in the case which folds to become a stand/rack to keep the tools organized so you have them when you need them. This kit includes a handle, two rods, cleaning brush, screwdriver, two pin punches, a scraper, a hook/scraper and a round stiff brush to remove grit from rails, links etc.
This kit is designed to clean all the hard to clean parts of firearms. I found this kit to have everything needed to make tearing your handgun, modern sporting rifle or shotgun apart. You will find the scrapers work not only on your handguns but on the locking lugs of an AR while the stiff brush cleans gunk off shotgun bolts. The hook not only gets baked on carbon from small spaces but it is a godsend when it comes to removing the cotter pin from the bolt carrier group of an AR. I wish we had kits like this back when I was on active duty, it would have made maintaining our well traveled M16s a lot easier than some pipe cleaners, paper clips and other jury rigged tools we used to get into the nooks and crannies.
When you are in the field or on the range and things go sideways with your AR or other firearms, it is nice to have a “pocket” tool kit that actually has tools you need. Real Avid’s Gun Tool Pro-AR15 is that kit. When I say it puts all the tools you need to fix most issues with your firearm, I mean it. This hand sized kit is everything from a hammer to a bolt override tool. If you cannot scrape, tighten/loosen, install, adjust or store it with the Pro-AR15, then odds are it is something you will not be able to repair on the fly.
Gun Tool Pro AR15 by Real Avid is a must have if you have modern sporting rifle aka AR/M4, it will keep your rifle running and clean.
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Accessory tool bits will fit into the ¼” bit driver to allow you to tighten/adjust optics, most common screws and be used as a punch for challenging pivot pins or retaining pins. If the screws are really tight there is a driver at the end of the handle to give you more torque.
If your AR goes down due to carbon build-up, fear not. This tool has scrapers for every part of the bolt/bolt carrier group. There is a cotter pin puller to pull the bolt cam out. The bolt carrier scraper has a fine file to get those burrs off. You will find the claw point knife blade ideal for opening ammo boxes or cases of targets. For safety, all of the folding tools lock in place with a liner lock.
One tool that you will find a godsend it the bolt override. This gadget makes clearing double feeds or any feed jams of an AR a snap. Simply lock the tool open, slide it into the space at the front of the bolt created by the jam and pull the tool. This tool saves you from bouncing the AR off a bench/ground while attempting to rack the slide. It will also help alleviate damage to your AR from smacking it off a hard surface and this alone is worth the $49.99 price. Thanks to the handy carry case the Pro-AR15 can be carried on MOLLE gear or stashed in your range bag.
If someone on your list needs a serious knife, I suggest one from Steel Will Knives. Steel Will Knives is a relatively new company that opened its doors in 2008. These knives are built to exacting specifications with steel from Austria, Japan, the US and other countries to match the steel to the knife’s purpose. The grips are built from G10, Micarta or high strength rubberized materials to fit the mission.
For this gift guide I chose to look at the 1503 Gekko. This is one of the most popular knives in their line because of the size and price point of $234.99. This might sound expensive but in today’s market this is about average for a quality knife. This knife is anything but average.
Steel Will’s Gekko folder, a knife that is built for most anything life/field can throw at it.
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Made in Italy, this Gekko has orange G10 grips that are easily seen in low light and simple soap/water will wash away any body fluids from field dressing your trophy. To ensure your blade is sharp and endures the harshest treatment N690Co steel is used. This steel is highly corrosion resistant, holds a sharp edge and sharpens fairly easily. Out of the box, this knife is razor sharp and quickly shreds paper, so it will easily field dress game or cut your sandwich at lunchtime.
When I first opened the box, obviously the orange handle with its satin finished blade caught my eye. When you hold the Gekko you feel a solid knife, which weighs 6.8ozs. Opening the blade with the thumb stud, you will notice the action is smooth as silk and the blade clicks solidly into the lock back. To make finding the lock easier, Steel Will gimps the pivot point like it does the blade. In low light or when you have your hands full this makes unlocking the blade a snap.
The pocket clip can be placed on either side of the knife allowing the owner to choose where it carries best for them. One feature that can be overlooked on the Gekko or any Steel Will Knife is the glass breaker “hidden” in the lanyard hole. Since you already have a seat belt cutter – the blade, you need a way to get out of a vehicle if your doors become stuck. That is the purpose the glass breaker – a tool vehicle safety experts suggest you have easily available. No matter the activity: hunting, fishing, hiking, shooting a match, the outdoorsman on your list will appreciate and use the Gekko 1503.
Another must have for a shooter is a Mag Lula. What’s a Mag Lula? Mag Lulas are some of the best magazine loaders on the market, if not the best. I say that as someone who really does not like magazine loaders because they generally do not help that much. Leave it to the Israelis to make a piece that really works.
Mag Lulas to spare; Strip Lula top, 22LR Lulas, single stack adapter on standard Mag Lula, 22LR Mag Lula fits 9mm double stacks as well and an AK47 Mag Lula front if you own an AK or AR it’s a must have gift.
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I started using the Mag Lula for ARs during 3-gun matches because they not only make loading the magazine easy but they make unloading it a snap too. The AR Lula clips onto any AR magazine (Lulas are made for AR15s and AR10s) and you toggle the lever back and forth dropping in a cartridge. Reverse the process and the magazine is empty in a few seconds.
After success with the AR Lula I tried the Strip Lula which is way better than the stripper clip loader Uncle Sam issued with ammunition. This Lula is very simple to use. Load an AR stripper clip into the Strip Lula, attach to the slots on your magazine, hold the Lula and push down on the handle. Ten shots are loaded in a flash and the stripper feeder does not go flying off. This Lula is always in my match ammo box because I load my AR ammunition on strippers to increase room in the box.
Mag Lula has loaders for AK47s, M1As, most single stack 22LR and they also offer one for 1911s chambered in 22LR. This tool is valuable in the winter when loading those skinny cartridges can be challenging. For those of us who still shoot single stack 1911s, Mag Lula has a bracket that clips into their standard wide body Lula that works like a champ. Mag Lulas make great gifts for any shooter. The prices range from $29.95-$38.95, and the 1911 insert is $19.95. If you shoot a lot, or in challenging conditions, these are a must have item.
The last two items that will make good gifts are from Safariland . They are the new GLS Pro Fit holster and Model 086 12G Shotshell Holder. Over the last summer both of these items saw extensive use shooting 3-gun from Pennsylvania to Texas. They survived and functioned well in Kentucky’s monsoons, the extreme heat and humidity of Texas and everyday practice on the range.
Safariland’s 086 GLS Pro Fit holster; it is the most versatile and best fitting level two holster on the market.
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You can have the Model 086 in either a four or eight shell holder with a belt clip or ELS bracket. While these shotshell carriers are designed for quad loads, they work well as a dual load. Unlike other shotshell carriers you can remove single shells without fear of losing another shell. The 086 keeps shells secure when running, shooting prone or climbing various stage props. Unlike other carriers I have used shells do not pop off when you bend over thanks to the clips being recessed into the carrier. The Model 086 Shotshell carrier has an MSRP of $58-$113 depending on the model.
The last piece of individual gear on this year’s Christmas is the GLS Pro Fit holster. This is a level two retention holster that will fit virtually any of the popular handguns on the market. It ships with a paddle and belt slide attachment, but will also fit any three hole Safariland mounting system. If you like a paddle holster, you will like this one. It is comfortable, locks onto your belt and removes easily as long as you push down on the holster before removing. This unlocks the lower catch from your belt, then it just rotates off your belt.
I am not a fan of “one size fits all holsters” because they generally do not meet their claim. The GLS is the exception thanks to the tensioning system and different body sizes. The bodies fit pistols with similar frame sizes such as Glocks, M&Ps, H&KP30s or Sig 320s, 226s and Beretta 92s or CZP09s. Safariland’s website will get you the right body size for your pistol then you adjust the tension screw for a secure fit.
The GLS is an ideal competition and daily holster because it a level two system. The security lock is released when you draw the pistol. As you grip the pistol a lever at the rear of the holster is engaged without you even being aware of it. This holster is as fast as any polymer holster on the market but the lock keeps your pistol in place when climbing, crawling, running etc. I have used this holster since its introduction at the 2015 SHOT Show for USPSA, 3 gun and a couple IDPA matches. It is competitively priced at $55 and worth every penny.
To carry all your gear you need the final item, MTM Case Gard’s Ammo Crate ACR7 and Ammo Storage Can AC30C. These watertight boxes are ideal to carry most anything in, to keep it all in one spot. Not only will these cases keep your gear dry but you can lock them for a degree of security.
MTM Case Gard’s ACR7 and AC30C; tough cases to secure whatever gear you need to carry.
The ACR7 measures 17.2″ x 10.7″ x 9.2”(H) to give you 890 cubic inches of storage space. What that translates to is eight boxes of 12G shells, four boxes of slugs, three hundred rounds of .223Rem on stripper clips and four hundred 9mm rounds in a peanut butter jar. There is also room for other small stuff like Mag/Strip Lulas and sunscreen or bug spray. The ACR7 then can be carried behind your passenger seat or storage area of an SUV.
The AC30C lies much flatter than any of the other storage boxes in the MTM line. It measures 7.4”(L) x 13.5”(W) x 5.1”(H). It will easily pack one thousand 9mm rounds which should make for a serious shooting session. I am setting my AC3C for a travel box for my video cameras and small digital SLR. Once lined with closed cell foam it will protect this precious cargo from the elements, something camera cases do not do well. MTM Case Gard’s ACR7 and AC30C are tough cases to secure whatever gear you need to carry.
I have been using MTM Case Gard boxes since I was a kid. They are often copied, but only MTM holds up when used as a chair, step ladder, make shift mini-sawhorses, etc. If you want to protect your gear and ensure your ammo is secure, MTM Case Gard’s AC30C and ACR7 are two boxes that you should use. You will find these cases online starting around $14, they are worth the extra few bucks over the bargain brands.
Because it is Christmas we need to include a piece of clothing. If we didn’t our mothers would not think it was Christmas. Unlike clothing from families, this item is useful for shooters. Notchgear, who makes hats with “notches” in the brim to fit around your shooting glasses.
Notchgear’s Classic Adjustable Tactical Operator designed to allow your hat to fit your protective eyewear.
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Generally I am not a fan of things that sound gimmicky but these hats piqued my curiosity. If your hat does not fit over your wraparound glasses you can get a heckuva glare from the sun bleeding under the brim. Glare might not be a big deal when out walking but it can cause you to lose your dot, front bead or even your targets when shooting.
Unlike many hat companies who offer you “fitted” hats which are stretchy to accommodate a range of head sizes, Notchgear offers “fitted” and adjustable hats. Being old school I chose the Adjustable Tactical Operator because I prefer a snug fit on the range especially when out in the wind and rain. A black with red thread hat and one in Kryptek Highlander arrived a few days after we exchanged emails.
The black/red hat is a soft crown hat which fits nicely under electric hearing protection. The Kryptek Highlander version is a more traditional formed front, mesh rear, style hat. Both have the loop portion of hook & loop centered in the front of the hat to attach a patch. I found this loop material worked with all of the morale or military patches I attached.
All of the items in this year’s Christmas list have been used regularly. Each have been used hard and on a weekly basis. All have survived my travels from Steel City to Sin City to hills of Texas and North Carolina. They are tough, durable and will be used for years to come. Hopefully this list will give you a few ideas for shooters on your Christmas list. If you are like me braving winter weather to shoot be safe, shoot straight and have fun. Have a blessed holiday season; Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a safe New Year.
What’s going under your tree?
Scott Smith is a Disabled Veteran serving in the Army and USAF Reserve. He has been a federal police officer, is a charter member of IDPA and is actively involved with USPSA and various three gun competitions.