Holiday Gift Guide: Gear for Gun Lovers [2025]
We independently test and review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing. Learn more. Ho, ho, ho…looking for that perfect gift to give this year? Whether you’re going all-in or keeping it budget-friendly, there are plenty of smart, practical picks out there for…
Ho, ho, ho…looking for that perfect gift to give this year?
Whether you’re going all-in or keeping it budget-friendly, there are plenty of smart, practical picks out there for the shooter in your life. This Holiday Gift Guide has our top recommendations to help you look like you knew exactly what they wanted.
Not sure what you’re looking for? Also check out our Daily Deals where we round up the best gear on sale so you can snag a great gift without overthinking it.
Ammo
Ammo is the easiest “you’ll actually use this” gift on the list. If you know their caliber, you’re golden.
A small 20 round pack also makes for an excellent stocking stuffer.
Here’s some of the most popular ammo in stock now.
9MM Ammo In Stock
| Deal | Grain | Cost Per Round |
| CCI Blazer 50 Round | 124gr | $0.21 |
| Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 9mm | 115gr | $0.23 |
| Speer Gold Dot HP | 124gr | $1.52 |
| Hornady Critical Defense Brass | 115gr | $0.92 |
| AAC FMJ 100 Round | 115gr | $0.25 |
| Federal Champion 200 Round | 115gr | $0.22 |
5.56 and .223 Ammo In Stock
| Deal | Grain | Cost Per Round |
| PMC X-TAC 5.56 NATO | 55gr | $0.45 |
| PMC X-TAC 5.56 NATO | 62gr | $0.23 |
| Winchester Lake City FMJ M193 | 55gr | $0.44 |
| Hornady Frontier Brass | 55gr | $0.50 |
| AAC 5.56 NATO BTHP Match w/ Cannelure | 75gr | $0.55 |
| Fiocchi .223 Rem FMJ | 55gr | $0.49 |
| Winchester M855 Green Tip | 62gr | $0.59 |
| Federal American Eagle .223 | 62gr | $0.69 |
Mags
The second best gift you can give your loved one is more magazines. They also make another great stocking stuffer.
The no-brain easy picks…
- Magpul PMAG Gen 2 – $7.99 w/ code PMAG (free shipping if you order 10+)
- Magpul PMAG Gen 3 – $10.48 ($9.68/unit if you buy 10)
- Magpul PMAG Gen 3 Window – $11.59
How many mags do they need? The answer is N+1, where N = the number of mags they currently have.
Need something besides an AR mag? Here’s some of the best deals for other models…
Guns
Gifting a gun is on a whole different level. It’s personal, it’s memorable, and if you know exactly what they want, it’s the kind of present they’ll be talking about for years.
Rock Island VRPA40 12ga 5rd 20″ Pump Shotgun
An excellent first shotgun. It combines the classic pump action with a magazine fed 5+1 capacity at a very affordable price point.
Rock Island VRPA40 12ga
An excellent first shotgun. It combines the classic pump action with a magazine fed 5+1 capacity at a very affordable price point.
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Complete AR-15
PSA Complete AR-15
Sportsman's Warehouse (See Price)Primary Arms (See Price)
The best entry-level AR-15. If you’re new to the platform, this is our top pick for getting started. You get a solid rifle without breaking the bank.
PSA Sabre-15
PSA Sabre-15
The best entry-level AR-15. If you're new to the platform, this is our top pick for getting started. You get a solid rifle without breaking the bank.
If you want to move up from an entry-level AR to something with better parts out of the box, the PSA Sabre series is a solid step. A lot of the upgrades people usually add later are already baked in from the factory.
There’s a bunch of builds to choose from, but you can usually find Sabre-15s already decked out with Geissele, B5, Magpul, Vortex, and Radian gear.
Tisas 1911 Government .45ACP
Tisas 1911 Government .45ACP
There's a bunch of builds to choose from, but you can usually find Sabre-15s already decked out with Geissele, B5, Magpul, Vortex, and Radian gear.
Picking a handgun as a gift can be tricky because it’s such a personal choice, and the “right” gun depends a lot on how it’ll be used.
But a 1911 is more than just another pistol; it’s an heirloom. It was the sidearm of choice for the U.S. military for decades, and it carries a history and craftsmanship that no other handgun compares to.
Gift a 1911 and you’re not just giving them a gun—you’re giving them a story they can pass down. The Tisas 1911 is budget-friendly pick and carries that old school look.
Check out our guide on the Best 1911s if you want to see more of our picks.
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Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out our other guides!
Optics
If you know what they shoot and what they like, an optic is one of those gifts that just makes their setup a little nicer. These are the most popular picks for handguns and rifles right now.
Sig Sauer Romeo 5
Sig Sauer Romeo 5
If you know what they shoot and what they like, an optic is one of those gifts that just makes their setup a little nicer. These are the most popular picks for handguns and rifles right now.
Hands down, the best value red dot on the market. It features an incredible battery life, a shake-awake feature, and a 2 MOA accuracy at 200 yards.
Read our full review here.
Check out our list of the Best AR-15 Red Dots if you need more suggestions.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen IV
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen IV
Check out our list of the Best AR-15 Red Dots if you need more suggestions.
If they like stretching out their shots but still want something quick up close, an LPVO is a nice middle-ground upgrade. The SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Scope was picked as the Industry Choice Awards (ICA) scope of the year in 2024.
Trijicon RMR Type 2
Trijicon RMR Type 2
If they like stretching out their shots but still want something quick up close, an LPVO is a nice middle-ground upgrade. The SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Scope was picked as the Industry Choice Awards (ICA) scope of the year in 2024.
The gold standard when it comes to pistol red dots. People trust it because it holds up and does what it’s supposed to.
Holosun 507C X2
Holosun 507C X2
The gold standard when it comes to pistol red dots. People trust it because it holds up and does what it’s supposed to.
If you need an RMR pistol red dot that’s more affordable than the Trijicon, then take a look at the Holosun 507C X2. It’s a feature-rich, RMR-footprint alternative that’s easier on the wallet.
Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder
Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder
Crisp HD glass, fast readings and a case that opens without a sound. A rangefinder gift that doesn't need a mortgage.
For the hunter on your list. I tested this one out the back door of my warehouse and it earned an 8.9 in our Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 review. The glass looked sharp from 50 to 400 yards, readings came back fast, and angle compensation is built in for treestand shots. Cabela’s has it on sale for $129.98 right now, down from $199.99.
AR-15 Upgrades
If they’ve got an AR-15, odds are they’re always tweaking something. These small upgrades will go a long way toward making their setup feel more “theirs.”
Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter
Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter
If they’ve got an AR-15, odds are they’re always tweaking something. These small upgrades will go a long way toward making their setup feel more "theirs."
More and more shooters make this the first upgrade to their AR. It lets an owner fold the stock for a much smaller profile during transport or storage, then lock it back into full-function mode with no compromise when shooting.
Radian Raptor LT Charging Handle
Radian Raptor LT
More and more shooters make this the first upgrade to their AR. It lets an owner fold the stock for a much smaller profile during transport or storage, then lock it back into full-function mode with no compromise when shooting.
If you’re still running the mil-spec charging handle that came with your AR, there’s a better way. The Radian Raptor gives you an ambidextrous, smoother feel when you’re racking and cycling the gun.
It makes shooting more enjoyable because you’re not fighting tiny latches, awkward angles, or sharp edges every time you run the bolt.
We have more recommendations on the Best AR Charging Handles.
B5 Bravo Stock
B5 Bravo Stock
We have more recommendations on the Best AR Charging Handles.
Speaking of upgrading mil-spec parts, gifting a good butt stock is another easy part to upgrade. It makes their rifle more comfortable without you needing to know anything fancy.
The best overall is the B5 Bravo Stock. It offer a better cheek weld, giving a more comfortable point of contact. The rubberized butt pad will also feel better on their shoulder.
Check out our complete list of the Best AR-15 Stocks.
Range Gear
Every shooter loves new range gear. They get to show it off to their buddies, or on a more practical note, it makes going to the range less of a chore.
MTM AC4C Ammo Crate
MTM AC4C Ammo Crate
Every shooter loves new range gear. They get to show it off to their buddies, or on a more practical note, it makes going to the range less of a chore.
Lugging ammo around a range is a bit of a pain. These MTM crates make it easy because they stack well and are easy to transport.
They also make a really nice case for carrying extra mags to the range.
Splatterburst Targets
Splatterburst Targets
They also make a really nice case for carrying extra mags to the range.
Targets are the one thing I always forget to pick up right before heading to the range, which is why a fresh stack of Splatterburst targets is never a bad idea.
Savior Equipment Urban Double Rifle Case
Savior Equipment Urban Double Rifle Case
Targets are the one thing I always forget to pick up right before heading to the range, which is why a fresh stack of Splatterburst targets is never a bad idea.
More than once this rifle case has helped me lug my guns to the range. It’s big enough to hold two 42″ rifles with straps to secure them during transport, and then some.
It also has two backpack straps that make carrying it into the range easy.
Handgun Upgrades
If they’re the type who’s always swapping parts or talking about their setup, a few well-chosen handgun upgrades will hit the mark.
Tyrant CNC
Tyrant CNC Handgun Parts
If they’re the type who’s always swapping parts or talking about their setup, a few well-chosen handgun upgrades will hit the mark.
Tyrant makes really cool handgun accessories that add some flare and personality to a setup. Whether it’s a little more color or a more comfortable feel in the hand, their parts are a great upgrade to any handgun.
Holsters
Holsters might not seem exciting, but the right one makes a big difference in how a pistol feels day-to-day. It’s a practical, thoughtful gift for anyone who carries or spends time on the range.
We’ve tried a lot of different holsters. Some are great and some not so much. Here’s a few of our favorites, but be sure to check out the complete list.
Hidden Hybrid Holsters
Hidden Hybrid Holsters
We've tried a lot of different holsters. Some are great and some not so much. Here's a few of our favorites, but be sure to check out the complete list.
Hidden Hybrid is my go-to whenever I conceal carry: the backing doesn’t dig into my side, the draw is clean, and the gun stays put when I’m moving around.
It’s the best of both the leather and Kydex worlds. A Kydex shell to secure the gun in place, and a leather back to keep it comfy.
Kore Essentials Tactical Gun Belt
Kore Essentials Gun Belt
It's the best of both the leather and Kydex worlds. A Kydex shell to secure the gun in place, and a leather back to keep it comfy.
Confession: I used to hate wearing a holster. Even the comfortable leather-backed ones made my pants sag in a way that drove me nuts.
That changed when I found the Kore Essentials Gun Belt.
It actually supports the weight of the gun, is super easy to adjust, and looks pretty nice on me.
Range Wear
Range wear covers the stuff they’ll actually use every time they head out—gloves, slings, backpacks, etc. These make their day a lot more comfortable so they can haul everything they need.
VTAC Hybrid Rifle Sling
VTAC Hybrid Rifle Sling
Range wear covers the stuff they’ll actually use every time they head out—gloves, slings, backpacks, etc. These make their day a lot more comfortable so they can haul everything they need.
We’ve tested a lot of rifle slings over the years, and the VTAC Wide Padded Hybrid Sling is hands down our favorite.
It’s easier on the shoulder and the transition from slung up to on target, or vice versa, is silky smooth.
Crazy AR Accessories
If you truly want to blow the socks off your loved one this holiday season, here are some of the craziest AR accessories you can get them.
Exothermic Technologies Pulsefire UBF Underbarrel Flamethrower
Exothermic Technologies Pulsefire UBF Underbarrel Flamethrower
If you truly want to blow the socks off your loved one this holiday season, here are some of the craziest AR accessories you can get them.
We didn’t even think this was legal when we first saw it, but it turns out that’s only true in Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Maryland. For the rest of you, this is a flamethrower you can mount on your AR.
Watch it in action:
You can also pickup the Exothermic backpack to hold an additional 3.3 gallons of fuel.
X-Products Can Cannon Soda Can Launcher
X-Products Can Cannon Soda Can Launcher
You can also pickup the Exothermic backpack to hold an additional 3.3 gallons of fuel.
If that doesn’t impress you enough, there’s also a soda can launcher. Why does anyone need a soda can launcher? Because it launches soda cans, duh!
X-Products also makes a Grappling Hook, if your loved one wants to summon their inner Batman.
There’s plenty more Crazy AR-15 Accessories to check out.
Prepping
You don’t need to be deep into the prepping world to appreciate a few basics. A little extra readiness never hurts, and these picks cover the simple stuff.
Mission Darkness Faraday Bag
If you don’t know what a faraday bag is, it basically blocks wireless signals—handy for keeping phones, key fobs, or electronics protected from tracking or interference.
Mission Darkness Faraday Bag
If you don't know what a faraday bag is, it basically blocks wireless signals—handy for keeping phones, key fobs, or electronics protected from tracking or interference.
They have different sizes depending on what you may want to protect. They have cell and laptop covers and even bags big enough to cover generators!
Check out all of the ones we’ve tested in Best Faraday Bags.
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 3
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 3
Check out all of the ones we've tested in Best Faraday Bags.
A portable power station makes a great gift because it works equally well for a range enthusiast (keeping lights, fans, chargers running while prepping), for outdoor trips, or as part of a backup setup at home.
The portability, fast charging, and wide output options mean it’s a gift they’ll find a reason to use again and again.
There’s tons of power stations out there and we cover them all in our Best Portable Power Stations article.
Training
Training gear is great for shooters looking to improve their skill sets or increase their knowledge. Here’s some things we think your loved one will like.
Mantis X
Mantis X
Training gear is great for shooters looking to improve their skill sets or increase their knowledge. Here's some things we think your loved one will like.
This is one of those gifts that’ll keep on giving. The Mantis X mounts on nearly any firearm, pairs with their phone, and gives real-time feedback on each dry fire or live fire attempt. Essentially, it allows them to practice shooting from home without spending a lot of money on ammo.
Left of Bang
This is a great book that breaks down how to read people and notice the subtle cues that signal trouble, much like the threat-detection techniques Marines learn in Combat Hunter training.
Left of Bang
This is a great book that breaks down how to read people and notice the subtle cues that signal trouble, much like the threat-detection techniques Marines learn in Combat Hunter training.
Waterproof Knot Tying Cards
This is a simple, easy to carry, reminder on how to tie knots of all sorts. They’re waterproof, so if you take them camping or backpacking, they’ll survive.
Waterproof Knot Tying Cards
This is a simple, easy to carry, reminder on how to tie knots of all sorts. They're waterproof, so if you take them camping or backpacking, they'll survive.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Best of luck to you this holiday season. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, here’s hoping you at least nail the gift.
What are we missing from our list? What do YOU want Santa to bring this holiday season?
Justin Trump is the managing editor and owner of CAT Outdoors. The son of a Vietnam veteran, he’s a Certified Glock Armorer, an avid gun enthusiast and 2A advocate. He holds two firearm patents for the CAT M4 and Talon tools. When not managing CAT Outdoors, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, rooting for Michigan sports teams, and serving his church.
