It is once again that time of year, Christmas season. While most of your list may be easy to find at the local mall, odds are slim that is going to work for your resident gun guy or gal. Fear not, dear readers, we have that covered. We are making a list, checking it twice, and all you need to do is surreptitiously get it in the hands of your gift buyers. And do it quick, before you end up with an ugly sweater and an in name contribution to Ocasio-Cortez 2020.
Now obviously things can get pricey in the gun realm, as we all know. So my list is going to cover multiple price range options, from “ we just hit the Powerball” to “ kids got gas station toys this year.”
Ruger Precision Rifle in 338 Lapua
Ruger RPR in 338 Lapua
Friends, this is one of the coolest releases of the year. I have already had my hands on it for a full review, and I came away impressed. Even if you are not a fan boy of the RPR series, this one is going to blow your socks off. I have seen nothing that can beat the RPR in this caliber, for anything close to the price. While it is also available in 300 Win Mag, my recommendation is the 338, since they weigh the same. Everyone deserves a rifle capable of killing a dinosaur, and this one is hard to beat.
MSRP $ 2099
Mossberg 590M
590 M, with all magazine options
I am normally in the Remington camp, not the Mossberg camp when it comes to pump shotguns. But the 590M absolutely blew my socks off. I applaud all the mag fed pump shotguns that came out this year, but the 590M is my choice as the champion. It is fun, reliable, and those double stacks hold some serious shells. Equally useful for home defense or critter control, this one should be on your radar. Mossberg has also doubled down on the initial success, introducing a ShockWave version earlier this month. For the shotgun fan that has it all, the bar has now been raised. With magazines of 5, 10, 15, and 20 round capacity, this one is a winner.
Springer Precision XDM Basepads
XDM 10mm with Springer Precision basepads
I was super stoked when Springfield Armory released the XDM 10mm this year, it is the one I have been waiting for. But even such an anticipated gun needs aftermarket magic. Fortunately for us, most things that fit an XDM 45, also fit an XDM 10mm. Springer Precision has been the leader in all things XDM for years, and are a brand I recommend highly. Assuming your loved one already bought the XDM 10mm, the first thing I recommend is new basepads. The Springer Precision models go up to 140mm, giving a new capacity of 19 rounds. That is a huge amount of 10mm to have in your hot little hands.
MSRP $ 35, or $47 with Grams follower kit.
Spyderco Endura 4 with Emerson Opener
Endura 4 ( Courtesy Spyderco)
Not everything is guns, some things are also razor sharp steel. I have long been a fan of Spyderco, as they have proven to be incredibly durable, especially for the price. The Endura series is light, carries well in the pocket, and is big enough for defense. With the Emerson option, it also opens quicker than greased lightning. This product is perfect for everyone from your nephew in the Marines to your daughter heading back to college. Nothing says not interested like lead and copper at 1000 feet per second, but some VG-10 in the ribs is a close second.
MSRP $134 ( street price $75)
Foam Action Sports Foam Rest
Front and rear Foam Action Blocks
I caught a ration of it for even reviewing this product, but I stand by my statements. This is an amazing product for the money, and it does everything it advertises. For non-bipod guns, this is a must for zero and grouping exercises. It weighs around infinity less than a sandbag, is incredibly durable, and is also quite adaptable for a variety of jobs. For new shooters especially, I recommend this one highly. If you shoot 5 rounds a year to confirm zero, this probably isn’t for you. But if you are constantly out fiddling with loads and or training, this should be in your tool box. And at $14.99, you haven’t lost much by giving it a try.
MSRP $14.99 single, $26.99 two pack.
I have shot RPRs prior and came away unimpressed. Mainly because of the disaster they call a butt stock. Granted my Savage 110 Stealth isn’t great but I can drop a PRS on it with no issues. Plus folding stocks are a fail in general. Eventually it will loosen up and not be as rigid as you would want on a precision rifle. But if you like the platform and want to get into the ELR world it’s not a bad place to start.
I like the RPR choice. I wish Santa Ruger would break down and give us an RPR with 26″ barrel in .30-’06. It will do everything the 6.5’s can do, just kick more on each end. Plus I already have tons of ’06 ammo. Love to see an RPR with 28″ pipe in .224 Valkyrie.