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Gear Gifts for Dad That Hit the Mark
Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to treat the shooter in your life, or yourself, to gear that elevates training, adds convenience, and brings a little more joy to the everyday grind. From hearing protection that’s stood the test of time to dry-fire innovations that save money on ammo, this guide rounds up four of my personal favorite pieces of gear that any dad who shoots will appreciate. Whether you’re buying for a seasoned marksman or someone just starting out, these gifts offer real value, durability, and performance.
Table of contents
Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Ear Protection
When it comes to midrange electronic ear pro, the Howard Leight Impact Sport by Honeywell remains my top pick after a decade of use. While similar models from other brands often suffer from unnatural or distorted sound, Impact Sports offers clear, realistic audio with effective ambient amplification and a low-profile design perfect for the rifle-shooting dad.
If you want to take them to the next level, I highly recommend adding Noisefighters gel ear cups. They dramatically improve comfort and seal, especially during long days on the range. This combo has been my go-to setup for nearly ten years. No issues, no failures, just consistent protection and performance.
Price: $59.99
Available on GunsAmerica Now
Noisefighters Gel Cups: $50
TA Targets AR550 Steel Targets
Steel targets are one of the most satisfying tools a shooter can own, but not all steel is created equal. TA Targets offers some of the hardest and longest-lasting plates in the business. While many people lean toward budget options, cheap steel can crater, degrade quickly, and eventually become dangerous due to unpredictable ricochets. I’ve personally run a TA Targets AR550 plate for years and sent tens of thousands of rounds into it. It’s still going strong.
Their lineup includes everything from simple gong setups to reactive silhouette systems. While it’s a bigger upfront investment, TA Targets’ gear is a lifetime buy that pays off in both safety and longevity.
MSRP for AR550 8″x16″ Mini Silhouette with Base: $275+ depending on configuration
Father Approved ACE Virtual Reality Training Bundle for META Quest
If your wife is tired of your ammo budget eating into the family finances, the ACE VR Bundle might be the best Father’s Day compromise yet for shooters. I picked this system up during a Black Friday sale. Since then, I have been blown away by how realistic and addictive the training experience is. Whether running drills on USPSA stages or just having fun in the garage, this setup has turned dry fire into something I look forward to.
ACE Annual Membership: $168
The system includes a Staccato HD P4 VR Handgun with integrated tracking, and you’ll need a META Quest headset if you don’t already have one. At around $168 per year for the software subscription, it’s not free, but it’s cheaper than lots of range trips and offers nearly unlimited reps in a realistic training environment. Bonus: it’s fun for the whole family.
Staccato HD P4 VR Handgun: $199
META Quest 3 (128GB): $499
READ MORE HERE: Ace Virtual Shooting and SIG SAUER Launch ‘SIG Experience’ Collaboration
Princeton Tec Remix Pro Headlamp
Fathers are always fixing, building, or tinkering, and there’s never enough daylight to get it all done. A reliable headlamp is one of the most underrated tools you can give or receive. The Remix Pro from Princeton Tec hits the sweet spot. I recently picked one up and have been impressed with both performance and build quality.
The Remix Pro runs off a single CR123 battery. It features a max brightness of 300 lumens and includes multiple output modes with white and red LEDs. It’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear for extended periods. Princeton Tec is a family-owned, USA-based manufacturer offering a full lineup of headlamps tailored to everything from night hunts to daily chores.
MSRP: $65
Arrowhead Tactical Concealed Carry Shorts
Active shooters need apparel that works as hard as they do, and the Arrowhead Tactical Apparel Carrier Shorts Mk.II check every box. These aren’t just gym shorts—they’re engineered for everyday concealed carry.
The 11‑inch inseam version provides extra coverage while delivering athletic mobility. Key features include a patented Carrier Retention Waistband with 33 % more front belt‑loop spacing for secure appendix carry, dual internal mag sleeves, dual zippered rear pockets with YKK closures, extended zipper pulls, a functional zipper fly, breathable nylon/spandex fabric, and a mesh gusset for airflow
I’ve tested similar setups on dry‑fires, squats, even light runs—and the internal retention waistband plus a slim 1.5″ belt hold everything locked in place with zero shift. The zipper fly is a small but appreciated upgrade for comfort. Available colors: Midnight Black, Olive Drab, and Slate Grey (11″ only in Midnight) arrowheadtacticalapparel.com+2arrowheadtacticalapparel.com+2sackett-ranch.com+2.
MSRP: $67.99 (often discounted to $50.99)
Conclusion
Father’s Day doesn’t have to be a struggle when shopping for shooters. These picks are practical, long-lasting, and personally field-tested. Whether it’s saving your ears, saving your steel, or saving your ammo budget, I have run and would recommend each one of these items. From the range to the workshop and even your living room, these gifts will get used, appreciated, and remembered long after June has passed. Skip the fillers this year and go with gear that hits the mark.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
Mitchell Graf is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, and firearms enthusiast. As a former instructor and president of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, he has a strong foundation in marksmanship and competition shooting. These days, he spends as much time as possible chasing pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermal optics.
When he’s not in the field or on the range, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense industry and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether he’s behind a rifle, designing parts, or working the land, his drive for precision and performance remains the same.
Experience:
– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time professional in the Aerospace/Defense industry.
– Competitive Shooter & Instructor – Former President and Instructor of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team.
– Night Vision & Thermal Hunter – Passionate about night time predator and hog hunting.
– Part-Time Farmer – Working to provide for my family, and raise food for this great nation.