I love my mom, but to this day I don’t understand why she put toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo in my stocking every year. She was probably trying to tell me something about my personal hygiene (which is fair), but stocking stuffers shouldn’t come from the pharmacy section at Walmart. Stocking stuffers should come from the gun store.
So, without further ado, here are ten stocking stuffers under $50 for the gun nut in your life. Trust me—they’ll appreciate these more than another bottle of cologne.
1. Mags
This is an easy one. Almost all gun magazines cost less than $50, and they fit perfectly in a stocking. Just be sure to get the correct magazine. Every make and model of firearm takes its own magazine, so it’s important to get the correct type. If your gun nut has an AR-15, you’re safe with any mag that says it’s for an AR-15. I recommend PMAGs from Magpul.
Your local sporting goods store will have a wide selection of magazines, and online sellers like Primary Arms usually have them in stock.
2. Caldwell Bipod
Bipods are a great stocking stuffer because, like magazines, they can always be put to good use. You can spend a fortune on a Gucci bipod from companies like Atlas, but I’ve found that cheap-o bipods from Caldwell work just fine for most applications. I’ve used Caldwell’s XLA 6-9” Bipod for everything from hunting to competition to plinking, and it’s held up perfectly.
You can find Caldwell bipods at most sporting goods stores, but Primary Arms has them on sale right now for $41.
3. Ammo
Ha, just kidding. All the ammo is gone.
(But if you can find some, it would be the greatest stocking stuffer of all time.)
4. NcSTAR VISM Shooting Mat
Admittedly, this won’t fit in a stocking, but it’s still a great small-ish gift. Shooting mats are the kind of accessory you don’t know you need until you have one. I’d been using a tarp before I got this NcSTAR shooting mat for Christmas last year, and the half-inch of foam absolutely makes a difference. Also, this one rolls up, so it’s handy for taking to the range.
You can pick one up on Amazon for about $30.
5. Wheeler Scope Leveling System
For the precision shooter in your life, this Wheeler Professional Reticle Leveling System is a must. Ensuring that a scope’s reticle is level keeps shots on target when adjusting for holdover at long-distance. If the reticle isn’t level, accurate shots at 100 yards turn into misses at 1,000.
I’ve tested and reviewed a number of scope-leveling systems, but I keep coming back to this one whenever I need to level a scope’s reticle for accurate long-range shooting. It’s simple and easy to use, and it won’t break the bank.
Amazon has them on sale right now for $37.
6. Chris Kyle’s American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms
This is one of the first gun-related books I read when I first started shooting, and it’s still great six years later. Legendary American sniper, Chris Kyle works his way from the American War for Independence to the present day by focusing on ten of the world’s most famous firearms: the American long rifle, Spencer repeater, Colt .45 revolver, Winchester 1873 rifle, Springfield M1903 rifle, M1911 pistol, Thompson submachine gun, M1 Garand, .38 Special police revolver, and the M16 rifle. It’s a fun, fast read, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves guns and American history.
Pick up a paperback copy for about $14.
7. Shooting Gloves
For the high-speed low-drag shooter in your life, shooting gloves keep hands cool when handguards start to heat up. They’re not necessary for every trip to the range, but they’re handy for a carbine class or other high-volume training session. Plus, they can be used for other applications like wrenching on cars, doing yard work, or dressing up as G.I. Joe.
I don’t personally own these, but Mechanix’s Wear M-Pact gloves look great. Check them out at Primary Arms for $35.
8. EDC Flashlight
I love getting a quality flashlight in my stocking. I’m always losing them, so it’s nice to stock up over Christmas. Streamlight is one of the industry’s top brands, and you can find them at many sporting goods stores and virtually every online store. A flashlight designed for mounting on a rifle or handgun will probably run more than $50, but you can get a great everyday carry light for less.
Streamlight’s 500-lumen Streamlight ProTac 2L X is a nice choice, and you can pick one up right now at Primary Arms for $48. The ProTac 2L X takes either one Streamlight rechargeable SL-B26 battery or two CR123A lithium batteries, and can be used in three user-selectable programs: high/strobe/low, high only, or low/high.
9. 5-Year Second Amendment Foundation Membership
If your gun enthusiast cares about Second Amendment rights, giving him or her a membership to a gun rights organization is a thoughtful gift. There are lots to choose from, but I’m putting my money on the Second Amendment Foundation. The Second Amendment Foundation is the nation’s most effective 2A litigator—they level and win lawsuits seeking to expand gun rights in our country.
Right now, we have an amazing opportunity to expand gun rights through the courts. It’s been a long time since the Supreme Court has been this friendly towards Second Amendment issues, and Amy Coney-Barrett’s confirmation could be enough to tip the balance in our favor. If you’re hoping the Court will overturn state bans on “assault rifles” and high-capacity magazines—along with restrictions on concealed carry—it’s vital we support SAF’s efforts to bring those cases and win.
You can purchase a 5-year membership for $50 here.
10. Otis Technology 3-Gun Competition Cleaning Kit
Finally, be sure the gun nut in your life can keep his rifles, handguns, and shotguns in fighting shape with a gun cleaning kit. I like the Otis Technology 3-Gun cleaning kit because it’s compact enough to throw in a range bag but includes everything you need to clean firearms chambered in 5.56mm, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 12 gauge. There are nicer, more complete cleaning kits out there (one-piece cleaning rods are the best), but this one will fit in a stocking and comes in at only $48.
My relatives always tell me it’s difficult to shop for guns and gear for me because there are so many options and so many accessories are gun-specific. Hopefully this list has been helpful, but if you find yourself in that position, don’t forget that gift cards to outdoor and shooting sports stores are another great option. Gun stuff is expensive, and it’s nice to have a little extra cash for the most recent things on my wish list.
Merry Christmas!