May 13, 2024
By Guns & Ammo Staff
Father’s Day is the time when we celebrate all the things that dad does for us, so why not get him something that he really wants this year? Each year we compile a list of the best gift ideas for Father’s Day, the new gear items we know any hunter or shooter would love to receive. There’s something here for every budget, and since most of these items are recent releases there’s a good chance that dad hasn’t already bought one for himself. We’ve compiled some of our favorite new gear items, but that doesn’t mean that dad will only use these items when he’s at the range. This year, bypass the traditional dress socks and ties and get him something he really wants. Here’s our roundup of the best Father’s Day gifts for shooters in 2024.
5.11 Grill Master Apron (Photo courtesy of 5.11 Tactical) This might be the most appropriate “G&A Father’s Day Gift Guide” item ever offered, a versatile, durable apron for serious grilling applications. It’s made by 5.11 Tactical so it offers the kind of durability we’ve come to expect from their range clothes and gear and features a total of five pockets including two oversized strap-and-slash oversized front side pockets. The adjustable neck and waist webbing straps allow for a perfect fit and keep the apron out of the way while working on dinner and there are MOLLE compatible panel and loop panel on the upper portion. The Grill Master Apron comes complete with a Burger General morale patch and a steel bottle opener on the waist. Leave it to 5.11 Tactical to offer us the most mission-ready apron of all time, the perfect Father’s Day gift for the guy on your list who loves guns and grilling.
MSRP: $50; 511tactical.com
Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 Thermal Riflescope (Photo courtesy of Pulsar) Thermal optics have revolutionized hunting and shooting, and Pulsar has been at the forefront of that revolution. The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 Thermal Riflescope offers a 1024x768 sensor at 12 microns and a 1.75 to 14 magnification range and eight different thermal color palettes. There’s even an integrated ballistic calculator for precise long-range shooting. The Pulsar fits in standard 30mm scope rings and is rated for recoil up to .375 H&H Magnum levels. Other key features include a picture-in-picture mode and 10 reticle shapes in 9 color modes. Perhaps most importantly, the Pulsar is easy to operate and use thanks to its easy control and menu setup, and it even comes with 64 GB photo and video capture. The dual rechargeable battery design offers up to 10 hours of continuous use, and all these features combine to make the Pulsar one of the most advanced and feature-rich thermals ever offered to hunters and shooters.
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MSRP: $6,200; Pulsarnv.com
Crucial Concealment Covert IWB Holster (Guns & Ammo Photo) Anyone who carries a concealed firearm needs a solid holster, and the Covert IWB offers security and customizability, yet its light and rides close to the body for year-round carry. It’s ambidextrous and cant adjustable, and the clever Trigger Bump positions the holster close to the body so that it doesn’t print even under light clothing. The durable Kydex construction reduces weight and makes this holster durable enough for daily carry, and the adjustable retention screw makes it easy to adjust tension on the firearm for a secure hold and smooth draw. The Covert IWB is also optics compatible, so if dad’s carry gun wears a red-dot optic (or may someday) this holster will accommodate it without issue. It’s a solid piece of kit that’s perfect for daily carry, and the durable hardware and strong polymer clip ensure years of reliable use.
MSRP: $66; Crucialconcealment.com
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Brownells BRN 180 and BRN 180 Gen 2 Uppers (Photo courtesy of Brownells) The Brownells BRN 180 uppers are designed to incorporate improvements Eugene Stoner made in the AR-18/AR-180 of the 1960s. The BRN 180 and 180 Gen 2 feature a short-stroke gas piston operating tube and do not require a buffer tube, making them perfect for rifles with folding stocks (and these guns can also be fired with the stock folded). The Picatinny/M-LOK handguard is easy to detach by removing a single screw, and these uppers are compatible with any mil-spec AR-15 lower. They feature a three-prong flash hider and are available in .223 Wylde, .300 BLK, 350 Legend and 7.62x39. All BRN-180 uppers come with a 1:8 button rifled barrel and are available and rifle, carbine, and pistol lengths.
MSRP: $900; Brownells.com
Folds of Honor Volition Star Striped Hoodie (Photo courtesy of Folds of Honor) Since 2007, Folds of Honor has worked diligently to raise funds in order to provide scholarships to the wives and children of fallen or disabled American veterans. You can help support that mission with the purchase of this stylish, comfortable hoodie. The Volition Star Striped Hoodie is constructed of moisture wicking, breathable fabric for all-day comfort, and the flexible fit makes it ideal for active dads. It also features a UPF 50+ rating to protect against harmful UV rays, so it’s a great garment when spending time outside on sunny days. Perhaps most importantly, it displays dad’s pride for our U.S. servicemembers and helps champion a valuable and worthwhile cause. It’s available in sizes ranging from small to XXXL.
MSRP: $95; Foldsofhonor.org
Arrowhead Tactical Carrier Shorts Mk. II (Photo courtesy of Arrowhead Tactical) Carrying a concealed firearm on hot days can be challenging, especially if you’re active. Arrowhead Tactical’s outstanding Carrier Shorts Mk. II are the answer because they offer comfort and an athletic fit coupled with lots of secure carry positions for retaining a firearm, spare magazine, or anything else you may need. The patented Carrier retention Waistband offers secure and quick access to a firearm, but unlike other carry shorts these won’t sag while working out or running. They’re also compatible with a variety of carry positions and offer a functional zipper fly, dual zippered rear pockets, and internal magazine carrier and minimal branding so not to draw excess attention to the wearer. As someone who runs often, I know the value of having your firearm, spare mag, and even keys and ID with you. I also know how difficult it can be to find clothes that allow you to carry comfortably, and the Carrier Shorts Mk. II are a great solution. They’re available in Midnight Black or Olive Drab Green in inseam lengths of 7 or 11 inches in sizes from small to XXXL.
MSRP: $62; Arrowheadtacticalapparel.com
(Photo courtesy of Hornady) A gunsafe is an effective means to keep your firearms out of the hands of unauthorized people, but installing a big metal box can be a real hassle. Some weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds, and you can do a lot of damage to a home (trust me, I’ve seen it) trying to move a large, heavy gun safe into position. Hornady's new Mobilis Safes are the solution. These mobile safes arrive at your front door and can be assembled within your home, which is a simple and effective way to install a safe in any room. It’s an easy and effective way to secure your firearms, and the internal Square-Lok organization system allows you to customize the interior of the Mobilis. Three sizes are available to accommodate most any gun collection.
MSRP: $2,856 to $6,414; Hornady.com
Sightmark Presidio 3-18x50 MR2 Riflescope (Photo courtesy of Sightmark) Sightmark’s Presidio 3-18x50 MR2 Riflescope is a superb all-purpose rifle optic that’s suitable for everything from hunting and rimfire shooting to dedicated long-range competition, and its long list of features make it an excellent value in riflescopes. The MR2 reticle offers several vertical and horizontal stadia lines for ranging or holding for wind and elevation, and the reticle is illuminated for greater contrast against dark targets and easy use in low-light conditions. This first-focal-plane scope features capped, low-profile turrets with precise click adjustments and a built-in zero stop. The Presidio’s 30mm main tube is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum and these scopes include a throw lever and scope caps. They’re rated up to .338 caliber and are IP67 waterproof and dustproof, making this a reliable optic for rifle shooters.
MSRP: $400; Sightmark.com
Springfield Armory Emissary Black (Photo courtesy of Springfield Armory) Springfield Armory’s 1911 Emissary pistols blend the classic look, feel, and function of John Browning’s superb semiauto pistol design with a host of modern features. The slide, barrel, and frame are all made from premium forged steel and there are aggressive serrations on the front and rear of the slide for easier operation. There’s a tactical rack U-shaped rear sight and a tritium front sight for accurate shooting in any conditions. The pistols are available with either 5- or 4.25-inch barrels in .45 ACP and 9mm. Most striking about the All-Black Emissary pistols is the black Cerakote finish that protects the gun from the elements and gives it a distinct, stylish look. If dad is a fan of the timeless 1911 pistol, he’ll be thrilled to unwrap one of these beauties.
MSRP: $1,378; Springfield-armory.com
Real Avid RAV EDC Knives (Photos courtesy of Real Avid) Having a high-quality everyday carry knife is beneficial for everything from opening packages and letters to skinning game, and few knives are better equipped to handle daily chores than the new RAV knives from Real Avid . These EDC folding knives are available with different blade profiles ranging from 3.25 to 3.4-inches and with a variety of handle materials including G10, aluminum/carbon fiber, aluminum, aluminum/stainless, and others. The sturdy clip allows them to be secured yet accessible in a pants pocket and the small size of these folders means they can fit in a toolbox, glove compartment, jacket pocket, or just about anywhere else dad chooses. These knives are well-designed and durably built from high-quality materials, meaning the Real Avid RAV is likely to find a place in dad’s pocket for years to come.
MSRP: $25 to $50; Realavid.com
Vortex Eyewear (Photo courtesy of Vortex) Dad needs a pair of sunglasses that look good and offer protection while at the range, and Vortex’s new eyewear line fits the bill to a tee. The new Banshee and Jackal Vortex sunglasses offer polarized shatter-resistant lenses and are made using ballistic rated materials. A 100 percent UV-protection rating is sure to prevent eye strain and damage, and anti-scratch and smudge-resistant lens coatings make certain these glasses won’t show signs of hard use. They’re also lightweight and come with non-slip bridges and temples which makes them comfortable for all-day wear. Whether he’s fishing, hunting, shooting, or simply hanging out in the backyard with friends, dad will love these glasses — and they’re backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty.
MSRP: $180; Vortexoptics.com
Streamlight Strion 2020 Rechargeable Flashlight (Photo courtesy of Streamlight) This is a gift dad will want to keep close at hand year-round. The Streamlight Strion 2020 Rechargeable Flashlight was built with first responders in mind and offers up to an impressive 1,200 lumens and 28,000 candela. There are both head- and tail-mounted activation switches and a clever toggle-style lever on the head that allows him to select from low, medium, and high outputs as needed. Runtimes vary from 1 hour, 45 minutes, to 12 hours depending on output level, and there’s a high-intensity strobe that functions for up to 3.5 hours. The included charger makes it simple to recharge the lithium-ion battery and there’s even a battery life indicator near the head of the flashlight. Weighing in at just 5.7 ounces, the Strion 2020 Rechargeable is a fantastic gift that he’ll truly appreciate — and use often.
MSRP: $218 to $352 (depending on accessory bundle); Streamlight.com
MTM Case-Gard Powder Keg (Photo courtesy of MTM Case-Gard) MTM Case-Gard is a family-owned American company that makes some of the most innovative molded products for hunters and shooters. New this year is the Powder Keg , a stackable polypropylene powder container with molded handles and an O-ring lid that prevents moisture from reaching your reloading powder. The Powder Keg measures 19x15.7x13.4 inches and can simultaneously store two eight-pound containers of powder, a four-pound container, and several one-pound containers. Of course, you don’t have to store powder in this molded container — it’s also a great place for holsters, shooting gloves, hearing protection, or anything else you need to secure and organize in your shooting room.
MSRP: $33; Mtmcase-gard.com
Streamlight TLR-7 X USB (Photo courtesy of Streamlight) The latest rail-mounted light from Streamlight, the TLR-7 X USB is multi-fuel, meaning it can be powered by both a USB-C recharagable battery and a standard CR123A lithium battery. It puts this fuel to good use as well, producing 500 lumens, 5,000 candela, and beams out to 140 meters. With ambidextrous paddle switches, strobe function, an IPX& waterproof rating to one meter, and a safe-off feature preventing accidental activation, the TLR-7 X USB is a great all-rounder light that fits a variety of handguns.
MSRP: $265; streamlight.com
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