Gear up for the holidays with the ultimate Tactical Gear Gift Guide! Whether you’re shopping for someone who spends a lot of time at the range, the concealed carrier, or the hardcore prepper in your life, we’ve got the best gear to keep them locked, loaded, and ready for anything.
AR-15 Upgrades
Bolt Carrier Group
BCM is known for making duty-grade firearms and accessories, and their Complete Bolt Carrier Group is no exception. Often called the “engine” of your AR-15, upgrading to this BCG is one of the best enhancements you can make. Built from Carpenter No. 158 steel, it’s shot peened, HPT, and MPI tested for ultimate durability. The parkerized exterior, chrome-lined carrier, and properly staked gas key ensure flawless operation under any conditions. The Flat Dark Earth version even features an Ion Bond coating for reduced friction and easier cleaning. With BCM’s commitment to quality, this BCG is ready to deliver top-tier performance right out of the box.
Grip
With the DFCO Kung-Fu Grip, you’ll definitely be ahead of the game. Designed for AR15/M4 and AR10/SR25 platforms, this grip ditches the traditional A2 angle for a reduced 12º angle that’s all about comfort and control. It aligns your hand, wrist, and forearm for a natural fighting posture, reducing tension and hand fatigue during those long shooting sessions or intense firearms courses. Whether you’re using a shorter length of pull or a standard setup, the Kung-Fu Grip provides a repeatable, ergonomic hold that feels like a true game changer.
Stock
The Magpul CTR Mil-Spec stock is a perfect upgrade for AR-15 or M16 enthusiasts looking for lightweight performance and reliability. Its streamlined A-frame design not only prevents snagging but also protects the release latch, ensuring smooth handling. With a friction lock system to eliminate wobble and an ambidextrous QD sling mount for versatile setups, it’s built for stability and convenience. The 0.3-inch rubber butt-pad ensures a secure shoulder grip, even when wearing body armor, making it a practical and tactical choice for any build.
Optic
The Sig Sauer ROMEO4 red dot sight is a tank-tough optic that combines speed, accuracy, and unmatched quality. Perfect for CQB, competition, or hunting dangerous game, it ensures you can get rounds on target in a split second. Loaded with features like MOTAC, which powers the sight up or down with motion detection to save battery life, and Spectracoat lens coatings for maximum light transmission, it’s built for peak performance. Its Stealth ID design borrows from Sig’s legendary firearms, offering a rugged yet sleek profile. Backed by Sig’s Infinite Guarantee, this is an optic you can trust for life—no questions asked.
Sling
The Viking Tactics Padded Sling takes the functionality of the original V-TAC Sling and adds a touch of comfort for carrying heavier firearms. Designed with input from shooters and soldiers, it features a padded shoulder strap made with closed-cell foam, making it a great choice for long days on the range or in the field. The forward-adjustable design remains unchanged, allowing for quick and easy adjustments on the fly. Built with durable 1-inch nylon ends, 2-inch tubular nylon in the center, and rugged plastic and metal hardware, this sling is as tough as it is practical.
Weapon Light
The SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro packs powerful performance into a compact design, delivering a brilliant 500-lumen beam through SureFire’s Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens. This creates a focused hotspot with plenty of peripheral light for clear target identification and enhanced situational awareness. The Z68 tail switch offers both momentary-on and constant-on modes for quick and reliable activation. Featuring SureFire’s Low-Profile Mount (LPM), it attaches securely to MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny or M-LOK rails. Built with a Mil-Spec hard anodized aluminum body and O-ring seals, it’s tough enough for any mission while keeping your weapon lightweight and maneuverable.
Glock Upgrades
Barrel
Faxon Barrels for Glock handguns are a premium upgrade for those looking to elevate their pistol’s performance and accuracy. Made in-house at Faxon’s Greater Cincinnati, Ohio facility, these barrels boast unmatched craftsmanship and quality control. Constructed from durable 4150-CMV steel or 416-R stainless, they offer superior corrosion resistance and longevity. With multiple finish options and both threaded and non-threaded versions, you can customize your Glock to fit your needs and style. Easy to install without gunsmithing, and backed by Faxon’s Lifetime Guarantee, these barrels are a reliable, high-quality choice for any Glock enthusiast.
Trigger
The APEX Glock Enhancement Trigger is a game-changer for anyone looking to upgrade their Glock’s trigger without the hassle. Known for revolutionizing Smith & Wesson M&P triggers, APEX brings the same innovation to Glock with this affordable drop-in system. Installation is a breeze—just swap out your factory parts for this self-contained unit, which includes the trigger, trigger bar, and disconnector. The result? A smooth trigger pull with a quick, predictable stop and a crisp, clean break. It’s an easy way to take your Glock’s performance to the next level.
Sights
Night Fision’s Perfect Dot night sights for Glock pistols deliver unmatched brightness and versatility, making target acquisition faster in any light. With 30% more Tritium than standard sights, they’re brighter and more vivid, while the daylight fluorescing ring around the Tritium insert ensures excellent visibility during the day. Built tough with 4140 steel housings and a durable matte black Nitride finish, these sights are ready for anything. Designed to prioritize “Front Sight Focus,” they feature a brighter front dot for instinctive aiming. Available in standard or suppressor heights, with customizable front dot colors and rear notch configurations, Perfect Dot sights truly live up to their name, offering a perfect fit for your Glock.
Red Dot Sight
The C&H Comp is a robust, large-windowed pistol optic designed for competition, duty, or everyday carry. Its oversized window offers a clear advantage, and with an RMR-compatible footprint, it’s easy to mount on a wide range of firearms. Choose between red or green dots with a 3 MOA option or multi-reticle versions featuring a 2 MOA dot and 21 MOA circle. With 10 brightness levels (including night vision compatibility), motion-activated “shake-to-wake” functionality, and an impressive 50,000-hour battery life, it’s built for reliability. The CNC-machined, aircraft-grade aluminum body is shockproof and waterproof, making it ready for any challenge.
Weapon Light
The Streamlight TLR-7 X is a compact, low-profile rail-mounted light that packs 500 lumens of brightness into a versatile, multi-fuel design. It runs on either a CR123A battery (included) or an optional Streamlight SL-B9 rechargeable battery, delivering powerful illumination with 5,000 candela. The quick-attach rail clamp allows for effortless mounting and removal without putting your hands near the muzzle. With customizable rear paddle switches, momentary and constant-on modes, and a programmable strobe option, the TLR-7 X is a reliable, tactical lighting solution for any situation.
EDC
Handheld flashlight
The SureFire Stiletto Pro is a sleek, pocket-friendly flashlight with serious muscle. Delivering up to 1,000 lumens of smooth, wide illumination thanks to SureFire’s MaxVision Beam reflector, it’s perfect for lighting up the night or just flexing your tactical style. The slim design slides into your pocket with ease, while the primary body switch and tactical tail switch make activation quick and intuitive. Whether you’re on a mission or just looking for your keys, the Stiletto Pro is always ready to shine.
Knife
The Spyderco Tenacious is the ultimate do-it-all pocket knife for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry fans. Featuring a 3.39-inch full-flat ground blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, it delivers exceptional edge retention, toughness, and cutting power. The ergonomic G-10 handle offers a secure, comfortable grip, making even the toughest cutting tasks feel effortless. Lightweight, durable, and always ready for action, the Tenacious is your trusty companion for hitting the trail, tackling projects, or staying prepared for whatever life throws your way.
Tourniquet
The TacMed Solutions SOF Tourniquet (Generation 5) is the ultimate “just-in-case” tool trusted by elite military forces and first responders around the world. Designed for rapid, one-handed application, it lets you stop severe bleeding fast—even when seconds count. Built tough with military-grade materials, it’s made to handle tears, harsh weather, and the roughest conditions. Lightweight and compact, it’s perfect for tactical, emergency, or everyday first aid kits. Plus, it’s 100% American-made and ANSI-compliant, so you can trust it’ll have your back when it matters most. Rugged, reliable, and lifesaving—it’s a must-have for anyone prepared for the unexpected.
Tactical Diaper Bag
The TBG Men’s Tactical Diaper Bag Backpack is the perfect gift for the new dad who’s as serious about parenting as he is about range time. Decked out in Multicam Black, this 4th Gen “dad-gear operator” pack features a 28.84L main compartment for diapers, snacks, and maybe a few spare mags. With MOLLE webbing for tactical wipes deployment, YKK zippers tougher than toddler tantrums, and side bottle pockets for actual bottles, it’s ready for action. Plus, the built-in removable changing mat ensures that even diaper duty feels like a mission accomplished. Tactical parenting—locked, loaded, and hilarious!
Range Gear
Pelican Case
The Pelican 1615 Air Firearms Case is the perfect blend of toughness and lightweight design, offering serious protection without the bulk. Made from Pelican’s super-light HPX² polymer, it’s up to 40% lighter than standard polymer cases while remaining waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof. Whether you’re safeguarding firearms, camera gear, or camping essentials, this case has you covered. Available with foam, padded dividers, or TrekPak dividers, it’s easy to customize for your needs. If you’re looking for reliable gear protection that won’t weigh you down, the Pelican 1615 Air Case is your go-to solution.
See How Rick Crawley of Achilles Heel Tactical sets his up for the range when he travels for classes.
Range Shirt
The 5.11 Tactical V.XI Sigurd Range Shirt is the ultimate performance base layer for any mission, whether you’re hitting the range or gearing up for a long day in the field. Made with 5.11’s stretch knit mesh and Cryo-Tac™ technology, it keeps you cool to the touch, wicks away moisture, and fights odors like a champ. Its ergonomic fit and flat lock seam construction provide all-day comfort, whether you’re wearing it solo, under a plate carrier, or as part of your layering system. Built for performance and comfort, the Sigurd shirt is ready to work as hard as you do.
Shot Timer
The Shooters Global SG Timer GO is a shot timer that revolutionizes training without breaking the bank. With a smart sensor that detects dry fire, suppressed fire, airsoft, and any firearm caliber, it’s versatile enough for all your shooting needs. It features an extra-loud buzzer, a 3000-session battery life, and a convenient belt quick-release attachment. Paired with the companion mobile app, you can track progress, overlay shot data on training videos, create 3D/AR stage previews, and even compete with other shooters. With advanced features like echo filtering, adjustable sensitivity, built-in memory for up to 1,000,000 shots, and customizable volume, the SG Timer GO transforms your training into a streamlined, interactive experience.
Spare PMAGS
The Magpul PMAG GEN M3 Window is the gold standard for AR-15 magazines, combining legendary durability with next-level functionality. Made from rugged, impact-resistant polymer, it features Magpul’s MagLevel window, allowing you to check your ammo count at a glance. This 30-round magazine includes anti-tilt followers, USGI-spec stainless steel springs, and over-insertion stops for flawless performance. Designed to fit a variety of platforms beyond Colt-spec rifles, like the HK 416, FN SCAR, and British SA-80, it’s as versatile as it is reliable. With aggressive texturing, reinforced sidewalls, and optimized geometry, the GEN M3 Window PMAG is a must-have addition to your tactical gear.
Read the full article here