5 Stocking Stuffer Ideas:
Gunny Edition
‘Tis the season again. What do you buy for your favorite (fill in your own blank here)? When I was asked what I wanted this year and referred to my gift ideas list, I discovered a full 78.4% of my list could be classified as some form of shooting or gun accessory. Says a lot about me, I suppose …
Anyway, throughout the year, I get lots of opportunities to play with all sorts of gear. Most are genuinely useful items. But yes, there are occasional duds here and there. You know, the “who in their right mind would use this?” types of things. To be polite, I won’t mention any by name here. Instead, I’ll share some things from my “want” list. Who knows? Maybe they’ll provide some inspiration for some of your more challenging giftees.
Brownells Gunsmith Screwdrivers
Brownells Gunsmith Screwdrivers
Even if your gunny doesn’t do “real” home gunsmithing projects (not everyone has that sickness like Roy), everyone who owns a gun needs at least a small set of gunsmith screwdrivers. Just removing grips or an optic or whatever else with a Home Depot special flat blade has a 73% chance of buggering up one or more screws. That’s because normal screwdrivers are machined with a bevel for general utility (and presumably lower cost). Predictably, with a tight screw, physics will encourage that beveled blade to slip out of the slot under pressure and “gouge” and “scrape.” Those two words are not ones you want associated with your firearm.
Brownells has a wide variety of sets. Even if you start with a small, basic kit, you can add components later. I recommend the Magna-Tip driver and separate bits. That makes expanding your set easy.
OTIS Technology Punch Set
OTIS Technology Punch Set
Also in the “required basic tools” category is a good brass punch set. Brass is softer than steel, so it’s generally safe to avoid serious scratching. Do be aware brass punch will mar up coatings if you’re not careful.
Anyway, this set from the folks at OTIS Technology is useful for handguns and rifles with five different punch sizes included.
Dillon Precision Reloading Dies
Dillon Precision Reloading Dies
For the reloader in your life, consider splurging on Dillon’s dies. These are not inexpensive but worth every penny, especially when using any make of progressive reloading press.
Note how the seating and crimping handgun dies feature massively curved openings for the cartridge — no more catches or hangups, just smooth operation, even if the press is slightly out of alignment. Think of it as a self-centering system.
Brownells Torque Driver
Brownells Torque Driver
If your gunny giftee already has decent gunsmith screwdrivers, how about a torque driver? This is one of those tools you’ll use far more often than you might think. Every time you mount something to a rail or scope rings or, well, whatever, you ought to make sure proper torque is applied. That’s what ensures things will remain in place.
This one has a clutch mechanism to prevent over-tightening and offers an adjustable range from 15-70 inch pounds. Perfect for almost any smaller gun project.
EyePal Peep Sighting System
EyePal Peep Sighting System
If you shoot iron sights (rifle or handgun), these are a must-have for maximum precision. The human eye, under normal conditions, isn’t capable of focusing on the rear sight, front sight and target all at once. If you think you’re seeing all three focused concurrently, that’s just your brain switching focal points rapidly.
These “sticky” (no goo used, just magic static attraction or some similar VuDoo) discs apply to your shooting glasses and help your eye focus sharply on those blurry sights and targets. I like the set that has one aperture for handguns and another for rifles, so all the bases are covered.
You’ll be amazed at the results …
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