Father’s Day is right around the corner and, if you’re like us, you haven’t done your shopping yet. It’s not always easy to find a gift within budget for your dad if he happens to be a gun enthusiast. I mean, what dad wouldn’t want a TrackingPoint M800 DMR? But not all of us have $16,000 readily available. That’s why we’re here. We’ve come up with Father’s Day gift ideas so you don’t have to.
We took the time to compile a list of firearms-related and “tactical” gear — using that word “tactical” very loosely — for Father’s Day.
Read more below and scroll through the gallery above for a better look at all of the Father’s Day gear.
5.11 Master of the Grill Apron
Being skilled at the grill is a great source of pride for dads, and nothing screams awesome dad like being able to cook up a buffet of hot dogs and burgers at the kids’ birthday party. But you can’t master the art if you don’t look the part – and that’s where 5.11’s Master of the Grill Apron is here to help dads far and wide. Strap in with the adjustable neck and waist G-hook straps, and you’re all set for grillin’. But, safety first! With an added layer of protection, the Master of the Grill Apron shields your torso and existing apparel from harmful splashes and spills. The spacious pockets in the front are also roomy enough for any BBQ tool you’re working with (or a nice cold one), and we’ve added a phone pocket to the chest so you can keep track of the game all day. MSRP on the apron is $49.99. (511Tactical.com)
What would Father’s Day be without a shameless plug for one of our own magazine titles? “Ballistic” is our premiere magazine, devoted to the modern firearms enthusiast. Our mission is to educate, prepare and entertain shooters of all experience levels with informative and beautifully photographed articles, guides and reviews on some of the newest products available as well as proven products. Each issue will offer robust layouts, graphs, guides and reviews – all presented in a stylish and well thought out manner in an oversize format. An annual subscription comes with four issues for just $26.97. And if you really love your dad, a two-year subscription comes with eight issues for only $43.97 — we’re practically giving it away! (OutdoorGroupStore.com)
BlackHawk Omnivore (Non-Light Bearing Model)
The new BlackHawk Omnivore is a multi-fit holster that accommodates more than 150 styles of semi-automatic handguns with an accessory rail. The active retention mechanism doesn’t wear the handgun’s finish, and three variants are available. It locks onto the company’s proprietary Rail Attachment Device in the Non-Light Bearing model, and onto the frame of the light in the Streamlight and Surefire models. A thumb release disengages the locking mechanism when drawing the handgun. The Non-Light Bearing model retails for $59.95. (BlackHawk.com)
BlackHawk Terrain Mid Training Shoe
BlackHawk mid-cut boot works for training and missions. It is available in black or brown colors, is breathable, has TPU molded pieces, a non-slip rubber outsole, lightweight mesh uppers and would serve anyone with a professional need for a versatile boot at work or play well. Sizes 7-12 M, 13, 14 M. The Terrain Mid has an MSRP of $79.99. (BlackHawk.com)
Howard Leight by Honeywell Sync Wireless Earmuffs
Many people have recommended keeping a set of electronic ear muffs with your home defense gun for hearing protection and the enhanced ability to hear quiet sounds. Howard Leight by Honeywell takes things to the next level with the Sync Wireless earmuffs. This unit includes a boom mic and Bluetooth 4.1 technology that connects to your phone. This allows you to contact the police and protect your hearing without tying up your hands which are needed on your flashlight and gun. (HowardLeight.com)
Kershaw AL MAR AM-3 and AM-4 Folders
Kershaw teamed up with AL MAR to come up with a series of knives with AL MAR’s sleek, distinctive lines, coupled with Kershaw’s flipper system and SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism. The framelock AM-3 and AM-4 have polished black G10 handles, with deep carry pocket clips, and red standoffs. The 3.38 and 3.5 inch 8Cr13MoV steel blades have a satin finish and dual thumbstuds in addition to the flipper. MSRP is $44.99 for the Kershaw AM-3 and $49.99 for the Kershaw AM-4. (Kershaw.Kaiusaltd.com)
Maxpedition Daily Essentials Pouch
Daily Essentials Pouch from Maxpedition is a two-compartment pouch designed for everyday carry. It is sized to wear on a belt or to attach to the side of a pack. The DEP comes equipped with two matching TacTie PJC5 Polymer Joining Clips for modular attachment to any AGR or legacy pack. This would be a great pack for an emergency get-you-home kit. The pouch can easily fit a spare car key and home key, cash, a small amount of prescription medication, a mini flashlight and a folding knife. the DEP Daily Essentials Pouch retails for $39.99. (Maxpedition.com)
Real Avid’s Gun Tool Max is one of the best firearm multi tools we’ve seen. It’s like having a tool box on your hip! Packed with a total of 37 tools, it has a combination needle nose pliers, carbide cutter, universal choke tube wrench for all gauges, carbon scraper, windage and elevation adjusters, detachable pin punches and hook, a 3-position locking bit driver with 12 bits, a stainless steel knife blade and tap hammer. Real Avid includes a nylon sheath so you can wear the Tool Max on your hip during your range outings. The Tool Max retails for $59.99. (RealAvid.com)
Called a “dual fuel” flashlight by Streamlight, the ProTac 2L-X is a 500 lumen flashlight that can run for almost three hours on a pair of CR123A batteries or for 3.25 hours on a rechargeable 18650. This light is waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes, is drop rated safe at 2 meters onto cured concrete and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. It comes with a rugged pocket clip and anti-roll head. The tailcap switch allows for momentary on, constant on and strobe. The ProTac 2L-X has an MSRP of approximately $50. (Streamlight.com)
Last, and certainly least, because we couldn’t resist — what dad wouldn’t appreciate a set of “Tactical Testicles” to attach to his rifle’s Picatinny or Weaver rails? Very much a joke gift — as they don’t serve any real tactical purpose (outside of distracting a potential combatant) — Gunsticles will definitely get a laugh. Or dad will grab this gift by the obvious pun and throw them into the trash. Either way you’re making Father’s Day memories. Gunsticles are available in both Dark Earth and Tactical Black. Both colors retail for $19.95. (Gunsticles.com)
