By Paul Lathrop | Contributing Editor
Yesterday we covered some stocking stuffers you could give to a new gun owner that helped with knowledge, advocacy, and legal protection. Today we are going to get a bit more into gear.
Leading off are some of the basics every gun owner should have starting with eye protection. A good set of “eyes” is absolutely necessary for shooting and prices range from a few dollars a pair to hundreds of dollars. Shatterproof lenses are a must when considering what to choose. If they wear glasses already here are several that will fit over glasses and still provide protection.
Closely related is ear protection, an often under-appreciated safety item. While you can simply put a set of foam ear protection in your ears, they often are not enough to deaden the sound of some firearms, and they are slow to put in. Electronic muffs work well for most applications and provide the benefit of being able to hear range commands at a normal level while still providing protection when loud noises happen.
Everyone who has a firearm should have a way to clean it. One of the most comprehensive and highs quality cleaning kits is made by Otis. The benefit to a large kit is that when a new caliber of handgun or rifle comes into the home you already have what you need to clean it!
Every shooter needs something to take everything to the range, so a range bag may be in order. Sizes and shapes vary but consider getting a range bag that they will grow into over the course of time rather than grow out of quickly.
One very handy suggestion is the Uplula Magazine loader. Maglula makes mag loaders for just about everything, but the Uplula will load any handgun magazine from 9mm to .45 ACP with no fuss quickly and saving your thumbs in the process.
Up to now everything discussed would apply to any caliber and most of it would also apply to rifles and shotguns, going forward we are going to get a little more specific.
Right now the perfect gift for any gun owner would easily be ammo. It is a little bit hard to find, it is a little more expensive than usual, but it makes a great stocking stuffer!
Extra magazines are also a great idea for new gun owners who have semiautomatics. Ditto such things as targets, a staple gun, snap caps, and a barrel block for use during dry fire.
