Dear Santa…ok, maybe that might be a bit much, but I would like to officially lodge a complaint with the Bureau of Christmas gifts choice and distribution (BOCGC&D). Like everyone, I am genuinely thankful for gifts received at Christmas. But deep inside where your self-focused 5-year-old self still resides, you secretly wish you had gotten something else. You know it’s true. Don’t lie to me. Yes, the set of screwdrivers were nice, but your AR could sure have used a new piece of glass. In fact, I can think of several things I wish Santa had stuffed into his bag! I know you don’t want to admit it, so I will step up and share my thoughts. Here are the top five gifts I wish I had gotten for Christmas!
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Aegis Elite Custom (OI)
Kimber has released a new 1911 that would have fit perfectly under the tree. The Aegis Elite Custom (OI). This is a full size 1911 that is milled out and set up with a pre-mounted Vortex Venom mini red dot sight. It has an 8″ frame with a full 5″ barrel and has Kimber’s new AEX serrations. It’s beautiful gun, to say the least. Rounding out the gun are a satin silver round heel frame, 24-LPI front strap serrations, and aluminum trigger. It has green, black, and grey G10 grips which really stand out. As a long time 1911 junkie that appreciates modern innovation, the Aegis Elite Custom with its red dot is the perfect mix of classic design and modern technology.
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Sig Sauer Kilo850 4x20mm Compact Rangefinder
Because there is more to shooting than guns, I would have greatly enjoyed a new rangefinder as well. My choice would have been the Sig Sauer Kilo850 4x20mm compact rangefinder — it’s the perfect mix of size and function. Small enough that I can drop it into my pocket while I am out yet still provide solid performance. It can range out to 1,200 yards with their Lightwave DSP technology and provides four range updates per second in scan mode. It’s highly accurate and displays results in the nearest 1/10 of a yard. Suffice it to say it is a lightweight technological wonder that would be a great help ranging a deer or while I am on the range.
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Mossberg 20-gauge 590 Shockwave
A very wise person once said, “It’s just not Christmas without a new shotgun.” Well, ok, maybe I just said it, but it’s true. I would go even one step further and say it would not be complete without a “Non-NFA Firearm.” Mossberg’s introduction of the Shockwave Non-NFA Firearm was a big deal and is still going hard. It was originally put out in 12-gauge but the new 20-gauge version has made my Christmas list. The 20-gauge Shockwave features a 14″ barrel, “birds head” pistol grip and has an overall length of 26.4″. This version of the Shockwave required a small engineering redesign, as this is Mossberg’s first offering of the 590 in a smaller gauge. In addition to a scaled-down receiver, the cob-styled, tactical forend was reduced in overall size. It weighs just under 5 lbs. and has a six round capacity. This is the perfect gift for those hard to buy for people.
Wilson Combat 458 HAM’R
In all fairness, the next item on my list was not available until very recently. Regardless, it’s still on the list. While not a stocking stuffer, the new Wilson Combat 458 HAM’R would look good under the tree. This new AR rifle comes from the gun Jedi’s at Wilson Combat. This is indeed a hammer, launching an incredibly powerful round. In more direct terms, the folks at Wilson Combat explain, “The .458 HAM’R is more than capable of cleanly killing any animal in North America, stopping a vehicle or blasting through a brick wall.” Really? How can you not want one of these? This gun is the most powerful (practical size) AR platform carbine ever produced, exceeding the ballistics of the .450 Bushmaster, .458 SOCOM and .500 Beowulf. It delivers over 3,000-foot pounds of energy from a short 18″ barrel and is as good looking as it is effective.
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Walker’s Silencer Ear Buds
As a long time shooter, I have become pretty particular about some of my gear. This is especially true with hearing protection. While amplified earmuffs are nice, on long range days they can become uncomfortable as they press on your glasses. Knowing that my family always wants me to be comfortable, I would add the new Silencer Ear Buds from Walker’s. These are essentially ear buds with a built-in microphone to improve hearing. They have integrated Omni directional microphones and full dynamic range speakers that deliver a crisp clear sound. Like other amplified ear pro, they have SAC (Sound Activated Compression). This shuts down the amplification when the shots are fired and then allows it to come back on once it is quiet again. With an 80-hour battery life, they are long lasting as well. The nicest thing about them is their size. They are small and lightweight making them a comfortable piece of protective equipment even for long days on the range.
So, these are my top five and I know you secretly have a list as well. Our challenge going forward is developing a hint or Christmas list method that helps our loved ones truly understand what we want. The struggle is real. While hope springs eternal, I suspect that you and I will be having this same conversation next year about this time.
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For more information, visit:
Kimber – www.kimberamerica.com
SIG SAUER – www.sigsauer.com
Mossberg – www.mossberg.com
Wilson Combat – www.wilsoncombat.com
Walkers Ear Protection – www.gsmoutdoors.com
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