“Smart Gift Buying for Gun Owners This Holiday Season”

The cooler temperatures are a good indicator that the holidays are just around the corner. We’re already seeing signs of Christmas, with early shopping well underway. As hunting and shooting grow more popular every year, gift buying for those who enjoy the outdoors is on the rise too. But before you shop for the hunter or shooting enthusiast in your life, there are a few things to consider.

First, understand the legal and practical realities of gifting firearms. If you plan to give a firearm as a gift, the recipient will generally need to complete whatever background checks and ownership registration your state or locality requires. Firearms are also almost always chosen directly by the person who will own them, they need to match the owner’s preferences and needs (type of firearm, size, caliber, etc.). It’s very much like buying a pair of shoes: the fit should be left to the person who’s going to wear them.

A less complicated approach is to consider gifts for firearm owners that don’t involve transferring ownership. Gift cards are a great choice; they let the recipient pick exactly what they want with no guesswork and avoid any legal complication. Gift cards can be used for gun cases, optics, accessories, and more.

There’s still a wide range of excellent options for hunters and firearm enthusiasts when it comes to holiday gifts. Items such as scopes or camo clothing make great presents, but it helps to ask a few questions first. Learn what the person hunts, what firearm(s) they already own, and what gear may be worn or in need of replacement. Camo, for example, comes in many patterns and colors depending on the species being hunted, the season, and the environment, matching the pattern to the intended use will make the gift much more useful.

Below are several gift ideas to consider:

Gun cases
Ammunition (check legality and what they use)
Firearm cleaning kits
Game carriers
Weatherproof gun cases
Quality hearing protection
Thermacell (insect repellent devices)
Rifle/slings
Paper targets, great for stocking stuffers
Personal defense devices (e.g., stun guns), check local laws and policies before purchasing

Nearly every firearm owner, man or woman, is very specific about their firearm and the gear that goes with it. Knowing the exact needs of the hunter or shooter you’re buying for will help you pick the right gift. Here are a few practical steps you can take:

• Ask someone who hunts or shoots with the person you’re buying for what would make a great gift.

• Get details on the type of firearm and gear the person currently uses from someone who knows their equipment well. Ask what would be most useful or needed.

• Drop by the firearm store they frequent and ask the staff, chances are good the store knows the customer and can recommend the right gift.

Buying for a firearm owner doesn’t have to be a challenge. It simply takes knowing where to go to get the right answers about that person’s needs and preferences. Again, it’s a lot like buying a pair of shoes: just make sure it fits.