2023 Firearms News Father's Day Gift Guide for Gun Lovers (Firearms News photo)
May 12, 2023
By Jack Oller, Digital Editor
Shadow Systems CR920P (Photo courtesy of Shadow Systems) Shawdow Systems is relatively new to the game, but they've quickly made a name with their premium handguns. The CR920P is one of the newest CCW offerings that features a 13+1 round capacity, unique, multi-footprint optics-cut slide, and co-witness iron sights. Compatible with G43X MOS and G48 MOS holsters, the Shadow Systems CR920P also boasts a flat-faced trigger, aggressive slide serrations and a fluted, threaded barrel. With the threaded barrel, the CR920P is equipped out of the box with a compensater, which greatly reduces the bite in recoil on compact CCW pistols. With more and more states embracing concealed and Constitution carry, it's time to think about upgrading to a modern handgun that is truly designed for modern concealed and everyday carry.
MSRP: $1,046
Streamlight Wedge EDC Pocket Light (Photo courtesy of Streamlight) The Wedge is a compact, high-performance EDC light designed for clean pocket carry. It’s outfitted with an intuitive rotating thumb switch that provides tactile control over the constant-on and Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output (THRO) modes. The Wedge has a standard 300-lumen output with a three-hour runtime, but the THRO mode can temporarily boost it to 1,000 lumens for short-term, powerful brightness. Ideal for regular concealed carry, the Wedge is rechargable with USB-C charging port, and it's rated IPX7 waterproof. At 3.3 ounces, the Wedge is lightweight, and it's available in black or FDE colors. For those who regularly conceal carry a handgun, it's important to carry a light, especially if you don't have a gun-mounted light source. The Wedge is compact and constructed from anodized aluminum, making it an ideal companion to anyone who carries a firearm at night.
MSRP: $168.49
Caldwell Claymore Clay Target Thrower (Photo courtesy of Caldwell) New from Caldwell is a unique clay target thrower. Instead of a traditionally battery-powered thrower, the Caldwell Claymore is mechanically activated with a foot-cocking lever. It’s adjustable for speed and angle of thrown clays, and the entire Claymore folds up for easy transportation. At 35 pounds, it’s light enough for practically anyone to move it.
The Claymore can be cocked once for single-throw clays, or it can be set to “flurry mode” and throw clays as fast as you can step on the pedal. Depending on the setting, the Claymore throws clay targets from 55 to 70 yards, and it holds 50 clays in the hopper. It does everything and more a traditional battery-powered thrower does, but without having to lug around a battery and worry about keeping it charged.
MSRP: $330
Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16x35 Thermal Riflescope (Photo courtesy of Sightmark) Brand-new from Sightmark is the Wraith Mini 2-16x35mm Thermal Riflescope . The already-popular Wraith Digital Night Riflescope line now includes a true thermal option that’s feature-packed at a price that’s hard to beat. This might be on the pricey side for a Father’s Day gift, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a true thermal scope at this price point with even close to as many features.
Using an actual Germanium lens, the Wraith Thermal has an impressive 1,400-yard detection range. Battery life is solid, being powered by two CR123A batteries, and it’s rated for .308 Winchester loads and down. It can hold up to five firearm profiles and zeroes, which is ideal for swapping between your firearm of choice without the need to re-zero each time. It has built-in audio and visual recording for those who like to record hunts, and it size and weight are perfect for the AR platform.
MSRP: $1,999
SureFire X300 Turbo (Photo courtesy of SureFire) If you have a handgun for self-defense, it needs to have a white light on it to identify targets in the dark. The SureFire X300 Turbo is a newer offering and extension of the popular X300 line. What sets the Turbo apart from other X300 light models is how concentrated the beam is on target. With a unique reflector, the remarkable 66,000 candela light gives you the ability to see several hundred yards in the dark.
It uses two CR123A batteries for a 1.5-hour runtime, and it’s completely waterproof with an IPX7 rating. Attachment is easy and secures to Picatinny rails with a thumbscrew clamp, which is ideal for swapping between firearms when necessary. The SureFire X300 Turbo is ambidextrous with both a constant- and momentary-on function. While it’s designed for use on handguns, it would also be an effective light for tactical rifle use.
MSRP: $369
Blackhawk Stache IWB Premium Holster Kit (Photo courtesy of Blackhawk) New from Blackhawk is the Stache Inside-the-Waistband Premium Holster Kit . It’s hard to find the right concealed-carry holster, but the Stache makes it easy because it is a true ambidextrous and modular holster, perfect for fitting to any individual. While micro pistols are a growing trend for concealed carry, the Stache is especially ideal for everyone who prefers to carry a full-size handgun, though there are many models for sub-compact pistols.
The Stache features an included magazine carrier and concealment claw for secure carry on the go. The holster is completely adjustable for height and cant for many carry preferences, and the holster is compatible with an assortment of accessories. Available for dozens of different firearm models, the Blackhawk Stache IWB Premium Holster Kit is an excellent and affordable option for concealed and everyday carry.
MSRP: $55-$65
Hi-Lux TD-3C Red Dot (Photo courtesy of Hi-Lux) If you haven’t shot a modern pistol with a red-dot sight, you’re missing out. While it’s always important to be skilled with iron sights, pistol-mounted red dots offers many advantages in tactical, plinking, competition and defensive shooting situations. The Hi-Lux TD-3C is an excellent and affordable pistol red dot that has all the features we look for in a modern pistol red dot.
It has a solid battery life at 50,000 hours; it’s built from premium 7075-series aluminum; it uses the RMR mounting interface, and it’s lightweight at just ounces. For aiming, the TD-3C has both a 2.5 MOA aiming dot and an aiming dot/segmented circle option. While it’s intended for handguns it would make an excellent shotgun sight, and it comes with an included Picatinny mounting plate. Easy to use and install, the Hi-Lux TD-3C is a durable, reliable and affordable red dot options for pistols and shotguns.
MSRP: $219
SnapSafe Trunk Safe II (Photo courtesy of SnapSafe) For those who like to carry a rifle or shotgun in their vehicle, it’s important to consider security and theft prevention, especially when you leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time. A unique solution from SnapSafe is the Trunk Safe II , which is particularly well-suited for SUVs, cars and campers. It weighs in at 69 pounds, and it measures 42 inches wide by 13 inches deep and 7 inches tall. It’s built from 13 gauge steel for the exterior with a 6-gauge steel door with eight interior locking lugs. The digital lock can program with three to eight digits, and a backup key is included, too. For installation, the Trunk Safe II comes with a three-foot security cable, or it has pre-drilled holes in the bottom for permanent installation. While it was built with firearms in mind, the SnapSafe Trunk Safe II is also ideal for tools and other valuables, too.
MSRP: $663
Silencer Central Banish 22 (Photo courtesy of Silencer Central) Suppressor ownership is on the rise thanks to companies like Silencer Central that make it as easy as possible to purchase a silencer. The waiting period and ATF application has always been the biggest hurdle to ownership for suppressors, but Silencer Central has an amazing customer service that walks you through every step of the process. They will create an ownership trust for you, and the suppressors even ship to your front door after ATF Form 4 approval. If you own a rimfire rifle, the Banish 22 rimfire suppressor is a must-have. Easy to install, operate and maintain, this full-titanium-construction suppressor is one of the best rimfire suppressors on the market. Once you shoot your rimfire rifle or pistol suppressed, you’ll never go back.
MSRP: $499
SARCO Inc. German WW2 Panzerschreck Rocket Launcher (Non Firing) (Photo courtesy of SARCO Inc.) This full-size steel replica of World War II Germany’s Panzerschreck “Bazooka” ($300) is the ultimate addition to any “man-cave.” Whether you’re a WWII history buff or you just want to turn some heads and have a unique conversation starter, SARCO Inc. has some truly interesting offerings. Besides the Panzerschreck, there is also the infamous Panzerfaust portable rocket launcher ($180), which would make an excellent companion piece to the Panzerschreck. These are true, well-done replicas that look exactly like the real thing. If you can’t own the “real-deal,” these are a fun alternative option that are guaranteed to turn heads.
Wheeler F.A.T. Stix Preset Torque Wrench Set (Photo courtesy of Wheeler Tools) The Wheeler F.A.T. Stix Torque Wrench Set might be the ultimate field tool kit you’ll find. Not only do they have the most-common bit sizes you might need for your guns in the field, the kit includes five torque wrenches that interlock with the bits. The torque sockets come in 14, 25, 35, 45, and 65-inch pounds, which is ideal for everything from scope installation to minor tweaks to your firearm. The bits and sockets fit into an ergonomic T-Handle grip for operation, and everything fits into a nice, fitted soft case. If you’re going to the range or regularly work on guns, this is a must-have tool kit for many firearm maintenance needs.
MSRP: $100
About the Author Jack Oller is a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Military Police with one deployment to the Camp VI Detention Facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He has extensive firearms training from military and civilian schools and is a passionate shotgun shooter and hunter. Jack has an English degree from Illinois State University, and he started his career in the outdoor industry as Associate Editor for Guns & Ammo magazine. After Gun & Ammo, he worked as Brand Manager for Crimson Trace and now is the Digital Editor for Firearms News.
If you have any thoughts or comments on this article, we’d love to hear them. Email us at FirearmsNews@Outdoorsg.com .