We’re just 16 days away from every dad’s favorite “new tie and handmade ashtray” holiday — Father’s Day.
Father’s Day is the red-headed stepchild of gift giving and not even close to those other mega holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, a family birthday (other than Dad’s), and Mother’s Day. These are all major gift-giving events. The kind you’re judged on based on the quality of the gift you’re giving.
Believe me, I know. I once dated a girl who made it very clear that I was expected to over perform on gifts for Christmas, her early January birthday and Valentine’s Day. It was a three-month gauntlet that after running it I may have survived but my bank account was on life support.
Father’s Day is always a lesser holiday compared to all the others, mostly because dads probably would prefer to be left alone to go play golf, take the 4X4 out for a ride or hit the lake for some fishing or much deserved relaxation drifting on the water.
Despite that, moms and kids want to know what Dad wants. If you’re looking to go beyond the tie or homemade ashtray, here are a few suggestions for gifts Dad might actually want…assuming he’s a shooter.
GMT Sling from Blue Force Gear
I had the opportunity to run shotguns outfitted with the GMT Sling at the Gunsite Academy during a Mossberg media event. I really liked the sling setup for a shotgun, especially after Brad Gilpin of Blue Force Gear walked me through the GMT Sling and explained why he liked it.
The GMT is a tailed sling, and GMT stands for Give Me Tail. The GMT uses a custom double locking buckle interface designed and manufactured specifically for this application from durable, rust-free, glass-filled nylon. Once Brad walked me through its proper use, it’s what I ran for the rest of the media event.
The GMT Sling retails for $53.95 and $58.95 depending on which width you pick, either 1.00” or 1.25” webbing. Color options are Black, Coyote Brown, Multicam, Wolf Gray or Range Green. Don’t worry. If this style sling isn’t high on Dad’s list of favorites, Blue Force Gear has several other options that definitely won’t disappoint Dad.
Carlos Ray Tactical Pants from Tactical Distributors
I don’t recall exactly how I came across the Carlos Ray Tactical Pants offered by Tactical Distributors but I am glad I did. These pants are built from soft 4-way stretch cotton twill and are not only super comfortable but also provide plenty of mobility. I’ve worn mine several times out on the range and they might be my favorite for range days and, to be honest, a lot of everyday wear.
The pants feature triple-needle stitching, bar tacks, and riveted reinforcements. The articulated knee design and gusseted crotch allow for easy movement. And they hold plenty of daily gear with mag/mobile pockets on both thighs, reinforced front pockets, and a discreet handcuff key stash in the waistband. Not that I have a need for handcuffs... as far as you know.
The best part of their design is that the waistband fit is 1" larger than the size label for ease of appendix carrying. If Dad is in between sizes or not planning to carry, you may want to order a size down. These pants come in Dark Desert Sand, Dark Urban Grey, Flat Dark Earth, Blood Grass and Bison. Waist sizing runs 30” through 42" with inseams of 30" to 36”. Tactical Distributors has a sizing chart you’ll want to reference before ordering.
There is also a Carlos Ray Slim Fit pant that offers a slightly lower front rise and tapered leg. You’re looking at $59.99 a pair for either version.
TCRT Torso Targets
TCRT USA is a target maker that offers proprietary rubber targets. According to their website their targets are designed to outperform other rubber or plastic options. And the TCRT targets can withstand 400 rounds of 5.56.
The TCRT Torso Target is a lightweight target at 9.5 lbs and measures 15 x 20.7 x 0.5 inches. Each Torso Target comes with an Operator Survival Tools (OST) target stencil and marker so you can draw in the USPSA/IPSC target zones. When painted and target zones are outlined, the TCRT Torso Target provides visual verification of your hits. This video provides a great overview of the product. The TCRT Torso Target will run you $138.99 which is on a par or lower than similar rubber targets.
Be sure to also check out TCRT’s RangeFlex System of modular target stands, because Dad absolutely wants a range. Their RangeFlex Rack Stand Kit ($36.99) and RangeFlex Tree Stand Kit ($39.99) allow you to turn a few simple pieces of 1×2 lumber into your own personally shooting gallery.
DemerBox Outdoor Speaker
If Dad wants music on the go, out on the beach, on the boat, or at the weekend hunting cabin, then DemerBox has what you covered. Co-owned Zac Brown – who, I am told, is into music – DemerBox bluetooth speakers are hand-built in the U.S. using a waterproof case – a genuine Pelican case – that opens to store your keys, wallet, and phone, keeping them safe and dry.
The DemerBox speaker will last 40 hours between charges and features internal USB charging to keep that phone charged. There are two models available. The DB1 features one 3 inch 8-ohm speaker that delivers 84dB of high-quality sound. The DB2 puts out 94dB of high-quality sound through two 3 inch 8-ohm speakers. The DB1 retails for $249 while the DB2 sells for $399.
I had the opportunity to check DemerBox out at the NRA Show this past April in Atlanta. They come in a variety of colors and there is an option on the website to ‘build you own’ and select the case and grill/port colors. You can also add features/accessories like a Woven Basket Insert, Car Charger, Port Plug (keeps it waterproof), Nylon Shoulder Strap and more.
There is also an option for corporate gifts, in case Dad also owns his own company.
Military Armament Corporation MAC 1014
The MAC 1014 12ga semi-auto shotgun from SDS Arms makes for a great gift. Ask me how I know. The MAC 1014 features a self-regulating piston design, comes equipped with a Picatinny rail, adjustable ghost ring rear sight, and a front post with a white dot for sighting the 18.5” barrel. The barrel is set to use Benelli/Mobil pattern choke tubes.
As for how it shoots, let’s go with great. I was invited to shoot some of the SDS Arms lineup, including the MAC 1014, again at Gunsite, along with a bunch of the usual media suspects – all of which know more than I do. Michael Bane was among those in attendance, and he might put it, these shotguns ‘run like a scalded dog.’
The MSRP for the MAC 1014 is an amazingly manageable $548.99 for what you get. However, I do not hesitate to suggest adding the MAC 1014 Magazine Extension for a 7-round capacity — that’s what I did for the one I got as a Christmas gift.
CzechPoint Sa vz. 58 Tactical 762
First off, if you are unfamiliar with the company CzechPoint, don’t worry. You’re in good company because I never heard of them until a couple months ago. I am not the AK, and all its Eastern European clones and derivatives, aficionado, but I do recognize they are popular, and rightfully so.
One such popular alternative is the Czech made Sa vz. 58, a 7.62x39mm rifle that went into service in the 1950s. Today it’s made by Czech Small Arms in Jablunka, Czech Republic. CzechPoint is the sole importer of Czech Small Arms (CSA) manufactured firearms.
The Sa vz. 58 Tactical 762 features a hammer forged chrome lined 16.15 inch barrel with removable muzzle brake with a 14x1 right hand thread pattern (standard vz.58 thread pattern). The rifle utilizes Czech Small Arms’ patented push-down plate on bolt carrier to prevent misfire issues. It’s outfitted with a TactLite six position collapsible stock and new production polymer injected pistol grip and upper and lower handguard.
The MSRP on the Czech made Sa vz.58 Tactical 762 is $1,829, and it does come with two 30 round magazines.
Gunsite Academy Class
If you’re wondering whether or not Dad wants to take a class at Gunsite, spoiler alert, he does. Everybody does, at some point. And Gunsite has a lot of classes to choose from. For pistol shooters running an optic, the 250 Pistol Class with Optics is the way to go. One of the media events I attended at Gunsite was for the Stoeger STR-9S Combat with a Burris FastFire 4. The instructors were the same that teach this 250 class, and they were excellent.
Another class I would suggest, based on having shot with the shotgun instructors during a Mossberg media event, would be the 260 Shotgun. Lots of people can shoot a shotgun but a lot less can truly run one like it’s designed to be run as a defensive firearm. That’s where Gunsite comes in.
No father, I don’t care who it is, is going to be disappointed with a trip to Gunsite Academy as a Father’s Day present. Class pricing covers a wide range depending on the course and the skill level, and goes up further if you purchase an ammo package (do it for Dad). And if you do send Dad to Gunsite, stuff a couple hundred dollar bills in his pocket because he’ll need them…in the Pro Shop. Few wallets escape the Gunsite Pro Shop unscathed.
— Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network