As a shotgun aficionado and dedicated follower of the gospel of the gauge, I think I’m in a good spot to put together a shotgunner’s Christmas. With Christmas around the corner, it’s time we give you ideas for the shotgun shooter in your life. I’ve tried to find all manner of products to provide you with a diverse list to cover a variety of shotguns and budgets.
1. Ammo (Duh)
Listen, if you really have no idea what to get the shotgun fan in your life, ammo will have you covered. You just need to know the gauge, and while there might seem to be a ton of calibers, the big three boil down to 12 and 20 gauge and then .410.
There are lots and lots of different types of shotgun ammo, so let’s break it down into training and serious use categories.
Training
Winchester AA Xtra Lite — These game and trap loads are designed to minimize recoil by lowering velocity. They are great for some basic training for both new and experienced shotgunners. It’s easy to shoot ammo that’s reliable and clean.
Sellier and Bellot Buckshot — While most training and plinking is done with birdshot, a little time behind buckshot allows a shooter to train for realistic recoil. The S&B buckshot isn’t fancy, but it’s reliable and well-made. It provides enough oomph to get some realistic training.
Defensive Use
Federal Premium Buckshot — The Federal Premium buckshot is the ultimate home defense ammo, and it packs a punch. The Flitecontrol wad produces a tight pattern that allows for accurate and effective shots on target. It allows you to be accountable for every pellet you fire and ensure no stray rounds hit a loved one.
2. A Good Sling — Blue Force Gear VCAS
I’ve probably broken the record, but long guns need good slings. The Blue Force Gear VCAS sling is one of the most proven slings out there. It’s used by the United States Marine Corps, and I’ve used one for nearly ten years now. It offers a very adjustable platform for use with or without gear.
It’s also quick and easy to adjust with a pull tab. You can maximize your mobility or go hands-free when necessary. The VCAS set the standard for modern tactical slings and continues to remain a top-tier choice.
3. A Shotgun Ready Optic – Holosun 507C
I love the Holosun 507C on shotguns. My favorite shotgun, the Benelli M4, wears the Holosun 507C. There are a few reasons to love this optic. First, it offers a side-loading battery and solar backup. Also, the optic comes ready for direct attachment or use with a Picatinny rail.
My main reason is the multi-reticle system. You can choose a 2 MOA dot, but for a shotgun, I prefer the 32 MOA dot and circle or just the 32 MOA circle. I know that within certain ranges, every pellet I fire will and inside the 32 MOA circle, and that’s valuable to me.
4. A Light Or Two
Nightstick SFL
The Nightstick SFL replaces your pump and provides a white light packing 1,200 lumens of power backed by over 10,000 candelas. It features ambidextrous controls and can come with or without a laser. It’s perfect for home defense and casts enough light to brighten up a room when something goes bump in the night.
Sadly it’s only made for the Mossberg 500 series and Remington 870. If the shotgunner in your life doesn’t own either, the SFL isn’t for you or them.
The Streamlight TLR RM 2
Let’s say you or your shotgunner has something outside the Mossberg and Remington lineup. In that case, it might be wise to grab the Streamlight TLR RM 2. This light is a low-profile design with a huge ramped button and a pressure switch option. It packs 1,000 lumens of light and 10,000 candelas. All you need is a rail to attach it to.
How About a Laser? Crimson Trace Laser Saddle
Lasers aren’t for everything, but they can be a lot of fun. On guns like the TAC-14 and Shockwave series, the Crimson Trace Laser Saddle is a blast. It allows you to easily aim and hit whatever you want with your not shotgun firearm. The Laser Saddle is a ton of fun and makes aiming your little PGO weapon a good bit easier.
5. A Home Defense Ready Safe
Security and safety provide gun owners with an interesting compromise. You can’t just leave the gun lying around, and if it’s locked in a safe, it’s tough to access and use. However, the Hornady Rapid Safe offers you both safety and rapid access. Hit in a code, turn a key, or scan an RFID, and your shotgun will be immediately accessible.
6. The Budget Corner
If money’s tight and you have a shotgunner on your list, I’ve gathered a few simple pieces of gear that make awesome gifts at a low price point.
Allen Basic Buttstock Cuff
This thing is super simple. It fits the stock of a shotgun like an elastic sock. At the same time, it offers you five rounds of extra ammo on tap. It’s easy to install and remove and can be used across a multitude of guns. Who doesn’t want a little extra ammo on tap?
Blackhawk Bandolier
There are lots of bandoliers on the market, but the Blackhawk brand does offer you a higher-quality option that holds a ton of shells. Fifty-five shells, to be exact. You can play Poncho Villa or wear it as a belt for easy access. Fifty-five rounds is a lot of ammo, and it’s a simple way to carry some extra shots.
Shooting Made Easy 12-Gauge Shotshell Dispenser
This thing is a Pez Dispenser for shotgun ammo, and I love it. It works like a magazine. It has a body, spring, and follower and holds ten rounds of ammo on tap. It’s easy to use and reliable. I’ve used one for several years now without fail. It’s a great way to keep some spare ammo on tap in a protected source.
Shotguns Made Easy
Shotguns are simple and very common weapons. They are used for duty, defense, and sporting. A good shotgun goes a long way, and it’s easy to see why so many shooters are attracted to them. Hopefully, we’ve made it a little easier to get your shotgunner some Christmas goodies.
