FOG HORN’s ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING IDEAS
Dear Readers, The Holiday Season is upon us and if you’re anything like me you have a difficult time choosing a gift for a loved one, colleague or client. So as the Season approaches, we pick 10 or fewer items that we feel will make great gifts for that special closet commando or even yourself. We select items using three criteria: quality, value and manufacturer customer support. So without further ado, Happy Holidays from me to you!
Sincerely,
Sal Palma Twobirdsflyingpub.com
No. 1 Nothing says Merry Christmas quite the way a Burris XTR II magnified optic can. We’ve had the opportunity to review two members of the XTR II line and found them to offer superb clarity and precision. With the increasing popularity of long range precision shooting across a variety of rifle calibers, optics has become increasingly important. However, many of the European designs will set you back upwards of $3,200. Although these rifle scopes are superb high performance optics, they start to trip our diminishing return lever. The Burris XTR II 5-25x is serious state-of-the-art technology for competitive shooters and tactical operators offering a 5-times zoom system and 25% larger tube construction than the original XTR™ Riflescope. The front focal plane reticle design on this and all high-magnification XTR II riflescopes allows the reticle size to increase or decrease as magnification is increased or decreased. Trajectory compensation is always correct and proportional for the selected power setting. This reticle design is also called first focal plane or FFP. It has dimensionally-matched precision adjustment knobs and Zero Click Stop technology. High-performance optics offer Hi-Lume® multi-coated lenses. The lenses optimize target resolution, contrast, and low-light performance. All hand-fitted internal assemblies are triple spring-tensioned for absolute shockproofing, even under severe recoil. They are vibration resistant, even on extended vehicular patrols. Burris offers a variety of reticles: G2B Mil-Dot™ (201053) / SCR™ Mil (201051) / SCR™ MOA (201052) /SCR™ Mil (201056 (FDE)) /SCR™ Mil (201054 (non-Illuminated)). We strongly recommend the SCR™ Mil (201051) or G2B Mil-Dot™ (201053). In our view, the Burris XTR-II 5-25x represents outstanding value, Steiner optics DNA and a Forever Warranty from a company delivering superb customer service. You can reasonably expect to pay $990 - $1,200.
No. 2 The Glock 19 Gen 4 FS is the pistol that all Glocks should aspire to be. This Gen 4 pistol comes standard with an assortment of backstraps to fit a variety of hand sizes. It includes an extended slide stop, which is a deviation from the standard Glocks. This is an upgrade you won’t have to think about with the FS pistol. Another hot button that most Glock owners have is centered on the polymer sights. The FS pistols include front and rear steel sights. Last but not least, the pistol slide is serrated at the front hence the FS designation. The serrations make weapon manipulation faster, safer and easier. The Glock 19 Gen 4 FS and its Glock 17 counterpart are in short supply and the rumor mill is circulating the idea that Glock may have only produced a limited number. So, if you’d like to see a Glock 19 Gen 4 FS under your tree this Holiday Season you need to grab one sooner rather than later. These pistols carry a retail price of $649 but online prices are running about $549 on the low end. Keep in mind that if you buy online, you’ll need to account for the transfer fees which run from $25 to $50.
No. 3 Spyderco’s MANIX™ 2 GRAY MAXAMET is an extraordinary pocket folder from a company known for exceptional edged tools. It’s rare to encounter a folding knife that fills the role of tactical folder and EDC equally well; however, since its introduction the Manix folders have done just that. In 2017, the Manix 2 MAXAMET raises the performance bar considerably. At an M.S.R.P of $279.95 Spyderco’s MANIX 2 GRAY MAXAMET is a bit more than a stocking stuffer. You won’t need that mistletoe!
Specification Overall Length 8.03" (204 mm) Blade Length 3.37" (86 mm) Steel Closed Length 4.66" (118 mm) Edge Length 2.88" (73 mm) Weight 3.0 oz (85 g) Blade Thickness 0.125" (3.2 mm) Handle FRCP
Clip Position Ambi Tip Carry Position Tip-Up Lock Type Ball Bearing Grind Full-Flat Sheath N/A Origin United States
No. 4 OTIS TECHNOLOGIES Patriot Series cleaning kits make a great stocking stuffer or gift exchange for that shooter at home or in the office. The PATRIOT Series by Otis offers the essential firearm maintenance gear to properly clean from Breech-toMuzzle®. Each cleaning kit is designed to clean one caliber or gauge and features a new tool that acts as both a T-handle and a driver for the included 4 bits. Made in the USA and at a price that won’t break the bank, you can pick one up for every firearm that you own. These cleaning kits are available in 8 configurations.
FG-701-40 FG-701-45 FG-701-17 FG-701-22 FG-701-25 FG-701-9MM FG-701-30 FG-701-12
.40 cal Pistol Kit .45 cal Pistol Kit .17 cal Rifle Kit .22 cal Rifle Kit .223 cal Rifle Kit 9MM Pistol Kit .30 cal Rifle Kit 12 ga Shotgun Kit
$19.99 $19.99 $19.99 $19.99 $24.99 $19.99 $19.99 $19.99
No 5. Streamlight’s Keymate USB is the most useful illumination tool you will ever own. Its convenience and practicality cannot be overstated. I can’t begin to tell you how often I’ve used it. The light has three modes of operation high, low and strobe. The strobe is useful for signaling roadside assistance after dark or any other form of signaling should it be necessary. Streamlight’s KeyMate® USB is one of those simple little doodads that you’ll forget about until you need it. The light is USB rechargeable and ships with charging cord. Prices range from $14.95 to $24.99 making this exceptional general purpose lighting tool a great office gift or stocking stuffer for the whole family.
No. 6 Blackhawk Omnivore Holster is an award winning multi-platform design for railed pistols in two varieties, light bearing and non-light bearing. One of the challenges faced by individuals using rail mounted weapon lights is holster selection. Blackhawk solved that problem by designing a universal holster that will accepted over 150 pistols. Imagine switching your TLR2 from your SIG P226 to your railed 1911 without worrying about a different holster. This is a gift that will put a smile on someone’s face without breaking the bank.
Multi-fit – Omnivore™ Holsters fit more than 150 styles of semi-automatic handguns with an accessory rail Active Retention Mechanism – Ergonomic thumb-activated retention mechanism delivers instant firearm access Level 2 Retention – Uses two features to hold handgun securely in place Free-Floating Design – Holster locks onto Rail attachment Devise, doesn’t wear firearm’ frame and finish 3-Position Adjustable Release – Height of thumb-activated retention mechanism adjusts to fit your hand M.S.R.P $59.95
No. 7 Crimson Trace LinQ is an industry first. LinQ is a wireless laser/light weapon mounted accessory and a testimony to the level of innovation Crimson Trace brings to a crowded and competitive space. The LinQ system consists of an AR style pistol grip, which is the control unit and a rail mounted laser/light accessory. Once paired, the operator can select operating modes directly from the pistol grip without the need for wires or pressure pads, using the BLE connection. The LinQ system is available for the AR15 and AK (stamped receiver) platforms. M.S.R.P. is $649 but you can find them for about $350.
No.8 Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X is the latest addition to Streamlight’s ProTac Rail Mount lineup. The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X, (HL for High Lumens) retains all of the rail mount functionality of its predecessors but it’s been amped up to 1000 lumens of brilliant white light. Using Streamlight’s Ten-Tap Programming feature, an operator can cycle to a more favorable illumination mode; for example, I prefer the low/high program for all-around use. Accessing the different programs is as simple as depressing the tail cap switch 10 times in rapid succession and holding on the tenth tap until the light turns off. Streamlight also gave us a dual-fuel rail mount light that can be powered by (2) CR123A lithium batteries or the optional 18650 rechargeable lithium ion battery kit. The ProTac HL-X retails from $105 to $120 so you’ll want to shop it around for your best price.
No. 9 Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) HOMEFRONT WITH FIELD STRIP TECHNOLOGY. This knife is an industry first Ken Onion design. Pocket folders, especially if used outdoors, accumulate dirt and grime that can adversely impact its operation and potentially damaging the axis point. Knife maker Ken Onion, designed the field strip system for his Homefront folder to make cleaning a snap. The Field Strip Technology is a slick, easy to use mechanism that allows you to completely breakdown your pocket folder to clean and lubricate all of its components. The operative word here is easy! M.S.R.P. $150
No. 10 Walther Arms Creed is hands down the best value entry level 9mm pistol on the market. Walther packaged excellent ergonomics, accuracy and a superb trigger with typical Walther quality. The silky smooth pre-cocked, double-action trigger makes the CREED pistol a very accurate shooter and the envy of many striker fired competing offerings. If that doesn’t get you excited, then try the under $400 price tag for a 16+1 9mm Walther!