Want to give or get something awesome this year?
We see, test, and abuse a ton of gun stuff here at Pew Pew Tactical.
Here’s some of our perennial favorites…as well as new things to the market in 2022 across all budgets.
Table of Contents
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Ammo In Stock
Here’s some of what’s in stock at reasonable prices (right now):
9mm Ammo in Stock
5.56 and .223 Ammo in Stock
Shotgun Ammo in Stock
Other Ammo in Stock
And check out our Best Places to Buy Ammo Online if you need more suggestions.
Optics
Optics are still staying in stock too compared to last year with good deals on sub-$200 red dots.
Sig Sauer Romeo 5
We’ve tested a lot of red dots through the years and right now the Romeo 5 is still our favorite red dot under $200. And now it’s closer to $100.
See it in action here:
And check out our full review.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Primary Arms 1-6x
Our current favorite for a low power variable optic (LPVO) is the PA 1-6x that can get everything done from close-up engagements out to 400+ yards.
Clear glass, great reticle, and excellent bang-for-the-buck.
Check out a quick vid of it at the range.
See our full review here with more videos! Use our link below to snag a free mount too (go to the dropdown menu).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Trijicon MRO
Right now the MRO is our go-to “premium” red dot that we’d feel comfortable on a home defense or battle rifle.
Check out our full review (along with torture test).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Looking for other choices? See our definitive article on Best Red Dots.
Trijicon RMR
Several have tried to unseat the king of pistol red dots.
But our favorite still goes out to the Trijicon RMR.
However, there’s still ton of more affordable options in our Best Pistol Red Dot review.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Holosun 507C X2 ACSS
However, since last year our new favorite pistol red dot might be the Holosun 507C X2 ACSS done in collab with Primary Arms.
All the specs you’re looking for…and a kickass reticle.
Check out our full review here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Now…let’s jump into some rifle stuff!
AR-15 Upgrades
Another year passes and it feels like we’re a little stuck with AR-15 innovation. But these are some of our favorites.
Precision Armament M4-72 Severe Duty
Our overall favorite AR-15 muzzle brake is the M4-72 Severe Duty.
It’s loud and your buddies on the side will hate you…but wow your reticle doesn’t move!
And it’s not a terrible value at ~$85 compared to others.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out the rest of our tested brakes in 8 Best AR-15 Muzzle Brakes.
Or if you’re going big boy…6 Best .308 Muzzle Brakes.
Suppressors
How about going for the soft pew?
Check out our favorites in each kind of caliber…
Best 5.56 and .30 Cal Suppressors
Best 9mm & .45 ACP Suppressors
SBA3 Pistol Brace
AR-15 pistols are all the rage despite all the weird ATF stuff going on (who knows what’s going to happen soon). And which pistol brace you choose matters…
We really like the SBA3 from SB Tactical.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And yes…we tested a whole bunch of them out in Best AR and AK Pistol Braces.
Ballistic Advantage Barrels
Building a new upper? You’ll need a nice barrel.
One of my favorites for accuracy and affordability are Ballistic Advantage Barrels. I use plenty of their 5.56 variants and my newest builds have been .300 Blackout.
Find out why I use it in most of my builds and why I always recommend it to my buddies in the full review.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block
Want to further reduce your reticle movement?
You might want to check out an adjustable gas block and tune it for your specific loads.
The Superlative Arms bleeds off the excess gas so your BCG doesn’t smash into you unnecessarily. It really makes a world of difference.
Of course…full review here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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STNGR Handguards
My new recent best bang-for-the-buck handguards for new builds goes to the STNGR VYPR.
What it doesn’t have in vowels they make up for in fit/finish/color…and price.
With the 13.5″ at $119 and the 15″ variant coming in at $125.
The cuts are aggressive which helps with the weight (11.5 oz) but I was afraid it was almost too aggressive so that my finger would touch the barrel.
But with plenty of mags and shooters…none of us had that problem.
Oh yea there’s other models too like the VLCN with minimal top rail which is the basis of our night vision upper.
See more in Best AR-15 Handguards. But this is my best value pick.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Tyrant Designs AR-15
Want your AR-15 to look good and function better?
We’re fans of the Tyrant CNC aluminum grip and foregrip which offer great aesthetics as well as some comfy rubber material.
A little spendy but worth it.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Patriot Pin & ARMag Lock
These next two go out to my CA folks who make due with the hand dealt to them.
This combo system helps you have a fixed magazine, open up your two receiver halves, and get reloaded…quickly.
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to stay compliant…full review here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Resurgent Arms Featureless Grip
Ok…one more for CA folks!
This one is my favorite featureless grip that allows an almost normal wraparound grip.
Now with an extended safety latch!
Full review along with some others at Best Featureless Grip.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Range Gear
Guns…check. Ammo…check. How about the other stuff you might need?
AXIL Electronic Ear Protection
Our current rec for affordable electronic ear protection that filters out gunshots and amplifies other sounds like talking so you’re not yelling at the range.
And right now they are still running their post Cyber Monday sale of 2 units for $99. Check out how they compare vs other ear pro in our Best Ear Protection article.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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GuardTech Cleaning Kit
Our current fav cleaning kit that has everything you need that’s from a US based company.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pelican 1500
My go-to hardcase for pistols is the Pelican 1500. And coupled with some custom foam…it carries everything I need for a range day.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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See more of our favorites in Best Gun Cases.
5.11 Range Bag
How about our go-to range bag?
It’s big…it’s study. It’s the 5.11 Range Bag.
But for those that might not need a ton of space…check out our Best Range Bags.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Savior Equipment Rifle Bags
We’ve been through covert and range bags…what’s our favorite rifle bags?
For most things it’s going to be Savior Equipment.
High quality Cordura and stitching compared to el cheapo bags.
Now they have Black Multicam!
I’ve been hauling multiple rifles with optics each range trip with them for years and so far they’ve held up well.
Use code PEWPEW15 to save 15% off your order.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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See more analysis and other picks in Best Gun Cases.
Celestron 52250 Spotting Scope
Our go-to spotting scope for most people just getting into long range shooting.
The Celestron is affordable with decent glass. Here it is showing 600 yard targets.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you need something a little more robust or clearer glass…check out our Best Spotting Scopes article.
Caldwell DFT 2 Lead Sled
We do a lot of benched shooting for groups…
And our go-to is the Caldwell DFT series of lead sleds.
Caldwell DeadShot Combo
If you need something a little more portable and gives you more feel than a true lead rest…
Check out the DeadShot Combo which has a nice height that accommodates a wide range of rifles.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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ShootSteel AR500 Targets
Looking for a little more *ting* in your life?
Our go-to AR500 steel targetmaker is ShootSteel that’s survived thousands of rounds in our videos.
Glock Upgrades
Tyrant CNC Glock Package
Since custom Glock frames have flooded the market…the race is on to make your Glock the most unique looking out there.
One of my current favorites is Tyrant CNC’s extended mag release, extended mag bases, and slide plate.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out more of my favorite Glock Upgrades…from pure performance inside to cool looking stuff on the outside.
Soft Goods
SKD Shooting Gloves
If it’s too hot or too cold…or you don’t want your hands to get ripped up.
You’ll want some nice shooting gloves that give protection but don’t hinder your trigger finger.
My pick for overall shooting gloves is the SKD Alpha.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Learn more about them as well as my other picks (such as thinnest gloves and best for women) in our Shooting Gloves article.
Wiley X Saber Shooting Glasses
How about protecting your eyeballs?
My go-to for affordable and comfy shooting glasses is the Wiley X Saber.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out more budget (and baller) picks in Best Shooting Glasses.
Pew Pew Tactical Flatline Sling
We’ve used all the slings out there…and we’ve come up with our own. Check out our Pew Pew Tactical Sling made by Flatline Fiber down in Georgia.
Incorporating just the right amount of padding and a slick pull tab to adjust your length.
And of course…available in Multicam and Black Multicam. Black Multicam is currently sold out but will be back in stock soon!
Looking for something more than a standard AR-15 sling?
We go over all the other options like single-point, pure leather, and Ching slings in Best Rifle Slings.
5.11 AMP72 Low Profile Pack
Looking for a mid-capacity backpack (40L) that has all the bells and whistles but doesn’t scream TACTICAL?
Enter the 5.11 AMP72 Backpack that’s perfect for a 3-day op…or a carry-on.
We cover a few of 5.11’s packs in our Low Profile Packs Review and also video.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Viktos Core 2
Looking for some decent shoes that aren’t super tacticool?
Check out the Viktos Core 2. These are lightweight, breathable and comfy!
We tried out the Tiger Stripe Gray Camo and really liked the aesthetic. Not to mention, both our reviewers said these feel like heaven on the feet!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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We cover even more shoes in our Not So Tactical Shoes article.
Hard Goods
Mira Safety Level IV Ceramic Armor
We love Mira Safety for their heavy-duty CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) gas masks. See our Best Gas Masks article.
But now they have Level IV ceramic body armor that did the best in our ballistics testing.
They were able to fully stop two shots from 30.06 M2AP armor piercing rounds…while the other contenders only stopped one.
Check em out here:
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Ballistic Helmet from Hard Head Veterans
Need some Level 3 and frag protection for your noggin?
We’ve been testing the previous version and also the current gen of Hard Head Veterans’ ballistic helmet.
They are really comfy and have all the mounting platforms you’ll need for your night vision and comm gizmos.
Use this link or coupon “PEWPEW” for $15 off your helmet!
And check out our other picks in Best Tactical Helmets for some non-ballistic recs too.
SecureIt Safe
Looking for a flat-packed safe that isn’t so heavy that you’ll need to hire people to move it?
We really like our SecureIt Agile 52 which comes in around 100 lbs packed up.
It doesn’t take the place of a full-blown safe for protection…but when deterrence ,modularity, and ease of install is the name of the game…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And now we’ve secured a 10% coupon code for Pew Pew Tactical readers…use PEW10 to get it!
Plus a full review here and video!
Fort Knox FTK-PB
What about our favorite pistol safe for when something goes bump in the night?
We love the Fort Knox FTK-PB.
Sturdy, decent amount of space for two handguns, and most of all…Simplex lock for super fast retrieval.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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See it in action in our video and also in our Best Gun Safes article.
Vaultek VT20i & Lifepod
Looking for something higher tech?
The Vaultek VT20i and VT10i bring fingerprint scanning, Bluetooth, and apps to the safe world.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out our full review of the duo here.
How about a nice travel container that’s discreet but still protective?
The Lifepod is my go-to for quick hotel and Airbnb trips where I only need one compact gun (with lights and an extra mag).
Check it out in action:
See more in our Best Quick Access Pistol Safes.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Lights
All of the lights! We’re in the middle of testing a whole new batch of pistol, rifle, EDC, and tactical lights.
But here’s our running favorites…
Streamlight ProTac 2
Our most recommended light for almost everyone out there is the ProTac 2.
It doesn’t break the bank and has a nice output of 625 lumens. Plus comes with a nice pressure pad and mount!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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We’ve been using several of them for our defensive and competitive guns.
See more of our favorites in Best AR-15/Rifle Lights.
Streamlight TLR-1HL
We like our Streamlights…and the TLR-1HL is our favorite pick for pistol light.
The HL model runs an eye-searing 800 lumens and continues our good experience with Streamlights.
My original TLR-1 is at 5000 rounds and still going strong.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Olight PL-Pro Valkyrie & PL-Mini Valkyrie 2
Looking for something a little more affordable?
The Olight PL-Pro Valkyrie (larger one) and PL Mini Valkyrie 2 have great reputations and took everything we threw at it in our own torture tests.
Check out our full review here complete with drop tests, water submersion, tons of rounds downrange, and beam pictures.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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See more of our tested torches in Best Pistol Lights.
Holsters
There’s a lot of holsters…and we cover them all in our Best Holsters article. But here are some selected ones in the biggest categories.
Hidden Hybrid Holsters
Our current favorite in the world of “hybrid” holsters…basically Kydex shell and either leather or synthetic….is Hidden Hybrid Holsters.
I like HHH’s Amish leather since it gets that Goldilocks level of rigidity plus nice-feeling suede.
Boom!
See our full review of them here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Kore Essentials Belt
With great holsters comes (the need for) great belts.
Our current go-to CCW belt is Kore Essentials.
The right amount of stiffness and nothing too tactical looking to scream “I Have a Gun in my Pants.”
Plus the ability to easily change the size when you’re sitting down for extended periods of time.
Check out the full review of them and use code PEWBELT10 to save 10% over at Shall Not Comply (our merch store).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Rounded Gear
My go-to for an affordable pure Kydex option is Rounded Gear that excels in AIWB (appendix inside waistband) but now has tuckable and OWB (outside waistband) options.
And see it in action here:
Check out the full review here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Tenicor
A new cey arontender in the pure Kydex realm is Tenicor. They are pricey but really comfortable.
They are formed for actual bodies and have some super effective retention clips.
What I’d recommend if you’re serious about appendix carry, comfort, and absolute retention.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Tools/DIY
80% Arms Easy Jig 3
Looking to complete your own AR-15 80% project?
The 80% Arms Easy Jig 3 is my favorite for ease of use.
We’ve fully tested the Easy Jig 2 before…and the new generation has some significant upgrades.
All you need is the jig, an 80% lower, regular drill, and a router. No more CNC machine or even a drill press.
Check out more info in Best 80% Receivers & Jigs.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And our video and full review of the Easy Jig Gen 3.
Wheeler Torque Wrench
I use the Wheeler Torque Wrench almost every time I do something at my bench.
If you’re even semi-serious about gunsmithing…get one!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Real Avid AR-15 Armorer’s Master Kit
Looking for an all-in-one AR-15 kit?
Boom, the Real Avid kit is it.
Check out our full review.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Leatherman Wave+
Our current favorite multitool is the Leatherman Wave+.
It has almost everything you need in an EDC multitool, plus it’s silky smooth.
We tested a bunch more in our Best Multitools article (one with an axehead…), but the Wave+ is our overall Editor’s Pick.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Reloading
Looking to get into reloading? Here’s a couple of our favorite case cleaners.
Frankford Armory Tumbler
Mine has been running for years and thousands of rounds. It lives in the garage since it’s kind of loud but it’s super effective.
Get the full kit for some sparkling clean brass to reload!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check otu our Guide to Relaoding Ammo for more essential gear.
Lyman Turbo Sonic Case Cleaner
Ready to upgrade to a sonic cleaner for your brass or gun parts?
My go-to is the Lyman since it is cheaper than the competition, has a larger capacity…but only has a max 8 minutes timer.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check our our in-depth review in Best Ultrasonic Gun Cleaners.
Swag
Ok…a little self promotion here!
We’ve got a new shipment of our custom pistol cases that fit full-size guns with lights.
And a bunch of new shirts and patches. Thanks so much in advance for your support!!
Lost some things in a boating accident? Check out the most popular shirt from Shall Not Comply.
Funny/Gag Gifts
Firefield Pistol Bayonet
This pistol bayonet makes me sad inside since we meant it as a joke…and tons of people bought it.
If you have a friend who needs a LOL build…
Check out more dumb stuff in our Weird Tactical Stuff from Amazon article.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Tactical Baby Gear
I first give you this tweet which got about the exact amount of attention on our Facebook page as you might expect.
And here’s the offender diaper bag…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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I do have one…AS A GIFT.
And though I’m rocking a pink messenger bag or Totoro backpack most of the time…I do use the changing mat since it’s super useful.
Omniblade
We’ll admit, we wanted to review this 95% because it looked wicked cool!
Shockingly, it’s actually really pretty handy also. The Omniblade is a saw, machete, and an axe all wrapped up in one tool.
While I wouldn’t say that it can replace dedicated tools, if you’re in a pinch or want to save weight and space — you can get a LOT of use out of this all-in-one design.
The full review is coming soon, but I can tell you now that it’s makes a great gift to the survivalest/camper/prepper in your life.
Give using it a chance and you’ll find how well made and handy it really is.
Plus, it looks awesome. Good luck wrapping it…
Conclusion
Ok that does it!
If you’re looking for deals…check out our Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gun Deals Page…complete with 46+ retailers and exclusive Pew Pew deals.
What would you add onto this list? What are YOU wanting for the holidays? For a bunch more of our favorite tested products…check out our Editor’s Picks.
The post Holiday Gift Guide: Guns & Gear [2022] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.