Christmas Gift Guide

If you are anything like me, you are impossible to shop for. Really, you aren’t – it’s just that you have specific interests. You might want to print this out and leave it lying around. Or you can share it on social media. Your call.

Not Work Stuff

Given the stress inherent to the first responder profession, you need hobbies that aren’t related to the job. I’m still working on that; it would be easier if my knees weren’t wrecked.

My first suggestion on the year’s holiday gift list is anything that supports your not job-related hobbies. A good fiction or non-fiction book, something large format and full of photos for the coffee table. Or a French coffee press for your pack or overland vehicle. A gift certificate for two at a restaurant with a view on the far side of a scenic drive. A fishing trip with a friend or an old partner.

You could include professional bodywork here, too, such as a focused stretching session and (or) a professional, therapeutic massage that addresses issues identified during the stretching. You could even consider a couples massage if it is available at a spa or resort near you.

Anything along those lines or whatever else does your soul good.

FixItSticks

We all need tools. For wrenching on my firearms, optics, and the like, my yearly recommendation is FixItSticks and their The Works Kit. It comes in a zippered carrying case, has a T-handle wrench, and includes a wide variety of tools for various firearms. There are 24 different electroless Nickel ¼” bits—flat and cross tip, as well as hex and Torx heads.

They offer a choice of multiple individual torque limiters or an all-in-one torque head. I have both and am equally happy with each offering.
The Works Kit ranges from $232-296 depending on the torque head.

TrainingSights

If you have tools, think about visual aids. Sometimes, we fail to communicate well with the spoken word. And generally, it is because all parties in the conversation hear it differently. When I think that is the case, or it will be, I quickly go to TrainingSights. They make a variety of visual aids that include iron sights along with a tremendous amount of optics and reticles or dots. These cover handguns, carbines, long-range rifles, shotguns, and bows.
Their instructor kit goes for $29.99

Being Seen

Unfortunately, fratricide occurs in our profession. VisiBlue and DSM Safety are two companies working on mitigating it.

Visiblue has developed hi-visibility beanies, arm sleeves, and badge holders. All of these really stand out and catch the eye in ways that traditional identification methods have not been able to do.

DSM makes easily deployable hi-visibility sashes for law enforcement, identifying the wearer as POLICE, SHERIFF, or by other titles. They have a noticeably different design for lawfully armed citizens looking for a similar sort of visual identification. Finally, DSM is producing a cover for your rifle or shotgun sling, which looks like their sash. There is no mistaking that for something other than law enforcement. While I probably would not want it in a uniformed role, I see a significant benefit for plainclothes officers deploying long guns.
Both companies have strict vetting procedures to ensure their products only end up in the hands of current or retired officers, deputies, et al.

All-Around Light

There are many reasons to carry well-constructed handheld light. Not everything we do in reduced light necessitates using the “face melter 1500.” I recently acquired a Surefire Stiletto Pro2. It is the third version of the light, and I have used all of them. This one has two beams rather than just one. Apparently, two smaller lights result in better output and longer battery life while improving the head’s ability to dissipate heat.
When depressed, the tail cap delivers full power, and a recessed button on one side delivers low, medium, and then high.

Headlamps

Speaking of lights, a good headlamp (or more) can be worth their weight in precious metals. Need to work on your car or under a sink? What about taping targets during a night shoot? Never mind the benefit of having both hands free during a medical emergency. The brand doesn’t matter.

Trigger Time?

While I have only tried this at SHOT, several friends are extremely happy with the Ace Virtual Reality shooting system. It combines virtual reality technology, handgun simulators, and the Meta Quest 3S headset.
Although it is not inexpensive, it may well pay for itself quickly. A handset, VR headset, and the first year’s membership cost $599.

These are just a few of this year’s gift ideas. Hopefully, something on the list works for you (or your loved ones). Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah!

Final Thought

As for me? I’m doing pretty well this year, so there is not a lot of need. There is a bit of “want,” though.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

RESOURCES:

FixItSticks

DSM Safety

Training Sights

Visiblue

Ace VR

Surefire Stiletto