Father’s Day?

by
posted on June 13, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Your father was probably the one who got you started in shooting, yet you’re trolling the bargain bins in discount stores this week, hoping to find something inexpensive that will satisfy his insatiable appetite for dust-collecting knickknacks. My father’s attic was home to two-dozen Chia pets, an uneaten five-pound gummy bear and a pet rock collection currently the subject of a U.S. Geological Survey all-points-bulletin. All were misguided gifts for the avid outdoorsman and shooter.

Help break this tragic trend by giving dad something firearm related—even if it is a little tongue in cheek—this Father’s Day. There’s still hope, and with expedited shipping we have the time to stop this vicious cycle.

I’d tell you to score some ammo, but right now that’s not even funny. Plus Dad probably has some pet loads, so let’s take a look at what’ll really make him smile on Sunday.

Does he have a handgun with an accessory rail? With this year’s cicada invasion, there’s no telling how many of the noisy buggers will bunker up for 17 more years in the petunias. There’s only one solution and it’s the cicada’s worst nightmare—LaserLyte’s Pistol Bayonet.

Do you remember the family vacation when dad had chili dogs with extra onions for lunch at Truth or Consequences, N.M., and it seemed like a scene from the 24 hours of Le Mans before you reached the Springfield, Mo., hotel? Hang a Hoppe’s Air Freshener in the old family wagon, and heal the decades-old scars.

Maybe dad has been looking a little fatigued lately. If that’s the case, pick up some Thor Global Defense Group Tactical Energy drink.

After a long day at the range, there’s no reason he should struggle when opening bottles of his favorite beverage. Get him a LaRue Tactical Beverage Entry Tool Dillo. I have three strategically staged throughout the house for emergency response and they stand upright, at attention, as if eager for their next perilous mission.

Heck, score him some zombie targets. Post your own selections in the comments section and we might just stop the vicious cycle of abandonment that has seen this celebration become a financial boon for tie, chia, shoe and rock salesmen.

Don’t misconstrue this blog post as yet another feeble attempt at humor. It’s not meant to be funny. It’s a reminder that every year, in a misguided effort to please dad, we blindly hand our hard-earned cash over to companies that may actually oppose firearm ownership, when there’s dozens of small and inexpensive items from gun companies he would love to receive on Sunday. They probably won’t produce any chuckles, but you can’t go wrong with gun oil, cleaning solution, bore brushes, mops, rods, patches and just about everything related to cleaning and maintenance. Ammo would be good, but the last time I checked the Holy Grail was still missing, too.

Whatever you do, get him something related to what he enjoys. Don’t be lazy and buy your father a dust-collecting gizmo recommended by a self-proclaimed Internet expert. Oh, wait a minute.

Happy Father’s Day! Get out there and make it a great one.

Latest

BATFE Report Dissects
BATFE Report Dissects

ATF Report Highlights Trends In NFA Sales, Manufacturing Numbers & More

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently released a 61 page “Firearm Commerce Updates and New Analysis” report. Figures included are up to and including 2023, the latest available.

Preview: Bastinelli R.E.D. Fixed Stone Washed

Designed for operators in the French National Police’s elite RAID tactical unit, the Bastinelli R.E.D. Fixed Stone Washed knife is also eminently useful for everyday carry ...

Mossberg Introduces SPX & Professional Models To 940 Pro Tactical Line

Mossberg has expanded its popular 940 Pro Tactical shotgun line with SPX and Professional models, with each adding a slate of upgraded components and accessories designed to enhance the shotgun's capabilities.

Preview: Streamlight Sidewinder X

This high-output, multi-fuel, military-style light with a tilting head is perfect for hunters and home defenders looking for more than just a handheld light...

The Armed Citizen® July 4, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.