2019 Handguns Father's Day Gift Guide

May 07, 2019 By Handguns Digital Staff

Blackhawk MBoss

I’m a leather holster fan, but I get that not everyone is. For those who aren’t, sometimes it’s a question of style—with folks wanting something that looks “tactical,” for lack of a better word. If this describes you, Blackhawk has you covered with the new MBoss, a leather holster with a bad-ass appearance. I’ve been working with the 1911 pancake version, and I love it. The top is double-layered for easy, no-look holstering, and it also features a reinforced sight channel and tension screw. It works great for range duty, and I’ve carried it enough to appreciate the comfort it provides—one of the reasons I like leather.

In addition to the pancake style, there are also Askins and inside-the-waistband clip versions. There are a ton of fitments for guns from Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Taurus, SIG, Kimber, Kahr and Glock.

{$80, blackhawk.com}

Ed Brown KC9

Specifically built as a 9mm, the new KC9 is a smaller, thinner and lighter version of the firm’s groundbreaking Kobra Carry—and it’s 30 percent less expensive than a custom Ed Brown because it’s being built in small batches of identical pistols. The KC9 features the firm’s popular Bobtail frame cut for easier concealment, and the four-inch slide has been re-engineered to be thinner and lighter—and sporting both front and rear cocking serrations. The external extractor is new, as are the easy-to-change front sight and the smaller ledge-type rear sight. Available in stainless and G4-finished versions.

{$1,895, EdBrown.com}

SIG Air M17 ASP

A new member of the Advanced Sport Pellet family, the new semiautomatic M17 ASP is a CO2-powered replica of the U.S. Army’s service pistol. It has the same look and feel of the M17 and can even be field-stripped like its centerfire brother. Featuring a polymer frame and metal slide, it has a realistic blowback action, and the 20-round magazine and 12-gram CO2 cartridge fit into a proprietary drop magazine.

{$140, SIGsauer.com}

Hornady Alpha Elite

I’ve been using a standard Hornady lock box in my vehicle to prevent smash-and-grabs when I have to leave my carry gun behind, and now the company has improved on that box with the Alpha Elite. It still has the 16-gauge housing and steel security cable, but the Alpha Elite has a dualcrossbar latch and pry-resistant security band for even better protection. It’s approved by TSA and meets California DOJ safety standards.

{$42, hornady.com}

Surefire Stiletto

Everybody should carry a flashlight all the time, but frankly most designs don’t fit comfortably in a front pocket. The new Stiletto’s slim profile is more like a pocket knife, providing both comfort and fast access. The primary switch activates 650-, 250- or five-lumen outputs, and it has a high-only “tactical” switch with the option of programming a high-frequency strobe. Weight is 2.8 ounces with batteries. Rechargeable, with a “fuel gauge” so you know your battery status. Weather-resistant polymer body with a Melonite-coated spring steel pocket clip.

{$109, SureFire.com}

S&W Performance Center M&P380 Shield EZ

The reality of protection is that you never know when you’ll need it. S&W took the power and features of their full-sized M&P pistols and put them into a slim, lightweight pistol the size of your hand. The M&P SHIELD is an easy to conceal pistol that offers professional grade features with simple operation and reliable performance day or night. The Performance Center SHIELD features including a factory ported barrel and slide, HI-VIZ Litewave H3 Tritium/Litepipe sights, and two 8-round magazines.

This high-quality ammunition suits a wide range of hunter's and shooter's needs. The Full Metal Jacket construction provides positive functioning and no expansion, while the reduced barrel fouling means fewer cleanings and more range time. Backed by generations of legendary excellence, Winchester "USA White Box" stands for consistent performance and outstanding value.

{Winchester.com}

5.11 Tactical LV10 13L Sling Pack

The 5.11 Tactical LV10 sling pack is loaded with features geared toward people who everyday carry. The over-the-shoulder design makes it easy to access your gear quickly. The LV10 weights a light 2.1 pounds, and has a front zippered pocket. The LV10 sling pack can be customized with purpose-built pouches. Other key features include a fleece-lined top zipper pocket and water resistant 840D Nylon, as well as a 13-liter capacity.

{$109, 511tactical.com}