1. Light for Your Long Gun
Unless you have three hands, you need a light on your home-defense long gun. This Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Rail Mount, or its related HP version, has everything you need: 2000 lumens, a USB-C chargeable battery that runs for 2.5 hours on high, tail-cap switch or remote pressure-switch operation and three selectable settings of high/strobe, high only and low/high. The difference largely lies in the beam strength, with the HP offering a 583-meter (instead of 266) beam on high. (streamlight.com; $299 or $305)
2. A First-Rate Range Bag
Excellence, when it comes to gear, means I never have to think about it; for example, I’ll never have to worry that this Magpul DAKA range bag is sitting where it might get wet or that the handle might break—these things will simply never happen, thanks to the high-tech materials and zippers. This bag also has plenty of well-designed pockets and zippers, with a surprisingly roomy main compartment and a fold-out top to make a gun mat. The bag doesn’t come with a shoulder sling but has mounting plates so you can attach any that use QD, Paraclip or MASH hook attachments. (magpul.com; $129.95 small or $159.95 large)
3. Freedom Isn’t Free
It’s estimated that 22 veterans a day take their own lives. So, even as we celebrate our freedoms this month, we should remember those who’ve paid the ultimate price both on and off the battlefield. This beautiful wooden flag of the United States is handmade by a veteran (signed on the back) and uses .22 shell casings for each star on the flag—a unique item to help us remember the cost of freedom and to always honor and support our veterans. Proceeds support Patriots Landing’s programs for veterans, including on-the-job skills training. (patriotslanding.org; $59)
