Not So Silent Night: Best Guns for Gifting

Ahh, it is that Christmas time of year.

Some of you might have already seen snow. Some of you might have your Christmas trees up already. And all of us are having to listen to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You through the loudspeaker at the grocery store.

But that also means the time for gift shopping is upon us. And what better gift than a gun for that gun lover, or gun-curious, person in your life?

We know choosing that perfect gift, especially when it's a gun, can be hard. But fear not, we are here to get you pointed in the right direction.

With that in mind, I put together a list of guns that are priced well and sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. There is a bit of something for just about everyone here, so let's hop right in!   

Guns of Christmas Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Guns of Christmas

We have hands-on reviews of the exact models for every gun on this list, or extremely close variants of them, all of which have had a minimum of 500 rounds through them. However, we have put thousands of rounds through many of these models over the years.

Picks are prioritized based on features, ergonomics, reliability, accuracy, value, and most of all, fun factor. This article covers guns across different use cases and is meant for shooters of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

Accuracy & Reliability Testing

Every gun on this list has undergone testing to assess accuracy. This includes a minimum of 500 rounds of both practice FMJ and JHP ammunition. Accuracy tests are conducted with five-round groups, with handguns being tested at 7 yards and rifles being tested at 25 to 100 yards.

Any malfunctions or issues while shooting at the range are noted during testing.

Meet the Experts

This article was written by Pew Pew Tactical Editor & Senior Review Analyst Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified and USCCA-certified instructor, a former competitive shooter, and an avid hunter.

Wyatt has previous experience as a home-based FFL and personally owns over 200 firearms — including half the guns on this list. Between his different shooting disciplines and time reviewing firearms with Pew Pew Tactical, he has trigger time behind every gun on this list.

His experience as an instructor and in firearm sales has given him unique insight into what people like to buy as gifts and which guns make good gifts.

Best Guns to Gift for Christmas

1. Ruger 10/22 – Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

Ruger 10/22

$229

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$229 at Palmetto State Armory

Midway USA (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .22LR
• Action: Semi-Auto, Blowback
• Capacity: 10 (standard) - 110 (drum)
• Barrel Length: 8" - 22"
• Weight: 3.25 lbs - 6 lbs
• Mags Included: Varies by model
• Country of Origin: USA

We are kicking off the list with a Christmas classic — the Ruger 10/22. This gun has been crowned the king of plinking rifles, and it has earned that title.

Over 8 million of these guns have been produced, and they have found their way into the hands of just about every type of shooter you can imagine.

The 10/22 series has dominated the plinking market because they are accurate, easy to shoot, reliable, and affordable.

There are a ton of variants to choose from, too. You can get one with a classic wood stock and iron sights, tactical pistol-length versions, full-on target models, break-down models, and more.

On top of all the different factory versions, the 10/22 enjoys one of the largest aftermarkets of any gun, period. Heck, I have one modified to the point where I can shoot the staples out of my targets at 25 yards; you can’t beat that for fun.

Whether you are looking to outfit a young shooter with their first rifle to learn on, or want to surprise someone with the ultimate fun plinker, the 10/22 is absolutely our favorite pick.

Be sure to take a peek at our article on the 8 Best Ruger 10/22 Models!

2. S&W Bodyguard 2.0 – Best Concealed Carry Pistol

Best Concealed Carry Pistol

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

$398

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$398 at GrabAGun

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Action: Semi-Auto, Striker-Fired
• Capacity: 10, 12
• Barrel Length: 2.75”
• Width: 0.88”
• Weight: 9.8 oz.
• Mags Included: (1) 12rd, (1) 10rd
• Country of Origin: USA

Next up is the new and improved Bodyguard 2.0 from Smith & Wesson.

These guns are ultra-slim at only 0.88 inches wide, yet still hold a staggering 10 rounds of .380 ACP with the flush magazine and 12 with the extended magazine.

You are almost liable to forget you are even carrying this thing, since it weighs only 9.8 ounces. I knew this gun was small before I shot it, but I didn’t realize just how small it actually is. You can conceal this thing just about any way, anywhere.

But despite being such a tiny pistol, it shoots pretty well. The recoil is completely manageable, even with defensive ammo, and the trigger is good.

Smith & Wesson hit a home run with the Bodyguard 2.0, and if you or someone you know is looking for a new, super-concealable carry gun, this just might be the ticket.

See why the Bodyguard 2.0 is the current hotness in our full hands-on review.

What do you think of the Bodyguard 2.0? Rate it below!

3. Mossberg Maverick 88 Field & Security Combo – Best Pump-Action Shotgun

Best Pump-Action Shotgun

Mossberg Maverick 88 Security/Field Combo

$279

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$279 at Palmetto State Armory

GrabAGun (see price)

MidwayUSA (see price)

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 12-Gauge
• Action: Pump-Action
• Capacity: 5+1
• Chamber: 3"
• Barrel Length: 18.5" (security barrel), 28" (field barrel)
• Weight: 6.25 lbs - 7 lbs
• Length of Pull: 14.5"
• Country of Origin: USA

Now we come to one of the most versatile gifts you can give, the Maverick 88 Field & Security combo.

Know someone looking for a shotgun that can do it all? Look no further. This combo includes a 28-inch field barrel that is perfect for hunting or shooting sporting clays, and an 18.5-inch barrel that is well-suited for home defense.

No tools are required to swap out the barrels, and it only takes about 30 seconds.

The Maverick 88 is built by Mossberg on their legendary 500 series action, making it one of the most durable shotguns on the planet. It also accepts most Mossberg 500 furniture and accessories.

Does all of that sound great? Well, how about a sub $300 price? Yeah… this deal rules.

Trust me, if someone is unsure of whether they want a long or short barrel, just get them the combo. It is always much cheaper to buy the combo than to buy a Maverick 88 in one barrel length and pick up a second barrel later.

I have put both my Maverick 88s through the wringer, and they just keep on trudging along. This is the absolute best value buy in the world of shotguns, period.

Take a look at our full review of the Maverick 88 to see why this gun is amazing.

4. Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo16 – Best Budget AR-15

Best Budget AR-15

Andro Corp Industries ACI-15 Bravo16

$399

at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$399 at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Midway USA (see price)

Primary Arms (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Rem
• Action: Semi-Auto, Direct-Impingement
• Capacity: 30
• Barrel Length: 16"
• Weight: 6 lbs 6.7 oz
• Mags Included: (1) 30rd Mission First Tactical mag
• Country of Origin: USA

Ahh, the AR-15 — America’s Rifle. In our opinion, everyone should have one (at least everyone who wants one, that is).

And what better way to get into the platform than to do it for under $400 while getting an excellent-performing rifle?

When our test rifle went through 500 rounds with zero malfunctions and delivered 1-MOA accuracy, I absolutely had to include it in our best budget AR-15 round-up.

While it may not have the fanciest furniture or the nicest trigger, it has a great rail, a nice barrel, and performance that punches way above its price point. The ACI-15 is an excellent starting point for an AR-15 build.

If you want to learn more, check out our full review of the ACI-15 Bravo16!

5. Ruger Wrangler – Best Plinking Revolver

Best Plinking Revolver

Ruger Wrangler

$180

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$180 at GrabAGun

BattleHawk Armory (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .22LR
• Action: Revolver, Single-Action Only
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 4.62"
• Weight: 30 oz
• Country of Origin: USA

Everyone has a little cowboy or cowgirl in their veins. And there is no better way to scratch that itch than with the ultra-affordable Ruger Wrangler.

These are .22LR single-action only revolvers that are reminiscent of the Colt Single-Action Army revolvers of old.

They look good, and since they are chambered in .22LR, they are a heckuva lot of fun to shoot. Recoil is almost non-existent, and ammo is cheap. Pair that with classic styling and a reasonable price, and you've got yourself one darn good stocking stuffer.

I know firsthand that the Wrangler puts smiles on faces; I bought one for my fiancée for Christmas a few years back, and she loves it.

These guns are higher quality than the Heritage Rough Riders they compete with, but are still priced well. And nothing beats cheap fun, except when you get to channel the Old West while doing it.

Mosey on over to our full hands-on review of the Ruger Wrangler if you want to know more!

 6. Springfield Armory Garrison – Best 1911

Best 1911

Springfield Garrison 1911 .45 ACP

$744

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$744 at GrabAGun

Midway USA (see price)

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-Auto, Single-Action Only
• Capacity: 7
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 37 oz
• Mags Included: (1) 7rd
• Country of Origin: USA

We are back at it with another American classic, the 1911 — specifically, the Springfield Armory Garrison.

This may very well be my favorite pick on the list, and let me tell you why.

First off is the gorgeous hot-salt blued finish that is complemented by some sweet checkered, thinline wood grips. This gun is dressed to the nines, and it looks amazing in person.

With 1911s, you expect a great trigger, and the Garrison doesn’t disappoint. The trigger breaks right around 3.5 lbs and is very crisp. An extended beavertail, skeletonized hammer, and low-pro combat 3-dot sights round off the features.

I have put over 1,500 rounds through my Garrison, and it never ceases to amaze me how accurate and well it runs. I am talking zero stoppages with normal cleaning intervals and 2-inch groups or better at 25 yards off a rest.

You are getting top-notch accuracy, reliability, and a dashing finish, all for under $800. This is a pistol worth shooting, worth showing off, and worth passing down to your family.

Be sure to check out my hands-on review of the Springfield Garrison!

7. Beretta APX A1 Tactical – Best 9mm Handgun

Best 9mm Handgun

Beretta APX A1 Tactical

$429

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$429 at GrabAGun

AR15 Discounts (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-Auto, Striker-Fired
• Capacity: 21
• Barrel Length: 4.8" (1/2"x28 threaded)
• Weight: 29.6 oz
• Mags Included: (3) 21rd
• Country of Origin: Italy

The holiday season always brings in deals, and this year, Beretta has blessed the shooting community with some great rebates on some sweet guns.

This year, we have to give the nod to the Beretta APX A1 Tactical.

You are looking at an absolutely feature-packed gun here. Optics-ready slide, suppressor-height sights, threaded barrel, interchangeable backstraps, and three (yes, three) 21-round magazines.

And if that isn’t enough to convince you, I am here to tell you they shoot great, too. I had the pleasure of shooting one for the first time a few years back when working on our content for the 5 Best Affordable Handguns; you can see my reaction in the video here.

The APX A1 Tactical would be an amazing gift for anyone looking for a home-defense pistol, a fun range gun, or even a reliable duty pistol.

Still not sold? Well, Beretta is running a $75 rebate, meaning you can snag this gun for around $350 right now.

We also have you covered with a hands-on video and article review of the APX A1!

8. Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O – Best .22LR Pistol

Best .22LR Pistol

Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O (5 Magazines)

$349

at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$349 at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Guns.com (see price)

BattleHawk Armory (see price)

Classic Firearms (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .22LR
• Action: Semi-Auto, Striker-Fired
• Capacity: 16, 22
• Barrel Length: 4.6" (1/2"x28 threaded)
• Weight: 17.3 oz
• Mags Included: (3) 16rd, (2) 22rd
• Country of Origin: USA

I might sound like a broken record, but .22LR guns make exceptional gifts. And with that, my last pick is the humble Taurus TX22.

Taurus challenged the notion that .22LR pistols could only be reliable if they had a capacity of 10 rounds or less. And in 2019, they released the 16+1 capacity TX22 and took the plinking world by storm.

Excellent ergonomics, a good trigger, great reliability, and consistent accuracy make the TX22 both easy and immensely rewarding to shoot.

I recently shot a close friend’s TX22 at the range using a jar of completely mixed ammo, and was still able to put my shots exactly where I wanted them to go.

I was shooting the tiny scoring numbers off my target and having an absolute blast. And the best part? I only burned through about $2 worth of ammo.

The T.O.R.O package we listed here includes an optics-ready slide, a threaded barrel, and five magazines.

This is a perfect gun for easing loved ones into shooting, teaching new shooters, or just plain having a blast with cheap ammo.

You can read more in our full review of the TX22 Competition!

Final Thoughts

Maybe you are leaning towards making that special someone's holiday extra memorable this year with a gun. Or maybe you are going to send this article to your significant other as a not-so-subtle hint about what you want this year. And don't forget, it is never a bad time to treat yourself!

Either way, there is bound to be a smile on someone's face if they get something off this list!

There are a ton of great guns out there. Are there any favorites of yours that we missed? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for something a bit cheaper and easier? Check out our picks for the Best Gifts for Gun Lovers [$25, $50, $100+].

Latest Updates

December 2025: Complete re-write of the article. Added all new picks with the exception of the Ruger 10/22.