Fall Firepower: Your Autumn Gear Checklist
Temps are down, leaves are falling, and Autumn is here. What should be on your fall shopping list? We have some recommendations.
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Days are getting shorter, and temperatures are cooling off. Maybe you have some extra funds lying around after summer vacation that you want to spend.
We put together a list of some of our favorite items perfect for Autumn across the spending spectrum. From optics to packs to knives, we narrowed down what we think would suit you best for this fall season.
The Quick List
- Best Firearm : Andro Corp ACI-15 BravoJump to details ↓
- Best Red Dot: Sig Sauer Romeo5X Gen 2Jump to details ↓
- Best Budget Scope: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x & Mount ComboJump to details ↓
- Best Range Accessory: ShellShock Protection Belt ClipJump to details ↓
- Best Knife: ESEE-4Jump to details ↓
- Best Off-Body Pack: 5.11 Tactical LVC8Jump to details ↓
- Best Backpack: Lynx Defense EDC BackpackJump to details ↓
- Best Gear for Women: Vertx Lena CollectionJump to details ↓
- Best Gun Shirt: Pew Pew Tactical Retro Laser Long Sleeve ShirtJump to details ↓
- Best Pumpkin Themed Gear: Pumpkin Spice Grenade PatchJump to details ↓
Best Products for Fall
1. Andro Corp ACI-15 – Best Firearm
As we move closer to the holiday months, budgeting becomes more of a priority. That’s why the Andro Corp ACI-15 is our new favorite budget AR-15.
Priced under $400, this rifle is chambered in 5.56 NATO. It features a 16-inch barrel with an overall length of 32.4 to 35.7 inches.
The ACI-15 is a pretty standard AR with a mil-spec charging handle and trigger, as well as a standard A2 flash hider and M4 furniture. Luckily, you can drop in other accessories and upgrades as you see fit.
We personally think this is the best budget, beginner AR on the market! We love that its low entry cost means you can prioritize other upgrades like optics or accessories.
If you want to learn more about what sets the Andro ACI-15 apart, check out the written review or watch our full YouTube video review below.
2. Sig Sauer Romeo5 – Best Red Dot
Keeping up with the budgety theme, our favorite optic this season has been the Sig Sauer Romeo5.
Priced at under $150, it’s a good red dot that won’t kill your wallet.
The Romeo5 features 1x magnification and a 20mm aperture with a 2 MOA red dot. It weighs around 5.5 ounces and boasts a 40,000-hour battery life.
This red dot comes with 10 daytime settings as well as 2 night vision-compatible settings.
During our testing, we really liked the MOTAC function – motion-activated technology. When the optic remains still for a set period of time, it will automatically shut off to preserve battery life, but upon movement, it automatically turns back on at the previous brightness setting. If you’re like us and routinely forget to turn off your red dot, this is a great feature!
View-through provides a clear, crisp image with a clean dot, and the buttons are nice and tactile.
We think this is a solid option for those looking for an entry red dot that is priced well. (Our readers like it too…it’s one of the most clicked on red dots we suggest.)
3. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope – Best Budget Scope
Continuing on our budget theme, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm scope is an SFP (second-focal plane) rifle scope that boasts a lot of features at a nice price.
The Strike Eagle is great for rifle shooters of any variety with an illuminated reticle, BDC markings, and capped turrets in ½ MOA clicks – but it works especially well for hunters and 3-gunners who want a simple and affordable optic.
We have run the Strike Eagle with many different rifles in all sorts of calibers (seriously, like thousands and thousands of rounds), and we’ve never had any issues.
It’s built from aluminum and can definitely withstand some abuse, being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
While you can opt for a standard black, if you want something a little different, we suggest Optics Planet’s OPMOD Limited Edition Strike Eagle. Outfitted in FDE, it skirts the usual boring black and offers a little more oomph for shooters with a peanut butter/FDE build.
We have a review on the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope with more info!
4. ShellShock Protection Belt Clip – Best Range Accessory
We head to the range quite a bit, testing guns and gear. One of the more annoying parts of that experience is dealing with our ear pro – specifically, what to do with it when it’s not in active use.
While some wearers pop those bad boys on their head, others don’t like that squished feeling. (It’s me, I hate feeling like something is squishing my brain.)
Luckily, Pew Pew Tactical has taken our own feedback and launched the ShellShock Protection Belt Clip.
For those not in the know, ShellShock is our sister company and sprang out of our own desire to use the knowledge we’ve gained from range days to bring better ear and eye protection to range-goers.
The Belt Clip is just one of those things we decided we needed at the range. This device provides hands-free carry for your ear pro when it’s not in use. Using a magnetic quick-access design, the clip allows your ear pro to hang from your belt.
That way, you can move freely around the range but still have your ear pro ready when you need it.
If you still need some ear pro, check out our EXO Pro!
5. ESEE-4 - Best Knife
If you head out into the woods, you’ll want a good knife. The ESEE-4 is a go-to around here when it comes to bushcrafting, survival, and hunting.
This knife was created by Randall’s Adventure Company, who are experienced survivalists and adventurers. The knives definitely exude that experience.
The ESEE-4 is outfitted with a 4.5-inch drop point blade in your choice of 440C stainless steel or 1095 carbon steel – either way, you’re getting a strong, sturdy blade.
Its rounded G-10 handle is textured to help you get a good hold but without being super aggressive or uncomfortable.
Yes, it’s a little pricey, but it’s well worth the cost as this knife outperforms a lot of others on the market.
If you want something that can enter into just about any environment in the great outdoors and do well, this is it.
For more bushcrafting knives, check out our recommendations!
6. 5.11 Tactical LVC8 Sling Pack – Best Off-Body Pack
If you’re headed out on a light trail or just bumming around town, the 5.11 Tactical LVC8 Sling Pack is one of our preferred ways to carry a gun off-body.
Hosting four compartments, there’s plenty of room for your wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, and favorite concealed carry handgun.
The CCW compartment is large enough for a full-size handgun and features a hook-and-loop retention strap to keep things in place.
We dig the sling design because it makes accessing your gun a little easier and prevents someone from grabbing the bag and taking off.
Our team’s only complaint is that the beautiful blue color we tested out is no longer available. In its place is a slightly more muted, darker blue as well as black and gray.
You can check out more off-body recommendations in our Best Off-Body Concealed Carry article.
7. Lynx Defense EDC Backpack – Best Backpack
I am of the mindset that paying a little more on the front end for good gear that lasts is always a good strategy. That carries over to bags and backpacks. Buy once, cry once.
That’s the mindset I adopted with the Lynx Defense EDC Backpack. Let’s get it out of the way…it’s pricey.
That said, these bags are super durable. I have a Lynx Defense bag that I got around the time the company first began back in 2013. It’s still going with no holes, broken zippers, etc.
The EDC Backpack I got just over a year ago, and it still looks brand new, despite heavy use. It’s got plenty of pockets to stow things – small to large – and there’s even a concealed EDC compartment for your handgun.
No-slip shoulder pads are comfortable and keep the pads in place.
I’ve used mine for day-long outings with my kids where I need snacks, water bottles, etc., as well as a designated bug-out bag during tornado season.
The standard EDC Backpack comes in four color options – black, tan, grey, and green, but if you want something fancier, you can upgrade to the Made to Order option. For $50 more, you can choose from Multicam, Multicam Black, Vietnam Tiger Stripe, M81 Woodland, Desert Tiger Stripe, and (my favorite) Splatter.
8. Vertx Lena Collection – Best Gear for Women
We couldn’t pull together a list and not include something for the ladies.
The Lena Collection at Vertx was created in collaboration with world-renowned shooter Lena Miculek. This collection gives off a very autumnal vibe full of plaids, colors, and flannels.
I really like the Shirt Jacket since it’s versatile and can shift between a standard, heavier button-up or a jacket. The Stretch Flannel is a good option, though, if you want something a bit lighter than the jacket.
The Everyday Fanny Pack 2.0 from Vertx also gets a Lena upgrade with lovely color options ranging from black and grey to trendier bone white and oxblood. There are plenty of pockets for phone, wallet, and keys, and the fanny pack can also accommodate a sub-compact and your pre-existing holster.
I like to wear it as a sling pack, but you can also wear it in the more traditional fanny pack configuration.
You can read more about the Lena Collection in our Best Concealed Carry Gear for Women article.
9. Pew Pew Tactical Retro Laser Shirt – Best Gun Shirt
Are we being a little self-serving here…yes, yes, we are. But in all seriousness, our shirts are pretty comfy and cozy. As someone who wears one 5 days a week, I can assure you, they’re really nice!
The Retro Laser is one of my favorite designs and the one that I get the most compliments on around town. The poly-blend tee brings a soft feel, and the long-sleeved design is perfect for fall.
Sizes start at small and go up to 3XL.
10. Pumpkin Spice Grenade Patch – Best Pumpkin Themed Gear
It wouldn’t be fall without something pumpkin.
We felt the Pumpkin Spice Grenade Patch from Patriot Patch Company would be a nice addition to your patch wall or favorite range bag.
The patch measures 3.3” x 2.5” with a PVC vinyl design, fitted with hook-and-loop on the back to easily attach to your favorite pack.
It’s a fun way to celebrate fall and PSL season.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re perusing for the upcoming shopping season or just want to spend some cash, hopefully, we’ve given you some ideas to stock up on this fall.
What will you be picking up this fall? Let us know in the comments below. We plan on offering shopping guides for every season, so keep your eyes peeled for our Winter guide. In the meantime, head to Daily Deals for all the best promos on guns and gear – updated every day!