Good stocking stuffers for shooters are small, cheap and genuinely useful: bore snakes, cleaning picks, gun oil, foam earplugs, chamber flags, target pasters and a pocket flashlight. These are the things shooters run out of or lose, so they always get used. Here are 14 picks, most in the lowest price tier.
A few of these, like bore cleaners and patches, are sized by caliber. We point those out so you can find out what they shoot (ask, or check a gun box or receipt) without handling anyone's firearm.
Quick picks
Gift
Best for
Rough price tier
Hoppe's BoreSnake
Fast barrel cleaning
$
Otis Ripcord
Compact range-bag bore cleaner
$
Tipton Cleaning Picks
Scraping gunk from tight spots
$
Hoppe's Cleaning Patches
Restocking the basics
$
Tipton Deluxe Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod
Upgrading a kit rod
$$
Break-Free CLP
All-in-one clean and lube
$
Ballistol Travel Size
Range bag oil
$
Real Avid Gun Tool CORE
AR-15 owners
$$
LensPen
Cleaning scopes and red dots
$
Butler Creek Flip-Open Scope Cover
Protecting scope lenses
$
Howard Leight MAX Foam Earplugs
Backup hearing protection
$
UTG Chamber Safety Flags
Range-safety visibility
$
Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C Pasters
Reusing targets
$
Streamlight MicroStream USB
Keychain or pocket light
$$
Price tiers are rough guides, not quotes: $ is usually under $15, $$ about $15–$40. Prices change often during the holidays, so check the listing.
Cleaning gear
Cleaning supplies get used up and lost, so even shooters with full kits are happy to get more.
Gun oil and CLP
Small tools
Optics care
Range safety and targets
Flashlights
Stocking stuffer tips
Mix universal and caliber-specific. Oil, earplugs, flags, pasters and lights work for everyone. BoreSnakes, Ripcords and patches need the right caliber.
Bundle a theme. A BoreSnake, picks, patches and CLP make a complete mini cleaning kit. Earplugs, pasters and a chamber flag make a "range day" stocking.
Order early. Small items are easy to forget until the last minute, and popular ones can sell out.
Need a bigger centerpiece gift? Browse our other gear guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put ammunition in a stocking?
You can in many places, but check the rules first. Federal law sets age minimums for buying ammo from licensed dealers (18 for long-gun ammo, 21 for handgun ammo), and some states require background checks or permits for ammo purchases. Live ammunition also can't be mailed through USPS. Store any ammo safely and away from kids, even under the tree.
How do I find out what caliber they shoot without asking?
Look for the gun's original box, a receipt, or an ammo box they've left out. A caliber like "9mm" or ".223" is usually printed right on it. Never pick up or handle someone else's firearm to read the markings. When in doubt, choose a universal item instead.
BoreSnake or Ripcord: which is better?
Both are one-pass bore cleaners for quick cleanups. The BoreSnake is the long-time standard with a built-in brush. The Ripcord packs smaller and has its own design. Either makes a good gift, and many shooters own both.
Is CLP safe on all guns?
CLP products are designed for general firearm use, but it's best to follow the gun manufacturer's own maintenance recommendations. The gift recipient will know what they prefer.
Are chamber flags required at ranges?
Many ranges, training classes and competitions require or strongly encourage them. Even where they aren't required, they're a simple way to show others a firearm is unloaded.
Editorial note: These picks are based on manufacturer information, retailer listings and published reviews. We haven't tested these products hands-on. Prices and availability change, especially around the holidays. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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