Ruger American Gen II
I tested the Ruger American when it first debuted years ago, at a writer event at Gunsite Academy, and back then I was impressed with the gun’s accuracy and quality for the ridiculously affordable price. Now, Ruger has released the next generation of this rifle, and it’s better than ever. First of all, it looks cool, with the Gen 2 Standard covered in gray Cerakote and a textured, splatter-gray stock. Secondly, I’m impressed with the adjustability and comfort built into the stock, including a removable/interchangeable comb riser.
Ruger has shortened the barrel to 20 inches. It’s cold-hammer-forged, of course, as well as spiral fluted and threaded. The gun has a great adjustable trigger (3 to 5 lbs.) and Ruger’s Power Bedding to free-float the barrel. For the Gen 2, Ruger has upgraded to a three-position safety, still located on the tang, and AICS magazines. It comes in a whole host of calibers and retails for $729.
Colt Python 3"
This is on the list mostly because it’s so iconic—I’ve wanted a Colt Python since Colt brought this classic double-action revolver back a few years ago. This version of the Python uses modern stainless steel alloys and features a redesigned rear sight with 30 percent more steel under the (adjustable) target sight, making the gun stronger overall. Features include a recessed target crown, interchangeable front sight, and classic walnut grip with the iconic Colt medallion. It might be the ultimate barbecue gun (a gun that’s made to look as good as it shoots), and the price—$1,499—reflects it.
This particular Python is chambered in .357 Magnum with a 3” barrel. Am I going to shoot it well with such a short barrel? Probably not. Do I want it anyway? Absolutely.
Rost Martin RM1C
Rost Martin is a new company based in Dallas, and although I don’t need another 9 mm, particularly another striker-fired compact, I’m always down to support American manufacturing, so I’m eager to give their RM1C a try. It’s got ambidextrous controls, a hammer-forged barrel, a 15+1-round capacity, aggressive slide serrations, three-slot Pic rail, short reset trigger (5-lb. pull) and more. Plus, it’s optics-ready—a non-negotiable for my red-dot-loving self these days—and comes with a metal RMR plate.
Rost Martin has built in some seemingly minor details that add up: a non-glare finish on the top of the slide to reduce eye fatigue, graduated laser stippling on the grip designed to “grip back,” and Tenifer-treated slide for corrosion resistance. All that in a compact package and three color options, with a lifetime warranty, at an MSRP of $459? I’ll definitely give it a chance.
Syren Julia Sporting
This gun isn’t new, but c’mon, just look at her. Let this Christmas be the year that you treat yourself to a shotgun built just for women. The entire Syren brand is female-specific, and although they have plenty of models to choose from, the Julia makes it onto our list for its top-tier features. This is a premium competition-grade target gun, with high-performance barrels, chrome-lined bores, a precision-tuned adjustable trigger, six included choke tubes, and a lifetime warranty. Of course, it’s a looker, with a hand-rubbed oil finish on the deluxe Turkish walnut and a color-case-hardened finish on the beautifully engraved action. I’m not normally one for girly flourishes, but this engraving is too pretty to resist, featuring a woman’s face evolving from a floral scroll pattern.
You can get it in 12- or 20-gauge with 30” barrels (28” are also an option in the 20-gauge), and Syren lists a bevy of precise stock measurements on its site to help you make an informed decision about fit. A left-hand stock upgrade is available if you need it. Considering the MSRP of $7,150, this might use up your gift allowance for several Christmases, but wouldn’t it be worth it to own a beautiful gun that’s made to fit you better?
Daniel Defense PCC
Pistol caliber carbines are just plain fun and practical, and as I wrote about earlier this year, they can make excellent home-defense firearms in the right circumstances. Daniel Defense is known for making quality semi-automatic rifles, so although I haven’t shot their newly introduced PCC (9mm), I’m willing to bet it would make a great addition to my gun safe. It’s got a fully ambi lower and accepts CZ Scorpion-pattern magazines, and it uses DD’s legendary cold-hammer-forged barrels. It’s recoil-operated with a hydraulic buffer. Customize it with standard AR accessories.
Daniel Defense introduced this gun in early 2024 and generated a lot of buzz, but the actual release date has been pushed back. Latest estimates have it shipping to stores in December, so this one should arrive just in time for Christmas if you’re lucky enough to snag one. DD does not list an MSRP on their site, but based on some (backordered) retail sites, it looks like it’ll be selling for around $1,900. Word is it’ll be available with a 16” barrel or an 8.3” SBR barrel, but DD’s website doesn’t list those specifics yet. Keep in mind the additional cost and processing time of the tax stamp required if you go the SBR route.
