Tips to help you choose something that they will really love and use
Buying a firearm, gear or training for someone you care about is a pretty big deal. It’s personal, it’s thoughtful, and honestly, just a perfect gift altogether. What better way to show someone you care than to give a gift of self protection. Whether it’s for a spouse, parent, child, or even your best friend, you want to make sure to choose something that they are excited about, fits them well and makes them feel confident. That’s where we can help.
At BTO Range, we walk customers through this process all the time, and here is a simple, no nonsense guide that will make the whole experience much easier.
Picking Out a Firearm Yourself
A lot of people enjoy the idea of surprising someone with an actual firearm. I mean, who doesn’t want to open up a brand new pistol or rifle on Christmas morning? But there are so many options to choose from so where do you start? That’s where we come in. At BTO, we are more than equipped to help you pick out a great gift at the perfect price.
When you stop by BTO, we will walk you through who you are buying for and how they plan to use the gun. From there, we can quickly narrow down the choices based on things like:
- Their experience level (are they a brand new shooter?)
- Hand size
- Whether they plan to conceal carry (and where), open carry or just shoot at the range.
- Any physical limitations (poor eyesight, limited hand strength)
- What they already own and like (manufacturer, platform etc.)
- What your budget is
You don’t need a lot of technical knowledge prior to coming in. Give us the starting point, and we will get you through all the rest
Helping a New Shooter Figure Out What Fits
If your loved one is new to firearms, picking their first gun for them can be tough. A lot of new shooters come in thinking they want one model based on what a friend, family member or influencer says they need, then end up loving something totally different once they actually get on the range and shoot.
That is why one of the best gifts for a beginner is a private lesson. During the private lesson, the instructor brings out several different pistols and lets the student try them all. All private instruction is done away from other patrons on a private bay for their comfort. That way they get hands-on experience, learn the basics, and quickly figure out what feels safe, comfortable, and natural.
Most people are surprised by the one they shoot the best.
BTO offers training certificates as well as gift cards. Training certificates are great for those who need brand new instruction or those who just want to polish up their skills. WIth a gift card, you can not only cover a private lesson itself but also the ammunition costs for the lesson or any other add-ons which is always a huge win. If you want to cover your loved one’s firearm while letting them choose their model, a gift card is a perfect way to do just that.
Why a Gift Card Works So Well
Honestly, gift cards make things really easy. They allow your loved one to get exactly what they want without you having to stress about getting the perfect model.
A gift card is particularly useful when:
- You know that they want a gun, but they don’t know which one.
- They are brand new and still figuring things out.
- They already possess guns and want something different.
- You want them to choose their own optic, holster, or whatever gear.
A gift card is still a thoughtful gesture, but it gives them the freedom to make sure they get the right fit.
How Much Should You Put on the Gift Card?
If you are not sure how much to load, think about what they already have, and what their next move might be.
If they are brand new:
- Enough for a private lesson and some toward a first pistol is ideal.
If they are seasoned:
- You can fit enough in it for a full-size range gun, a red dot, a light, or holster upgrades.
If they have a rifle setup:
- Optics, lights, magazines, or accessories are next on the list.
If they have everything:
- Training, range memberships or ammo is always appreciated and always useful.
And if none of that helps, just tell us what you know about them and we can help you pick a good amount.
Accessories and Training Make Any Gift Better
Whether it’s a firearm or a gift card, you can always make the gift feel complete. Popular add-ons include:
- Extra magazines
- Cases
- Ammunition
- A quality holster
- A weapon light
- An optic
- Cleaning gear
- Range membership
- Private lesson
These extras help your loved one get the most out of whatever they choose.
We are here to help you make the right choice.
Whether you want to wrap up a firearm and surprise someone or give them the freedom of a gift card, the BTO staff is always here to help you figure it out. Tell us who you are buying for and what they might use the gun for, and we can guide you from there.
Stop by BTO Range anytime. We will make sure your gift is thoughtful, practical, and something they will truly enjoy.