Top 10 Firearm and Hunting Accessories 2025

10 exciting new gun and outdoor accessories for 2025

Garmin Xero C1 Pro radar chronograph

If you’re serious about reloading or hand-loading for your firearms, or tuning bows, crossbows, paintball guns, or airguns, a good shooting chronograph is an invaluable tool. If you’ve used traditional chronographs for a significant time, chances are you’ve shot one or more chronographs. Not shot OVER your chronograph, but actually shot the device, the supports, or the screens. If you haven’t ruined one by shooting it, you likely have noticed the cumbersome setup, large size, inconvenient wires and hinges, annoying sun screens, and multiple other issues that have been par for the course for decades for chronograph users. Well fear not, dear reader, your salvation is at hand, in the form of the Garmin Xero C1 Pro ($599).

With the Xero, Garmin has changed the chronograph industry, and this is not just gun-writer hyperbole. When the Xero hit the market in late 2023, its form factor almost seemed like an impossibility due to its small size (approximately 3" x 2.4" x 1.4" without the tripod, and 5" x 4.5" x 5.5" with the tripod; weight 5.7 ounces). Compared to existing designs, including LabRadar’s first groundbreaking doppler radar chronograph, the Xero C1 Pro is a technological and functional leap akin to the first iPhone that launched in 2007. It makes everything else feel huge, clunky, inconvenient, and outdated. You just unfold the tripod and set the Xero C1 Pro on your shooting bench or on the ground or rocks somewhere near where you’ll be shooting from, pointed downrange. The Xero figures out the angles and does all the math to calculate any projectile’s velocity within 1% accuracy, according to Garmin. And the darn thing just works.

We won’t bother comparing the Xero with legacy-type light- or magnet-based chronographs, because the Xero’s ease of setup and convenience of use is so far superior to any of them that it would be akin to comparing the latest iPhone to Bell’s first telephone in 1876. However, if you’ve been considering a LabRadar (which is also excellent, but now seems huge), the Xero C1 Pro offers multiple benefits, such as:

• Internal, rechargeable battery via USB cable (LabRadar requires 6 AA batteries). A single charge lasts around 6 hours or up to 2,000 shots
• Much smaller
• Much lighter
• Easier to set up
• Fewer issues with false readings due to range baffles or other objects downrange (in our experience)
• More intuitive user interface, simpler buttons, and Bluetooth app/connectivity

About the only thing the LabRadar does that the Xero won’t (currently) do is read downrange velocities at various distances. However, we expect that one of the future software updates will likely add this feature. And if it’s something you absolutely must know, there are easy ballistic calculators that can help you figure out the downrange velocity of any projectile based on the initial velocity.

The only real downside of this handy, useful, remarkably compact chronograph is the price, which is currently $599 MSRP. But if you’ve ever spent any time with a legacy-style chronograph, you’ll likely happily pay the entry price for the new technology. Every other manufacturer is now scrambling to make a competitive product. The Xero C1 Pro is just that good.

(Speaking of competitors, LabRadar has released its more compact-sized LabRadar LX, coming in at a similar $600 price point and with an aluminum housing. We haven’t tried it, but it looks to have similar features to Xero, even if it’s still much larger and heavier overall.)

Mission First Tactical chest plate and ACHRO holster harness

Hikers and hunters in bear country, as well as anyone concerned with personal protection against 4- and 2-legged predators while in the outdoors, will love the new chest plate and ACHRO holster harness from Mission First Tactical ($60; holster not included). The padded mesh shoulder straps comfortably support even the largest handguns and the 4-point design provides even weight distribution for all-day comfort. All buckles are quick-release for easy on and off, even with one hand. The ambidextrous chest plate accepts multiple holsters and accessories using industry-standard patterns. If you shoot a handgun for defense, competition, duty, or recreation, chances are you already own a compatible holster. If not, you can select from any of the excellent choices below.

Supported holster screw patterns include:

• MFT Guardian MHP (Modular Hole Pattern)
• Blade-Tech
• Comp-Tac
• Safariland

Holosun IRIS weapon-mounted laser/illuminator

If you’re a tactical-type person, want to train/fight using night vision, or just want the capability of running a laser and/or IR (infrared) illuminator on your rifle, you’ll be glad to hear that Holosun has finally released their Holosun IRIS (Integrated Rifle Infrared System) devices, in 4 distinct models ($352-$1,176 depending on model):

1. IRIS 1 features a single laser dot/pointer/sight, either red, green, or IR
2. IRIS 2 is a dual laser, including either red or green plus IR
3. IRIS 3 is a dual laser sight/pointer, with red or green plus IR, with the addition of an 45 milliwatt IR VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) illuminator
4. IRIS 4 features all of the above, plus a white light

These new offerings from Holosun are very exciting for the tactical and/or night-vision capable market, especially with a VCSEL quality illuminator, and excellent lasers slaved to the IR where applicable. Holosun is known for providing huge value for the price, and all of the IRIS models will likely come with a street price under $1,000, which in this market is very attractive. It’s not military-clone stuff (yet), but it’ll definitely get the job done, and for a lot less dough.

Icon Defense Monolithic AR-15 uppers

Technically this item is a firearm part, but if you have an existing AR-15 rifle or lower receiver, you can accessorize it with one of Icon Defense’s very cool monolithic AR-15 upper receivers. In years past Mega Machine was known for building attractive, high-quality billet AR-15 receiver sets, and the founder of Mega is now with Icon Defense. They haven’t listed their forthcoming monolithic upper receivers on their website yet, but should be doing so very soon. They’ve sent info and specs to several gun media sources, as well as showing them at industry shows.

They’ve teased (somewhat surprisingly) a Retro A2-style upper with an integral carry handle/rear sight base, along with an integrated quad-rail forend. There’s going to be a flat-top version of the quad-rail upper as well. Most likely, the hot ticket is going to be the flat-top version with M-LOK compatible slots all around the forend rail. Mega had a Keymod monolithic upper back in the day but knowledgeable AR fans will know that Keymod has been considered obsolescent for a few years, at least in the civilian marketplace. All of the new Icon Defense monolithic uppers are fully machined from a single piece of T-7075 billet aluminum, and feature a titanium barrel nut.

Prices haven’t been announced yet, but Icon is known for providing excellent quality at a fair price.

Streamlight MegaStream USB EDC flashlight

A good, compact, and rugged flashlight is highly useful for almost everyone. Lots of people today might think they’ll just use the light on their smartphone, but what if you drop it, lose it, it runs out of battery, or (heaven forbid) you’re using your phone to dial 911? A dedicated EDC (everyday carry) flashlight is an excellent idea. A new entry to the tactical/EDC flashlight market is the Streamlight MegaStream USB rechargeable light. Today, a USB-C rechargeable flashlight makes a lot of sense, as 98% of Americans now own a cellphone of some kind and will likely already have the necessary chargers and cables. Additionally, rechargeable batteries offer both financial and practical benefits.

Streamlight previously scored big hits with their MicroStream and MacroStream pocket lights, and the new-for-2025 MegaStream USB ($148, but often available for sale online for $85-$107) continues that line, albeit in a slightly larger, more hand-friendly size, with increased lumens, power, and battery life. It features what Streamlight calls an indestructible polycarbonate bezel, and tests so far have essentially proven that to be the case, in very aggressive evaluations. Other features include:

• 5.3” length, 5.4 ounce weight
• 3,500 mAh Streamlight SL-B34® protected lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack
• Recharge using the external USB-C port (protected by a sliding shield), or remove the battery and charge directly with its USB-C port (great for charging a backup battery)
• IPX-7 rated, 30-minute, 1 meter water submersible
• Removable pocket clip
• Push-button tail switch

Three selectable modes include:

• High: 1,800 lumens; 26,000 candela; 322 meter beam; runs 2 hours on a full charge
• Medium: 500 lumens; 7,200 candela; 170 meter beam; runs 3.5 hours
• Low: 150 lumens; 2,100 candela; 92 meter beam; runs 13 hours

Safariland + HSP Incog X appendix CCW holster

Appendix carry or AIWB (Appendix Inside the WaistBand) has exploded in popularity among concealed-carry citizens over the past 10 years. There are pros and cons of this type of CCW carry. Still, perhaps no other carry method requires such a high level of safety, usability, and comfort than when you carry your CCW firearm and holster inside your pants, essentially in your crotch area. One of the best-reviewed new appendix holsters in recent memory is the result of a collaboration between Safariland and Haley Strategic Partners called the Incog X (starting at $92.50). The Incog X provides a high level of user comfort (for an appendix holster), with its perfectly shaped tabs, included adjustable concealment wedges/shims for the wing, and adjustable ride height. One of the key features is its unique, suede-like microfiber outer coating, which feels great against the skin, resists sweat, and keeps things comfortable in any condition. Retention is sufficiently secure but still allows you to draw from the holster quickly and easily. Models are available for pistols with and without a weapon light, in right- or left-hand configuration, and you can choose a stand-alone holster or models with an included magazine caddy that connects to the holster. All models support pistols with red-dot optics mounted.

If you’re looking for AIWB carry perfection, be sure to check out the Incog X.

Jagerwerks BROS armored Trijicon SRO cover (and others)

The Trijicon SRO is one of the most popular micro-compact red-dot optics over the past couple of years, thanks to its exceptional performance, large window, and reliable function. However, Trijicon made some compromises in its durability to achieve that large, round window, which means the SRO is not as bomb-proof as the duty-hardened RMR series. To help add some protection to this $550 optic, several companies are now offering aftermarket solutions. Probably the most robust is the Jagerwerks BROS (Battle-Ready Optic Shield, $65), which is laser-welded in Michigan out of 304 stainless steel, then black nitride coated for a glare-free, durable finish. Jagerwerks is quick to point out that the BROS doesn’t turn your SRO into an RMR as far as ruggedness against serious impacts, but it’ll add a significant level of protection against knocks and bangs.

For a bit less money (and in our view, a little less protection), C&H Precision offers their protective SRO Shroud ($34.95), made from 6061 aluminum with a Type III hard anodized black finish. If you want to try polymer rather than metal, OpticGard offers their SRO scope cover for $24.95, and the Strike Industries Jellyfish provides some protection against weather, dings, and scratches for $19.95.

Hot new hunting/trail-finding apps

One of the hottest new trends in outdoor/hunting/firearms accessories is something you can’t physically hold, except in combination with your smartphone. In 2025, GPS hunting apps are changing the landscape for landowners, property managers, hunters, hikers, and explorers. We go into a deeper dive in our full article, but be sure to check out the capabilities of some of the top hunting apps. You might find one or more features that you have been wishing for for years.

You can virtually explore or scout new areas and terrain, view 2D, 3D, satellite, and topographical maps, as well as public lands and private property lines. But there’s a lot more to it. In addition to virtual location scouting, you can get weather updates, look at wind maps/directional overlays, integrate trail camera info, and even check local forest cover by tree type and ideal game conditions. You can record historical data within most apps, including favorite hunting spots, trails, game sign, trailheads, gates, parking areas, landmarks, friendly property owners’ addresses, cowsheds, feeders, water tanks… anything you want to record the location of within the app.

Some of our top picks for hunting/hiking apps include:

• onX Hunt ($34.99/year for single state), great for scouting public land or unfamiliar locations
• HuntStand (free version available; premium features are $29.99/year), optimized for group hunting/property management and hunting stand reservations
• GoHunt ($169.99 annual), includes a robust online community as well as species/weapon filtering and hunt-finding tools, detailed boots-on-the ground unit profiles throughout the west, public and private land boundaries, offline maps to use in the field, ability to import all of your waypoints and data from any mapping service, real-time tracks and rangefinding, rewards and cash back on gear via GoHunt partners, and much more

Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire Magne Mitt heated mittens

Seirus’s HeatTouch Hellfire Magne Mitt is an innovative new type of warming outdoor handwear that provides up to 8 hours of serious, electrically boosted heat when you need it, but allows full dexterity when you want it. If you need to check your phone, pull out a credit card from your wallet, or operate the controls of your rifle or shotgun while hunting, you don’t have to compromise between mittens and fingered gloves anymore. You just give a quick tug on the top of the mitten next to the clever, magnetically sealed opening, and a large window allows your hand to exit the mitten and perform whatever task is needed. You can either wear thin glove liners beneath or go commando, as they say. Once you’ve finished disarming the bomb (or whatever), you simply retract your hand inside the mitten and the opening automatically snaps closed again, ensconcing your hands within an electrically heated paradise. It really is a cool (pun not intended) idea.

So what’s the catch? The price for the fully heated, premium leather version is quite steep at $599 MSRP, although we’ve seen these online for around $500. Still, not inexpensive by any means. But if you’re like us and have ever suffered with numb, aching hands in a freezing duck blind, tree stand, or anywhere else outdoors, you’d probably pay a significant amount of money (at the time) to have seriously warm, dry hands.

Seirus also offers a wide range of heated and non-heated clothing, gloves, and mittens in multiple styles and configurations. If you don’t need or don’t want to pay for the rechargeable, 7V heating system but still want the magnetic-opening feature on a nice, premium leather mitten, Seirus also offers their Magne Mitt system on their non-electric HeatWave model, retailing around $119 at online stores. Camo-pattern fabric-shelled models for hunting start around $59.

SIG Kilo rangefinders and new-for-2025 handheld thermal optics

Rangefinders keep getting better and more affordable, and if you haven’t tried one, they can really be a game-changer for hunters, hikers, and long-range shooters. Recently, SIG has been selling a lot of their highly regarded Kilo 4K and Kilo 5K rangefinders ($599 and $699, respectively), to the point that they’re frequently out of stock. However, for most people (including us), the Kilo 3K, which first launched in 2023, does pretty much everything we want for about $350. A real, usable effective range out to 3,000 yards is literally farther than we’ve ever actually needed on a hunt or during a PRS rifle competition, and the price brings it into the realistic budget of far more hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts. As a gift for a hunter or hiker, this rangefinder is a great choice.

The SIG Kilo 3K rangefinder has multiple useful rangefinding modes, including:

• Line-Of-Sight
• Angle Modified Range
• Archery Mode
• Applied Ballistics Ultralight (BDX-U)
• Applied Ballistics External (BDX-X)
• Target modes include First, Best, Last, Fog, and Extended Range

In BDX-U mode, the Kilo 3K utilizes the shooter’s ballistic profile and measures environmental parameters in real-time to instantly calculate precise windage and elevation solutions in either MOA or mils. This information is displayed in the rangefinder and is also communicated via Bluetooth to any paired BDX sight to provide the exact illuminated holdover aiming point.

Another feature that we never knew we needed, but absolutely love, is the ability to drop remote waypoints via the rangefinder on the BaseMap app. You can scope out a hunting or hiking area from a spot where you can see the terrain well, and drop pins on areas you want to navigate to, avoid, remember, or just take note of.

The Applied Ballistics External (BDX-X) mode permits your Kilo to be paired with an external Kestrel Elite or Garmin Foretrex for more precise ballistic solutions beyond 800 meters. SIG’s elite-level app includes support for Coriolis, spin drift, and other factors while providing custom drag curves for the most accurate ballistic solutions in the industry. Truthfully, though, if you’re getting that deep into the weeds where you’re calculating for coriolis and spin drift, you’re probably not the core market for the Kilo 3K, which is more an entry-level rangefinder for hunters, hikers, and perhaps new PRS shooters. If you want more resolution and more accurate rangefinding features (as well as image stabilization) beyond 3,000 yards, you’ll want to look at the Kilo 5K, or maybe the new Kilo 8K ($1,499) with an 8,000 yard usable range.

Breaking onto the scene for Spring 2025 are SIG’s new handheld thermal scopes, which are so new that at the time of this publication they aren’t even featured on SIG’s website yet. There are three models and prices haven’t been officially announced, but we’re betting the cheapest will be around $800 or so. These new armored, handheld thermal optics have been a hit at some recent industry shows, and feature: 640-tier sensors, 12-micron resolution, and sub-20 mK NETD sensitivity. If you’re not super informed on thermal stuff, those are pretty good specs.

The more entry-level model features a 35mm objective with dual power sources—both an internal and externally removable/swappable 18500 rechargeable batteries, which is a nice feature. The next level up offers an adjustable optical zoom from 25mm to 50mm, letting you move between 1.5x and 3x optical magnification in combination with the usual (for thermal optics) digital zoom. This is a super nice feature.

The top-of-the-line model uses the adjustable 50mm objective lens and adds a built-in laser rangefinder and onboard applied ballistics. SIG has hinted that there would be future compatibility with SIG’s intelligent ballistic scopes, so you can scope out or range a solution with your handheld, and send it via bluetooth to your rifle optic, which will display the exact aiming point needed.

SIG has been knocking it out of the park with their electro-optics line the past couple of years, with great quality products at reasonable prices. We appreciate that they appear committed to relocating more production and component sourcing to the USA. And one of the most impressive features is that SIG is offering their legendary lifetime warranty on the entire optics line. This is extremely rare in the electronic optics market, and particularly among makers of thermal scopes.

Secure your firearms and accessories in a Liberty Safe

As technology advances, firearm and hunting accessories and gear continue to become more expensive. You should consider storing your valuable gear and accessories along with your firearms in a quality, US-made gun safe from Liberty. A good safe helps protect items from fire, theft, unauthorized access, and (with a proper dehumidifier), environmental damage and corrosion. Check out our online catalog, or visit a Liberty showroom near you.