Let’s make it a Black Friday Weekend. As chair of the Gifting in Support of Homey Businesses Subcommittee (under Reecer Creek Rod, Gun, Working Dog & Outdoor Think Tank Benevolent Association bylaws), I’m pleased to pass along the Paradise Valley – Kittitas County, Washington – hot list for the 2017 outdoor nut at your side.
At the east end of the valley, Sure Shot Guns & Pawn in Kittitas has a wide variety of firearms, ammo, scopes and accessories at low prices. Todd and Melody have more handguns than ever and a great selection of youth .22 rifles. Gun safes are important, and Sure Shot never charges sales tax on them. To ease the process of firearm and suppressor purchases, their in-store kiosk helps handle the fingerprinting and background checks. Stripped lowers (for DIY folks) are hot this season, as are gift certificates in any denomination (they always fit). There is never a charge for special orders, which usually arrive in 2-5 days. 509-968-4867 with your questions, or go to www.sureshotguns.com.
At the Kittitas County Trading Company, on Main Street in Ellensburg, Nika Mihailov and his crew have a good supply of Leupold scopes at great prices. M-1 Garands have been in big demand by collectors of late, the store has them. As always, there is a good supply of new and used handguns, along with accessories for concealed carry, and great close-out prices on a number of leather holsters. Archery and muzzleloader gear has been hot this fall. .22 ammo is in big supply and going out the door at great prices. For your viewing pleasure, there is a large selection of DVD (eight for $20) and Blu-Ray ($5 each) movies. Nika is still paying top cash for gold and silver (check your old or broken jewelry) – a good way to start shopping with a pocket full of unexpected cash. If you are looking for something in particular, or have a question, call the crew at 509-925-1109.
By the way, if one of the women in your family is receiving a handgun, spend just another $60 and make the gift complete. It will mean more if it comes with a safe shooting and handling class just for her. Contact NRA-certified pistol instructor Marilyn Mason at 509-962-3002 or online at www.kvrpc.org.
No argument that John’s Three Forks Ammo & Reloading, on the main drag in Cle Elum, would be a superstore most anywhere. Everything your gun nut and shooter needs or wants for the holidays, from spotting scopes to game cameras (many folks use them for home security) in stock. Right now the Leupold Thermal LTO tracker is hot and on sale. No one carries more or better reloading equipment than Three Forks, including the top of the line Forster and Dillon brand equipment and tools. These guys stock a huge selection of bullets and live ammo, with hot sale prices on a dozen or more calibers, including .223, 5.56mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, 9mm Luger, and plenty of .22 LR and Mini-Mag. If you need it, they probably have it; if not, they will find it. Check it out at www.threeforksreloading.com or 509-674-2295.
At the south end of Eburg is Mike and Charles and the crew at Bi-Mart. Hot gifts already are both kid and adult firearms – and the season’s big sale is now underway. Ammo of most types are on hand, with large quantities of .22 boxes and bricks at sale prices. Binoculars and trail cameras seem to be in demand this season, too. As always, there is a good array of styles and models of air rifles and BB guns for boys, girls and adults, and youth compound bow kits. The outdoor desk has the new Outdoor Edge Razor-Lite EDC knives (with those easy-replacement blades), a variety of other knives and several sharpening tools. You’ll find shotgun shells (including steel shot), waterfowl decoys, insulated camo clothing and some very attractive – and practical – wooden ammo boxes, too. Stocking stuffers like flashlights, headlamps and key chain lights always have a place. 509-925-6971 will get you to one of the Bi-Mart sporting goods pros.
Let’s start with the immediate. The 2017-2018 Light Rifle Class League starts soon at the Valley Rifle and Pistol Club. You may easily join the 16 week program of safe family recreational shooting. Pay one small fee for your entire household, then bring your little rifle and ammo. The Club will supply regulation 10-bull NRA targets, a modern heated range facility, the direction of a qualified range master, and great coaching. What better gift could you give your children and family? Learn the responsibility and discipline of safe shooting and firearm handling while enjoying week after week of the simple pleasure of putting holes in paper exactly where you want them. Mel Goudge at 925-4285 or Hal Mason at 962-3002 will help you get your household in the game. Get started at the annual meeting next Wednesday, the 29th.
Of course, I must also recommend a copy of the updated third printing of Jim Huckabay’s heartwarming “WILD WINDS and Other Tales of Growing Up in the Outdoor West.” For gift or personal copies, drop by Jerrol’s or visit www.insidetheoutdoors.com.
Buy in Paradise. You’ll find virtually everything your outdoor nut needs close at hand.
Make the most of this Black Friday weekend. Happy gifting… Go get some fresh air, too.
