Posted on 12/12/2012 5:38:05 PM PST by RightFighter
I'm looking for a recommendation for a gun for my son for Christmas. Just to lay out the basics - he just turned 15 and is about 6'3" and weighs 235. Yes, he plays high school football. His mother and I have been divorced for many years, and she absolutely forbids him to have anything to do with guns in or near her home. His cousin recently received a .22 pistol, and my son's mom wouldn't let him hold it. I don't know whether she knows (but I assume she does) that he has shot my HK .40 USP along with some rifles at a friend's house a few times.
I think it's important that he learn to respect guns and use them properly, so I'm considering getting something for him for Christmas.
So, the first question - should I start him out with a .22? I have looked at several possibilities. One is a Smith & Wesson M&P .22 pistol, seen here:
It's supposed to be a 1:1 copy of their larger caliber pistols. I played with it a bit and it's a really smooth pistol. Feels very nice in the hand. The other one that I have been gravitating towards is a little more "fun," I think. It's an H&K .22 AR-15 clone. This one is really well built, with metal parts where you expect metal parts on a "real" AR-15. As you can see, it's got all the rails that one would need to feel like they were building a true AR-15, and one day if he decided he wanted one, he could just sell this gun and move to a true AR platform gun.
Or, should I just go ahead and spend a few hundred more and get a "real" AR-15 or a larger pistol for him? I figure with a .22, he can shoot as much ammo as he wants and it's not going to cost much.
I never get tired of seeing that picture of your his-and-hers gorgeous rifles. Nor do I tire of the fond memories invoked, and I anticipate more great memories after the next shoot as well.
Both are great guns. however two thoughts:
1. I would not buy a kid a handgun. Ever. I would let them shoot the heck out of mine, but a handgun is something they should STRIVE to purchase for themselves, when they are old enough.
2. I know the AR’s are popular. I am even considering a S&W MP 15-22. But I would highly recommend something else for your son to have as a rifle. A good Ruger 10-22 for example, or maybe a good lever gun like a Marlin or a Henry.
The Ruger 10-22 can be customized to even resembling an AR if he wishes. the options are endless. It’s a proven design. And the synthetic stock, stainless steel version is awesome in regards to ease of care.
I was 52 before my father gave me a handgun. In fact, he gave me two just last week. Both will be family heirlooms.
The Ruger MK l was my first handgun purchase back in 1981. I still have it today, and it shoots perfectly. My GRANDKIDs will someday be shooting it. And their kids.
Browning BL-22? I had one that I bought myself when i was 15...great little gun.
In that by a rough count, you said that you are nice to her, but she is mean to you, about four times in two paragraphs in your response, I think you are evading the issue.
I did not question your fatherhood, but your motivation to give your son a gift knowing that it would at least passively annoy and upset your ex-wife.
This goes to my original point, that Christmas gifts are about emotional content. Any other time of the year you could have given your son a gun, no problem, even if it did irritate your ex-wife.
But doing it on Christmas will imply to your son, actively or passively, that your negative feelings towards your ex-wife are more important than your positive feelings to him. He is likely very aware that his mother abhors guns, so what would you expect him to think?
Browning BL-22? I had one that I bought myself when i was 15...great little gun.
I didn’t mean to imply that you were questioning my fathering skills. That was another poster, who I said “up yours” to at the end of my comment to you. I forgot to ping her, so I pinged her in my next comment.
OTOH, want to shoot clay birds and/or hunt? Quail/pheasant, waterfowl, deer, turkeys... Get a good pump-action shotgun with interchangeable barrels. Anything a person wants to do with a shotgun can be done with a shotgun like this, including home defense - and not for a whole lot of money.
The best .22 revolvers for the money, IMO, are made by Ruger. Single-six, Bearcat, or SP101. Each made to a different purpose, I kinda like the SP101 myself.
Equally important is much of the basic stuff you need to go shooting - particularly eye and ear protection. These should be considered absolutely necessary.
Whenever you start shooting shotgun shells or centerfire cartridges, save your empties from the start. (Don't use cheap shotgun shells except for hunting. Use AA's or equivalent and save them, they reload and crimp better.) Then get set up for reloading right from the start, for both centerfire and shotgun.
You and your son can experience the joy of shooting, from the start, with basic guns that will always have a place in your gun safe.
Then go for the AR.
Just MHO.
I agree with those who say- Go with a .22 rifle. He can’t “carry” until 21, he doesn’t need a hand gun. Let him practice with yours, from time to time. Emphasize “safety”, each and every time
Whats your budget???
I’m taking your advice on the Appleseed clinic. He goes for free, and it’s $70 for me. I think we’ll do it one weekend right after the first of the year. I like that it makes him eligible to purchase an M1 Garand surplus rifle at reduced prices while teaching him gun safety, marksmanship, and history of gun ownership and its importance to the beginnings of the United States.
Get your tickets now. I think it goes up buy a few $ next year. Either way, a bargain at ten times the price.
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