[esheato]

We're expecting!

I found out last week that we're destined to have a little boy. As you can imagine, I'm excited beyond belief. Having someone to shoot with and pass on my firearms is an awesome feeling. I'm already reeling over all the things that I get to share and teach him.

Now, I want to buy him a pistol when he is born. It'll be locked up in the safe until I present it to him when he is 21. I want something timeless and classic. Something worthy of being passed on. Being a 1911 guy, I automatically think of Colt. A deep blue 1991 Govt. length pistol really trips my trigger and would be a great gift. I'd rather stay away from Glock and the rest of 'em.

Suggestions?

Ed

[Rasputin747]

Just my suggestions:

Walther P99
Walther P38

[chongfa]

Colt is a great idea. How about something a little more special? I would send away your colt to Ted Yost and get some custom works done. Now that would increase value and make your timeless piece even more valuable.

[andrewdl007]

Congratulations, I agree with you a nice 1911. Maybe an older one that will increase in value by the time he is grown.

[Jimmie]

Go 1911, but I'd say stainless. And go with a Series 70.
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/images/Series70_O1070A1CS_SMALL.jpg
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_141/products_id/36108

Maybe an engraving, also.

[esheato]

Rasputin,

Not a big fan of Walther. The P99 is definitely out..plastic is not my thing.

P38 is kinda cool. I'll keep it in mind.


Chongfa,

Yost is a great idea, but I was thinking I'd leave it stock and let him pick the changes that he wanted. Rather than have me build it into something that I would want.

Ed

[The Canuck]

A 1911A1 would be a fantastic idea! Get it, make sure she's reliable and put 'er in long term storage for your son.

[AK103K]

Why wait till he's 21?

Our boys each got a .22 Chipmunk when they were born, a .308 FR8 and a 12 ga. pump at 10, and 1911's at 12.

Expose him to everything you can, as early as you can. He'll be well trained, safe, and a good shot by the time a lot of other kids are just starting out with a bb gun. (Dont let him have one of "them" until he's 21. If you have to ask..... :) )

[Rasputin747]

I see I'm the only one who likes Walther engineering. :P

[Kacerdias]

A 1911 would be nice, a Les Baer would be about as timeless as you can get if price isn't an issue. Any issue with sixguns? The State Quarter engraved revolvers from Smith and Wesson are just beautiful.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=45416&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15715&isFirearm=Y

[Nomad, 2nd]

Custom 1911

Custom Hi Power

Pre Lock S&W revolver

Those would be my choices.

If necessary, buy the base gun now and get it worked on later. (If $ is an issue)


GREAT IDEA! I'll have to remember it.
-Remember, if you buy a hi cap... buy him 6-12 mags... he likely won't be able to.

[Angus Podgorney]

1911 or a Hi Power would be on the top of my list. I like the idea of getting a gun that was manufactured in the year of his birth. That will make especially meaningful!

BTW, congratulations!

[Ala Dan]

I'm a 1911 guy myself, and with that said the new Smith & Wesson line
of 1911's is worth taking a look at~! I have the basic (#108282) 5"
stainless model, with Novaks low profile 3-dot sights; and it shoots
right up there with my much more expensive Les Baer TRS 1911. ;)

[bdutton]

Browning buckmark or Hammerli Trailside .22 pistol.

[trickyasafox]

browning hi-power? i feel like they go so naturally with 1911s. . ..

[esheato]

This wouldn't be his only firearm, so no worries there!

I'm already planning on a Chipmunk and I have a beautiful Winchester 101 in 20 gauge in the safe that would be perfect for skeet and dove.

I'm looking for a sentimental gun that I can give to him later on.

Hmmm...

SW State Quarter -- beautiful gun, but it doesn't have any meaning to me
Hi Power -- interesting...and i'll take it under advisement. Who makes nice Hi Powers?
SW Revolvers -- I'm not up on their models, so I'm open to suggestions or an education. ;)
SW 1911 -- When dealing with the 1911 pattern, I'd prefer to stay away from Smith-Wesson. I have no experience with them, they've just never rubbed me the right way. When I picture 1911, it's Brown, Baer, Colt, Springfield and a dash of Kimber.

The Colt 1991A1 is looking better and better. My dealer quoted me $740 for the blue govt. model.

Ed

[CK]

Les Baer 1911
Colt Python
Sig P210
HK P7

[Geronimo45]

I see I'm the only one who likes Walther engineering
Not the only one - but plastic guns just don't have the heirloom/keepsake quality that all-steel guns do. Even if the P99 fits the human hand perfectly, as it does for me.

I'd go with a 1911 that's not in stainless. Stainless can and will rust (stainless means just that - stains less easily that reg'lar steel)... but nickel won't. Or a nicely blued 1911.
Revolvers - an old S&W in .357 magnum... Model 27-2, maybe? The Smiths with the older style of lines seem to work better in the heirloom role.
If you want really old, look at getting a Webley Mark VI revolver. Big ol' wheelguns with a lot of character. You know any other revolvers with a hexagonal barrel?
Hi-Powers: Made by FN - imported by FN and Browning. I think FN models are cheaper.

I'm thinking nickel for longevity, and for passing down to future generations after 'im. Maybe have his name carved on the grips of the gun you get?

[10-Ring]

Congrats brother! I like the idea of a Colt 1911, something in a series 70 and a Ceiner 22lr conversion kit to teach him how to shoot with;)

[nwilliams]

Congrats! I agree with the others on here, Colt 1911 or a 1911 of some sort.

Others I would suggest might include a USP, Sig 226 or 229, Browning HP or maybe a Beretta 92FS.

Lets just hope we all still have the right to own our guns 21 years from now:uhoh:

[Ala Dan]

We can sit here and chew the fat on "whats best for YOUR son"; but that
is a question that only he must answer; as there are many different types
of variables out there~! :scrutiny:

As they say "different strokes for different folk's", and not all of the variables
will work for everyone. ;) :D

In my way of thinking, I agree as a good 1911 is very hard too beat!
A gift that will last from a quality manufactuer is a blessing. Lots of
good ones out there, including (but not limited to) Ed Brown, Wilson
Combat, Les Baer, Nighthawk, Springfield Armory, STI, SIG, etc.

[CZ.22]

M21 4'' nickel
Saw one of those babies at a gun show recently, it was purty and right.

[PrimaryB]

How about a matching set of commemorative pistolas of your choice? Perhaps a set that coincides with your son's birthday? This way you could personalize the display case and not personalize the guns themselves. It would probably hurt resale unless your Gen Patton. I think that a gun manufactured on your son's birthday is a good idea as already mentioned. Another idea perhaps is to have someone like Freedom Arms build a gun for your son. I think that would be the ultimate as far as personalizing goes, provided dad can keep from firing it.:neener:

Also congrats
PB

[kellyj00]

I honestly think that the best gifts from relatives are one's that they've used for years. For example, my grandpa handed down his very very used Korean war issue Zippo. He used it for years and years.

Compare that to him buying a zippo and putting it in a closet to give to his grandson when he's old enough to not burn the house down.

Take your most used 1911 and put it away for your son... buy yourself a new gun, use it, pass it on to the next kid. that way you can tell your son that it's the gun that Dad had put thousands of rounds through with great enjoyment before he started shooting it at age 10 or so.

[kir_kenix]

great idea about locking a gun away for your son. however, i really have to agree w/ kellyj00. i think it would mean alot more if you passed down a pistol that was yours (or even better your fathers/grandfather/great....etc). when i turned 10 or 11 i recieved a remington nylon that my great grandfathers (bought new in the 70's) that he had shot thousands of rounds through, my grandfather had shot thousands of rounds through, and my father had shot thousands of rounds through. it might not be the most expensive gun, but it is deff. the most special to me.

anyway, if your heart is stuck on a new gun, i would purchase a colt, smith, or springfield 1911. a custom job would be nice too, but i think a base model 1911 from a good manufacturer would be just as special.

[ugaarguy]

Now, I want to buy him a pistol when he is born. It'll be locked up in the safe until I present it to him when he is 21. I want something timeless and classic. Something worthy of being passed on. Being a 1911 guy, I automatically think of Colt. A deep blue 1991 Govt. length pistol really trips my trigger and would be a great gift. I'd rather stay away from Glock and the rest of 'em.

Suggestions?

Timeless & Classic, and you like 1911s. Colt made both WWI and WWII reproduction 1911s recently. These were made to the letter like the original USGI guns. If you can find one there would be nothing more timeless and classic than that. If you can't get a WWI or WWII repro Colt is making the 70 series again, in both blue and stainless. A 70 Series re-release Colt would be a wonderful gun. Finally, USFA is making both a 1910 commercial model http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/1910.asp, and 1911 USGI repro model http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/1911.asp; both of which are fine pistols. They're also reproducing the Colt ACE .22 (1911 based design), and a 1929 Super .38 Auto commercial model.

Those should be a good start.

[DogBonz]

A deep blue 1991 Govt. length pistol really trips my trigger and would be a great gift

Or maybe a Python. The price of those things is going up daily.

[rkh]

Consider taking the $1000 or so that you would be spending on a gun that's going to sit in cosmoline, and instead invest it in a solid mutual fund. In twenty years he'll have enough money to buy a nice collection of his own.

[hotsauce]

Desert Eagle maybe? Or Maybe something hi-cap like an M9? The choices are endless when you look 21 years down the road, but just make sure to be the best dad you can be and it really will not matter to him what type of pistol you pass on to him. Have fun and congrats bro!

[earplug]

Education, set aside some funds for a high quality firearm class.
You never know what new firearm will be available in 21 years.
A good instruction on how to use the tools will be very profitable.
In the mean time he can be happy using your stuff.
It's been fun teaching my 5 year old how to shoot my match pellet pistol. He uses A rest.
There is a S&W .22lr kit gun waiting. Its about 30 years old.

[OBXMIKE]

For my son's first "trainer" handgun, I bought a Ruger "bearcat". Perfect size for a young shooter, easy for the "instructor" to control (single action vs semi = less chance of ND/AD) and it is an ideal pass-me-down gun for his kids as a shooter (MANY years off, thank goodness!). I enjoy shooting it as much as he does. I brought it home when he was six, snuck it past Mom until he blew the cover after we shot it the first time! He will have a number of firearms at his disposal if anything happens to me. Our family "heirloom" gun is a colt .32 nickel plated snub in @97% condition that my great-great grandfather carried as a deputy in the early 1900's....complete with his badge, a "blackjack", and box of ammo from the 1930's (minus two rounds...one fired by my dad in @1955, one fired by me in 1985). This one will get passed along to him as well.

[Sniper X]

Get him a serries 70 Gold Cup, and give him the chipmonk at 9 or so, a good shotgun at 12 and a Marlin 30-30 model 336 at 15.....he'll appreciate the Gold Cup even more after a lifetime of cool stiff to shoot. And, take him shooting and then hunting....a lot!

[Sniper X]

Or maybe a Python. The price of those things is going up daily






You are right about that! I bought ine for $300.00 a couple months ago, and have had 2 offers, one for $1000.00 one for $1100.00. It aint for sale for that kind of money.

[arkangel06]

rugar single 6 in 44mag or .45 colt..... , na im just kidding but i would buy a convirsion gun so you can start him off with a .22 than step up to the heavy stuff

[Eightball]

A deep blue 1991 Govt. length pistol really trips my trigger and would be a great gift.So, why NOT buy one of those? Those things make me drool......saw an original blued 1911 that a family friend mailed back home from 'Nam, and it was the most beautiful pistol I've ever seen.

That, a Python, or engraved....say, blued Smith 29. THOSE are beautiful, if the work is done right.

[Glockamolie]

A high-cap of your choice, with lots of mags. Or an evil black rifle. You know, something that he probably won't be able to buy new when he is of age.

[esheato]

Matching set of commemoratives? Hmm..probably going to be stretching my budget a bit, but it's not bad. I'd like to keep it under $1500.

Kellyj00--Great idea but he'll probably inherit all my firearms when I die anyway (Coopers, HS Precision, Winchesters, Brownings, Brown, and a bunch others). No point in adding another beat up handgun to the mix.

The 70 series Colt was one of the models I was thinking about. I'll look into USFA though.

Python? I know for a fact that if I buy one of those, I'm holding onto it for myself. :p

rkh, already started a money market account and doing monthly deposits into it. I have no worries in that department.

Hotsauce...desert eagle? seriously? they're huge, impractical and darn expensive for being so useless.

The Single Six or Bearcat will be a great little starter handgun. I'll definitely have to pick one up for training.

Or an evil black rifle. You know, something that he probably won't be able to buy new when he is of age.

O RLY? I'm in California! I can't even own an EBR!!

Haha..

Ed

[hotsauce]

Desert Eagles are not meant to be a practical. They are meant to scare the living $#!^ out of people and look really cool in the process. Anything you pass down at this point in time is probably going to be outdated 21 years from now anyway. Think laser guns and plasma rifles in the 40 watt range. :D

[md7]

congratulations! i think you have a good idea, and it will probably mean alot to him. if you are thinking classic and timeless, the first thoughts that come to mind are nice 1911's and BHP's. I think Sig 226's, 220's, Beretta 92's, are pretty nice too. and classic in their own sort of way. again congrats on your son.

[possum]

congrats on the new little one,
A 1911A1 would be a fantastic idea! Get it, make sure she's reliable and put 'er in long term storage for your son.

i agree a 1911 is perfect, i sure wish my dad would have done that for me!

[tackleberi]

A Seecamp LWS380, with a custom serial number that you can order with his birthdate on it.

Even without the custom serial number, you'll be giving him something he can always have with him, to keep him safe as if you were there.

Congrats on the good news.

[Majic]

Not to rain on your parade, but my oldest son could care less about any firearm (and he's been thru the military). I can't even pay him to go shooting. So don't be surprised if something like that pops up. Now my youngest makes up for him by shooting everything he can get his hands on.

[Crow61]

I was born with a birth defect that left me unable to participate in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, etc.; so hunting, shooting, and fishing became my sports. I would like to think that I would have enjoyed these activities just as much had I not had the birth defects. But, the fact is, some kids are just not interested in guns/shooting. My son definately is, but maybe that is because he has been around it all his life just as I hope that your son will be. I do have two daughters that like to shoot, but they don't hunt. It would not bother them if they never fired a gun again, but they do enjoy it.

I said all that to say this. DO NOT pressure him into shooting if he decides it's not for him. But, if he does like it, by all means encourage him and teach him all you can! And don't forget, girls like guns too! So if any daughters come along, treat them the same!

As to which gun to buy for your son; any one that you chose for him will be special to him.

Crow61

[esheato]

Thanks for the wonderful ideas.

I have a list in front of me that I'm going to go through over the next month or so.

I have a feeling that this isn't going to be an easy decision.

Ed

[Rob87]

Colt. It's an American classic.

Wait, does Colt even still make 1911's?