Help! Ideas on gun (gift) for husband

[TomJ]

Welcome to the forum. You have my vote for wife of the year. Another vote here for the Springfield Armory 1911 Loaded. I don't know many guys who wouldn't love one.

One other thought. My wife surprised me with a big screen tv years ago when we bought our first house. We went out to dinner at a local mall and then went for a walk around the mall, where she walked me towards a tv store and told me to pick whichever one I wanted. It was a great surprise, and we were able to pick the right tv. He won't be disappointed if you do something similar.

 

[CarlMc]

My wife recently had the same problem. We were both sitting on the couch one day and I was thumbing through Shotgun News. One page had Ohio Ordnance Work's ad for their semi-automatic M1918A3 BAR. Two or three inquisitive questions later and she resolutely announced that I was getting one. I was not about to argue!
The rifle is a safe queen primarily, but I did put 100 rounds through it and I'll get my wife to fire it eventually. It's definitely an old school gun, and it tops my collection.

A few years ago on her birthday I took her to the range for a surprise, and let her pick out a rental gun. She picked a GP100, which is a fine choice, and later said that she liked the large stainless revolver because it was so beautiful. I got her a S&W 686 Plus in 6" barrel for Christmas. She never saw it coming, and is absolutely in love with it. She made some comment about a somewhat weak load one time so I got her a 44mag just because. My wife has the biggest, baddest, and most beautiful guns in the house, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Tiffany and Smith and Wesson are her favorite things...

The reason I spout all this is that we paid close enough attention you'll pick up a lot of details about what he would like to have. There's always a gun he would like to have but doesn't want to spend the money on it, and this is what you need to find out. He’ll even tell you if you ask casually and in context, yet not realize that you have an ulterior motive. A casual visit to a gun show or well stocked gun store will take him off his guard.

 

[tuckerdog1]

Welcome Sara.

My wife has done the same for me on two milestone birthdays ( 50 & 60 ). She did have the advantage of having heard me talk about wanting particular makes of firearms. But she didn't know what models. Before buying, she told me she wanted me to have these guns, but didn't want to make a mistake & buy the wrong model(s). I was glad she did, because what she had been thinking of getting would have been wrong in both cases. Because you want the 'surprise' factor, I'd agree with the gun store visit & here's $1000, go pick out what you want route. I'd keep it to cash, instead of a gift certificate to any particular store. They may not have just what he wants.

I think you mentioned in one of your posts, that if you got something he didn't like, he could just sell it. I personally would NEVER sell a gun that was a gift, even if I didn't like it.

Tuckerdog1

 

[Gun Master]

Hello Again

After the two above postings, I had to share an experience. Also, you may want to see my previous posting # 68.

My wife was with me on a visit to the local gun store. I told her she had to see this Colt .45ACP semi-automatic, since, "It's the most beautiful gun I've ever seen"!

Long story short, she tried to secretly buy it for me for Christmas, but due to red tape and inexperience, she told me her plan, and said I had to go in to sign for it. I think she was nervous and intimidated by what she was told.

Anywho, I still got it as a present for Christmas.

The brand new (NIB) Colt 1911 Government Model had a beautiful shiny (polished) blue finish, with gold highlights, and gorgeous red Rosewood grips. Also it was (is) a 1980 Series Colt, but most importantly, it was a commemorative 200th Anniversary of the Springfield Amory, a limited edition issue with only 1000 manufactured, if a remember correctly.

I fired less than a box (50) of rounds in it, and it never malfunctioned. It remains boxed and in a drawer, but I take it out, ever so often to admire it. Of course it is special, since my wife gave it to me.

Enjoy !

 

[Artym]

You really need to know what he likes and dislikes, and what he already has. Not everyone, for example, would like a 1911. I would be very unhappy of my wife bought me one, because I do not like the grip safety. The gun would get sold at a loss, since I have an aversion to the grip safety. And yes, I have shot 45s, including the Colt.
As someone mentioned earlier, buying guns is not like buying a hat. Taste is very personal, and subjective.

 

[Bronden]

Now that he uses them on the range, look at a CZ 75 shadow. They are absolutely great guns for a small price. They are very popular hire in northern europe for IPSC training. ( running course with different shooting scenarios )
Or id also be really fond of a 1911. Its a bit more expensive in ammo, but is a really power full gun.
The cz is for performance the 1911 for show and maximum stopping power

If there is any money leftover , get it in a nice displaybox. Remember bullets and extra magazine.

 

[kvtcomdo]

Welcome to the forum.

I, like many, would suggest the Smith and Wesson model 686 revolver; or a 1911 45 ACP in Colt or Springfield Armory.

Good basic guns with a pedigree and a good warrantee.

Good hunting.

 

[Manny]

Thanks again guys! After all the input I'm leaning towards doing something fun and then making the gun store thing part of the surprise. I think I should stick to what I know. Lol

Great plan! Your husband is a very lucky man, and I hope he realizes it.

 

[DammitBoy]

Just go on a trip to his favorite local gun store with him and see what he wants to look at or seems interested in. Surely you can manipulate him into going on a "just browsing trip" and fool him into thinking it was his idea to take you with him. Ask him some questions as if you are interested in learning about guns while there.

You should be able to get a couple of ideas from what he seems more interested in.

 

[sikiguya]

Colt AR 15... They are so inexpensive right now. He will not be unhappy!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Welcome Sara. I caught your post saying you are probably going to take him to a gun shop, and that is a good idea. However

I think you should consider a Smith & Wesson 686 revolver for your husband, probably with a 4" barrel.

I think that he already Has a few semi automatics so it is time he added a revolver into the collection. Because it is a revolver, it will always stand out as something different and special from the wife. It will also be something that you two can go shoot together. The weight of the pistol plus some soft .38spl loads should make it manageable even for novices.

If you do decide to surprise him, I agree with this suggestion. A Ruger GP100 is a good choice too. A good revolver is a nice thing to have in any collection, unless you know he really dislikes them. All steel guns from S&W and Ruger last a lifetime, and are in general, considered to be very decent quality. If you do buy him one, ask the clerk to help you check the lock up, and make sure the barrel is straight. Some of them in the last few years have had over tightened barrels from both compannies.

Also, the nice thing about a S&W 686 is that there are a bazillion after market grips made for them, and it will be easier for your hubby to get a grip that really fits him well.

I think if you too have a good relationship and love each other, he'll be really surprised and happy with what ever you give him.

good luck

 

[Gun Master]

Most Likely Option

Thanks again guys! After all the input I'm leaning towards doing something fun and then making the gun store thing part of the surprise. I think I should stick to what I know. Lol

I agree. This is probably your best option, if you want to surprise him, and you'd be more likely to give him what he would want.

 

[Ky Larry]

Does your local gun shop have a range? If so, tell him you want to learn to shoot, When you get him in the door,hand him the cash in a bday card and turn him loose. You can go have coffee and read the paper while he shops.

 

[N1vram]

I bet what ever you decide to get him, he will cherish. I'm sure many if us wish our wives thought like you. I do

With that said I like the ideas of a 1911 or a bond arms derringer.

Nice thing about the bond arms is that you can also buy extra caliber conversions for it.

Another thing about the 1911 and I'm sure bond arms derringer too. You can buy a extra set of grips and have them customized for this special occasion. To give you an idea, check out this site (I have no affiliation, nor have I bought from them) http://www.westvirginiawoodarts.com/Gungrips.html
If he's into revolvers too, this an be done with revolvers.


Good luck and I hope you let us know what the outcome is.

Marvin

 

[C.R.]

Does it have to be a pistol? one of the guns that I like alot is my Henry lever action rifle they are available in many calibers mine is a .22 and Im thinking that I might need another in a larger size when the budget allows.

 

[george burns]

It's very hard to shop for a gun for someone else, I would either give him a Gift certificate to Buds, "the largest selection you are likely to find anyware", or do what the gentleman mentioned and drive up to the store and let him pick what he pleases.
In all honesty it's hard enough to pick out a gun for yourself let alone someone else.

 

[il.bill]

Colt 1911

While there is certainly merit in somehow getting him to a gun shop and letting him pick out what he wants, this is far and away the best answer given.

Can anyone on this forum honestly picture any man (who does not currently own a 1911) with red blood flowing in his veins and arteries who would NOT be absolutely thrilled to receive a New .45 ACP Colt 1911 pistol as a surprise birthday gift from his loving wife?

 

[WestKentucky]

Here's a novel idea...tell him you want to go look at something for you and pay really close attention to what he is drawn to. I would just say that you might want to get involved so you can do this together, and then just be totally mute I what YOU like. Ask about revolvers, big flashy handguns ar15s and shotguns. What he gets excited about you wanting is what he really wants and plans to "borrow" when you aren't using it.
Report back with results and we can help you out more.

 

[downunderhunter]

Men still have to run the gauntlet of buying sexy nickers and stuff and get the size and style right, why shouldn't Sara get to feel that anxiety and sheer terror as well?

A nice 1911, a variety of ammo, and a gift certificate for a holster would be awesome.

 

[Gun Master]

Birthday Extraviganza

While there is certainly merit in somehow getting him to a gun shop and letting him pick out what he wants, this is far and away the best answer given.

Can anyone on this forum honestly picture any man (who does not currently own a 1911) with red blood flowing in his veins and arteries who would NOT be absolutely thrilled to receive a New .45 ACP Colt 1911 pistol as a surprise birthday gift from his loving wife?

I was and I did ! See posting # 79.

Also, posting # 87 will work. I'm sure you have the cunning to plan the shopping scenario, and that you'll have a camera to document the event.

These two are my favorite options, but hey, you are the one doing this! Choose anything you think appropriate.

What a thoughtful wife you are !

 

[Gun Master]

Birthday Surprise !

Thanks again guys! After all the input I'm leaning towards doing something fun and then making the gun store thing part of the surprise. I think I should stick to what I know. Lol

Sara (Is that really you, Sara?), please let us know the outcome .

Don't leave us in suspenders !

 

[340PD]

Sara: I agree with those that say "let him pick out the gun he wants". Guns are non returnable items. There is a lot of paperwork involved. He will love it just as much if you surprise him with an unexpected trip to the gun store.

 

[Al Thompson]

As the OP hasn't visited in 5 days, I'm going to lock this one. Sara, if you'd like to open it back up, PM me.