Hoot Gibson clarified:
60 year old ex Air Force/Vietnam Security Police...I've got enough{these days does anybody have enough guns or ammo?} of my own...just curious, plus my youngest son probably will have to move out of state to get a decent teaching job when he finishes his Masters this summer....I'm thinking a useful Graduation present...if you get my drift?
Hi Hoot,
Thanks for your service!
Only you know what type of person your son is . . . a rugged outdoors type who loves to hunt and fish, a computer nurd who isn't into guns, whatever.
However, I'll give you two suggestions . . .
1. If you two are close and he loves guns, consider giving him one of YOUR favorites that he's always loved. It may mean more to him now than after he inherits it (assuming we are allowed to still own guns then). Heck, you may be able to take care of both guns this way . . . and it would be very, very special to him!
2. Try to get an idea of what he likes and then go that direction. For my boys, this has worked out well since, like many in their generation, they have dreamed of black polymer bottom feeder handguns. Thus, at a certain age I gave the first two each a Glock Model 23 in .40S&W.
Both guns were lightly used trade-ins that looked truly new, and both were purchased after patient searches. I also gave them Bianchi Minimalist 105 leather belt-slide holsters, extra magazines and a few hundred rounds of ammo. Both sons were in their mid-20s at the time . . . a time when young men don't have extra money for ammo. Heck, what good is a handgun without ammo? I also made 'em get CCW licenses first too . . . a good idea, IMHO.
The third son is soon to get his own too but, like his dad, he loves revolvers! I quietly got a nice, nickle-plated S&W Model 19-5 for him (1982 vintage) in great shape . . . only to find out he's hoping for a vintage J-frame.
No problem . . . I'm now looking slowly to find a nice, vintage Airweight and the M19 will make good trade fodder . . .and I'll come out a little ahead too, of course!
SUMMARY . . .
Go nice but used!
Give 'em something THEY will want and cherish
Make 'em go "legal" by getting training and their Concealed Carry licenses
RIFLE? Again, consider the son and what they might want.
There are a LOT of fine choices out there!
T.