What guns should a father give to his children?
- Thread starter kamagong
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Thanks for the input all. Keep it coming, this is good stuff.
I want to clarify that I want to get them their own guns. I understand the value of passing down my own weapons, but the kids will get them eventually. I'll be keeping my weapons till the day I die. I'm taking about guns that I'll give them on their 18th birthdays. At that age I will be sending them out into the world, whether it's college, the military or whatever. I want to make sure they have the tools to defend themselves.
I want to clarify that I want to get them their own guns. I understand the value of passing down my own weapons, but the kids will get them eventually. I'll be keeping my weapons till the day I die. I'm taking about guns that I'll give them on their 18th birthdays. At that age I will be sending them out into the world, whether it's college, the military or whatever. I want to make sure they have the tools to defend themselves.
AWorthyOpponent
Member
Get them an AR. I'm 21 and thats the one that I would want. Might not be the most practical for hunting big game, but it is still an eye catcher. I would say that you should talk to them first and see what they want. Get them something that they will enjoy so that they shoot it for fun, but can still use it for protection (i think the AR is the best all around choice, tho im sure there will be a debate about this). If you get something that you like, they may not use it, loosing any interest they have in shooting when they move away.
Plus, most people recognize the AR, and if he/she can get their friends interest in firearms, that's just another +1. If they are going to college, make sure they live off campus. Many universities do not allow weapons on campus. Kinda violates the rights of those that live on campus, but that's another matter...
Plus, most people recognize the AR, and if he/she can get their friends interest in firearms, that's just another +1. If they are going to college, make sure they live off campus. Many universities do not allow weapons on campus. Kinda violates the rights of those that live on campus, but that's another matter...
stickhauler
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A Garand and a carbine? You sir deserve to be named Father of the year, I can think of no better choice of firearms to see to it your son had. And from the rest of your post, clearly you raised the young man right if he's considering serving his country.
I plan to do the same with the grandchildren, one of my son's screwed up and can't own firearms, the other is suffering from poor health and I doubt he'll outlive me. The daughters seem to not be interested in firearms. But I'm teaching the younger ones to love them, so when I do pass on, I'm sure the fight will be intense for grandpa's gun safe.
I plan to do the same with the grandchildren, one of my son's screwed up and can't own firearms, the other is suffering from poor health and I doubt he'll outlive me. The daughters seem to not be interested in firearms. But I'm teaching the younger ones to love them, so when I do pass on, I'm sure the fight will be intense for grandpa's gun safe.
My dad's most prized possession was his pre-64 Winchester 300 Win Mag (originally a five digit serial numbered 30-06 he had re-chambered in 1963). He never saw fit to give it to any of his boys so the three of us had to decide who got it.
I ended up with it, and I immediately called up my son and told him to come get it. I don't want my kids going through that.
Hand down the guns while you are still able. I have given away several, and plan on giving away a lot more before I leave this place.
I ended up with it, and I immediately called up my son and told him to come get it. I don't want my kids going through that.
Hand down the guns while you are still able. I have given away several, and plan on giving away a lot more before I leave this place.
MovedWest
Member
+1 on handing down while you're around
I am 4th generation shooter in my family and have had a couple firearms passed down. One is a 3 screw Ruger Super Single Six that dad bought new and did some custom trigger work and gold plated the hammer and a few screws himself. The other was a Stevens .410/22LR over under that my mother's father gave to her on her 16th birthday in 1947 so she could go hunting with him.
Having them give these to me and knowing they wanted me to have them meant so much more to me than if I were to go settle their estate and "collect" them upon their passing.
-MW
possom813
Member
I was given a J.C. Higgins 101.7 sxs .410 for my 14th birthday. It belonged to my mom for years.
I was given a Remington 740 .30-06 that I believe is truly possessed by someone that hated me at some point. I was given this as the leftovers when my mom passed and my dad passed out all the guns to my half brother. He passed in May and now I have a snowball's chance in hell of ever seeing any of my mom's guns again because his wife can't stand me.
Back on topic, those are the only two I was ever given, I did swap a Norinco SKS to my dad for a Security Six, ss 6" barrel. It was later taken from my truck by someone that had to know it was there. Only reason I say that is because it was under the seat, holstered and tied to the springs way up under the seat.
However, my daughters will both be getting all of what I have. It makes it simple that way. My oldest daughter(6 now) has already laid claim to my 336, the younger(2 now) hasn't had the chance, but she does seem partial to the Mountain Gun.
I figure by the time they're ready, and they damn sure won't get the majority until they're financially stable simply because I don't want them to make the same mistakes that I did, they should each be getting a .30-30, a shotgun, .22 rifle, and probably something in 9mm or .40 caliber.
I was given a Remington 740 .30-06 that I believe is truly possessed by someone that hated me at some point. I was given this as the leftovers when my mom passed and my dad passed out all the guns to my half brother. He passed in May and now I have a snowball's chance in hell of ever seeing any of my mom's guns again because his wife can't stand me.
Back on topic, those are the only two I was ever given, I did swap a Norinco SKS to my dad for a Security Six, ss 6" barrel. It was later taken from my truck by someone that had to know it was there. Only reason I say that is because it was under the seat, holstered and tied to the springs way up under the seat.
However, my daughters will both be getting all of what I have. It makes it simple that way. My oldest daughter(6 now) has already laid claim to my 336, the younger(2 now) hasn't had the chance, but she does seem partial to the Mountain Gun.
I figure by the time they're ready, and they damn sure won't get the majority until they're financially stable simply because I don't want them to make the same mistakes that I did, they should each be getting a .30-30, a shotgun, .22 rifle, and probably something in 9mm or .40 caliber.
m_kirk2001
Member
...a .22LR cricket, and a revolver of choice...
If everything goes as planned (which it rarely seems to do) I will give my children a single shot .22LR bolt action rifle, and eventually a revolver of their choice. Everyone needs a .22LR, and a revolver is so often overlooked in favor of the modern autoloaders that I want to make sure the function and purpose of a timeless design is not lost in the fray.
If everything goes as planned (which it rarely seems to do) I will give my children a single shot .22LR bolt action rifle, and eventually a revolver of their choice. Everyone needs a .22LR, and a revolver is so often overlooked in favor of the modern autoloaders that I want to make sure the function and purpose of a timeless design is not lost in the fray.
huntsman
Member
I wouldn't wait that long, mine were 13 and 15 when they got their .22 for Christmas and the shotguns came a year latter.
We are hunters so I had a few seasons of hunting with them before the craziness of high school and collage, but still it went by to quickly I wouldn't trade that time for anything.
Bailey Guns
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I've got two sons, both in their mid-twenties. I, too, have already started the process of passing on a few things that hold a particular interest to me. And, I like doing it now because I want to be around for a while to see them enjoy the stuff.
Unfortunately, my dad was more interested in drinking than building a relationship with his kids. Even though he didn't have anything of real monetary value (gun-wise) when he died, there were some nice older pieces I'd love to have now simply for their sentimental value. But, our relationship being what it was, all I got when he died was a phone call. No do-overs in real life.
I certainly don't want to have that sort of relationship with my own kids. That's one reason I've already started the process.
I've already passed on to the oldest:
To the youngest (AF - active duty) I've given:
The youngest was awarded a Bronze Star w/Valor a few years ago. I've got a collector grade M1 coming (sometime?) from CMP that's for him...he doesn't know it yet. The oldest will get my other M1. I'm thinking that'll happen on my 50th.
Unfortunately, my dad was more interested in drinking than building a relationship with his kids. Even though he didn't have anything of real monetary value (gun-wise) when he died, there were some nice older pieces I'd love to have now simply for their sentimental value. But, our relationship being what it was, all I got when he died was a phone call. No do-overs in real life.
I certainly don't want to have that sort of relationship with my own kids. That's one reason I've already started the process.
I've already passed on to the oldest:
- 1949 Vintage, mint Win 94 in .30-30
- Very nice Yugo SKS
- .22 rifle (don't remember which one)
- Locking steel cabinet for storage
To the youngest (AF - active duty) I've given:
- Kimber Warrior
- DPMS Carbine
The youngest was awarded a Bronze Star w/Valor a few years ago. I've got a collector grade M1 coming (sometime?) from CMP that's for him...he doesn't know it yet. The oldest will get my other M1. I'm thinking that'll happen on my 50th.
CoRoMo
Member
Eventually, you'll need to give all of them to your kids, unless you want to be buried with them or sell them all off to fund your last few days.
Until then, I'll probably only give each kid a long gun or two. Something cheap like my first gun. I don't want them pawning their $1,000 Browning to fund a drug habit they picked up in college. Or worse. Call me cynical, but I don't know what kind of adult their going to be until they turn thirty.
Ditchtiger
Member
I've 5 kids, youngest is 18. They have each asked what gun they want and after that the guns will be lined up and they will that turns choosing until all are gone.
TiredOleMan
Member
I taught both my boys to shoot using the same Marlin .22 I learned with & which I'm passing on to my grandson. My oldest son never had an interest in guns so he doesnt really care if he gets any or not. Once I'm gone they can decide what to do with my small collection, I just made it plain to everyone not to let someone get them that wont appreciate them.
trickyasafox
Member
whatever you choose, I agree you should use the gun. Make memories with the your child about shooting it and hunting with it. Thats how a family heirloom gets started.
BHP FAN
Member
I gave my son a Colt 1911,made in 1913.
Stirling XD
Member
For those of you that are planning on passing down "heirloom guns", let me make an additional recommendation. Take some time and write down the history of the gun. When, where and how you acquired it. What propmted you to buy that particular gun and that particular caliber? How much did you pay for it? How have you used it over the years? Did you ever use it in self defense or take a trophy animal with it? Give your kids an idea of how much and why you value it the way you do. It will give them a greater appreciation for the guns you are passing on to them.
My dad and grandpa have both done that. Most of the stories are pretty mundane, but a few are pretty interesting.
My dad and grandpa have both done that. Most of the stories are pretty mundane, but a few are pretty interesting.
searcher451
Member
I just gave my son a LNIB Interarms-made Walther PPK/S for his birthday to use as his carry gun during the summer. I gave him an old model Ruger Bearcat two years ago for Christmas (his great-grandfather had a hand in the design). I also gave him a Marlin lever-action .22 rifle for his birthday a few years back. In time, seeing as how my daughter has no interest, he'll get them all, I guess. Thamkfully, he has the bug. I'm sad for those whose offspring do not.
onlymeself
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We have given all 3 of our boys hunting rifles. The oldest we gave a 30.06 and the 2 younger 7mm magnums.
They will always be able to feed themselve and their families.
We also gave our daughter-in-house a .22 rifle. Her dad is giving her the choice of a 9mm, .40 or a .45 handgun.
We have also given the 2 younger ones .22 rifles and .22 revolvers. Everytime we go to buy something for the older son, he has already bought it himself.
For christmas we're think AR's for the younger ones, a shotgun (maybe) for the daughter-in-house, and a revolver (maybe) for our oldest. When the younger ones grad from high school they'll probably be given handguns.
I want them to always be able to feed themselves and protect themselves.
They will always be able to feed themselve and their families.
We also gave our daughter-in-house a .22 rifle. Her dad is giving her the choice of a 9mm, .40 or a .45 handgun.
We have also given the 2 younger ones .22 rifles and .22 revolvers. Everytime we go to buy something for the older son, he has already bought it himself.
For christmas we're think AR's for the younger ones, a shotgun (maybe) for the daughter-in-house, and a revolver (maybe) for our oldest. When the younger ones grad from high school they'll probably be given handguns.
I want them to always be able to feed themselves and protect themselves.
DawgsFan_07
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- Jun 7, 2009
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- 40
Just got my little brother (11 years) a rossi .22lr/.410.
runrabbitrun
member
I have a son who will get all my guns one day.
We enjoy them all together now.
The day he decides it's time to fly the coup,
he will get at least one handgun and one long gun to go.
I know he will want the my Browning HP 9mm and the SKS.
Ha... he will have to wait for those and just deal with the 22 pistol and the Marlin 60.
If he decides to CCW, he will have to outfit himself with his preference
from a reputable dealer or from a p2p purchase.
We enjoy them all together now.
The day he decides it's time to fly the coup,
he will get at least one handgun and one long gun to go.
I know he will want the my Browning HP 9mm and the SKS.
Ha... he will have to wait for those and just deal with the 22 pistol and the Marlin 60.
If he decides to CCW, he will have to outfit himself with his preference
from a reputable dealer or from a p2p purchase.
There have been a lot of great responses so far. At this point I’m leaning towards setting aside a 1911, AR lower (to be built up however he/she wants), and a good .22 rifle for each kid.
I know that some of you say that I should pass down my firearms while I’m still alive, but I don’t think I can do it. I’m still a young man at 32, and if I pass down my firearms when the kids turn 18, I won’t have anything myself. I plan on keeping them until I can no longer shoot them, and each gun will be willed to a specific individual. Of course my kids and grandkids will be able to shoot whatever they want anytime they want. It’ll be during these times that I’ll determine who gets what, as one kid may want the Baer, another the Hi-Power, and so on and so forth.
I know that some of you say that I should pass down my firearms while I’m still alive, but I don’t think I can do it. I’m still a young man at 32, and if I pass down my firearms when the kids turn 18, I won’t have anything myself. I plan on keeping them until I can no longer shoot them, and each gun will be willed to a specific individual. Of course my kids and grandkids will be able to shoot whatever they want anytime they want. It’ll be during these times that I’ll determine who gets what, as one kid may want the Baer, another the Hi-Power, and so on and so forth.
KarenTOC
I'm in that boat right now.
I plan to teach each on a .22 that I already have. At some point, one off those .22s will just become theirs to take with every time to the range.
And, hopefully, when each gets old enough, we'll go to the store together and pick out a 20ga together and let that be their first new gun. After that, they can take over an existing 12ga if they want.
I'm in that boat right now.
I plan to teach each on a .22 that I already have. At some point, one off those .22s will just become theirs to take with every time to the range.
And, hopefully, when each gets old enough, we'll go to the store together and pick out a 20ga together and let that be their first new gun. After that, they can take over an existing 12ga if they want.
inclinebench
Member
I have a 4yo and a 2yo, both sons. I bought a single shot Rossi 22/20ga for when it is time to teach them to shoot. If they like shooting and hunting, then I will start by letting them borrow my guns to shoot and hunt, and if they want to own more, they can work for the money to buy what they want. I will begin to hand down my guns while I am alive, but I do want them to purchase their own, with money they earn. I think that teaches them the value of working for what you want. Additionally, I hope that in buying them themsleves, they will learn the value of taking care of an investment. As they show me that they have the mettle, I will hand down my own guns. I do plan on buying each a 1911 as they turn 21. I got my first 1911 when I turned 21, and I think that should be a family tradition.
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