A gun for a highschool graduate

[Ithaca37]

Ouch. Not much faith in your kid? Don't think waiting on a gun will keep him straight. You have to have drive and a moral compass to succeed in life. If he does not have it at this point, no gun is going to make him grow up.

Where I come from we get CCW permits at 18. I guess things are different in the south.

I would go with a handgun if he has to wait until 21 to take possession. Not sure what the law is in Georgia, but if you need to be 21 to own a handgun, then you might as well make your age requirement match the law. I like the used Glock idea. They are quite affordable and good guns.

I would NOT get a .22. I would be very disappointed if I had to wait 3 years to take possession of a .22lr. I would be much happier if that wait came with some useful firepower.

 

[proud2deviate]

My first thought was of a Remington 870; tons of fun, versatile, and darn-near unkillable. It will last him several lifetimes (kids, grandkids, etc.)

For a gift, I'd spring for a Wingmaster or a Police model, myself. Might run over your price limit, but then you might get lucky, too.

 

[Bovice]

I've ALWAYS thought the Ruger Mark II/III pistols were cool looking. Not that it should really matter, but I've read several places that suppressed Ruger Mark IIs have been used in covert ops. .22s can be made REALLY quiet.

In terms of having the gun for self defense... He's a few years out from even being able to carry a concealed weapon. And if it's being kept by the OP until he's 21, being used at the range only, it's perfect for that. He can master the art of pistol shooting with that gun, and transitioning later to a centerfire would put him far ahead of the majority.

If you go the Mark III route, throw some engraving on it. Nothing elaborate, just a nice little saying, a quote, or something like that. I'm a few years out of high school, but I'd still think that was awesome.

 

[Deus Machina]

Well, if he already likes target shooting with you, like I've said, a .22 would be good. Something like a 10/22 that he can upgrade.

If he's the usual 18 year old, and enjoys bang and flash more than putting one hole on top of another, I'd branch from my previous suggestions to something like a .38 or .357 or .44, long barreled or short, whichever he likes. Then, when he turns 21, you can give it to him the day he gets his CCL.

Or find a used CZ, Glock, Sig, 1911, what have you--and toss on a .22 conversion kit as well as keeping the stock barrel. He can target practice, and blow some fire from his fo-tay.

Or if he likes game guns, how about an AK? 7.62x39 is still pretty cheap, and assuming the supply keeps coming, you can get a '74-style and a can of 5.45 for about that much.

But honestly expecting an 18-21 year old to stay sober and celibate? Not likely. I stayed away from the drink and drugs (almost) completely, between not taking to chemicals like most people and not wanting an addiction, but that age bracket is the most energetic and virile of his life, and his body knows it well. How about doing like my dad did, and telling him to keep it in his pants (when his mother's around, at least), but overlooking the little things as long as he stays safe and doesn't get into trouble?

I mean, I turned out straight-laced and perfectly respectable, but at 18 a human male is a completely different person than even at 21. I remember a few times that my mom glared at me but my dad--usually with the expression of Lurch--had to hide a smirk when I came home with lipstick and tooth marks...

 

[JEB]

i would say a 4" .357 revolver. preferrably a ruger gp 100 in stainless for rust resistance and some good looks. it will be a very versitile weapon that will serve well as a hunting back up, range gun, home defense, and concealed carry with the right clothes. the rugers are built like tanks and are sure to last a lifetime and then some. it will be a very special piece that could someday be passed on to his son.

 

[archigos]

A variety of ideas:
An 870 would be good if only for the price range and versatility.
On the other hand, if you're not going to let him have it until he's 21, a carry gun that's fun to shoot would be a fantastic idea. I am a few years out still from having kids of my own, but when I do, I will be looking forward to giving them their first carry gun. There's something oddly sentimental about having your primary means of defense be a significant gift from your father or mother, especially for us gun nuts.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

The way things are going nowadays, I don't think I'd be trying to keep him AWAY from women.
I agree with the Glock. Good gun, good price on used ones. Get a 9mm and it'll be fairly cheap to shoot. Plenty of em in the movies too.

 

[HGM22]

I'm going to agree with Big Boy and the others who've said it i.e. only get a .22 if he's got something else larger or its strictly a cheap plinking gun. Even then, I'm not so sure I'd want a .22 at that age. I think I'd rather a .357 (and .38) or 9mm for a handgun. A 7.62x39 AK or SKS might not be a bad option. They are cheap in price, reliable, shoot cheap ammo, have the "video game cool factor", and can be accessorized if wanted. I'd be most inclined to go for the Saiga, but the Hungarian AMD65, Yugo M70, WASR, etc. as well as Chinese and Yugo SKSs can be had for $300-500. Saiga gives the option of leaving stock, or getting to know the gun better and modifying it (check the law first!). This also means the gun can be more traditional or more "tactical" depending on taste. It would be a whole lot easier if we knew what the gun was likely to be used for.

Oh, and as others have said, why is keeping him away from girls a good thing? Wouldn't responsible interaction with members of the opposite sex be far more valuable than locking oneself away? I'm inclined to think that no interaction will lead to a stunted, awkward man, but that is just my opinion. I'm sorry if it wasn't wanted.

 

[HGM22]

I forgot to add. If you decide to go with something milsurp like the Mauser or Mosin, I'd be sure to buy a case or two of ammo now while the ammo is cheap. Probably not practical, but it would be cool if on his 21st you whipped out a 440 round case of ammo (assuming the price of ammo goes up, which it most definitely will).

 

[wmeSha]

I think I'm going to agree with others that say a .22lr is cool but something with more punch might be appreciated.

I'll second the GP100, and toss out the idea of a used Smith revolver from JGsales.

In the semi-auto category, maybe a Bersa Thunder 9? They're in the right price range and I think, while not overly fancy, people seem to like them. How about Kahr CW9? Ruger P95? For a bit more (but you'd still come in under $500) Top Gun Supply has CZ P01 pistols on sale right now.

Savage has rifles that would fit in your price range that I'd be happy to shoot. Perhaps a bolt action .223, .243, or .308?

 

[wormserco]

In that price range how about a Ruger SR9?

 

[Kali]

In my opinion he would appreciate a caliber bigger than 22. Its a good starter size for younger kids and females but I think a grown man would enjoy a larger caliber IMO.

edit: just read the rest of the thread and it looks as if others have said it first

 

[runningfast]

Bigger than .22lr?

Iconic in movies and games?

'Cool' factor for a young man?

In that price range?

Easy: used Glock 17 or 19.

9mm, 'evil black semi-auto' for coolness, one of the most widespread and recognizable pistols in the world... seems perfect for the bill, for me.

 

[Ithaca37]

But honestly expecting an 18-21 year old to stay sober and celibate? Not likely. I stayed away from the drink and drugs (almost) completely, between not taking to chemicals like most people and not wanting an addiction, but that age bracket is the most energetic and virile of his life, and his body knows it well. How about doing like my dad did, and telling him to keep it in his pants (when his mother's around, at least), but overlooking the little things as long as he stays safe and doesn't get into trouble?

I mean, I turned out straight-laced and perfectly respectable, but at 18 a human male is a completely different person than even at 21. I remember a few times that my mom glared at me but my dad--usually with the expression of Lurch--had to hide a smirk when I came home with lipstick and tooth marks...

I take issue with this and frankly find it insulting. Immature males do such things. This is because society does not place responsibility on them, not because of hormones. What you have stated suggests that males are incapable of controlling their behavior and are controlled by impulse and hormones.

 

[rocky branch]

I'm puzzled over what is expected of a 21 year old today.

At 21 I had been away from home 3 years.

I was a Sgt E5 in 5th Special Forces leading Cambodian irregulars in combat ops in Phuoc Long Provence.

A bunch of us were 21.

I'd suggest easing off on being so controlling.

I know a sloppy 25 year old who has never left home because he was raised in a controlling environment.
His world is the couch and the dinner table.

 

[Fetus]

In georgia you can own a handgun at 18 .

 

[RatDrall]

A S&W K-frame with a 4" barrel would make a fantastic training handgun, and a valuble tool that he can use forever, and is well within your price range.

 

[archigos]

I take issue with this and frankly find it insulting. Immature males do such things. This is because society does not place responsibility on them, not because of hormones. What you have stated suggests that males are incapable of controlling their behavior and are controlled by impulse and hormones.

Since when is being attracted to females immaturity, and when was there a reason for males to stay away from females? That is insulting. You're attempting to shelter him by giving him an irrelevant reason to stay away from women instead of helping him realize the relevant considerations. This does not foster responsibility - you are making decisions for him, not letting him share responsibility by making his own decisions.
Yes, he has hormones. Yes, there are things of which he should be weary. These two facts are not mutually exclusive, and pretending that there is no middle ground forces your child to make a decision between two incorrect methods to approaching life. If you continue to shelter him like this, prepare to provide him shelter for the rest of his life, as you've apparently made no attempt to wean him off it.

 

[jdub3]

I agree completely with Archigos. Since when is 21 the magic age for men and women to have "relations"? It doesn't make sense biologically, morally, or socially to me. I don't think a gun that cost $20k would have kept me away from girls at that age and I think it is perfectly normal and healthy. He is an adult at 18 and has to understand there are consequences for bad decisions, and I understand not wanting your son to have casual unprotected sex with numerous partners. But if he gets himself a nice girl and they get serious at that age, I see nothing wrong with it. And I really don't think the promise of a $200-400 dollar gun will keep him from doing his thing.

That said, if you want to buy him a gift there is nothing wrong with that and I am sure he will appreciate it. Just have a little faith in the young man and the way he was raised.

 

[BlayGlock]

A used Glock 17 or 19.

 

[Deus Machina]

I take issue with this and frankly find it insulting. Immature males do such things. This is because society does not place responsibility on them, not because of hormones. What you have stated suggests that males are incapable of controlling their behavior and are controlled by impulse and hormones.

Take all the issue you want, but I didn't say it to be insulting, and I never implied that males of that age are incapable of controlling their actions.

What I meant by it was that males of that age are influenced by urges and hormones, more than at any other time. Their hormones affect them worse than at any other point in their life, and their 'guidance' on the matter is often other 18-21 year olds. These problems can, of course, range, generally starting between 16 and 18.

It by no means implies that they should assume any less responsibility over their actions, just that society doesn't unfortunately usually place it upon them, that they're having a tough time during that part of their final transition from boy to man (I know my brain and body were at odds and confused from 16 to early 19!) and that they haven't made their own mistakes to learn from yet.

If they're lucky, they see things beforehand and don't make them at all, but if they're not more logic-bound than your average HS graduate and have been sheltered from making and seeing others' mistakes, they're either inexperienced to it or rebellious.

The military is a great environment to set a 18-21 year old on the right track. It teaches responsibility and allows freedom but punishes transgressions. A sheltered home life and a social environment comprised completely of late teens and recent graduate-age lead to negative outside pressures or a natural rebellion, unless the parents are good and the kid's already on the right track.

No inflammatory remarks intended. But look back at people you knew in high school. Ever known a guy from middle school to college age? At 17, they are an entirely different person than at 21, and I can bet money on that.

 

[Lairvine]

A 1911 I cannot believe noone has said this!!!!!

You can get an Armscor or Rock Island Arms one in your price range I have one and love it!

 

[cz75bdneos22]

glock 17,19,26 new or used...your call!

 

[22-rimfire]

I would buy something that he is already familiar with but maybe a tad better depending on what you take to the range.

22 rifles are always good. I'd give him a 22 rifle immediately upon graduation. Lots of good 22's to choose from and anyone who shoots should probably have a 22 rifle. The choice depends on how he likes to shoot. I would say you try to please him, not you necessarily with the choice. AR type 22 rifles run around $500.

A handgun choice would be entirely based on what you know. Glocks are always good and not too expensive. Revolvers are always good and the good ones are expensive.

A Ruger Mark III 22 with a heavy barrel would be an excellent choice and one that lasts a lifetime.

 

[Officers'Wife]

No inflammatory remarks intended. But look back at people you knew in high school. Ever known a guy from middle school to college age? At 17, they are an entirely different person than at 21, and I can bet money on that.

Blanket statements are never true as it only takes one example to the contrary to make them false. There is one gentleman in Pulaski County that is now at age 23 much the same as he was at age 17. However, his family was very business oriented (agriculture) and he was taught both personal and financial discipline from his early teens.

Boys may be influenced by their hormones but whether they are slaves to them depends on the level of discipline they have learned from their parents.