Best firearm for gift

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woulddesk

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One of my good friends is nearing earning his commission to 2nd lieutenant in the Army. He is a collector as often as a college student can be. This is a big moment for him and I am thinking of purchasing him a gun for the occasion.

I know this is a pretty open ended, many answer question. But not sure what the affordable options would be (up to $300, lower if possible). What I have been looking at is a Snake Charmer .410 that he can have some fun with and shoot relatively cheap. Possibly a bolt action .17 HMR. Any ideas for an affordable and fun gun. Used is an option.
 
A lever action Henry 22 can be had for about $225, its about the funnest gun that I've got. You could maybe spring for the Golden Boy model and get it engraved, that could be pretty nice.
 
Whatever I end up with I want it engraved with his Rank. I am familiar with Henry's and that is a great option, thanks.
 
Since I'm currently dreaming about owning a derringer, I'll give my vote for the Snake Charmer. It's a cool little present, and it's got the advantage of multiple barrels, so if he gets tired of the .410 barrel he can get others without having to buy a whole new gun.
 
I would discourage the snake charmer... much better options out there... I would look more at used options... a used taurus 92 could be had at that price. A marlin model 60 or 3 could be had at that price... a used mossberg 500, NEF pardner pumps, NEF single shot rifles, several brands of single shot shotguns (12, 16, and 20 gauges.)


but as I said... I would definitely discourage the snake charmer
 
What's wrong with a derringer? Anybody can give their buddy a rifle, but not many give derringers. It's definitely not a run-of-the-mill gift, and as I pointed out, it's modular. Depending on the buddy's financial situation, he might appreciate the versatility.
 
he can have some fun with and shoot relatively cheap
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Derringers are missing the fun factor.... they are inaccurate and not a pleasure to shoot in the least... that doesnt mean they arent good guns or good gifts, I just dont think they fit the posed criteria.
 
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree then - I find derringers extremely entertaining to shoot.

To me, they're purely range fun guns. I might carry one as a BUG, but I understand their limitations when it comes to meaningful self-defense capability. However, there's not much more enjoyable than busting melons and soda cans with a teeny little pistol. :D
 
Do you know what he prefers to shoot, or would love to have? Maybe if you know that, you can go from there.

Is there any chance other friends or family may be willing to chip in?

I would guess he would LOVE a Garand or carbine (military guy + old military weapons = cool gift IMO), but they are a bit more than $300, but within reach if others can chip in here and there.
 
Tim, great idea. I am sure some fellow cadets would be willing. He was born in Turkey on a base. So as a gag I have been looking at affordable Turkish Mausers. He has no favorites that I know of. But might be able to pry the info out of him.
 
How bout a Tokarev, or similar surplus gun in good condition, about $200, ammo is less expensive and plentiful (still cheap even with s&h) and a nice piece of history.

Or a .22, fun to shoot
along that line you might want to look for something in the same caliber as what he already has.
 
Are you set on giving him a firearm? I think a good knife would be of more use to him in the service and would look good engraved with his name and rank. My favorite are Randall Knives (www.randallknives.com), but it sounds like those are out of your price range. There are plenty of good, less expensive alternatives as well.
 
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A newly minted Second Lieutenant needs a CMP M1 Rifle or Carbine. He needs a land navigation book more, but a CMP M1 Rifle or Carbine will do nicely. The most dangerous thing on Earth is a Second Lieutenant with a map.
 
I think a good knife would be of more use to him in the service and would look good engraved
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Very true, and you can get an amazingly nice knive for under $300, but I would have to say I prefer Emerson's.

The most dangerous thing on Earth is a Second Lieutenant with a map.
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So very true. Maybe you should get him a GPS and a few pounds of batteries, a compass, and a little card that says "Always Listen to NCO's!"
 
Since someone mentioned knives - you could get him something he is going to be required to have as an O-5 anyway - the officer's sword. Engrave his 2nd LT rank and name on the blade, so it would be hidden when sheathed and it would be a great gift he could carry in ceremonies.
 
If you can up your budget (maybe with a couple of friends), I'd suggest a Beretta 92. Or for a .22 plinker, one of Browning's Buckmark pistols. You could do the latter in your price range.
 
A newly minted Second Lieutenant needs a CMP M1 Rifle or Carbine. He needs a land navigation book more, but a CMP M1 Rifle or Carbine will do nicely. The most dangerous thing on Earth is a Second Lieutenant with a map./QUOTE]

Amen....That, and a good book on being practicing humility, even as a "Zero"--

We had a 2nd Lt that ran a fire mission on a range in Cuba-- gave jacked up #s to the 81mm gun line, and ended up dropping 3 short HEs on TOP OF the gun line-- 1 @ 20 meters, 1 a little closer, and 1 BEHIND the line-- 3 guys got injured, no deaths, thank God... The line even told him the #s were wrong, but he yelled and "knew it all"...Guess us dumb non rate grunts, were not all dumb *sses..

8*)



USMC 0331/8531 91-97...
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and ended up dropping 3 short HEs on TOP OF the gun line-- 1 @ 20 meters, 1 a little closer, and 1 BEHIND the line
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Blame your FDC. It's their fault they sent that data to the guns, and didn't nix it. It's not like a freaking 2LT can order them to shoot data they know is unsafe (particularly to themselves).
 
go with the Henry. contact them and they can customize the side plate for ya. :D
 
woulddesk, I second the Henry, but with a caveat, get it personalized by the factory. It is very easy to do.

You might have to ask for some financial help from other folks, as this is an extra $150 above the price of the rifle, but get an personalized receiver to slip over a golden boy. It's a piece of cake to install by taking the original brass receiver cover off and putting the custom one on.
http://www.henryrepeating.com/personalizedgb.cfm

Here is an example of what you can do.

pgb_detail_zoom.jpg



edit: OK kanook, I see you beat me to the suggestion, dang the lag time on this machine:)
 
Ironically, Touchon himself is clearly a manic collector.
Besides, he notes, over the years, Fluxus works have often been produced by artists in their.
 
fedrikwhite wrote:

Ironically, Touchon himself is clearly a manic collector.
Besides, he notes, over the years, Fluxus works have often been produced by artists in their.
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*** are you off your meds. or did you just post in the wrong thread??
 
Start him on the path: Get him an AR15 lower receiver with a personalized roll-mark, featuring his name, rank, and date of commission. He can build it any way he wants to, later, as time and economy permit. This can be done for much less than your suggested limit.

...I liked the knife suggestions, as well. For your price range, there are some beautiful knives, and the engraving isn't that costly.

Careful of the saber idea. There are some really bad knock-offs out there that are sold to the gullible. Research that one heavily, if you decide to go that route. Might want to stop by the BX and see what they're selling.
 
The AR-15 Lower and the Engraved Henry are the best 2 ideas . If you do decide to go the knife route i suggest looking at Silver Stag Knifes . These are handmade from old saw mill circular saw blades which have been know for over a century to be some of the best knives in the world . Stag handled so everyone is a one of kind ,also the use solid brass tang guards an pommels the blades are usually jeweled (like win mod70 rifle bolts) or a heavy brush finish . Another quality knife is a ozark mountain knives ,these are made from the same aged an worn saw blades . Ask any old toolmaker about the difference in quality when it comes to aged an virgin steel an they will tell you go with the aged steel its more stable an will hold edge much better . you could try to contact Camillus (they make many of the USMC fighting knives now ) an will do etching an engraving . an they have several presentation grades which are decked out with gold leaf . you can also check on a Rock island .45's (1911) they are cheap but still about $400 range but are a very respectable pistol an the great thing about 1911 is he can customize it himself on down the line if he chooses to . with stainless fire controls backstrap . accurize by fitting barrel bushing an adding full length guide rod an changing the recoil spring to a heavier poundage . if i were you i would start hitting all the local gun shops an talk with the dealers an tell them what you are doing .Many dealers around my area (tennessee Valley) will respect what you are doing an will cut you a break if they happen to get in something used that you are interested in or choose to have them special order . they would keep an eye out for something used but nice an the pawn shops also . Best of luck with your search an Best Wishes to your friend in his new career . He's lucky to have a friend such as you!! One last thought . If you friend is Gen. G. S. Patton fan look for a High Standard Double-nine ..these are old revolvers that look like a small colt SAA an will be in your price range . They are very accurate .22 double action revolvers that I think are just to much fun to shoot !
Best of Luck with you Endeavour !!!!!!!
 
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A good Officers Sword would run well over $300
Knives are relatively good and can be engraved easily
Try to find a very nice used Marlin 39A or M as it can be split into 2 parts and makes for easy travel.
Snake Charmer is as cheesy as the name.
 
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