Groomsman gifts: Handguns. now which one?

[Swami]

Shooting a 9mm derringer feels like getting punched in the hand - HARD. It's not fun at all, and if that was all I had and my life was threatened - that would be the only time I'd want to fire one again. Yes they look kinda "neat" but as for function, they are horrible.

I vote KelTec all the way! Those are about as small as you can go and COMFORTABLY (within reason) shoot 9mm. YMMV!

 

[Ghost Tracker]

If you're leaning toward Cap & Ball revolvers, for Pete's sake make sure they're nice steel-framed models. There's very few better looking/shooting handguns (IMHO) than a .36 caliber Navy Colt. If they're good enough for Wild Bill (he carried two), they're SURE to be appreciated by your Groomsmen.

 

[hso]

I'd read some reviews on the options presented before deciding one way or the other since there have been a number of recommendations made by members that don't have any direct experience with the firearms.

 

[chicharrones]

The ball&cap BP pistols are sweet looking, but highly impractical. The price is enticing though.

One downside is just buying a cap and ball revolver gets you just the cap and ball revolver. You can get one with the "starter" kit which includes everything but the powder. The downside is adding each one of those items would bring the price of each gun above your price range.

However, I do like the idea of cap and ball revolvers if it weren't for all that. If any of the groomsmen aren't a serious shooter, they have a nice memento that isn't as easy to make unsafe as a modern cartridge gun can be. Especially if that groomsman doesn't have any caps, balls, or powder lying around.

I remember one wedding that I was a groomsman in and all I got was a big ol' country style belt buckle. It is a cool memento and the thought is appreciated, but I don't dress in cowboy style clothing. So, if I were to get an unusable groomsman's gift, I'd prefer a cap and ball gun over a belt buckle any day.

 

[Ed N.]

Combining the black powder idea with a wedding/marriage theme, how about giving each a set of matched flintlock dueling pistols?

 

[USAF_Vet]

I really dig the C&B revolver idea. Personally, I'd graciously accept any fire arm as a gift, but a C&B engraved with the event date would be something special. I wouldn't mind one bit if I had to purchase the caps, balls, powder, etc myself afterwards.

I think an old school C&B is more classy than a mouse gun or an old Milsurp. Although, the Polish P-64 would be my second choice on your list.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

This wasn't on your list, but consider this. I have given several guns as gifts, and as I look back, Had I given a well made .22, like a Ruger stainless auto, everyone of the recipients would have had a durable, accurate, FUN gun that would get used occasionally for plinking, training a new shooter, hunting, or whatever. AND, probably never "go out of style", as new defensive guns do (what IS the next best self defesne auto?", etc. A Ruger .22 auto is almost like a Volkswagen bug...timeless. A gift that would keep on giving, and being used, for many years.

 

[leadcounsel]

I think it's a great idea.

Space out your handgun purchases so none are within 5 days so you stay off the ATF naughty list.

I would also consider nice knives or black powder, as someone mentioned, to avoid the FFL issues, particularly if some are from out of state/country.

Or what about nice C&R pistols, - you could get them refinished/chromed, etc.

If you shop around, used revolvers in bulk are around the $250 mark.

 

[rockrogue]

I think we're getting a little wild here... The budget is below $200, and whatever it is will compete with the $113 phoenix .22LR plinker... So keep that in mind. I don't have the money/time to refurbish anything.

I would love to get 4 ruger .22s, but where are they less than $200? Most of them are more than that used!

 

[coolluke01]

Those derringers come in other calibers as well. http://www.cobrapistols.net/product-big-bore-derringers.asp
I wouldn't worry about it being a daily shooter. This is a memento. You need to buy a gun that they would never buy them selves. A derringer is just that. I can't justify spending the money on it, so I don't own one. Would I love one for Christmas? You bet!!
When you give gifts to guys you want them to tell their buddies, "Hey, look at this sweet gun I got for being in my friends wedding."
Any gun that makes you say ahhh, psh, mmmmm, might not fit the bill. You need a gun that says Sweet!, wow! BA!
Just the opinion of someone that wishes someone would give him a derringer for Christmas.

 

[Waywatcher]

I think the Ruger automatics he was referring to was the 10/22, but I could be mistaken.

In any case, although not a handgun, a personalized 10/22 would be a great option.

 

[jwsracin]

i really like the idea here, to me it's just great. That said some of these guys ideas are also great, really like the derringers, love the idea of the cap and ball (just becarefull of the model, some look alot better than others, and that seems like the purpose of the c&b guns-looks), the 22 plinkers would also be a good choice, have you seen the 1911 22lr's buds has on sale right now for $199. just a thought

 

[OARNGESI]

HOW ABOUT 4 OF THESE http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/59751

 

[rockrogue]

Those 1911 .22s are SWEET! But they will exceed $200 with a check and shipping : ( For the money for a plinker, I think I would go with the phoenix... I heard they are out of production. A store near my house gets them in periodically for $99. I might go to a gun show this weekend and see if I can find Makarovs for under $180 a piece. The wife to be is really trying hard for a Ruger Mark III or a Browning Buckmark, but they are both $250 used!

Still somewhere between surplus European stuff (makarov, P64), Derringers, or the phoenix HP22a.

 

[Rusty Luck]

P64 with a nice custom box

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

Combining the black powder idea with a wedding/marriage theme, how about giving each a set of matched flintlock dueling pistols?

+100

but my real vote goes towards those 1911 .22s, they look great, and .22s are just so dang fun

great idea Rockrogue! Your groomsmen will feel so loved

 

[Cob]

HOWEVER, if I was a groomsman in a friends wedding and he presented me with ANY gun I would be ecstatic and it would be a gun I would keep. A gift such as this means more than it’s net worth. We all have our personal values, or lack of them. I applaud the OP and wish him well in his search.

And I agree that any wife who would OK this at any level is a keeper.

+1 on this!- & the laser engraving will make it a gift they will almost certainly have to keep.

Man, I love this idea, and have almost bought the Kel-tec 9 twice, but did not. I'll second the thoughts

You might check this link.... it's a bit more expensive than what you are looking for, and used surplus, but looks like a good deal.

SW5906 Used S&W 5906 9mm Handgun includes 1 High Cap Mag $275.00
http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=100000277&dir=700|1012|1026

 

[rockrogue]

P64 with a nice custom box

Yeah they are cool. I just really think I would rather get a Makarov. I hate how all the cool surplus stuff gets so popular and skyrockets in value.

Shipping most pistols is $20-30 for singles, $15 each when shipping a bunch. a $200 1911 .22 is going to exceed $200. They are sweet, but don't fit the bill this time.

Any other suggestions?

 

[gatesbox]

I think the derringers are still a great idea and look fantastic....you could also laser engrave the grips with some kind of symbol, etc... And BTW get five of them anyway, this is your last chance to go with the bros before.... Well you know what I mean.... You can't leave your Bro or yourself out of the mix....it is standard to give an officient an honorarium. I'd say mine are usually between $200 - $500. So that fifth gun is not a groomsmen gift it is the officients honorarium.

 

[holdencm9]

Gosh, I really wish I could have given out handguns as groomsman gifts....

AWESOME idea!

 

[InkEd]

Do some knives or watches and not worry about it. If you really want to do a gun then get something fun. NAA mini would be good.

 

[m1911.10mm]

I'll have to vote for the idea of a derringer, too, if you can somehow swing the cost.

I don't own one, but I kind of feel like the more ridiculous the caliber, the more attractive they become. Do you want to fire a derringer built to fire a 7.62 round? I know I don't. The idea is just so cool, though.

Those Bond Arms derringers look really sweet. They don't get as crazy as 7.62. The .45LC / .410 combo may be their most punishing offering. It's too bad that Academy feels the need to have their logo punched into the holsters of the ones they sell. Those things are 3 times your budget, anyway.

Ideally, you will only be getting married just this once. At 200 to 225, your question is not easily answered.

.

 

[rockrogue]

a .45 derringer would hurt bad enough I think...

I know I said I didn't like the looks of the baby revolvers earlier, but I went to NAAs webpage, and I really like the 1 5/8" barrel .22 mag&LR ones, and they are about $180 online. So there is another option. I didn't make it to the gun show, too busy with the holidays.

I have a question if anyone knows the answer (please don't post comments unless you have direct experience or first hand testimony from an expert in the field). Will a non-stainless metal rust after being blued and then laser etched or engraved? I would think that the gun would have to consistently stay oiled to not rust (which isn't that big of a deal).

Here is the list as it currently sits: ($gun, $marking, $shipping)

1. Phoenix HP22s, laser etched, local store if they get them in stock $99+$0+$0 = $99
2. Derringer (caliber?), laser etch, from online $140+$0+$10 = $150
3. Makarov, engraved, hopeful from gunshow, $180+$10+$0 = $190
4. NAA .22LR or .22mag, laser etch, from online, $180+$0+$10 = $190
5. P64, engraved, hopeful from gunshow, $150+$10+$0 = $160
6. BP revolver, laser etch, from cabelas, $180+$0+$10 = $190

 

[curtix]

I got a Kel Tec PF9 over the weekend - suchs a sweet little gun.
Great for CCW.

 

[Waywatcher]

I like #4 and #6 of your updated list. I don't think you'll go wrong with either. If you're worried about rust, then the stainless NAA would be a good way to go.

.22LR NAA is classy, cheap to feed, and would be a great gift.