I need help: Giving eldest son 1st gun!

[George Hill]

Okay everyone... special moment in a person's life. The First Gun.
.20 Caliber Benjamin-Sheridan Silver Streak.
Boy is 9 years old.

I need a "Ceremony" that signifies the honor and responsibility of being givin your first gun.

Any ideas?

BTW, this air-rifle was given to me to give to Kade by my good friend and TFL Member "StratfordHoldings". Thanks, Steve. You rock.

 

[Don Gwinn]

I dunno, but I've never heard of a .20 caliber airgun before. That's cool!

Any ceremony should involve a solemn oath to use firearms safely, responsibly, and for the good.

 

[berettaman]

Just take him out shooting.Don't make it seem like it's a big deal.Then after a fun day of shooting,and he's all focused on safety and guns, tell him you think he's GROWN UP and RESPONSIBLE enough to have "THIS".Then surprise him with his own new rifle.He'll remember it and you forever.

 

[Hk Paul]

Just take him out shooting.Don't make it seem like it's a big deal.Then after a fun day of shooting,and he's all focused on safety and guns, tell him you think he's GROWN UP and RESPONSIBLE enough to have "THIS".Then surprise him with his own new rifle.He'll remember it and you forever.

Damn! thats a good idea.

 

[George Hill]

You think this wouldn't involve a trip to the field?

That's a given...

I want a "Ceremony" because he is also a Scout. Scouts ALWAYS have Ceremonies of sorts. Earn and Arrowhead and you have ceremony.

This is "Rest Of Your Life" memory right here.

 

[sm]

Agree. While out shooting,
After discussion of firearm safety,
Responsible gun ownership,
Positive role of firearm,...

Present the gun, stating since he has exibited the above YOU feel he is ready.

Use a wide lens perhaps to capture the big smile and pride filled chest, on taking his picture.

 

[45R]

Take him outside to the target area. Set up your targets and his targets.

Have a talk to him about gun safety.

Say "Son This is one of those proud Father and Son moments...blah blah blah."

Then present him with a nice Benchmade folder. Have him open the rifle. Watch him like a hawk, show him all the rifle operations and most importantly.....

Shoot with him

Take him out to dinner, then give him the a home made "scout pin or patch" that he can wear proudly. NRA pin........

Hope that I have helped

 

[George Hill]

Awesome. Thanks Guys!


Heading out now.

 

[Mark Benningfield]

Tradition

Hello All.

This is what I told each of my three, when they got their first .22:

Okay, now we have a lot of fun plinking and shooting at the range, but that's not why I gave you this. We enjoy Liberty in this country, and that Liberty was and is always paid for in the blood of patriots. Always remember, Liberty comes with Responsibility. Owning this gun is a BIG responsibility. Firearms are Liberty's teeth. As long as the people have them and know how to use them, they cannot be enslaved. So, by giving you this gun, I am putting you on the road to being a citizen. One day soon you will be able to vote. That too is a BIG responsibility. Make me proud of you. I love you.

It may be a little over the top, but that's what ceremonies are for, don't you think. HTH.

 

[Blackhawk]

 

[Ron L]

George, keep his targets. Take the best one, date it and frame it. It'll also be fun to look back on his first target when he's older and printing tight groups at 100 yards and compare the first to the current.

For my son, as he progressed, I also kept one of the empty shells from each of the larger guns. He's got quite a nice little collection of spent brass now, but each indicates another trip with dad as well as his progression and yet another new gun that he's shot. His bullets have gotten larger as he's grown too - nice correlation.

Another thing, safety first and be danged proud of him!

 

[thumbtack]

Make him walk the gauntlet, and each person he passes gets to shot him in the butt with a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun. Ok, maybe not a good idea. I think that if you tell him that this is another step forward for him reaching manhood, and that this is a journey that is best when not hurried.

 

[ahenry]

I like what Mark said. Personalize the words to yourself, but the message is a good one that bears telling. I think your first gun is a major step in the progression to manhood. Mention that.

 

[4v50 Gary]

The "talk" like 45R and Mark described. Time it to coincide with incidental music rising to a crescendo. Suggest the Pilgrim's Chorus from Tannhauser or the Soldiers' Chorus from Faust.

 

[MountainPeak]

I can't top the previous ideas, but would like to add one thing. My first gun was a single shot Marlin .22. Got it 37 almost 38 years ago at age 13. I have a pretty large collection of guns today. Some quite valuable. That 1st gun probabably isn't worth $65.00. If I were to have a fire and could only grab one it would be that .22 with the small price value. The memories just looking at it are priceless. Make a big deal out of your gift. If he hangs onto it I quarantee the sentimental value can become enormous! Have Fun!

 

[MolonLabe416]

Have him learn the four rules:

1. All guns are always loaded.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until the sights are on the target.

4. Know your target and what is beyond.

You might discuss how personal responsibility is the hall-mark of civilization and that firearms represent freedom for the citizen.

You might consider regular, say quarterly, gifts of books that teach these things. A good mix of fiction, say the Allan Quartermain series, adventrue, say anything from Peter H. Capstick, and Col. Cooper's books, etc.

As he grows into his later teens, you can also use the Commandant of the Marine Corps recommended reading list. It's on the USMC site.

You might also consider the Robinson Home School set. Even if you don't homeschool, this is an invaluable aid in teaching the values that most gun owners seem to share. Dr. Robinson is a shooter, has been to school, and understand what young people need to grow into good citizens of the Republic.

http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com/

I know a lot of this isn't strictly firearms related, but I think firearms proficiency is only one of the things that makes good citizens.

Good luck, and enjoy this time with your child.