I want to pass on a gun to my son, any suggestions on what to buy?

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I agree mostly with fourninefoxtrot.

I have 3 boys of my own but they are a bit younger than your boys. I plan to assemble a set of 1911 with caspian parts. Caspian allows alot of customization including custom serial numbers. You can even get damascus if you are really wanting something exotic looking.

I'd really like to get some basic pistolsmithing skills so that I can assemble the 1911 myself. I think that a nice pistol is a great gift but making it myself will be the icing on the cake. You could surely do the same with 16 years advanced notice.


http://www.caspianarms.com/
 
I think I might recommend a nice Browning Hi Power. It's a classic, beautiful wood and steel pistol from JMB himself. Also, since you were talking about possible AWB stuff, you could accumulate some high cap mags for it.

My personal favorite guns are my 1911s though, but I think they'll be around forever.
 
I'd get the 1911 OR the Hi-Power. Then, when finances allow, get the .1911 a 9mm conversion. For the Hi-Power, I'd get the .40 version and then get the 9mm drop in barrel; again, when your finances allow.

9mm will always be around.
 
I agree with several of the recommendations thus far, specifically:

- 1911 - This is a great gun with a great history. If your kids become interested in firearms and history, they'll definitely have an interest in the 1911.

- Smith 686 - A fantastic dependable revolver. Would be a great treat for any kid.

If you're limited to handguns, I'd also recommend an M1 Garand as well. Yet another piece of history used by "our greatest generation."

Just some thoughts. Good luck with your decision.
 
Heckler & Koch P7 line.

Unique. To go the way of the dodo at some point. HK collectors love to over pay. ;)

Wish my pops bought a P9S in .45 for when I turned 21
 
Just get what would catch your eye. In 16 years who knows what the kids may like or even if they like firearms at all.
 
I was lucky - my heirloom gun will be the first gun I ever purchased, a 6" 686.
 
As much as I prefer polymer framed doublestacks, a stainless 1911 or revolver would be nice. +1 to the hardwood, lined box idea too. They'd make excellent college graduation gifts, or maybe for their first home.
 
I think 1911's are the way to go. And get some good gunleather to go with them. Something from one of the hand-makers, Andrews, Milt Sparks, etc. I guess you shouldn't get a belt for them yet though, since who knows what their size will be :)
 
My 'kids' are full grown and have families of their own now.

When they started out on their own though each had been given a 22rf, a 357 revolver in a handy size, and a 45acp.

Next time when we all can get together, each will receive a near mint to excellent Commander, circa '51 to '67.

They also received a bunch of pages printed from these archives relating to care and maintence of the 1911, as well as Stephen A. Camp's books. Thank you 1911Tuner and Stephen.

salty.
 
I love the idea of a good revo. .357 would be great. I'm thinking a nice 4" 686 or even a GP-100. They can teach your grandkids to shoot one day and the versatility makes that round a classic. I have 2 boys as well. My 11 yr old loves burning up .38's from my .357's, I'm sure my one my 1 yr old will some day enjoy it too. How's about a pair of Marlin 39A's to give them sooner? like when they're 13??? good luck and I love hearing good parents talking about wanting to make their kids happy. God Bless you.
 
Good idea Saltydog. If the guns you purchase are the high end garden variety make the gift more meaningful by providing the history behind them. Catalog pages and photos, magazine articles etc. When I think of heirloom pieces I think of the wow factor. For example I wish I would have kept my 70 1/2 Chevelle SS to pass on. Something from the past that still would kick new car booty.

So I suggest like others a 1911 but perhaps something higher end, maybe a Les Baer or Ed Brown. These guys are not going to be around forever and I'm sure if you do purchase from them maybe you can get some signature or autographed items from them. Better yet maybe you can pick up the items in person and get a photo of them with you to pass on. Just thinking out loud.:)

I would get them a revo or auto of your choice but make it something not readily available 16 yrs from now but make it a foreseeable available caliber.

PB
 
If your kid is into guns already try a S&W 686 or a nice 1911.

If he isn't into guns get him a Ruger MkII.
 
Thought about shotguns? I received 4 Remington Wingmaster 870's when my grandfather passed away. I also got a smith and weson .357 (19-4) and a Charter arms Bulldog (.44 spl, mid seventies issue)

To be honest; They're all priceless in my eyes. I love the 19-4 and the 870 Wingmaster Magnum the most though.

Justin
 
I also wish he would have put some money into a college fund when I was a toddler that way I didn't have to work full time just to pay the tuition. I graduated without any debt, but it was not easy,
Click to expand...

Don't sweat it. Having to do things by yourself and rely on yourself builds character. Ask me how I know? I did the same as you. I actually worked in LE before college to help my mom and dad out in hard times then I worked 55 hours a week through college and graduated with 3.52 GPA in Industrial Psychology. I now have a work ethic that I feel is second to none and while it was hard and I lost sleep many times, I don't cry about it. I am thankful. It sounds more like you resent yourself for not follwing your dream and the only person you can blame is yourself. if you want it, go get it.
Off soapbox now, I think revolvers are timeless and that 27 that VG posted would fit the bill very nicely I would think.
I am still trying to decide on my son's, but he is only 13 months old right now.
 
some great suggestions by everyone. hi-power and python especially. but whatever you get them, don't make your poor boys wait till 21!
 
I suggest getting them something that will go up in value. Stay away from new models like the Glocks, Sigmas, P-99s ect. Not that they are bad guns in any way, it is just that in 16 years, it will be old tech and probably dated.

The trick is to get them classics that will be as valued in 16 years as they are today, or more. In autos, the Colt 1911, Browning Hi Powers, and Walther PPKs will always hold their value. In revolvers, S&W P&R blued guns, Colt Pythons, and a few other models of Colts will always be money in the bank.

The good news is, you can still get all these guns for reasonable prices. I bought a nice P&R blued 4" S&W 19-3 for less then $300 a few years ago. I also bought a M-28 for about $350. When you consider the work that went into them and the fact that S&W is not making blued guns anymore, they are a real bargin.

I would suggest getting them each a really nice S&W P&R .357. I would go for the 19 because they seem to fit everyone while the N-frame is too large for some.
 
1911's are not going anywhere anytime soon. but on the other hand, thanks to me, Browning Hi-Powers are getting harder and harder to find. :D
 
Buy 2 consecutively serial numbered custom 1911A1s from Colt. Get the hard-chromed model.

By the way, depending on your state's law, they can take possession legally at 18 (in MI they could).

http://coltsmfg.com/cmci/Special.asp

My friend, you are a Hades of a good Dad!!

Edit to add: There is nothing wrong with the "Series 70 reissue", I have the STS model. You might also conisder one of the X of 4,000 of the "WWI reissue" while they still exist. They are going, going...almost gone.

Doc2005
 
My dad passed to me a Colt Viper .38 special (nickel)

When I was much younger and dumber, I almost sold it for $25 when I was strapped for cash. It's worth aroung $1500 now. I cherish it not for the dollar value, but for the sentiment of my dad in thinking of me.

I applaud your idea.....no matter what the gun becomes worth, the act will be priceless.
 
Great idea of passing along an 'heirloom' to your kids.

My Grandmother (God Bless her soul, she passed away in '63) always told me that the S&W revolver that she had would one day be mine!
It's nothing to look at, worn, surface rust, but still shoots reliably.

When my last son was born (11 yrs ago) I went out that day and bought him a Winchester Trapper in .44 mag.
He now has (well. . . will have) a Beretta Silver Pigeon II and a couple of handguns.

My shooting buddy had an M1 carbine (Rockola) built for his son, and acquired 2 cases of ammo, and the rifle is in a custom-made case.

My suggestion is for the $1,000, get the S&W mdl 27 w/4 or 6" barrel AND a shotgun.
Stock up the ammo and store it in a cool, dry place.

Your sons are lucky to have you for a Dad, CarbineKid!!!!!!
 
I think that having whatever you decide on buying having it Engraved "From Father to son" something that they would never part with that Dad put his name on it for them. I like the idea of Engraving on a special gift for my boys.
 
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