Long guns vs. handguns as gifts

O

Oleg Volk

Staff Alumnus
In theory, it sems better to me to give handguns as they can be carried...the gift will thus be with the recipient, useful for protecting the life that's obviously important tot the giver.

In practice, most people carry no more than two handguns at once. Adding more would require re-shuffling of some sort...

So, how would you handle the problem?

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Oleg "peacemonger" Volk

http://www.a-human-right.com
http://www.olegvolk.net
 
Oleg, I've just finished reading your extensive review of the Kel-tec P32. As I'm going to begin to carry for the first time, starting smaller seems more do-able for me. You've persuaded me to go for the P32.

I have no other handgun. No re-shuffling necessary. You can give me a P32 anytime. :D :D :D

--Denise
 
Funny how THAT thought came into mind yesterday, too. I better pick up another P32 and get it hard-chromed and checked out for functioning.
 
I think it depends a lot on the type of handguns they currently own. The recipient may have a carry gun but one that could be up graded. Or they may have a suitable carry gun in a relatively expensive caliber and could use something in a 9mm, .38 special or .22 in order to have affordable practice. Over all I think it depends on the individual and their specific handgun needs.
My greatest concern when this subject comes up around my house is the paper work involved. If the handgun is purchased through a dealer, as opposed to a legal private sale, the gun is "papered" in my name. Legally I'm not allowed to give it as a gift unless the recipient applies for and is apporved for a permit. This, of course is not possible, if the recipient is not yet 21. This is not an issue if it is a long gun.

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Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
 
The only way I would ever give a handgun as a gift is if I knew exactly what handgun that person really wanted. Handguns ("carry" guns in particular) are very personal things, giving one as a gift may mean obligating someone to trust their life to something they’re not really comfortable with.

A nice shotgun, hunting rifle, or classic .22, however, are pleasant to receive no matter what your tastes are. Something like that can be enjoyed at leisure and can become a cherished heirloom for generations.

I enjoy giving guns to friends and family as gifts, but arming themselves for combat is their own business.
 
I agree with JJR, the type of handgun someone likes can be very particular... aside from being more expensive than most long guns. Yeah, I'm a cheapskate, so what?! :D

All the guns I've given as gifts have been around the $99 price range to people newly converted to shooting. With all the quality rimfires and .22s out there, you can get a lot of gun for a mere hundred bucks. For the newly converted, it lets them practice marksmanship and safety while having fun and reinforcing the lesson that guns aren't innately evil. Making that leap with a handgun is sometimes a bit more difficult- as you begin to discuss what to do in a dangerous defense situation vs a more light-hearted discussion about varmint hunting!

Finally, long guns seem to be more "legally" safe. So my vote goes towards a cheap long gun. :)

[This message has been edited by PaladinX13 (edited October 16, 2000).]
 
Anybody can safely give me I and M frame Smiths. Actually, any preban Smith wheelgun would be appreciated.

Browning M2 and M3 always welcome too.

Sam...The gift off a defensive weapon is a gift of love.
 
Cheap is not an option here. The choices are Kel-tec P32 (OK, so it is cheap but the work to get it chromed and tested isn't), Kimber Ultra Carry for pistols and M1 carbine, AR15 carbine or a Winchester mod.12 for long guns. This is for a fellow gunnut, not for a beginner (10-22 or Buckmark would be more likely for those).

I suppose I am a cheapskate, too. Except for the Kimber, these aren't custom guns and are meant to take available mags and milsurp ammo...Sig550 or Sig210 aren't possible at this time.

[This message has been edited by Oleg Volk (edited October 16, 2000).]
 
Pardon me for asking an apparently elementary question, but what's involved in "getting a gun tested" as Oleg mentioned?

--Denise
 
Oleg.. you can get me a long gun (that AR15 carbine sounds nice) or a pistol (any type or caliber) any time you want :D. I have given guns as gifts in my life time and I usually just end up seeing what they have or don't have. My most recent gift was that of a .22 pistol to my uncle. He has a .22 rifle but didn't have a pistol. It wasn't a "cheap" pistol (like a jennings .22) but was an old model S&W. I'd had it a couple of years and since I have a Buckmark and other .22 pistols, decided to give my most fav. uncle what he didn't have. Giving a firearm, in MHO is a show of trust, of love. It can light up the eyes of a younger person, male or female. From a father or mother it shows that they have gained great trust in thier child and the child anticipates the many hours leaning how to operate the gun, to fire the gun, and just to bask in the proud glow of his/her fathers/mothers face. To a family member that is older, it also shows that you have great trust in them, their abilities and care enough to ensure them the tools they will need for protection or getting that extra meat on the table. So, either way, a longarm or a sidearm just tends to say "I trust you, I love you and I care about you" more then any socialist hallmark card. Just my .02.

USP45usp
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sbryce:
Pardon me for asking an apparently elementary question, but what's involved in "getting a gun tested" as Oleg mentioned?
[/quote]

Firing a few rounds of ball and hollow points to make sure the gun feeds, extracts properly. Verify that empties won't hit the recipient inthe face, that sights are set close to point of impact, at least for windage. Clean the gun and check it for cracks and damaged parts, even if it is new.

Would do no good to give something that doesn't work perfectly.
 
Oleg,

You would make a good friend!

If the recipient doesn't have one already, nothing says "I love you" like an AR-15 or an M-1. I agree that defensive handguns are too "personal" to give unless you take the person shopping for one.

Regards,

Ledbetter
 
Now that you mention it, a handgun is pretty much more personal than a long gun. What feels good in your hand may feel like an anchor in someone else's. Maybe a nice long gun is a better idea.
 
Just saw a P-32 at the gun shop for $259, cheapest in these parts yet. He also had several P-11's for $239 including one that was either chromed or stainless. Seems the supply is catching up with the demand in these parts - oh goodie.

Oleg, my daughter wants a P-32 for her carry gun. Yep, that would be a good gift. I will have her fill in the paperwork, though.

[This message has been edited by Ragin Cajun (edited October 17, 2000).]
 
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