New Handgun for Son

[joeybcdt]

My first post here. Been lurking for a while. Very informative and polite forum.

I've had my CHL since the law passed in the 90's.

Next February my oldest son turns 21. He has turned out to be a really good kid. Graduated high school in top 10% and an engineering major in college. I want to buy him a handgun for his 21st bday. Glock, Colt, full size, compact, 9mm, 40S&W, .45acp? What would be a good 1st handgun? I'm considering Colt DEfender, Glock 22, Glock 27. What else?


Joey

[C-dub]

No offense to everyone that has .40's and to the guys that bought my G22 and G27 that I had, carried for years, and shot okay, but I think .45ACP is a much better and more manageable round. .40 might be better than 9mm, but it is more difficult to manage and get follow-up shots on target.

[Jumping Frog]

A deserving young man should at have at least one of America's longest-serving handgun with a long and proud history: a 1911 in .45 ACP.

[uthornsfan]

I have a couple of thoughts on this subject.

It should be either of these two guns.

#1 A handgun that you have, you love, and you have shot a ton. Maybe something that you have both shot together and has memories attached. Something of yours, your fathers a family heirloom...

#2 Whatever he wants and is comfortable with.

If neither of these suit you then yes... Absolutely a nice 1911!!!

[sookandy]

You got some really good imput so far. I had a .40 and didn't like it much. I'm addicted to the .45 now. A XD, XDs and a 1911 are in my lineup and love them all. The heirloom part and what he likes are really good idea. Or ya just a 1911

[w squared]

If I only had one handgun, I'd want it to be a mid-size. Something like a bobtail commander-sized 1911 (or maybe a CCO), an HK USP compact, Glock 19, Ruger SR9C, or S&W M&P Compact. Something that's small enough to carry, but big enough to shoot.

For a first semi-auto pistol, I'd choose something in 9mm or .45 ACP. Personally, I find both of those calibers more enjoyable to shoot than .40 - and easier to shoot well. I don't mind .40, I just like 9 and 45 more.

As far as which mid-sized pistol, what does he like to shoot?

[SF18C]

It might just be me but I think this situation calls for a time tested classic and heirloom worthy Colt 1911 in .45!

Other guns can come and go (I really like the .45 XDs as an EDC) but the thought of a classic being handed down from father to son for a few generations has to start somewhere!

[FishInTx]

I gave my son an XD45 when he turned 18. He loves it and thinks I'm an awesome Dad.
If I were you, I would take your son to the range saying you want a new gun and let him shoot them too, to get his opinion, then get him the gun he likes!!

[joeybcdt]

This kid always seems to surprise me. I texted him last night and asked him "If you could have any handgun what would you choose?". I was 100% sure he was gonna say a Glock. He said blued snub nose .38.

My gut tells me to go with a 1911 but I don't think he gets it yet. Now I'm really confused.

Joey

[Ericstac]

Snub nose 38. Lol..

First teach your kid about the beauty of guns.. Then get him that 1911 .45!

It won't be his only gun if he has IT in him.

[C-dub]

This kid always seems to surprise me. I texted him last night and asked him "If you could have any handgun what would you choose?". I was 100% sure he was gonna say a Glock. He said blued snub nose .38.

My gut tells me to go with a 1911 but I don't think he gets it yet. Now I'm really confused.

Joey

Snubby .38? That's just crazy talk. lol

My dad has a snub .38 and it's the gun I hate shooting more than any other. I even like the .44 Magnum Redhawk better because it doesn't hurt as much to shoot. I don't know what it is, but that little tiny grip on the .38 just seems to be more uncomfortable and hurt more.

[The Annoyed Man]

No offense to everyone that has .40's and to the guys that bought my G22 and G27 that I had, carried for years, and shot okay, but I think .45ACP is a much better and more manageable round. .40 might be better than 9mm, but it is more difficult to manage and get follow-up shots on target.

Exactly. .40 caliber is an excellent round, but it is harder to get mastery over it than the much softer shooting and pretty much equally powerful (in terms of terminal effect) .45 ACP.

No offense to everyone that has .40's and to the guys that bought my G22 and G27 that I had, carried for years, and shot okay, but I think .45ACP is a much better and more manageable round. .40 might be better than 9mm, but it is more difficult to manage and get follow-up shots on target.

And for a first one, I would say get him a Commander sized gun (4"-4.25" barrel) with an alloy frame. Best of both worlds: easier concealability without sacrificing too much muzzle velocity, not too heavy, and an acceptably long sight radius. He can always get himself a 5" and/or 3" gun later if he decides he likes the platform.

Glocks, M&P's, XD/XDm's are all good pistols, and I own a sample of each, but the 1911 is a classic, and for very good reasons. The others are Ford Mustangs and Chevy Camaros to the 1911's Jaguar XKE. They maybe equally accurate, possibly more rugged, and have higher capacities, but the driving experience simply isn't the same.

And the .38 snubbie? That's a Model T. Has he had the opportunity to fire a 1911 yet?

[joeybcdt]

"And the .38 snubbie? That's a Model T. Has he had the opportunity to fire a 1911 yet?"

Yea, he's fired my Gold Cup that was totally worked over by Clark.

[The Annoyed Man]

And the .38 snubbie? That's a Model T. Has he had the opportunity to fire a 1911 yet?

Yea, he's fired my Gold Cup that was totally worked over by Clark.

Then I guess there are some things that just can't be explained.

[CC Italian]

If small lightweight and reliable is what he is going for in a carry gun then there is nothing wrong with the snubby if he is willing to practice. It is just not usually the best first gun for an inexperienced shooter. Let him put 50-100 rounds of 38 special +p or even a couple cylinders of 357 down range in a 13 ounce snubby and see how he likes it. Maybe he just likes pain!
nothing wrong with his choice for a small pocket carry but for home and range duty it is not the best choice.