Handgun Hunters & Parents I would like your input.

My only son just turned 18, and he has been hinting "Rifle" for Christmas, with that being said, we have never been on an actual go "Somewhere new hunt together". For the most part we have always been able to drive 20 miles or less to do our hunting. But I did mention that I would like to try the HHI antelope hunt with him, and that he would have to hunt (or get to hunt) with a hand gun and that he could use one of mine.

So here's the question, do I listen to his request for a long gun, (he has access to all my guns when ever he would like,long and short, but has nothing to call his own) and let him get into handgunning on his own, or get a handgun (single shot) and hope he enjoys it as much as I do? Just so you know he is not the most patient hunter in the world.

I say if he's into hunting and outdoors at 18 get him what he wants. I've come full circle in the last 15 years from AR's and Glock's to bolt's, lever's, and wheel's. Let him chase the hobby on his own, be thankful he's doing it. I'm betting before too long your interest will merge. JMO

First shotgun, 410, of my very own was at age 12.
dad had me shooting 22's for a couple years earlier.
first 22 handgun of my very own, I was around 14 or 15.
He's definately old enough considering if he acts responsibly.
I get him whatever he prefers.

Be Thankful he wants to hunt .
He asked for a Rifle please listen to him.
And This will work out better in the long run !
Mike
P.S. Buy a New SA for yourself and give it to him later

Why not ask him if he would like an encore rifle. If so buy the action as a pistol and let him pick and choose what grips, stock, barrels he would like to have.

Did BATFE ever make a firm determination on whether you can legally switch back and forth between pistol and rifle on a Contender/Encore frame? Last I heard, the frame was designated as either a pistol or rifle at the time of purchase.

This topic has been beaten to death, and some agents don't even know the law. I do have a copy of a letter received from BATFE which states this answer to that question - Once a rifle it must remain a rifle, regardless of whether it was a legal pistol at any time.

Fox Ridge used to sell a "Carbine Kit" which they claimed was exempt from the ruling. And, I have heard from others that it is okay to go back and forth as long as it started as a pistol. All I know for sure is what I saw in black and white, and that said NO!

Take him out and have him shoot yours and see if its his thing or not.....GS

Buy him the rifle (or give him the money to buy his own). The worst mistake we parents make is to force our preferences on our kids. They are their own people and need to make their own decisions, choices and responsibilities. If he wants to be outdoors and enjoy hunting then that's fantastic. Be very happy he is already on the right path.

I have been teaching Hunter Education and 4H Shooting Sports for many years. Success breeds interest while failure breeds discontent. Hitting with a rifle will encourage him, while missing with a handgun will discourage him. I suggest buying him a nice light caliber rifle, e.g. .243 with a good scope. If you have a rimfire handgun, allow him to shoot it. Let him progress at his own pace as this is an important juncture.

I agree with everyone else but it wouldn't hurt to ask him to make sure. I know it ruin the surprise but he may not have even thought of getting a handgun.

I have to agree- but i am different from lots of what you read here, I have rifles, and shotguns and pistols(if you don't understand, then google steve lee and listen/to his new video- that's me when i was younger- my guns will go to my kids and their kids- but for now give them something that they want- for whatever reason they happen to want it- if you show tolerance and respect for their viewpoints, there is a very good chance they will have toleraance for yours. My eldest lives 12 hours away and I would gladly spend the day shooting rifles or slingshots if that's what I had to do to spend just one more day with her! we are so fortunate to live in a situation where we don't have to "only have one"

punkin - Got the teeshirt. When I was about the age of your son I wanted my own car. I did not want to use my parents car or truck.

Get him the long gun. He will come back later for the short guns. You said he is not the most patient hunter in the neighborhood. Go long gun for now. Did the same deal with my son. He now uses a 6.5 JDJ and is working up a 300 Whisper.

Absolutely get him what he wants (or has been suggested the $$$ for him to buy it himself).

Larry

How about getting him an Encore RIFLE for Christmas, and then grips and handgun barrel when his birthday roles around!

Don't let the rules get in the way of a good game now ;-)

What T-shirt?

Thank you for all the replies, pretty much what I was thinking. You can lead a horse to water,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

get the rifle. dont push him your way, let him walk his own path

Exactly!

I would go with a 243 Win, 250 Savage, and maybe a 260 Rem in a rifle. Set him up with some decent glass, and then do your best to help him be successful.

I would say that he is his own man now. talk to him and let him decide. I am sure he has grown up around guns and being responsible. Talk to him and let him go on his own journey.....

Someone said earlier, and I agree, get him an encore, in both. I'd get him the mid caliber, like 243 or 25/06, serve all and let him have at it. But buy it as a pistol, with a 243 barrel or if you think a lot of varminting will be done with it, a 223, and if he small game hunts a 22 RF is cheap practice and always usable, the whatever rifle cal. he is wanting, adds about 250 buck's and he gets the best of both worlds!! A lot of options, let him set his own course! He will be more likely to explore other avenues this way. Just my 2 bits.

After all this, WHAT Does HE WANT ?
IF he has asked for something special then buy that for him !
Dont get him something he DOESENT want.
He wont be Happy with it.
If he has given some leway, Then Talk to him about what HE Wants
and go from there.
Mike S

My two cents...I hunted with a close friend that handgun hunted and I didn't. I decided I wanted to as well. He left me to learn, ask a lot of questions, put my hands on different guns, and decide on my very own. I wouldn't have learned near what I have, if he had just handed me one and said do this. I couldn't be happier with "my" choices!

That's also what I remembered. My personal thinking is G2 for pistol and Encore for rifle....but then that's just me.

As for the OP's question, I also agree to buy him what he wants, IF that's really what he wants. Talk it over and make a smart decision together (that's what dads are for!), perhaps with the promise that if he tries the pistol and it doesn't come together, then a rifle is in his future (funds permitting of course). It was mentioned that he may be a bit impatient...testosterone will do that to a guy!