Newborn son- what handgun to buy?

[Bob A]

@trickg

Because history.

Edit: To instill a sense of the traditions of the Republic and those who fought for its preservation, artifacts from the actual times of struggle may strike sparks in the recipient, and guide them to look to the past and apply its lessons to his future.

 

[trickg]

Because history.

Ok - that's something you might care about, but seriously - that's a military issue pistol that is currently 2 generations behind.

The 1911 platform by itself is history due to the nature of what it is.

The guns I'm going to be proud to pass on to my kids are the better specimens I own, and I own a pre-war 1941 production Colt 1911. It's my least favorite of the three 1911s I own, and I can't remember the last time I shot it because it doesn't shoot particularly well.

A new 1911, yes - something nice like a Springfield TRP, or one of the Dan Wessons I mentioned, but a CMP 1911 would be a hard pass for me.

 

[Bob A]

Ok - that's something you might care about, but seriously - that's a military issue pistol that is currently 2 generations behind.

The 1911 platform by itself is history due to the nature of what it is.

The guns I'm going to be proud to pass on to my kids are the better specimens I own, and I own a pre-war 1941 production Colt 1911. It's my least favorite of the three 1911s I own, and I can't remember the last time I shot it because it doesn't shoot particularly well.

I edited my post to provide an explanation.

I'm convinced of the power of historical artifacts to convey a message from their day to ours, and it doesn't work with a new replica of something from olden times. These artifacts definitely act as mental conduits to history in a way that cannot be replicated.

The 1911 is pretty much an archetype of American military history, which is why I chose it. It's an easier journey back to WWI, WWII, Korea and forward than, say, a flintlock from Revolutionary times, much more shootable, small enough to schlep around, and all that history!!! If you're looking to inspire your son, I'd say that this is the way to open that gate.

I have nothing against anyone's other choices; who wouldn't like a Python, or a S&W Registered Magnum, or a nice Colt General Officer's 1903, or George Patton's revolver, but those are either pretty shooters or museum pieces. A 1911 speaks to service in Everyman's military, and goes back more than a century, and is actually usable today.

 

[trickg]

I can understand your point, but I don't wholly agree with it. I have old guns - lots of them. I have guns that date from before WW1 and before the turn of the 20th century. I don't feel any sort of connection to the past with those, the oldest of which are lever guns. I see them as functional pieces of hardware that are just as relevant today in modern form as they were then.

My issue with CMP 1911s - and that's what we're specifically talking about here - is that I've seen a bunch of them that are just bad. Used and abused, and barely functional in some cases.

I know that the collector crowd loves that historical tie-in - but you can't project that love of history onto a child that hasn't even been born yet. To them, a CMP 1911 might just be a crummy old gun.

 

[RRomig]

Congratulations!
As soon as I read the title a colt 1911 is the first firearm that came to mind. Then seeing that you don’t own a 1911 it seems like the obvious choice. If not that I’d get the hottest new gun of his birth year.

 

[TwinTurbskis]

I bought myself my first Colt 1911 when my daughter was born. When my son was born this past July I got a CMP 1911.

That being said I've been buying like crazy recently, stuff that I think they unfortunately won't have the opportunity to buy. I hope I'm wrong. Hope (and vote) for the best but prepare for the worst.

 

[rseymorejr]

I bought myself my first Colt 1911 when my daughter was born. When my son was born this past July I got a CMP 1911.

That being said I've been buying like crazy recently, stuff that I think they unfortunately won't have the opportunity to buy. I hope I'm wrong. Hope (and vote) for the best but prepare for the worst.

I have a 4 year old granddaughter and another on the way (not sure if girl or boy yet). I have a couple stripped lowers laying around and my next project will be to build them both up their own AR's. Even have a couple 20 and 30 round magazines for them too.

 

[Vatreni4Life]

Man thats great. Congratulations on the expected birth-date.
We had a boy grand baby delivered to us the other week, so I'm looking to get him a Ruger no 1 International in 308 cal.
Before you know it, them boys will be straight off in a hurry.

I see that you are a fan of the Croatian National Football Team (from your avatar) - how about the Springfield Hellcat? Tiny package that has huge potential (highest capacity for its size) and made in Croatia?

Alternatively, you could go way old school with a P08 Luger or Browning Hi-power - both of which will appreciate considerably by the time he comes of age.

Congrats to you!

Good suggestion. I have two hellcats lol. One with dedicated red dot and one without. Good call on one of the best football nations in the world! I watch every match no matter what’s at stake. Friendly, WC, Euros…

 

[Vatreni4Life]

My vote is a classic revolver. Smith 17, 10, 64,

Definitely will look into these. I like a revolver. Good idea. I only own one GP100 and I really like it

 

[Vatreni4Life]

S&W 686 or a Colt Python

I bought editions which were made the year my Sons were born. So, the 75th anniversary editions from Ruger for this year could be worth a look. Every kid should have a .22, so one of those could be neat, and will be marked with their birth year in the logo for their anniversary.

Oooooo damn that’s a good idea! I have several .22 but the year he’s born that would be great to pass down. I’ll definitely research this. Thanks for the advice

 

[Vatreni4Life]

I just ordered 2 of these, 1 for me and one for my son. I'll be having another grandchild coming in July and I'm thinking of ordering another one or maybe one of the 10-22s for him or her. It'll have the birth year right on the gun so that'll be pretty nice. They are also coming out with a fancy SR1911 this year too.

Ruger® Mark IV™ Target Rimfire Pistol Model 40175

ruger.com

Solid! This is definitely a top choice

 

[Jim12]

Something with a suppressor, newborns can be very sensitive to loud noises.

You win the internet for the day!

 

[calicojack]

I second the Ruger Mk IV Target

Ruger® Mark IV™ Target Rimfire Pistol Model 40175

ruger.com

 

[Vatreni4Life]

older Browning Hi-Power

Those pics are nice! Good lookin guns. Classic. I don’t own one so…

 

[Vatreni4Life]

That's enough samples to illustrate.

Two different broad directions to go :

Use crystal ball to predict what just breaking now will be popular circa 2050 , and be early adopter .

Something classic that is starting upwards now , but still within your budget today , but will go up bigger in predictable near future . Example - imagine stocking up on Colt Snake Guns and S&W Highway Patrolmen 20 years ago .

Obvious Choice - Actual Browning HI Power .

Less Obvious - Actual Colt 1911 . Wildcard subcategory would be 1980's Series 80
Still considered less desirable, but within the 20-ish year time frame, the perspective will transition , and they'll be at a premium for the low production.

Revolvers are tougher . You're 2 or 3 years late for most S&W . I guess - Square Butt ( non rimfire ) J Frames are selling on par with Round Butt . But enevibly they will become a premium for the lower production.

Prices are all over the map , but with some looking 3 Screw Blackhawks can still be affordable.

Colt Revolvers- The Mk V family hasn't had the explosion of collector interest Yet. But it's enviable

You give me many things to think about. I do appreciate the feedback. Thanks sir.

 

[small shot]

Congrats! Buy something that will stand the test of time. A fine revolver in a caliber that a semi-auto cannot handle. 44 mag.

DA- Colt ananconda
SA- Ruger Super blackhawk.

Buy new so your family are the sole owners from day one.

 

[Vatreni4Life]

This is the way.

If you’re really bent on a semi-auto and want something nicer than the average 1911 and it’s in the ballpark of your budget, it’s tough to go wrong with a Dan Wesson. I have two in my collection and although they were expensive, I have no regrets on either. I own the Valor and a Silverback.

This is the Specialist.

If you want something a bit more traditional without a rail, check out the Valor.

That specialist is really a clean lookin 1911.They both are worthy of passing down for sure. It’s within my budget I think. 1800-2200ish MSRP so I’m sure I could find a worthy FFL here willing to do the transfer…any takers? Where did you go for yours? I don’t mind a drive because it’s for my boy!

 

[Vatreni4Life]

+1 ... Every gun owner should have a 1911. Commander frame is THE sweet spot. Plenty of room for engraving on it as well.

Engraving. Ok now we are talking. If I choose a 1911 I like having all that space plus that commander is exactly a classic look to pass down. I would do initials or just 2024/24’ for the year. Damn good idea I do appreciate this concept thanks

 

[Vatreni4Life]

Congratulations! Buy that young man a 1911.

 

[TI-tick]

Quality engraving on a Colt SAA is absolutely ****; a la the Shootist.
I'll just leave these here to contemplate; nice stache, Colt SAA (not engraved but custom built), and friendly with big red.
Give the boy something to aspire to!