Off Topic: Giving a handgun as a wedding present

high desert

high desert

Joined
May 20, 2009
Messages
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Hey just thought I would throw this out there. For me this would be a great present. Something they don't have and might someday need. I've known my son in law for 15 years and his wife to be for 5. They are both 30 yrs old. They are both responsible even tempered non hell raising adults. My son in law was not raised around guns and has a neutral interest in them. He's a big kid who works construction and others don't seek to cause him trouble. I've asked him before about guns and knives weapons before and his response was why do I need them? My daughter in law father has plenty of them and she would be an enthusestic shooter. I would offer training to them or they could seek it out where they live. Good gift? Bad idea? Tacky? What do you think?
 
My 2cents... good idea IF, you include training for them both as a couple, or at least, a basic firearms class for both, and a home firearms safety and defense class for her. If he isn't worried about his self defense, focus on hers. That makes it thoughtful IMHO. Don't forget some ammo, or they'll freak at the extra cost, and provide something better than the included lock, like a small under bed rapid access safe. If you're gonna do it, don't scrimp, make them feel safe, and give them room to like it.

The safety training is the most important thing, though. And don't train them yourself unless you do it professionally. Training your children, when they are children, is great and appropriate, but training adults is very different, and there's a big risk of turning them off to firearms completely.

And, don't be offended if they say "sorry, not for me pops."

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out if you do it.
 
retrocon said:
My 2cents... good idea IF, you include training for them both as a couple, or at least, a basic firearms class for both, and a home firearms safety and defense class for her. If he isn't worried about his self defense, focus on hers. That makes it thoughtful IMHO. Don't forget some ammo, or they'll freak at the extra cost, and provide something better than the included lock, like a small under bed rapid access safe. If you're gonna do it, don't scrimp, make them feel safe, and give them room to like it.

The safety training is the most important thing, though. And don't train them yourself unless you do it professionally. Training your children, when they are children, is great and appropriate, but training adults is very different, and there's a big risk of turning them off to firearms completely.

And, don't be offended if they say "sorry, not for me pops."

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out if you do it.
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I like your advice about them seeking training elsewhere. Well if they don't want the handgun thats fine, no offense taken. I could easily buy them a toaster.
 
I would do it privately, not have them open a package at a bridal shower. Otherwise, I see no problem with it.
 
Its a good idea if the couple likes guns, not a good idea if they don't. Buy a pair of handguns suitable for both, along with ample ammo and targets.
 
MikeH said:
I would do it privately, not have them open a package at a bridal shower. Otherwise, I see no problem with it.
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Heck, if i knew she'd open it at a bridal shower, and i could get pics, i'd give her a Saiga-12 decked out ;)

But then, that's just me...
 
Personally, i think the gift of a protected home is right up there with fine china as a wedding gift.

Make sure you know your state laws on gun transfers, and go buy some Browning wrapping paper

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I think it is a great idea :thumbup: Offering the training would also be a good idea. They do not have to go somewhere and receive training from someone they don't know. :thumbup:
 
I would appreciate a gun as a gift for any occasion but then again, I am a gun fanatic. I'm not good at coming up with good wedding gifts but I think giving a gun is a bad idea. Especially if the guy has a neutral interest in guns. Really tacky considering his response has already been "why do I need a gun?". Probably his way of telling you to "back off with gun offerings" while trying not to insult you. I would take him to the range a few times to see if his interest sparks but if he does not want a gun, he should not have one. Why give him a wedding gift that you know he does not want?
 
I see your point about not forcing on them. They camp a lot but might be the only ones among their social circle to own a firearm if I gave it to them. It' too bad he shoots well. I just feel he now has a greater responsibility and hope he recognizes it. If they will be happier with cash for their honeymoon I guess thats fine. Food and drink will be easily forgotten. I guess my value system is mine and theirs is theirs.
Oofa said:
I would appreciate a gun as a gift for any occasion but then again, I am a gun fanatic. I'm not good at coming up with good wedding gifts but I think giving a gun is a bad idea. Especially if the guy has a neutral interest in guns. Really tacky considering his response has already been "why do I need a gun?". Probably his way of telling you to "back off with gun offerings" while trying not to insult you. I would take him to the range a few times to see if his interest sparks but if he does not want a gun, he should not have one. Why give him a wedding gift that you know he does not want?
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I say leave things well enough alone. There are plenty of other gifts that would be more appreciated. You say your son in law has neutral interest, then why press it. If they decide they want a piece for home protection or sport, then let them buy it. I would be devistated if I gave a gun to someone as a gift, and by accident someone was injured or killed with it. I don't think that there are to many people out there than can/would handle a gun more safely than I would. I have been around guns all my life, from the days of my first BB gun, to the "couldn't wait" period to get my first .22 rifle, so I know the working of a firearm, and safety, over the past 60 yrs. You may be the safest person in the world with a firearm, but that does not mean the person you give the gun to would be the same. My son in law has been looking to get his first pistol for home defense. I have several pistols I could give him, but I am letting him go about it on his own, and make his own decision. I will help him with a gun selection if he wants me to. God forbid I give him a pistol, and he does harm to himself, my daughter, or my grandchildren with that gun. Just my two cents. TAC
 
Point taken. They both make a boat load of money and I guess if they had the desire to own a gun they would by now.
T.A.C. said:
I say leave things well enough alone. There are plenty of other gifts that would be more appreciated. You say your son in law has neutral interest, then why press it. If they decide they want a piece for home protection or sport, then let them buy it. I would be devistated if I gave a gun to someone as a gift, and by accident someone was injured or killed with it. I don't think that there are to many people out there than can/would handle a gun more safely than I would. I have been around guns all my life, from the days of my first BB gun, to the "couldn't wait" period to get my first .22 rifle, so I know the working of a firearm, and safety, over the past 60 yrs. You may be the safest person in the world with a firearm, but that does not mean the person you give the gun to would be the same. My son in law has been looking to get his first pistol for home defense. I have several pistols I could give him, but I am letting him go about it on his own, and make his own decision. I will help him with a gun selection if he wants me to. God forbid I give him a pistol, and he does harm to himself, my daughter, or my grandchildren with that gun. Just my two cents. TAC
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i don't like the way our current government is run or the laws they make or existing laws that they don't enforce. i'm a life nra member and a life long shooter.

be careful that you don't get caught up in this $hit. i have given many guns as gifts and passed down many family heirlooms of firearms.

maybe a gift certificate at your local sporting good store along with a hint.


"In the context of United States federal gun laws, a straw purchase is defined as any purchase from a dealer holding a Federal Firearms License where the buyer conducting the transaction is acting as a proxy for another person. The law does not distinguish between someone who is purchasing on behalf of a person who legally cannot purchase or possess a firearm, and one who is not.

In the United States, straw purchases are a felony violation of the Gun Control Act of 1968 for both the straw purchaser (who can also be charged with lying on Federal Form 4473) and the ultimate possessor. One of the questions on Form 4473 is “I am the buyer of this firearm” and the purchaser must answer honestly yes or no, by checking the appropriate box in ink. However, purchase of a firearm as a bona fide gift for someone who can legally own such a firearm is permitted.[1]

Many gun shops have jointly participated in programs (such as: “Don’t Lie For The Other Guy”) to deter such purchases."
 
To answer the question "why does a big guy need a gun", a big guy is no match with a small punk or two if they have a gun.

Skip it as a wedding gift, and give it to her some other time if she has any interest and is willing to learn how to use it. He will not always be there to protect her.

If they have not been shooting before, take them out for some casual shooting, like at water jugs if possible - something that is fun and makes an impression. Maybe by trying it one or both of them will become more interested.

Gene
 
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