Son's Graduation Present

[Nutbustd]

When my son graduated from high school many years ago I took him down to the local gun shop. I showed him a S&W 686SS 2inch with Pachmeyers in .357 The 686 was and is a beautiful wheelgun. He was so excited that he wanted it now. Had to wait the waiting period. After the waiting period, I picked it and wrapped it up and gave it to him at his graduation party. Well I kinda forgot to tell his Mom!!. When he opened the box and it said Smith & Wesson on it and he pulled out that piece, well, the sheet hit the fan. I just said now honey, that 686 will last him a lifetime. She was grousing and grumbling, but 20 years later he still has that wheelgun. In fact it is his favorite. Well, when his younger brother graduated he also wanted a S&W. I told him not a problem, but just maybe we should wait just a little while. He started laughing and said OK Dad, but don't forget!. I didn't.

 

[hq]

After the waiting period, I picked it and wrapped it up and gave it to him at his graduation party. Well I kinda forgot to tell his Mom!!. When he opened the box and it said Smith & Wesson on it and he pulled out that piece, well, the sheet hit the fan.

I know how that happens. I got a pristine, vintage 6" 686 for my oldest son for his confirmation and heard the inevitable "you bought him WHAT?" from my wife. It took a few days before she got comfortable with the idea, in spite of her being a hunter and shooter herself. I thought about keeping it under the wraps until the confirmation day but reasoned that it might be better to have an argument when we're alone than at the party.

My oldest daughter is going to have hers in a couple of years... Lady Smith or a nickle plated Diamondback, perhaps?

 

[Revolver218]

For my graduation (in 1963) my father gave me a S&W 28. 10 years later I was a LEO and had been issued a Model 15. I ended up carrying the 28 for part of my career, until they issued a 19. I still have the 28 today and shoot it regularly. Think of my dad every time I do so. Your sons will also.

 

[Charles 3433]

Great story Nutbustd. It's good to hear that stuff like that doesn't only happen in my family.

 

[OldCavSoldier]

My son told me that he wanted a handgun for his 21st birthday, and that he would leave the make and model up to me. So, his mother and I went to the local purveyor of firearms and I plunked down the $$ for an S&W M686 with 4-inch barrel. When he got home from an away summer job after his 21st, we went to the gunshop, he registered the piece (filled out the 4473) in his own name, and walked out of the gunshop with it. We went to the range that afternoon and he proceeded to put 100 rounds through it into a target at 35 feet, keeping about a three-inch group both double and single action. (I am sooooo envious of young eyes and reflexes!!!)

He still has the 686, regularly goes to the range with me and continues to shoot it embarrassingly well. Has his carry permit (used the 686 for the required range work) and routinely carries it in a shoulder rig (cool weather) or concealed carry vest (warmer weather) or fanny pack (while fishing or hiking/camping). He does so well with it, it gives more credence to the old adage: "Beware the man who owns only one gun. He likely knows how to use it."

(Yes, I know......I'm boasting!!)

 

[Guillermo]

Nice story.



I gave my daughter a Smith model 19 for her 15th Birthday. (4 inch blue from the 60s)

Had no problems with my current wife...she is pro gun or she never would have achieved the title of "current wife".

Some family members (in laws) did chatter like the evil gossips they are. They are not important enough for me to pay attention to but it bothered my current wife. She told them to get quiet or get scarce.

Now 3 years later, as she goes off to college, the evil gossips are all achatter about what armaments my daughter will receive. She got a nice remington 870 M&P w wooden furniture. Also had some antique pearls restrung from her. They had been her grandmothers from the 20's. So the young lady can blast away and be well dressed.

After all, everyone needs a 4 inch 357 and a shotgun

pearls are optional

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I bought myself a new Colt King Cobra for a college graduation present using gift money from family and friends. I could sell all the rest and be happy with just this one gun.

 

[Hondo 60]

This is one of those things my dad would've talked about with my mother BEFORE he said anything to me.

Needless to say I never got a gun as a present.

 

[Nutbustd]

Hondo, that is why you didn't. When I am long gone my son's will think about their gift from me and smile. That is why I didn't ASK first. Thank you for your comment. Nutbustd