The Gift

Giving a gift is personal. Reasons we give may vary from wanting to share something we enjoy or to provide a friend or loved one with something they need or want. Caring about the safety of others is natural. We want our friends and loved ones to be safe when we are not able to protect them. A firearm is a choice many make.

Keep a few things in mind when shopping for a gift for your husband, wife, sibling, offspring, or parent. A firearm is very personal purchase. What fits you may not fit someone else... like shoes. What appeals to you may not appeal to someone else.

Consider the Purpose, Fit, Ease of Use, Cost, Legality, Accessories, and the Gift of Training!

 

Consider the PURPOSE

  • Recreational Use

  • Home Defense

  • Self Defense

  • Skill specific

  • Concealed Carry

  • Type of firearm (pistol, revolver, rifle, carbine, shotgun, pistol grip shotgun)

Consider FIT

Hands come in all shapes and sizes, palm widths, finger length and strength, natural thumb position, etc.

Caliber, size, weight, round capacity, felt recoil, trigger pull weight, grip size, strength required to rack the slide - these are all factors to consider when choosing a firearm for yourself or another. When considering a long gun purchase, add arm length to the proper fit.

For example, a .22LR revolver is light, holds 9-11 rounds, has light felt recoil, but has 9-12 pounds of trigger pull weight (think about lifting a gallon of milk with your index finger).

 
 

Consider Ease of Use

All firearms are not created equal. Consider the differences between manufactures and models of firearms and level of difficulty in operation, breakdown, and cleaning of each. The best way to find out for yourself is to take a field trip to a local gun shop and handle a variety of firearms. If the shop has a shooting range with rentals available, this would be a good way to try several to narrow down the search; however, most range rental programs have a relatively small selection compared to the number of makes and models available on the market.

Start making a list then watch videos online by reputable and well known reviewers such as Hickok45.

If you have questions, contact us!

Consider the COST

Of ammunition, for example, 9mm and .380 ammunition are both nice calibers for women, but 9mm is more economical and readily available.

One of the smallest calibers, the .22 Long Rifle, is a great caliber for target pistols and practice. The low recoil of the .22LR will aid in reducing flinching, identifying, and correcting shooter errors. The cost of ammunition is $3 per box of 50 rounds of .22LR versus $20 per box of 50 rounds of .45 cal. ammunition (pre-2020-pandemic prices).

A fact is that .22LR can also be an effective caliber for self-defense.

Shot Placement > Caliber Size

This is where range training comes into play in order to develop effective shooting techniques. Investing in training is investing in your own personal safety, as well as the safety of your family and loved ones. Practice techniques you learn in training to become more comfortable and confident in the safe handling and operation of your firearm(s).

Consider the LEGALITY

You are responsible for knowing whether or not it is legal to purchase a firearm as a gift. Be sure the person receiving the gift is not prohibited. Purchasing a firearm for a person who cannot legally obtain a firearm for themselves is considered a "straw purchase". Find more information here. The best way to avoid this is to give a gift card so the recipient is able to purchase the firearm, complete the 4473 form, background check, and have the firearm 'in their name' (important if the firearm is ever lost or stolen). Obey all regulations regarding gifting and transferring firearms. For example, in the state of Missouri, individuals may give, sell, or transfer firearms to other Missouri residents only. If gifting a firearm across state lines (minding the regulations in the state the recipient resides), the transfer must be completed through a FFL dealer. Remember documentation! A transfer statement between parties is important. It transfers possession of the firearm to the recipient which is especially important if the firearm is lost or stolen. Also keep in mind that, as long as federal law is followed, a dealer may have more strict rules for selling firearms - for example, some dealers will not allow a husband to purchase a firearm as a gift for his wife who is not prohibited from purchasing a firearm themselves.

Consider ACCESSORIES

Remember to include accessories, range equipment, hearing and eye protection, cleaning supplies, extra magazines, a magazine loader, skill specific attire (for example shooting gloves, trap shooting vest, shell pouch), de-lead wipes and soaps, and firearm cleaning equipment.

Safety. Consider a safe for the home, or vehicle, or personal safes.

Passes to a local shooting range or a range membership would also make a great gift.

Firearms training is an important part of responsible firearms ownership.

We are all students for life.

Consider a gift of Range Angels training for yourself, family, and other loved ones!

The GIFT OF TRAINING

Most of all: Remember to give the GIFT OF TRAINING. Firearm safety and training is a critical component to responsible firearms ownership. The best way to prevent accidents by unauthorized persons is to educate the family, secure the firearm, and restrict access by unauthorized persons. Include everyone in the family. Training is often overlooked or set aside for some day down the road. Giving training as a gift is a great way to open the opportunity to those you love to learn how to operate, store, and transport their firearm; become an effective and comfortable shooter, and build confidence on the range and in self-defense at home and away. Providing age appropriate training is one method of keeping everyone in the family safe. Just as we teach our children to be careful of the hot stove, and around the vehicles, it is equally important that they receive training on firearm safety, including what to do if they happen onto an unattended firearm at a friend’s house or at the park. Then, as the child grows to an age of maturity, the training can expand to the safe and proper use, maintenance, and operation of firearms.