My son's 13th birthday

[Que]

My son is turning 13 and I'm trying to figure out what to do for him as he becomes a young man. This will be the first year he goes hunting, so I was thinking about a rifle. Maybe I'll give him my Marlin 357? I was also considering a NRA lifetime membership? Any real help would be appreciated.

 

[Bfish]

I think the rifle would be a great thing! He'll cherish it now and later... The NRA membership is also a great thing but as a kid I don't think he would appreciate it until later so if you go that route I'd do something else in addition to it.

 

[MegaTank]

I have a 13 year old as well. I am new to guns and have not introduced him to shooting just yet. I would suggest giving him some options on a hunting rifle. Maybe take him to shoot some different ones and see what he likes. Let him choose. At that age they enjoy being able to make their own choices. At least that is what I have discovered in my experience.

 

[GunSlinger]

My son is turning 13 and I'm trying to figure out what to do for him as he becomes a young man. This will be the first year he goes hunting, so I was thinking about a rifle. Maybe I'll give him my Marlin 357? I was also considering a NRA lifetime membership? Any real help would be appreciated.

Both are great ideas Que. The pass down of the Marlin will likely be treasured until he can pass it down to his son, and of course the benefits of NRA membership go way beyond protecting our 2nd amendment rights.


Something else to consider Que would be a weekend dad and son semi-survival outing. Just you and he, the outdoors, learning survival skills, and just talking...dad to son and son to dad. Have fun.

 

[1911ly]

Either of those would be an awesome gift. Happy Birthday to your son!

 

[bwframe]

My son is turning 13 and I'm trying to figure out what to do for him as he becomes a young man. This will be the first year he goes hunting, so I was thinking about a rifle. Maybe I'll give him my Marlin 357? I was also considering a NRA lifetime membership? Any real help would be appreciated.

I would give him a path to "earn" both of these things for himself. In my experience, "free" gifts are never really appreciated and sadly not taken proper care of or even used at all.

 

[smidrow]

Either of those would be an awesome gift. Happy Birthday to your son!

Same

Oh Happy Day to HIm

 

[HamsterStyle]

I have this same bday coming up for my oldest in october. I'm debating between guns for him. He is working towards a shotgun and a handgun for shooting matches. Now I just need to figure out which route to take. I think both of your ideas are great ones but I'm with the others as far as they may not be quite fully appreciated at this age yet. Possibly better suited for an 18th birthday when they can truly grasp the meaning. In the meantime, maybe a less expensive rifle and more ammo to really get the hang of it and see if he enjoys hunting. Or start loading up the hunting gear.

 

[IndyDave1776]

Que, I really can't improve on the suggestions already made, but encourage you to remember that the important thing is that whatever you end up doing comes from the heart and that is where the real impact will be found. Your son will only see this transition once and the important thing is that he knows that you are with him as he experiences it. You have already given him what matters the most which is your love. Everything else is just details.

 

[kalboy]

Either would make a great gift. I'm with bwframe, a little sweat equity would make a more valued gift experience. Congrats to son on this milestone and to you for having a son worthy/trustworthy enough to be considered for such gifts.
Enjoy these years as they are all too fleeting.

 

[ajeandy]

Like others have said, he wouldn't understand or appreciate a NRA membership...he'd prefer something tangible like a rifle I'd think

 

[Que]

After I posted this I began to reconsider both of these iotions for reasons already mentioned. I figured the little guy was born in Indiana and still considers it home. Since I'll be getting one of the INGO lowers, I think we can build him a 300 Blackout together. We could get it done in time for deer season.

 

[bcannon]

After I posted this I began to reconsider both of these iotions for reasons already mentioned. I figured the little guy was born in Indiana and still considers it home. Since I'll be getting one of the INGO lowers, I think we can build him a 300 Blackout together. We could get it done in time for deer season.

Great idea Que! You two building it together is going to be one of his favorite memories - hes going to love it and be able to upgrade it or change uppers in time if he chooses(or you) - you get a nomination for "Father of the Year" in my book -

 

[Gluemanz28]

Silencer Shop is still taking Back orders on the Rugged Surge Suppressor. That would make a nice addition to the 300 BO rifle.

 

[target64]

If he is the one I met, I would suggest a Vert Ramp or a quality skateboard. If his career aspirations have changed, then get him the .357 rifle.

 

[BugI02]

Que is Virginia like the flatlands out here and you are limited to straightwall centerfire? Would you hunt in VA or perhaps go to an adjoining state where rifle hunting would be allowed. If so may I suggest a Remington Model 7 in .260 or an 1894 in 30-30. My first real rifle was not handed down to me from my dad, instead he gave me an 1894 'brush gun' and I loved that thing. Later I inherited his other rifles and they mean a great deal to me, but I still have and treasure that 94

 

[Que]

We can hunt with anything bigger than .223 in Virginia. I think OkieGirl posted about someone building a rifle with a kid, but I can't find it right now.

 

[wtfd661]

After I posted this I began to reconsider both of these iotions for reasons already mentioned. I figured the little guy was born in Indiana and still considers it home. Since I'll be getting one of the INGO lowers, I think we can build him a 300 Blackout together. We could get it done in time for deer season.

That sounds like an awesome gift!

 

[snorko]

Whatever you decide, consider sitting down and writing a letter expressing how you feel on his turning 13. Not for him to read now but many years in the future, say when his son is 13.

 

[IndyDave1776]

Whatever you decide, consider sitting down and writing a letter expressing how you feel on his turning 13. Not for him to read now but many years in the future, say when his son is 13.