Which handguns to put away for the kids?

General Firearms Handguns - Semi Auto
1

This may seem silly, but who knows what the future brings and in any case I want my kids to have the tools they need for any foreseeable scenario. To that end, I recently bought my kids each an AR15 for when they are older. They are only 7 and 8 now, so we have quite a while. For that purchase, I got them simple Colts.

Now the focus has shifted to handguns. I want to get them each a handgun to throw in the safe until they are 21. Yes, that is a long time from now, but now that things have stabilized and prices are coming down it makes sense for us.

I had in mind Gen4 Glock 19’s, but am second guessing that thought having handled guns like the S&W Core, H&K USP9 and others.

I am sure between now and 14+ years from now there will be other advancements (who knows what generation Glocks will be up to), but I don’t really want to take a chance. In any case, if something better than what I go with becomes available, it wouldn’t be unrealistic to sell them and go with the latest and greatest, pending my magazine requirement detailed below.

My main requirements are:
Reliability, durability, etc.
9mm - no other calibers for this purpose
High capacity magazine (15+ rounds)
Easy to find spare parts
Somewhat concealable (probably excludes the USP9 from the list)
Magazine commonality*

The magazines are a significant issue. Whatever I end up buying I will also buy at least 20 magazines each off the bat and occasionally add to the pile. I can’t imagine that Glock would change the magazine to suit a new generation so I feel somewhat better about replacing Glocks with newer generations as they are released. That being said, I am not very familiar with the history of the other manufacturers and their track record regarding magazines. If anyone could enlighten me, it would be appreciated.

In all of this, cost isn’t really a factor. Buy once cry once and all…

So my questions are:

  1. Is anyone else doing this or am I being ridiculous?
  2. What would (did) you go with? Glock, S&W, H&K or something else?

These are handguns I am buying specifically for them. They will, of course, inherit my weapons as well.

Thank you for reading and your input!!!

2

Have you thought about a Beretta M9/FS92/M9A1/FS92A1? Reason I bring it up is myself and several friends had this discussion about guns to put up for a rainy day as it were, and one brought up the fact that with the Beretta being the issue gun for the military, parts, mags, and accessories are out there in abundance. The ones I have used that weren’t military have been reliable and more than accurate. As far as concealable, well they are no worse than a 1911 to me, and I have carried 1911s conceals. Again, lots of mags and parts out there, as are holsters.

Anyway, it is a thought. I am sure I am not making things easier for you, but I would want to have as many options in making a decision like this as possible.

3

You had it right the first time. Glock 19.

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4

Like you said, my kids will get everything I have one day anyway, so I would start with bb guns then rim fires, until they get old enough to really know what they prefer. I would then buy them their gun of choice, within reason if they were to target shoot, trap/skeet, hunt. Buy the best you can afford. As your kids get older you may find they have a different in preference in types guns than you do. I do not see anything wrong with putting away a couple of AR’s or anything else for a rainy day. Keep in mind some of my most cherished guns, the ones with the most sentimental value, are not really worth a damm quality or collectability wise, but the memories of the shooting or hunting adventures with dad or kids make them priceless to me. In he end it will be a win win for everyone.

5

Can’t go wrong with the G19.

6

I would not buy any pistol you are not going to use for the next 13+ years. That Gen4 will probably seem pitiful compared to the Gen7 available in 2027.

7

I think the Glock 19 will be the best combo of all the things you are looking for.

8

I find the 92 way worse than the 1911 in this regard due to width. Actually, width the the #1 issue when concealing a handgun IME. You may differ on that.

That said, it can be done and would be an excellent choice for a hand-down gun, along with a quality 1911, g19 (I would ensure its good), M&P(same if 9), or a sig226 or such.

For your purpose, I would stick with a basic, very common, quality gun. You may also want to consider holding out for the new striker HK as it looks promising last I heard.

9

I am doing a similar things for my grandchildren. Already got an AR15 and G19 for each of my adult daughters. I buy extras of other things so there is something for grandkids in each of their families. Garands, M1 Carbines, AKs, more Glocks, hunting rifles, lots of mags and ammo. We use them all now but there is more than I need and they have room for. So I keep them until they are on their own or I keel over.

Hopefully we can keep the collection current with newer models and platforms. But at least they will have a few field and combat proven arms to start with.

10

For me it generally comes down to a combination or width and the length of the grip. Compared to my USP Expert a 92 is thin and sleek. Also in regards to width for me as long as it isn’t where the holster is in regards to me belt it doesn’t bother me. For example, I would rather carry a 92, IWB than a small frame revolver usually. it’s all relative. I know guys who bitch about the width of a glock and still find a .380 pocket pistol a pain, and then others who as long as the holster is decent they really don’t care. I don’t fall into either extreme, but I am towards the decent holster, don’t more than it has to be comfortable beyond all else.

11

given that you have at least 10+ years, I would think that you could buy ANY of those pistols then slowly stock up on magazines and a whole host of spare parts to last them a lifetime.

12

This.

If you’re going to be putting plastic fantastics away for your kids, I’d let small arms evolution take its course - the money you spend now on the latest and greatest will be anything but by then.

Instead, I’d invest in heirloom weapons: BHPs, P7s, NHC and Wilson 1911s, &c. Stuff that will never go “out of style” and that your kids will truly appreciate and love.

That reminds me… I should find a P7 PSP. Still kicking myself over letting the last one go…

13

In terms of Your needs - USP9F. I respectfully disagree that USP can’t be CC as I do it every day with no problems at all.
Of course - You are not ridiculous! All my respects to Your sense of paternal responsibility!

14

I bought my kids each a 10/22 for Xmas a few years back. I’ve thought about getting each of them a G19, so your idea is not too far off. Mine are older now, however. The best thing you can do now is start to teach them responsible gun handling and marksmanship.

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15

I had the exact same thoughts about 13-14 years ago. I ended up with an AR and a Glock 19 for each kid.

Yes the Beretta is the issued gun for the US Military currently and this may have a positive effect on parts availability. But the Glock platform is also widely issued and parts air around.

I would stock up on some of the wear parts such as gas rings on the AR and recoil springs on the Glock.

I went with the Glock 19 as I felt (and still do feel) that it is one of the best “all around” guns. It’s size is such that it can function as a full size duty weapon/holster gun while still being small enough to realistically carry concealed.

As much as I liked the Glock 19 gen3 guns I bought for myself and for my kids, my Glock 19 is semi retired. I bought a new Glock 19 gen4 last fall. Mine has a test fire date of Halloween 2013. It shows none of the issues that have plagued the Glocks for a period. The ability to add the back straps for people like myself with larger hands is enough of an advantage that I would buy gen 4 Glock 19’s if I were doing it today.

Don’t forget to store away magazines and ammunition as well as the guns, no matter which one you chose.

I also obtained a copy of the Glock armor’s course from a friend and included a copy with each kid’s stash. The nice thing about the Glock system is if you can read an armor’s manual, you can work on your gun. It’s really not that complicated of a system to work on at all.

16

I doubt that.

It’s been 9 years since I bought my first Glock and to this day if I could only keep one of my guns…it would be that one.

They work, they work well, they have a ton of market and aftermarket support, mags are inexpensive, common, and work well, they have proven themselves. Even with new generations coming out, the previous models are still perfectly viable. Some people even prefer their Gen2 to what’s new, or their old Gen3.

17

Gen 3 G19 or G17 are proven,the verdict is still on on the 4th serie’s.

18

I would recommend buying 10 full capacity mags for whichever pistol you choose for your children. They will probably thank you for your foresight.

19

I might feel the same way about a pistol that fit my needs well for 9 years. But are the OP’s kids going to feel that way about old-tech they have no connection with? Inheriting a father’s well-used gun has an emotional component, but an unused common production gun is just NOS not a Colt Python to drool over. If their peers are buying Glocks with integrated range finder, camera, GPS, IR laser Linked to Google glass display, etc. the heartfelt gift may not be received so graciously.

20

Honestly, if a scenario developed where the only firearms available to them are those “put away” for them, I would go for a full-size service weapon. Add a supply of magazines and at least 1k of ammo for each handgun and 2k for each long gun.

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