Need a recommendation for a gun for my FIL

[Reynard]

Take him to a shop/range and let him try some and see what he likes. I strongly suggest you don't buy him one without doing that, you can buy him something he's comfortable with that way.

 

[jcreek]

Actually that's not true. The question on the 4473 is "Are you they actual BUYER of this firearm." If you use money out of your pocket to buy the gun you are the actual buyer regardless if you want to give it away at a later date. What you can't do is take someone else's money, go to the gun store, and use their money to buy them or a 3rd party a gun. That is illegal.

I think you are correct on that; however, it is still a risk because, if after you buy it for your father-in-law, in five years if he sells it to someone, and that person commits a crime with it and it gets traced, then it will come back to bite you in the arse.

It's always a possibility that the law might try to harass you but unless they can prove that you were buying it on behalf of someone else there's not much they can do. That's part of the legislation Illinois is trying to pass. As it stands right now you could go out buy a pistol, sell it the next day, and even if that person commits a crime with it and they trace it to you, all you have to say is you sold it. You're not required to keep a record of sale or anything so the trace effectively ends there and you're off the hook unless they have hard evidence you knew or should have known this person was going to commit a crime.

 

[wolf_fire]

We're going to get a pistol for my father-in-law for fathers day. He recently got his concealed carry. He hasn't been able to afford to buy one because things keep coming up. He DOES have a few features he likes.

9mm, .40 or. 45
Exposed hammer (he doesn't trust internal ones)
External safety/decocker
Not too small (he has large hands like me)
And for me, price $500 or less

I looked at a Taurus that I liked in 9mm.

Suggestions?

A firearm is an extremely personal choice. One has to actually grip many, preferably fire many to make a wise decision on what one will have for protection on a daily basis. I admire your wishes to purchase him one. Why don't you get him a gift certificate to the gun store for $500? Let him be the one that picks it out, and if turns out less than $500, you just bought him a holster and maybe some ammo too.

 

[Kinvoda]

I agree with the take him to the gun shop crowd. It can still be a surprise. Tell him you are looking at guns and wondered if he would like to go along. Have him try what he likes obviously ask which one he would buy if he was able, then say,"Great we will take that one."

 

[Lowjiber]

Don't buy it yourself. Take him to the range and rent a Glock 26 or 27. He'll be hooked.

I have a safe full of guns, but the "Baby Glocks" are by far my favorites for concealed carry.

 

[bfreak72]

Ruger P95 9mm excellent gun or the $$ under $400 gives enough room to buy him some ammo too.. this gun is full sized and very dependable great shooter every time and you can not go wrong with A
ruger.. just type in P95 on youtube and you can see plenty of vids on this gun

 

[cluznar]

The Ruger P95 is a great gun for home and range but for carry go with the Ruger SR9c which is one really nice carry gun.
It only costs a little more than the P95 and will conceal much better.

:triniti: