18th birthday

[Bushwacker44]

My oldest son is turning 18 soon. Looking for some idea's for him. He is into anything hunting and fishing but he works alot and makes decent money so buys his own gear as he needs it.
I am thinking to buy something that he can keep forever.
We basically just archery hunt in my house so we're not into that much on the gun side but very much enjoy shooting and owning guns.
I have never hunted with a rifle but each of my sons have bought there 1st slug gun at 11 and they will hunt a couple days during slug season here each year.
Options I am leaning towards.

-Rifle for deer and elk someday if he wants to.
- AR style for praise dog and coyotes, plus may be illegal someday in the nearer future.
- Pistol, 9 or 10mm, either compact or bear defense for western trips which are pretty often.

Budget is + - $600.
Thought's?

Maybe a real nice knife?

Thanks

 

[GSPHUNTER]

10 MM.

 

[Billy Goat]

I think id be looking at a custom knife myself.

For the budget, you can get a really high quality knife, not so much a firearm.

And firearm styles tend to ebb and flo a bit.

 

[Black Titan]

+1 on a really nice knife, with maybe an engraving or inscription on the blade that may mean something to you both.

BT

 

[SDHNTR]

IMO, pistols and AR’s are soulless. I like the custom knife idea. Way more personal.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

The custom knife is a good idea but I’d be really careful to get something he’d actually want. I was given a very nice custom knife a few years back that I just don’t like using, the geometry and handle just don’t work for me, it may be great for somebody else but I just don’t enjoy using it.

Surprises are great but maybe pick out a maker that works for you and give your kid like a “gift certificate” to the knife maker so he can discuss the project and end up with exactly what he wants all the way down to the grip material.