The American tradition of gun gifts to kids as a New Yorker-Virginian

For my last post, I revisited the timeless classic of Ralph Barker and his Christmas wish for a bb gun. That article led me to think about how the gun world reacts to children receiving firearms as gifts. As a native New Yorker and 16 year Virginia resident I've been torn on the issue myself. There has always been the American tradition of teaching children how to shoot for survival and protection. It's been used as a moment for parents to bond with their children. Most states gun laws protect the gift giving by allowing one to just past a gun without a background check. I live in the state of Virginia.

"If an 18 year old 

can prove he was 

gifted a pistol, 

nothing can be done 

to take it from him". 

A child has to be at least 18 years old to be gifted a pistol. There is no minimum age for a child if gifting a rifle or shotgun. That means you can purchase a ruger 22 rifle, and give it to your 3 year old for Christmas. The law also states that a person must be 21 years of age in order to purchase a pistol from a dealer. Now this to me can seem like a conflict. An 18 year old can have legal possession of a firearm if it was a gift, but can not purchase one in store. If an 18 year old can prove he was gifted a pistol, nothing can be done to take it from him. I can see how to many this can feel disturbing. Many states within our government function in this manor.

I'm not sure if I'd gift my child a firearm.  He knows that I enjoy guns and have even seen them. He really doesn't show any interest in guns. He's 9 years old by the way. I think that guns are something that need to be taught from a book at first. Kids who grow up around them tend to not be as intrigued as one's who don't. As a New Yorker, curiosity comes easier. you can't have any weapons in the city. Not even a taser gun is allowed. I moved to Virginia at the age of 18 and couldn't wait until I was 21 to purchase my first firearm. It was a Ruger P89 in 9mm.

The question still remains....How many people in the United States actually gift guns to their children. I'm curious to know the answer.