My son transferred to a Parole and Probation Officer position in Missouri and I gave him my like new Glock 19 yesterday for his service weapon. This is our youngest son and he spent 4 years in college as a Criminal Justice major and took a State job right out of college almost a year ago. I loaded him up with 7 mags, cleaning kit, cleaning mat for a Glock, and 1000 rounds of range ammo. This son was a better shot than I have ever been after less than 100 rounds years ago.

Kind of a bittersweet gift to him as I am really proud of this kid and glad I could pass the Glock to him but it finally sunk into my thick head that our son is a full grown man now and I can’t be the one protecting him any longer.

quote:

Originally posted by SummersAtTheLake:
...it finally sunk into my thick head that our son is a full grown man now and I can’t be the one protecting him any longer.

You did the next best thing: you gave him something to protect himself with.

They do grow up. At least you can be proud of the (former) pup.

Congrats on being a good father.

When my oldest son said he was going to be a Deputy Sheriff I wasn't happy about it . It's a dangerous world we live in and naturally I was worried about him .
He's been on the road for 5 yrs , has become an FTO and loves his job . It took him a long time to settle down and get focused on something and all I can do is say a prayer for him and be proud that he's doing something he loves . The Sheriff is a good guy and supports his people and that helps .
I gave him my Glock 43 when he graduated to use as his off duty carry gun .

The gift of weapons between warriors is a solemn and honored tradition, doubly so when it is a father and son. He will treasure that pistol forever

Thanks for all the comments. We had known our son was going to be in some branch of Law Enforcement since he started college but we (and him also) just wasn't sure where he would start. He was first heavily recruited to work in the state prison in Jefferson City, MO but declined that offer (and my wife and I are very happy with that decision) and focused on getting accepted in the State of Missouri Probation and Parole Dept and was able to get in pretty quickly...he started off monitoring and tracking "Clients" that have ankle bracelets on.
We actually live in the District that is in his territory and that is great. The only semi-auto handgun he can carry while on duty is a Glock and if it is a 9mm the only ammo allowed is 147gr JHP...no firearm or ammo is provided.
Thanks again and yes I am one proud Dad

You say, “I can’t be the one protecting him any longer.”

You’ll still always have his back but your realization is a real watershed moment to prepare you for more watershed moments in your life ahead.

Well done, SummersAtTheLake!

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Originally posted by HayesGreener:
The gift of weapons between warriors is a solemn and honored tradition, doubly so when it is a father and son. He will treasure that pistol forever

Well said, HayesGreener!

Congrats on your son’s new position, and for you on giving your son the Glock. It’s a tough feeling to realize your children have become full grown adults. I passed on and gifted my 22 y/o son some firearms and have also enrolled him into training classes with me once he turned 21. This may be the last summer he’s around so I made the decision that I would allocate between 3500-4000 rounds for training over the next few months. I am enjoying our time and hoping he continues to develop the correct mindset and skills to defend himself in any situation. I might suggest enrolling in classes together, the skills he picks up might be the ones that save his life. The memories and bonding will stay with him forever.