@dyslexia,
dyslexia wrote:
keeping in mind he is an 8 yr old and being specific would you recommend a 357 revolver?
I wouldn't recommend a revolver for an eight-year old. As we know from their admirable work record in the cotton mills and coal mines, their nimble little fingers are adept at manipulating small things, so loading the weapon wouldn't pose too much of a problem, but those darn kids are always losing things, and it would be just like them to scatter their bullets around like so many loose Crayolas. No, I think it would have to be a clip-loaded side arm.
Another consideration is size: experience tells us that a child of that age can't get a good grip on many adult-sized firearms. You don't want to have your child draw a bead on a classmate or teacher and then be unable to pull the trigger because the grip is too big for his little hand. Also, it should be lightweight, so that Junior won't have any problems carrying it back and forth to school in his lunch bag or backpack. On the other hand, it should be rugged -- you know how rough kids that age can be on their toys.
I suggest the Colt Pony.
A bit heavier than other subcompacts, it compensates by firing a .380 round instead of many of its competitors' .22, which, let's face it, doesn't pack the kind of stopping power that you need for today's super-bullies. It looks good when it's fired sideways -- all the kids are doing that these days, emulating their heroes from the MTV. It's also American-made, which will score points with the kids at show-and-tell.
Lots of punch in a small package, just what your child needs to feel confident throughout the school day. I'm sure you can get good bargains on this handgun at your local pawn shop, flea market, or playground. And let's face it: what kid doesn't want a pony?