Paul Kemp, a 64-year-old from Oregon, remembers the pride of giving his son Nathan his first rifle for his 16th birthday.
It was a tradition rooted in family values, respect for firearms, and a shared love of hunting—a rite of passage for Nathan, who had bagged his first squirrel at just 7 years old... Continue reading here ▶
“Hunting was a family tradition,” Kemp explained. “Everybody enjoyed it. It was something we did together.”
For many American families, gifting a firearm to a child is a way to bond over hunting or sport shooting, a tradition passed down through generations.
But in recent years, this practice has been overshadowed by concerns about the risks associated with firearms—accidental shootings, gun violence, and tragic misuse.
Balancing Tradition and Risk
Gifting guns has long been a part of American culture, symbolizing responsibility and independence.
As Stephen Gutowski, editor of The Reload and a certified firearms instructor, notes, “A lot of people value firearms as part of their lives and want to pass that on to their children.”
However, high-profile incidents have raised serious questions about this tradition. In Oxford, Michigan, and Winder, Georgia, teenage school shooters used guns gifted by their parents, leading to criminal charges against the parents for negligence.
Gutowski emphasizes the importance of safety. “Gun ownership comes with great responsibility, especially when children are involved,” he said. “There are safe ways to introduce children to firearms, but parents need to ensure proper storage and handling.”
A Personal Tragedy
Kemp himself understands the dangers of firearms in the wrong hands. Just days after gifting his son a rifle, his brother-in-law, Steve Forsyth, was killed in a mass shooting at the Clackamas Town Center Mall. This tragedy inspired Kemp to co-found Gun Owners for Responsible Ownership, a group advocating for safe firearm practices and responsible gun storage.
“Firearm safety was always a priority in my family,” Kemp said. “I learned it from my grandfather and uncles, and I taught my son the same.” His organization has distributed thousands of gun lock boxes to promote safe storage.
The Legal Landscape
Federal law allows parents to gift firearms to minors under certain conditions, such as hunting or target practice, but state laws vary. Some states require secure storage of firearms to prevent unauthorized access, especially by children.
Despite these laws, firearm-related incidents remain a leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S. In 2022, firearms accounted for 18% of childhood deaths, surpassing car accidents. Many accidental shootings occur when children find unsecured guns at home, mistaking them for toys.
A Complex Conversation
While the risks are undeniable, many families see gun ownership as a positive, educational experience. Jason Kelvie, head coach of the Lakeville South Clay Target team in Minnesota, helps high schoolers learn the sport of clay target shooting. His own children, aged 13 to 17, participate in the league, using shotguns Kelvie keeps securely stored in a safe.
“It’s something we do together,” Kelvie said. “It’s entertaining, challenging, and rewarding.”
The USA Clay Target League, which emphasizes safety, has reported no injuries since its inception in 2008. For families like Kelvie’s, the tradition of shooting is about bonding and skill-building, not violence.
Lessons from Tragedy
Cases like the Oxford school shooting highlight the consequences of failing to secure firearms. James and Jennifer Crumbley, whose son used a gun they gifted to commit the shooting, were convicted of manslaughter. Prosecutors argued the parents ignored warning signs and failed to properly secure the weapon, which was hidden without a locking device.
In another case, Colin Gray, a father in Georgia, faces charges for giving his son access to a rifle despite previous threats of violence.
While such cases are rare, they have pushed the boundaries of accountability, raising tough questions about the responsibilities of parents who introduce firearms to their children.
A Tradition Worth Protecting
For most families, gifting a gun is a cherished tradition rooted in trust, education, and shared hobbies. But as Gutowski points out, “The vast majority of parents who buy guns for their kids won’t face tragic outcomes. The key is responsible ownership and safety.”
