Every law-abiding American needs a Battle Rifle (7.62x51), an Assault Rifle (.223 or 7.62x39), a Tactical Sniper/Hunting Rifle (MOA accurate at 300 yrds), a 12 or 20 Ga. Shotgun, a .22 rifle and handgun, a Service Sidearm (9mm or better), and a Concealable Handgun, along with high capacity magazines, optics, accessories, and plenty of ammunition for each.
Guns everyone should own...
- Thread starter BigBL87
- Start date
22-rimfire
New member
That's where I started at age 14 and finished with the handguns at 21. But then, something happened..... I wanted one of each of everything....
22 rifle, 20 ga pump shotgun, 243 rifle, then 22 revolver and 357 mag revolver. That finished out the "necessities". Then I added a bunch of other calibers and guns and got rid of the 20 ga for a 12 ga; rid of the 243 for a 270 win. Then more 22's, more handguns, more rifles, more more more.Yossarian.22
Inactive
I think it really all just depends on what you like or want to do.
Before the “craziness” I would have said a .22LR should be included for practise (pistol or rifle - depending on what you like to shoot and/or have in larger calibers)
...after that it’s all in what suits you.
For hunting - a bolt action rifle with scope (probably in .223 or larger)....maybe a shotgun for birds.
For self defense, a shotgun or semi-automatic pistol (.38 to .45 cal).
Target shooters - a very well made .22.
History lovers (and some deer hunters) might want one of the Winchester Lever Action models...or maybe a (modern or original) M-1, or Springfield ‘03.
Purists might include a muzzle loader in their set.
It’s really a tough question, but fun to think about.
Before the “craziness” I would have said a .22LR should be included for practise (pistol or rifle - depending on what you like to shoot and/or have in larger calibers)
...after that it’s all in what suits you.
For hunting - a bolt action rifle with scope (probably in .223 or larger)....maybe a shotgun for birds.
For self defense, a shotgun or semi-automatic pistol (.38 to .45 cal).
Target shooters - a very well made .22.
History lovers (and some deer hunters) might want one of the Winchester Lever Action models...or maybe a (modern or original) M-1, or Springfield ‘03.
Purists might include a muzzle loader in their set.
It’s really a tough question, but fun to think about.
waveslayer
New member
6.5 Grendel
Unlicensed Dremel
Moderator
Meh - there's no no guns *everyone* should own. Just depends upon use.
I suppose some sort of defensive handgun would come closest to having a universal need.
2nd place would be .22lr rifle, OR a SHTF/WROL EBR type rifle, depending upon whether you plink or not, then after that, in 3rd place, would be whichever one of those two was NOT your 2nd place choice.
Arguably, a defensive-setup shotgun.
Add hunting, you really open it up to a lot of options.
I suppose some sort of defensive handgun would come closest to having a universal need.
2nd place would be .22lr rifle, OR a SHTF/WROL EBR type rifle, depending upon whether you plink or not, then after that, in 3rd place, would be whichever one of those two was NOT your 2nd place choice.
Arguably, a defensive-setup shotgun.
Add hunting, you really open it up to a lot of options.
Just in terms of practicality and versatility:
1) Shotgun: additional barrels are relatively inexpensive; useful for sport (trap/skeet), hunting and home defense. Good for birds to bears.
2) .22 rifle: superb for training, target, plinking - for those sensitive to recoil an excellent choice; ammo inexpensive, small and light. Can be used for home defense though not ideal.
3) Centerfire revolver, preferably .357. Simple for experienced and inexperienced shooters; can use everything from from wadcutters to magnum cartridges.
4) Take your choice - start with centerfire rifle...
1) Shotgun: additional barrels are relatively inexpensive; useful for sport (trap/skeet), hunting and home defense. Good for birds to bears.
2) .22 rifle: superb for training, target, plinking - for those sensitive to recoil an excellent choice; ammo inexpensive, small and light. Can be used for home defense though not ideal.
3) Centerfire revolver, preferably .357. Simple for experienced and inexperienced shooters; can use everything from from wadcutters to magnum cartridges.
4) Take your choice - start with centerfire rifle...
8MM Mauser
New member
This is what I'm working on right now. I just need the .22 rifle. I agree with this idea. Now; there are other guns I will want of course...
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
A centerfire rifle.
Really, that is all one needs.
Really, that is all one needs.
8MM Mauser
New member
Right, I'll take my Mauser duck hunting and then take it along with me when I drive through the dangerous part of Detroit for work. Where can I get a holster for this thing?
If there was any "one gun" that a person "needed" it would probably be a shotgun since it would fulfill multiple roles better.
In any case this ignores a plethora of legitimate reasons to own a gun such as hunting (anything small and fast, or a bird, or both) personal protection (a centerfire rifle is rarely a great choice for self defense in or out of the home, and just try strapping one on and going out for groceries) and practice (because I can personally attest that feeding a centerfire rifle is not cheap, and it is a skill set which has to be carefully maintained.)
This is of course just my opinion.
Waspinator
New member
I'll play 
At the bare minimum, I think everyone could be happy and "get by" with 5 firearms. Opinion will vary, but I think everyone should own the following, in no particular order....
1: 12 gauge shotgun.
2: .357 Revolver.
3: 9mm, .40 S&W or .45acp semi-auto, you choice.
4: .22lr of any sort, either rifle, semi-auto pistol or revolver, depending on how you want to use it (varmits, plinking, target shooting or practice for another gun on the cheap).
5: Center fire rifle, any caliber (depending on your use) or configuration (semi, bolt, lever or pump).
After that it is all up in the air. Go nuts!
At the bare minimum, I think everyone could be happy and "get by" with 5 firearms. Opinion will vary, but I think everyone should own the following, in no particular order....
1: 12 gauge shotgun.
2: .357 Revolver.
3: 9mm, .40 S&W or .45acp semi-auto, you choice.
4: .22lr of any sort, either rifle, semi-auto pistol or revolver, depending on how you want to use it (varmits, plinking, target shooting or practice for another gun on the cheap).
5: Center fire rifle, any caliber (depending on your use) or configuration (semi, bolt, lever or pump).
After that it is all up in the air. Go nuts!
green_MTman
New member
Franchi engraved over under 20ga
Dakota M 10 single shot 45-70 or .450 marlin
Weatherby mark 5 30-378 or 338-378
Cooper 22.WMR or .22 Hornet
weatherby .240wby
Dakota M 76 7mm Dakota
H&R .410
Dakota M 10 single shot 45-70 or .450 marlin
Weatherby mark 5 30-378 or 338-378
Cooper 22.WMR or .22 Hornet
weatherby .240wby
Dakota M 76 7mm Dakota
H&R .410
The 5-gun lists in this thread, I think, cover the breadth very well. To me, depth is important as well. Having one gun is like having no guns because the one may fail. If having two guns is better, then you really need three to make sure you really have a reliable depth.
So, have the shotgun, revolver, .22LR, centerfile rifle, semi-automatic pistol... but get two or three of each gun - or at least of each caliber, before branching too far out.
So, have the shotgun, revolver, .22LR, centerfile rifle, semi-automatic pistol... but get two or three of each gun - or at least of each caliber, before branching too far out.
SerenityNetworks
New member
For a different slant, how about the SBS (yet still in my head) that I like to call the "Prepper's Dream".
Mossberg 500 12ga converted to a SBS (Short Barreled Shotgun)
Match the SBS up with a 9mm/.40/.45 semi-auto pistol that will support a .22 conversion kit and you are all set with a solid starting point for any occasion. (Well, maybe not goose hunting. That might be a bit too much for a 13.5" barrel, even with a full choke.)
Mossberg 500 12ga converted to a SBS (Short Barreled Shotgun)
- 13.5" barrel
- Magazine to accommodate both 3" and 2-3/4" shells (as a 4+1)
- Folding stock
- Choke tube threading
- Choke tubes
- High quality caliber conversion tubes that will cycle through a pump. Will need 3 to 5 of each caliber/gauge desired for multi-shot capability.
Match the SBS up with a 9mm/.40/.45 semi-auto pistol that will support a .22 conversion kit and you are all set with a solid starting point for any occasion. (Well, maybe not goose hunting. That might be a bit too much for a 13.5" barrel, even with a full choke.)
L_Killkenny
New member
Required guns is very subjective to personal taste and geographic location. Coming from a small town, rural environment I can tell you there are a good many people, even serious outdoor orientated people, that get by just fine with nothing more than a 12 or 20. Heck, there is guns listed here in top 5's that wouldn't make my top 10. Heck, some wouldn't make my top 20. In most if not all cases these lists are much more geared towards wants and perceived needs than actual needs. That's cool, to each their own.
1) 12ga pump with multiple barrels. Prefer an 18" smoothbore slug barrel w/ rifle sights and a 22" choke tube barrel. Longer barrel would be nice (and yes I do have one hiding in the dark recesses of the safe) if there was still any upland game and I don't do ducks/geese. But with 2 or 3 barrels that just ain't much needs done that can't be done.
2) .22 rifle. Preference towards semi and specifically the Ruger 10/22 with some trigger work thrown in. Not much this will do that a shotgun can't but it's quieter, handier, lighter ammo, etc.
3) Centerfire Rifle. This is really just a want around here. Coyotes, vermin, etc. Again nothing that can't be effectively killed with a shotgun but it can't be argued that it's range adds a pleasant benefit. My choice, .243.
4) A Kit gun. In all reality I have 4. Bounce back and forth between a Bersa T22, a 4.5" Ruger 22/45, a .32H&R Single Six and a 3" S&W M36 in .38sp. In reality they all work for the needs of a Kit gun but I'm leaning towards the M36. It's my newest, the one I've looked hardest for AND it's more "conventional" for the next item than the others. Pick one.
5) CC gun. In reality you are far from unarmed with any of the kit guns at your side but if you're a stickler for proper cartridges/platform than you may want to add this to your collection. I won't.
If you can't get by with this list you're probably doing something wrong. (LEO's being an exception, add a full size handgun).
1) 12ga pump with multiple barrels. Prefer an 18" smoothbore slug barrel w/ rifle sights and a 22" choke tube barrel. Longer barrel would be nice (and yes I do have one hiding in the dark recesses of the safe) if there was still any upland game and I don't do ducks/geese. But with 2 or 3 barrels that just ain't much needs done that can't be done.
2) .22 rifle. Preference towards semi and specifically the Ruger 10/22 with some trigger work thrown in. Not much this will do that a shotgun can't but it's quieter, handier, lighter ammo, etc.
3) Centerfire Rifle. This is really just a want around here. Coyotes, vermin, etc. Again nothing that can't be effectively killed with a shotgun but it can't be argued that it's range adds a pleasant benefit. My choice, .243.
4) A Kit gun. In all reality I have 4. Bounce back and forth between a Bersa T22, a 4.5" Ruger 22/45, a .32H&R Single Six and a 3" S&W M36 in .38sp. In reality they all work for the needs of a Kit gun but I'm leaning towards the M36. It's my newest, the one I've looked hardest for AND it's more "conventional" for the next item than the others. Pick one.
5) CC gun. In reality you are far from unarmed with any of the kit guns at your side but if you're a stickler for proper cartridges/platform than you may want to add this to your collection. I won't.
If you can't get by with this list you're probably doing something wrong. (LEO's being an exception, add a full size handgun).
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