Guitarmike
Member
- Ruger American 9mm pistol
- AR 15
- AK 47
The Essentials
- Thread starter John Joseph
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I agree with many of the recommendations here but in order to keep it simple for me I do away with my conceal carry which is a 1911, and go with the 44 magnum revolver my 44 magnum lever action and browning buck mark. This would simplify the number of calibers down to 2.
coloradokevin
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My essentials would include:
1) a precision bolt gun for long range use.
2) an AR-15 for home defense, etc.
3) a shotgun.
4) a full size and subcompact Glock.
5) a .22LR for plinking.
1) a precision bolt gun for long range use.
2) an AR-15 for home defense, etc.
3) a shotgun.
4) a full size and subcompact Glock.
5) a .22LR for plinking.
Hokkmike
Member
I suppose if it came down to the bare minimum an O/U rifle/shot gun combo would win the day with an accompanying sidearm or pocket gun to match the caliber of the rifle. Shotty to be 12 gauge of course.
This reads like the "essential five" guns we were instructed to buy back in the 80's and 90's. Things have changed since the sunset of the AWB and CCW being nearly universal.
I'd say an AR in 5.56 and a 9mm carry gun are the essentials now. I can hunt, defend my home, and defend myself when out and about with just those two and it still allows a wide latitude of choice. I have also taught my children how to shoot with them. When we got to a public range those are predominantly what we see, too. There is a shotgun facility there and I have seen it used once over the years, and .22 is rarely encountered, even as new clean brass on the range gravel.
I'd say the newer generations aren't as interested in recreational guns as much. They are working, some with two part time jobs, if married they have their free time occupied in other uses. There is also a drop off in hunter licenses sold and that means less recreational guns being sold for that. For the less well off among us in the younger generation, buying a shotgun or bolt action isn't what he sees his friends doing. Nope. It's a 9mm carry gun and AR15/AK or go home.
What do we read here? An older generation griping about the .22 shortage, and retirees are a growing trend, so there is the reason for that. Not the younger guys. Oldsters also have time and disposable income for bird hunting, which is the #1 use for shotguns, not military or home defense. The AR has replaced the shotgun in cruisers, too. Traditional guns still dominate the deer hunting scene but my reality is hunting with a more rugged durable AR does just as well, and arguably safer and better as I have posted for years. The veterans with prior service also have a good working knowledge of the AR and quite a bit of experience with it. The AR is the "Garand" for the modern generation, and sales definitely have shown that after the AWB sunset.
We aren't going to outlaw what has become the dominant sporting and self defense rifle in America. It might be the evil assault rifle in a some locales but it doesn't sell when the PD uses it exclusively. There lie is exposed in every callout.
Nope, there's been a sea change in what the bulk of the gun owning public considers "essential." It's just the older generation clinging to what is familiar who deny it. : ) Glad I'm keeping up and haven't Zumbo'd out.
I'd say an AR in 5.56 and a 9mm carry gun are the essentials now. I can hunt, defend my home, and defend myself when out and about with just those two and it still allows a wide latitude of choice. I have also taught my children how to shoot with them. When we got to a public range those are predominantly what we see, too. There is a shotgun facility there and I have seen it used once over the years, and .22 is rarely encountered, even as new clean brass on the range gravel.
I'd say the newer generations aren't as interested in recreational guns as much. They are working, some with two part time jobs, if married they have their free time occupied in other uses. There is also a drop off in hunter licenses sold and that means less recreational guns being sold for that. For the less well off among us in the younger generation, buying a shotgun or bolt action isn't what he sees his friends doing. Nope. It's a 9mm carry gun and AR15/AK or go home.
What do we read here? An older generation griping about the .22 shortage, and retirees are a growing trend, so there is the reason for that. Not the younger guys. Oldsters also have time and disposable income for bird hunting, which is the #1 use for shotguns, not military or home defense. The AR has replaced the shotgun in cruisers, too. Traditional guns still dominate the deer hunting scene but my reality is hunting with a more rugged durable AR does just as well, and arguably safer and better as I have posted for years. The veterans with prior service also have a good working knowledge of the AR and quite a bit of experience with it. The AR is the "Garand" for the modern generation, and sales definitely have shown that after the AWB sunset.
We aren't going to outlaw what has become the dominant sporting and self defense rifle in America. It might be the evil assault rifle in a some locales but it doesn't sell when the PD uses it exclusively. There lie is exposed in every callout.
Nope, there's been a sea change in what the bulk of the gun owning public considers "essential." It's just the older generation clinging to what is familiar who deny it. : ) Glad I'm keeping up and haven't Zumbo'd out.
Ed N.
Member
1 - Some form of 12ga. A pump is an excellent choice, but personally I prefer SxS doubles. Simple, reliable, with a built-in spare if something breaks.
2 - A.22 rifle. My preference is a scoped bolt gun. Rugged and accurate.
3 - A .357 magnum revolver. I like a S&W 686+. Broad range of ammo choices in both 357 and 38 makes it good for defense, hunting, target shooting, whatever.
2 - A.22 rifle. My preference is a scoped bolt gun. Rugged and accurate.
3 - A .357 magnum revolver. I like a S&W 686+. Broad range of ammo choices in both 357 and 38 makes it good for defense, hunting, target shooting, whatever.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Three basic guns:
A .22 rifle.
A .30-06
A 12 Gauge shotgun.
If we're looking at handguns:
A .22 pistol
A M1911 .45 Automatic
A .22 rifle.
A .30-06
A 12 Gauge shotgun.
If we're looking at handguns:
A .22 pistol
A M1911 .45 Automatic
Corpral_Agarn
Member
For me the essentials are:
1. Concealable and reliable pistol or revolver
To me anything other than that is just really nice to have. And I have some really nice things...
1. Concealable and reliable pistol or revolver
To me anything other than that is just really nice to have. And I have some really nice things...
ChuteTheMall
Member
First, a pocket pistol so I can always be armed, even wearing shorts. There are many popular choices, such as Glock 42, LCP, LCR, TCP, P3AT, P32, 642.
Second, a service caliber pistol, such as any double-stack Glock. These can often be carried concealed with a little effort, and they make great bedside or car guns. A ..22 conversion is nice, but no substitute for a real target pistol.
Third, an AK47 or AR15, for more serious home defense as well as for outdoors.
If a 4th gun was allowed, any 12 gauge shotgun would offer devastating terminal ballistics within effective handgun range.
Second, a service caliber pistol, such as any double-stack Glock. These can often be carried concealed with a little effort, and they make great bedside or car guns. A ..22 conversion is nice, but no substitute for a real target pistol.
Third, an AK47 or AR15, for more serious home defense as well as for outdoors.
If a 4th gun was allowed, any 12 gauge shotgun would offer devastating terminal ballistics within effective handgun range.
Apachedriver
Member
Factors external to ourselves must also go into defining and identifying an essential.
Up until a year ago, my essential handgun was a 1911 in .45ACP. It's the first handgun I learned to shoot in the Army. It's grip has always fit my hands better than other handguns. I've never had the problem of pulling or pushing on its trigger like I do with some other firearms. It was my EDC for years due to the level of confidence I've had in it. Then my wife discovered the Glock 19 and how well it worked for her.
So now, my EDC is a Glock 19. Our primary HD handgun is also the Glock 19. Why? Shooting for her is not what it is for me. So, if I'm down or not available during a defensive situation, it's an easy pick up for her to employ. I still prefer my 1911, but I prefer more to maintain a common denominator than to increase her stress level in a bad situation due to unfamiliarity and ability.
Up until a year ago, my essential handgun was a 1911 in .45ACP. It's the first handgun I learned to shoot in the Army. It's grip has always fit my hands better than other handguns. I've never had the problem of pulling or pushing on its trigger like I do with some other firearms. It was my EDC for years due to the level of confidence I've had in it. Then my wife discovered the Glock 19 and how well it worked for her.
So now, my EDC is a Glock 19. Our primary HD handgun is also the Glock 19. Why? Shooting for her is not what it is for me. So, if I'm down or not available during a defensive situation, it's an easy pick up for her to employ. I still prefer my 1911, but I prefer more to maintain a common denominator than to increase her stress level in a bad situation due to unfamiliarity and ability.
BSA1
member
I'll play.
The only way I will own only three guns is when the Government says what I can legally own.
Otherwise I can not willing choose only three guns. However I will cheat a little with my four choices in order are;
1. S&W Model 10 .38 Special with 4" barrel.
The Model 10 is a classic heavy duty revolver that has been around for a century. It does so many things good (target shooting, small game hunting, home defense and conceal carry) it gets my vote as the best handgun.
2. Ruger M-77 .270 Stainless Steel All-Weather Rifle.
Probably reading too much Jack O'Conner when going up but the .270 will take everything from hogs to moose with deer being most common with the right bullet selection.
3. Winchester Take-Down Model 12 in 12 ga.
4. .22 rimfire rifle. Many 22's to pick from but Ruger 10/22 is a top pick.
AR-15's are out because they are sure to be banned by the Government. The .270 is also a likely gun / cartridge to be banned by the hug-a-deer liberal crowd. So I think my little Model 1873 Carbine in 32-20 would be in the running.
The only way I will own only three guns is when the Government says what I can legally own.
Otherwise I can not willing choose only three guns. However I will cheat a little with my four choices in order are;
1. S&W Model 10 .38 Special with 4" barrel.
The Model 10 is a classic heavy duty revolver that has been around for a century. It does so many things good (target shooting, small game hunting, home defense and conceal carry) it gets my vote as the best handgun.
2. Ruger M-77 .270 Stainless Steel All-Weather Rifle.
Probably reading too much Jack O'Conner when going up but the .270 will take everything from hogs to moose with deer being most common with the right bullet selection.
3. Winchester Take-Down Model 12 in 12 ga.
4. .22 rimfire rifle. Many 22's to pick from but Ruger 10/22 is a top pick.
AR-15's are out because they are sure to be banned by the Government. The .270 is also a likely gun / cartridge to be banned by the hug-a-deer liberal crowd. So I think my little Model 1873 Carbine in 32-20 would be in the running.
Sunray
Member
Entire books and endless gun rag articles have been written about this. Mel Tappan made a career out of it.
The question is, "Essential" for what? However, the one absolutely essential firearm is a shotgun of any flavour or action type. It'll do for small game, large game and SD with a change of ammo. Just like they did in the 19th Century American western frontier.
"...ratshot, for snakes..." Unreliable stuff. Shot fired out of a rifled barrel has big holes in the pattern due to the spiral shot column.
The question is, "Essential" for what? However, the one absolutely essential firearm is a shotgun of any flavour or action type. It'll do for small game, large game and SD with a change of ammo. Just like they did in the 19th Century American western frontier.
"...ratshot, for snakes..." Unreliable stuff. Shot fired out of a rifled barrel has big holes in the pattern due to the spiral shot column.
My list would change based on where I was and what I needed to accomplish.
For example, as a suburban white collar professional, my needs run to self defense and training.
But, out on an isolated farmstead in the middle of methamphetamine country, where the one deputy on duty is covering an 82 square mile county, my needs run to self defense over longer distances and harvesting wildlife.
For example, as a suburban white collar professional, my needs run to self defense and training.
But, out on an isolated farmstead in the middle of methamphetamine country, where the one deputy on duty is covering an 82 square mile county, my needs run to self defense over longer distances and harvesting wildlife.
bassjam
Member
Speaking purely essentials, I think a .22 rifle and 12/20 gauge shotgun pretty much covers anything, and it really doesn't matter which action they use. If you live out west a centerfire rifle could be added to the mix, but here in the midwest its unnecessary.
You can throw a handgun in there if you regularly carry it, but other than that I don't consider a handgun as an "essential".
You can throw a handgun in there if you regularly carry it, but other than that I don't consider a handgun as an "essential".
chicharrones
needs more ammo
My essentials when I bought my first three firearms long ago, were an SKS, a Ruger GP100, and a Marlin 39AS. The first was on price and to get my foot in the door.
Now days, my essentials would be different. It would suck to have to limit to three guns again as two of them would be carry guns. So, probably a pocket .380 pistol, a compact double stack magazine 9mm pistol, and an AR15 of some sort. All fairly boring, but fairly useful to me.
Now days, my essentials would be different. It would suck to have to limit to three guns again as two of them would be carry guns. So, probably a pocket .380 pistol, a compact double stack magazine 9mm pistol, and an AR15 of some sort. All fairly boring, but fairly useful to me.
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John Joseph
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Sorry if my original premise was confusing. By "essential" my thoughts were more like what should come home first for the sake of economy, usefulness and acquiring skills? I wasn't contemplating government confiscations..
id feel comfortable with a .22, a 12 gauge, and something along the lines of my 7 mag hunting anything in n. america. If i were to expand the number to 5, i'd include an ar-15, and a handgun of some sort, most likely a 4 in. .357 for versatility
chicharrones
needs more ammo
Hard to beat a .22 LR rifle and pistol for that. Then add a full size 9mm pistol, 4" barrel .357 revolver, and some sort of .223 rifle (either bolt or semi-auto) if you wish.
Of course, some sort of 12 gauge shotgun that can be used for skeet shooting would be useful for learning that side of things, too.
My son's roommate just got a job out of state. He is having to move to a smaller - more affordable - apartment that is in a less savory neighborhood and so is now facing this question. His guns had been with me since his roommate was afraid of guns, but now that's not a concern. He is reclaiming his 22 semiautomatic rifle and his S&W AR and will be purchasing a semiautomatic 9mm pistol and getting his concealed carry license.
As well you should not have been.
If someone is planning for a nationwide confiscation of guns by the government in the foreseeable future that presents them with a stark choice; 1) turn over the guns you just paid all kinds of money to acquire, or 2) refuse to turn them over and face prison or death.
If you are thinking that you would ultimately choose option 1), then why are you putting a lot of money into guns that you're just going to have to turn in for a WalMart gift card in the near future? If you're going to ultimately choose option 2), have you considered what your life will be like as an outlaw?
buck460XVR
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- Feb 6, 2007
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- 10,051
Growin' up in the rural Midwest back in the 50s/60s, the one essential gun everyone had in their closet(back then, gun safes were not the rage) was a 12 Ga. shotgun. SS, SXS, Bolt or Pump. Shotshells for birds/fowl/small game and HD, and slugs for hunting deer. Most folks back then could only afford one gun and the trusty Ol' 12 Ga, was the one. I think for the most part, one could still get by with just one if they had to. Thank God that's not the case.
Mike OTDP
Member
I'll play...
Old School Essentials:
1. Revolver, probably in .38 Special. Maybe .357 Magnum after around 1960. Most probably a S&W K-frame gun.
2. 12ga. shotgun. SxS prior to the Second World War, probably a pump after that.
3. Rifle in .30-06. Bolt action. Pick your maker, they were all OK.
Modern Essentials:
1. 9mm pistol, most likely striker-fired. Glock 19, S&W M&P, or Sig 320...your pick.
2. AR-15.
3. There IS no #3.
Big points:
a. The Old School was strongly biased toward hunting. Recreational shooting came second, self-defense third.
b. The Modern School is biased toward self-defense first, recreational shooting second, hunting third.
Old School Essentials:
1. Revolver, probably in .38 Special. Maybe .357 Magnum after around 1960. Most probably a S&W K-frame gun.
2. 12ga. shotgun. SxS prior to the Second World War, probably a pump after that.
3. Rifle in .30-06. Bolt action. Pick your maker, they were all OK.
Modern Essentials:
1. 9mm pistol, most likely striker-fired. Glock 19, S&W M&P, or Sig 320...your pick.
2. AR-15.
3. There IS no #3.
Big points:
a. The Old School was strongly biased toward hunting. Recreational shooting came second, self-defense third.
b. The Modern School is biased toward self-defense first, recreational shooting second, hunting third.
From the time I was 14 until I was 36 all my firearm needs were taken care of by a Mossberg 500.
Deer Hunting - Check
Small Game Hunting - Check
Backyard Clays - Check
Home Defense - Check
Now I have more disposable income and more firearms in the collection but that 12 ga shotgun was a very versatile gun. If I could only have one gun it would be another shotgun or maybe a 6 inch .357 revolver. When it come right down to it no firearm is essential but they are lots of fun.
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