So I think it'll be good if we try to limit the calibers to 2 or 3 rather than list a bunch, like I suggested in post 3. I've been kind of lax asking for that, but ... Otherwise, we'll be getting really long lists. And lets stick to handguns and rifles for this exercise, and hold off on shotguns. (Yes, I know, not totally reasonable or fair.)
I'm trying to set up an exercise here loosely described by a few calibers (and blades) that you'd want with you regardless of where "here" is, and in a way that assumes that some "here" places are not conducive to larger number of guns, like a camp or an emergency transit scenario, like during a natural emergency, social disruption, whatever. (I don't see a need to discuss specifics.)
I've been a minimalist for years, really decades. I never own more than 4 guns at a time, and am moving toward a time soon when it's only three, carefully chosen -- yes, I know that will make many jaws drop with horror
, but it's just my style and choice, dictated in part my a highly mobile lifestyle driven by professional requirements that prevents me from settling in one place for long. There are other reasons, also, but I'll spare you.
The point is, I have my kit, and have thought it out over a long period of time, based in trial, error, experience, opinions of others, and what I think I'd want in a minimal kit to meet a wide variety of circumstances.