Mastrogiacomo
Member
I'd say any guns you could get your hands on by Beretta and H&K. 
A bare-minimum arsenal - your opinions?
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T.Stahl
Member
I have just established my basic "arsenal".
- a full-size 9mm with shoulder-stock and large mags for HD.
- a semi-auto .223 for, uuh, multiple soft targets.
- a bolt action in .303 as a battle rifle.
For the next few years that'll have to do as there are more important things to spend my money on. Next on my list are a scoped bolt action for longer ranges and a .22lr handgun for plinking, but as my brother wants to cover these bases, there's actually no need for me to do it, too.
- a full-size 9mm with shoulder-stock and large mags for HD.
- a semi-auto .223 for, uuh, multiple soft targets.
- a bolt action in .303 as a battle rifle.
For the next few years that'll have to do as there are more important things to spend my money on. Next on my list are a scoped bolt action for longer ranges and a .22lr handgun for plinking, but as my brother wants to cover these bases, there's actually no need for me to do it, too.
For my part:
A .22 firearm, probably a rifle.
Cheap and plentiful ammo. Not very noisy to attract unwanted attention. Hunt small game with it.
A 9mm autoloader.
Generally easy to use. Cheap and plentiful ammo. Good firepower in non-neutered specimens.
A .357 mag revolver.
Powerful and reliable. Ammo is common, and cheap, in the case of .38spl. Flexible, since you get two calibers for the price of one. Even possible to hunt with it.
A centerfire rifle.
Hunting and long distance defense. Probably best in .30-06 or .308, since both calibers are effective and common.
12 ga. pump shotgun.
Versatile and powerful. You can defend or hunt with it. Ammo is cheap and plentiful. Reliable, if you own an 870 at least.
Semi-auto carbine/rifle?
I don't own one. At least not one that isn't C&R and in 6.5x55.
I'd say that .223 would be a good choice, though. This would round out your arsenal and give you access to a firearm in every major caliber out there, save .45ACP.
A .22 firearm, probably a rifle.
Cheap and plentiful ammo. Not very noisy to attract unwanted attention. Hunt small game with it.
A 9mm autoloader.
Generally easy to use. Cheap and plentiful ammo. Good firepower in non-neutered specimens.
A .357 mag revolver.
Powerful and reliable. Ammo is common, and cheap, in the case of .38spl. Flexible, since you get two calibers for the price of one. Even possible to hunt with it.
A centerfire rifle.
Hunting and long distance defense. Probably best in .30-06 or .308, since both calibers are effective and common.
12 ga. pump shotgun.
Versatile and powerful. You can defend or hunt with it. Ammo is cheap and plentiful. Reliable, if you own an 870 at least.
Semi-auto carbine/rifle?
I don't own one. At least not one that isn't C&R and in 6.5x55.
I'd say that .223 would be a good choice, though. This would round out your arsenal and give you access to a firearm in every major caliber out there, save .45ACP.
cratz2
Member
Sounds about right... I'd pick something like the following:
Para military selection:
Shotgun: Mossberg M590A1
Rimfire: 10/22
Semi Auto: AK Variant, probably SAR1 right now
Bolt gun: Rem 700LTR in 308 w/10x scope
Pistol: 9mm Beretta or Taurus derivative
My personal choices:
Shotgun: 870 smoothbore with rifle sights
Rimfire: 10/22 w/Burris Compact 3-9x
Faster rifle: Marlin 44 Mag w/Williams Sight
Tactical bolt gun: Winchester Coyote in 243 w/ Zeiss 2.2-10x
Pistol: Springfield Stainless Target Loaded
Pistol: Taurus PT99AF in case I run out of 45ACP
I'm not a big fan of semi autos but would take an FAL if pressed.
Para military selection:
Shotgun: Mossberg M590A1
Rimfire: 10/22
Semi Auto: AK Variant, probably SAR1 right now
Bolt gun: Rem 700LTR in 308 w/10x scope
Pistol: 9mm Beretta or Taurus derivative
My personal choices:
Shotgun: 870 smoothbore with rifle sights
Rimfire: 10/22 w/Burris Compact 3-9x
Faster rifle: Marlin 44 Mag w/Williams Sight
Tactical bolt gun: Winchester Coyote in 243 w/ Zeiss 2.2-10x
Pistol: Springfield Stainless Target Loaded
Pistol: Taurus PT99AF in case I run out of 45ACP
I'm not a big fan of semi autos but would take an FAL if pressed.
axeman_g
Member
I quess I am a worry wart
After reading this thread I realize I may be a worry wart. But the whole Boy Scout thing took hold at age 12 ... "always be prepared"
My closet holds ...
Century L1A1 7.62x51 Carbine (.308 make big holes close and far)
Steyr M9 (9mm cheap, shootable, scroungable, defensive)
Ruger GP 100 .357 4" (nothing says stay away like a .357 muzzle)
Ithaca 37 12 qauge (extended mag)
I do need a .22. I was thinking Marlin 60 with low profile scope.
Anyway I was also looking at trading Ruger for a .45. But I most likely wont.
After reading this thread I realize I may be a worry wart. But the whole Boy Scout thing took hold at age 12 ... "always be prepared"
My closet holds ...
Century L1A1 7.62x51 Carbine (.308 make big holes close and far)
Steyr M9 (9mm cheap, shootable, scroungable, defensive)
Ruger GP 100 .357 4" (nothing says stay away like a .357 muzzle)
Ithaca 37 12 qauge (extended mag)
I do need a .22. I was thinking Marlin 60 with low profile scope.
Anyway I was also looking at trading Ruger for a .45. But I most likely wont.
The most practical "limited arsenal" scenario I can think of would be if I decided to live out of a pickup or RV for an extended period of time. That would create serious weight and bulk limitations, without requiring aliens, zombies, or TEOTWAWKI. If I chose to pursue that lifestyle, my ideal set of guns would be:
2 identical 1911s. One for general use/carry and one for backup. Plus 10 or 15 high quality 8-round mags.
A 20" preban AR. As much as I adore my Daewoo, I can't get parts for it, whereas AR parts are widely available. With about 25 30-round quality mags and a Beta-C mag.
A very accurate .308 scout rifle.
Ammo supplies would consist of 100 rounds of .45 FMJ, 150 rounds of .45 JHPs, 1000 rounds of 62gr Swiss .223 FMJ, 500 rounds of SS109 .223, 250 rounds of .308 match-quality soft-points, and 200 rounds or match-quality .308 AP (hand-loads).
2 identical 1911s. One for general use/carry and one for backup. Plus 10 or 15 high quality 8-round mags.
A 20" preban AR. As much as I adore my Daewoo, I can't get parts for it, whereas AR parts are widely available. With about 25 30-round quality mags and a Beta-C mag.
A very accurate .308 scout rifle.
Ammo supplies would consist of 100 rounds of .45 FMJ, 150 rounds of .45 JHPs, 1000 rounds of 62gr Swiss .223 FMJ, 500 rounds of SS109 .223, 250 rounds of .308 match-quality soft-points, and 200 rounds or match-quality .308 AP (hand-loads).
Ed Brunner
Member
MINIMUM???
"Bare minimum" would be a good pump shotgun.
Minimun for all situations you might encounter would be more.
"Bare minimum" would be a good pump shotgun.
Minimun for all situations you might encounter would be more.
sixgun_symphony
member
Why not go to the DCM for cheap M1 Garands and cases of .30 caliber ammo on the en bloc clips?
Ithaca M37 Shotguns in 12ga or 20ga
Used S&W M10 revolvers chambered in .38 Special are inexpensive and will do anything a handgun needs to do. Easy to carry with standard four inch tapered barrel.
Ithaca M37 Shotguns in 12ga or 20ga
Used S&W M10 revolvers chambered in .38 Special are inexpensive and will do anything a handgun needs to do. Easy to carry with standard four inch tapered barrel.
Dorrin79
Member
I'll take a shot at this -
I'd say you need
1) "battle" rifle - AK, AR, FAL, whatever. Basically an autoloading rifle in a military caliber (I have a Yugo SKS that fillls this role nicely)
2) .22 Plinker - a .22 rifle for target practice, small game hunting, etc. Ammo is cheap and doesn't take up much space. I have a Ruger 10/22 for this purpose.
3) Shotgun - some sort of shotgun. 20Ga minimum, 12Ga if you can handle it. A couple of different choke tubes for use in different roles. I prefer pump-actions, and have a Mossberg 500A 12Ga for this.
4) "Service" pistol - a full size pistol for practice, self-defense, etc. Autoloader/revolver isn't really an issue - just make sure it's of the largest caliber you can comfortably fire. I have a ruger p89 for this, although I am in the market for a 1911.
5) "Backup" pistol - small, easily concealable pistol. I have a Kel-Tec P11 for this (bonus - uses same ammo as my "service" pistol) but there are many weapons that could be used for this role.
6) Hunting rifle - this is the one I don't own yet. Basically a very accurate scoped rifle in a caliber suitable for medium-sized game. Could substitute for #1 or vice versa. I'm looking to get either a .30-30 lever rifle or a bolt-action in .270 to fill this role.
Everything after that is just gravy. Fun, fiery gravy, though...
Ah, I noticed the pricing---
Yugo SKS + 1000 rds 7.62x39 = $250
Ruger 10/22 + 1000 rds .22 = $175
Mossberg 500A + 100 rds assorted 12GA = $220
Ruger P89 + 300 rds 9x19 = $400
KelTec P11 = $300 (although I got mine for $200)
Total = $1,345
I'd say you need
1) "battle" rifle - AK, AR, FAL, whatever. Basically an autoloading rifle in a military caliber (I have a Yugo SKS that fillls this role nicely)
2) .22 Plinker - a .22 rifle for target practice, small game hunting, etc. Ammo is cheap and doesn't take up much space. I have a Ruger 10/22 for this purpose.
3) Shotgun - some sort of shotgun. 20Ga minimum, 12Ga if you can handle it. A couple of different choke tubes for use in different roles. I prefer pump-actions, and have a Mossberg 500A 12Ga for this.
4) "Service" pistol - a full size pistol for practice, self-defense, etc. Autoloader/revolver isn't really an issue - just make sure it's of the largest caliber you can comfortably fire. I have a ruger p89 for this, although I am in the market for a 1911.
5) "Backup" pistol - small, easily concealable pistol. I have a Kel-Tec P11 for this (bonus - uses same ammo as my "service" pistol) but there are many weapons that could be used for this role.
6) Hunting rifle - this is the one I don't own yet. Basically a very accurate scoped rifle in a caliber suitable for medium-sized game. Could substitute for #1 or vice versa. I'm looking to get either a .30-30 lever rifle or a bolt-action in .270 to fill this role.
Everything after that is just gravy. Fun, fiery gravy, though...
Ah, I noticed the pricing---
Yugo SKS + 1000 rds 7.62x39 = $250
Ruger 10/22 + 1000 rds .22 = $175
Mossberg 500A + 100 rds assorted 12GA = $220
Ruger P89 + 300 rds 9x19 = $400
KelTec P11 = $300 (although I got mine for $200)
Total = $1,345
Bare minimum though you really should have two of each of the following with two complete replacement parts sets.
Handguns
Colt Peacemaker - 45 long colt
1911 - 45 ACP
Browning HiPower - 9mm
Ruger or similar .22 semiauto
That is all you need as far as handguns
Long Guns
Kentucky Long Rifle or Brown Bess
Winchester 1886 in 45-70
Benelli semiauto shotgun 12 guage
M16 -full auto or burst .223
AK47 full auto
M1 Garand 30-06
M14 - .308
SAW - .223
Browning .30 cal. belt fed
Ma Duece - need one say more
Barrett 82A1 - see above for ammo
BAR - 30-06
The above is of course a bare bones minimum and one should really have at least two of each type, though three or four would be necessary to make one really comfortable with such a cut down list of weapons.
Each individual weapon should have at least 100,000 rounds and the belt fed probably 10 times that number.
Of course the conveinence of such a bare bones inventory is that you can pack it up in a jiffy and take it with you if you need to. Also in a pinch you could carry half of it concealed.
This doesn't touch on artillery, mines, RPGs, gernades, ect.....fortunately there is an even simpler shortcut when trying to establish a bare bones inventory of area weapons - you can easily get by without most of the above by merely substituting 4 to 5 hundred claymores and just 4 or 5 one megaton yield nukes.
The firearms you can pickup just about anywhere with a few simple forms and a little cash - check the couch cushions. The nukes are either a do it yourself project - did you take high school physics? Or I have heard recently that there are people just dying to import a few nukes into this country.
Glad I could help.
Handguns
Colt Peacemaker - 45 long colt
1911 - 45 ACP
Browning HiPower - 9mm
Ruger or similar .22 semiauto
That is all you need as far as handguns
Long Guns
Kentucky Long Rifle or Brown Bess
Winchester 1886 in 45-70
Benelli semiauto shotgun 12 guage
M16 -full auto or burst .223
AK47 full auto
M1 Garand 30-06
M14 - .308
SAW - .223
Browning .30 cal. belt fed
Ma Duece - need one say more
Barrett 82A1 - see above for ammo
BAR - 30-06
The above is of course a bare bones minimum and one should really have at least two of each type, though three or four would be necessary to make one really comfortable with such a cut down list of weapons.
Each individual weapon should have at least 100,000 rounds and the belt fed probably 10 times that number.
Of course the conveinence of such a bare bones inventory is that you can pack it up in a jiffy and take it with you if you need to. Also in a pinch you could carry half of it concealed.
This doesn't touch on artillery, mines, RPGs, gernades, ect.....fortunately there is an even simpler shortcut when trying to establish a bare bones inventory of area weapons - you can easily get by without most of the above by merely substituting 4 to 5 hundred claymores and just 4 or 5 one megaton yield nukes.
The firearms you can pickup just about anywhere with a few simple forms and a little cash - check the couch cushions. The nukes are either a do it yourself project - did you take high school physics? Or I have heard recently that there are people just dying to import a few nukes into this country.
Glad I could help.
Hardtarget
Member
Any list I've seen here would do for me. I'd need an F-350 and a good trailer to haul all of it...but if we're talking survival that might also carry with it a need for stealth. Even a .22 makes enough noise to attract attention, so I would like to add a good air rifle for small game. Very quiet, lots of shots per pound, and there are more small critters to eat and you eat what you bring in...no need for storage.( for sure,I still like all the REAL guns).
Mark
Mark
JMLV
Member
WHY ANYBODY WOULD SPEND UPWARDS OF $1500
on a colt saa is beyond me:banghead:
When you can get a 45 long colt blackhawk convertably (extra cylinder in 45 acp) for 1/3 to 1/4 the price! and its a much stronger gun as well as being of improved design (coil springs vs flat etc).
also the loads you can use in the ruger will send the colt to handgun heaven while leaving the ruger unscaved!
If I really wanted to spend that much on a handgun it would be one worthy of the expence(and the colt is NOT) Probably a Freedom Arms with adj sights and 3 cylinders(45 acp,45 LC & 454 casull) This sixgun is well worth its asking price.
If you feel a colt saa is a must have fine but its definately NOT part of a bare bones battery. Its the icing on the cake for after you have all the other stuff you need and just want to buy a gun well "Just becouse" (this is why I bought my Luger not practical but a lot of fun to play with and shoot). JMHO
on a colt saa is beyond me:banghead:
When you can get a 45 long colt blackhawk convertably (extra cylinder in 45 acp) for 1/3 to 1/4 the price! and its a much stronger gun as well as being of improved design (coil springs vs flat etc).
also the loads you can use in the ruger will send the colt to handgun heaven while leaving the ruger unscaved!
If I really wanted to spend that much on a handgun it would be one worthy of the expence(and the colt is NOT) Probably a Freedom Arms with adj sights and 3 cylinders(45 acp,45 LC & 454 casull) This sixgun is well worth its asking price.
If you feel a colt saa is a must have fine but its definately NOT part of a bare bones battery. Its the icing on the cake for after you have all the other stuff you need and just want to buy a gun well "Just becouse" (this is why I bought my Luger not practical but a lot of fun to play with and shoot). JMHO
22luvr
Member
This thread has taken on a life of it's own.
Dorrin: You get an "A" for your list and an "attaboy." I like it.
Mack: With your minimum list I could go forth and fight the North Korean army single-handedly. Awesome.
Dorrin: You get an "A" for your list and an "attaboy." I like it.
Mack: With your minimum list I could go forth and fight the North Korean army single-handedly. Awesome.
spankaveli
Member
personally, my two do me fine. well, for now. i feel the jennings is a pos but my next 2 guns will be Walther P99 and a 9x18 Makarov, so I should be good.
Oh, a scope and bipod would be nice additions to the SKS.
Oh, a scope and bipod would be nice additions to the SKS.
spankaveli
Member
oh, and maybe a beretta 92fs plus a 22lr conversion for small game
Poohgyrr
Member
OMG !!!!!
After reading that I dunno !!!!!!
LOL, and I would've been happy with a good scoped .308, either a tanker Garand in .308 or a good M4, a S&W 640 or a 3" K frame, and either a Hi power or a G17. 1000 rounds per gun. With lots of mags/speedloaders & some speedstrips too.
As much as I like shotguns, I'd rather have the Garand or M4. This is for each person too.
Then there are places where the people are happy to have just one of the above, with some ammo.
After reading that I dunno !!!!!!
LOL, and I would've been happy with a good scoped .308, either a tanker Garand in .308 or a good M4, a S&W 640 or a 3" K frame, and either a Hi power or a G17. 1000 rounds per gun. With lots of mags/speedloaders & some speedstrips too.
As much as I like shotguns, I'd rather have the Garand or M4. This is for each person too.
Then there are places where the people are happy to have just one of the above, with some ammo.
denfoote
Member
All I need to get is a scattergun!!
My bear minumum:
I'm thinking about a Mossberg defender!!
My bear minumum:
- Walther P99
SKS
Ruger 22/45
Marlin mod 60
I'm thinking about a Mossberg defender!!
1
12.7x99mm
Guest
357 revolver
45 semi
10/22
3030
mossberg 500
m4
rem700p
two cheap sks's for backup or for friends and for trading
45 semi
10/22
3030
mossberg 500
m4
rem700p
two cheap sks's for backup or for friends and for trading
biere
Member
When I lived in the burbs my first buys were a mag fed semi-auto 9mm handgun, with 15 round mags. And a shotgun. I had slugs for the non-rifled barrel and lots of different shot shells for the shotgun as well. I figured in the burbs my shots would be short range since I never had a shot over 100 yards unless it was down the middle of a 2 lane road, and I did not plan on sending stuff down the road due to the bullet stop if I missed my targets.
Next came a bit more range, toss in a sar 1 or a wasr 1, I was happy with both and have both.
Learned some more and wanted more range, I played in 308 mag fed rifles. Fal, m1a, and others do well. I like military designs. I also moved to the country.
If playing with revolvers for back up, buy either a 6 shot colt detective special in 38 special or a ruger sp101 in 357 magnum with 5 shots. I have a mind that hates small back ups. Not a professional opinion, I am a total recliner quarter back in this area. I have bigger revolvers and like them fine. But I agree with a few folks who feel defensive firearms are revolvers, offensive should be semi-auto.
If I get first shot, a bolt action and a scope work well, if not a mag fed is nice. If in close, we get into a revolver for defense or a high capacity for offense. But I would call the offense a lack of planning on my part.
Next came a bit more range, toss in a sar 1 or a wasr 1, I was happy with both and have both.
Learned some more and wanted more range, I played in 308 mag fed rifles. Fal, m1a, and others do well. I like military designs. I also moved to the country.
If playing with revolvers for back up, buy either a 6 shot colt detective special in 38 special or a ruger sp101 in 357 magnum with 5 shots. I have a mind that hates small back ups. Not a professional opinion, I am a total recliner quarter back in this area. I have bigger revolvers and like them fine. But I agree with a few folks who feel defensive firearms are revolvers, offensive should be semi-auto.
If I get first shot, a bolt action and a scope work well, if not a mag fed is nice. If in close, we get into a revolver for defense or a high capacity for offense. But I would call the offense a lack of planning on my part.
AV1611
Member
I think some of you guys are mistaking "bare minimum" for your "lust list". M1A's, DSA FAL's, and Bushmasters are really nice, but are just too expensive for a man with a NEEDS list and limited $$$.
1. Quality .22lr rifle or pistol
2. Quality full-sized 9mm semi-auto or 357 Mag revolver
3. AK variant or SKS
4. 12/20 ga.
5. bolt action in .308/30-06/.243/7.62x54r/8MM/.303 etc.
1. Quality .22lr rifle or pistol
2. Quality full-sized 9mm semi-auto or 357 Mag revolver
3. AK variant or SKS
4. 12/20 ga.
5. bolt action in .308/30-06/.243/7.62x54r/8MM/.303 etc.
Bare minimum?
A rifle you shoot well, and a pistol/revolver you're comfortable with. Doesn't matter what you use -- I've got a Turk Mauser modified as a .308 Scout, but a 30-30 would be fine, as would a Remington 700 with a low-power scope.
Just be able to hit with it.
Pistol should be something you're comfortable wearing, with at least enough punch as a .38 Special or 9mm.
That'll do all you need.
[edit: damn, but I need to learn how to type!]
A rifle you shoot well, and a pistol/revolver you're comfortable with. Doesn't matter what you use -- I've got a Turk Mauser modified as a .308 Scout, but a 30-30 would be fine, as would a Remington 700 with a low-power scope.
Just be able to hit with it.
Pistol should be something you're comfortable wearing, with at least enough punch as a .38 Special or 9mm.
That'll do all you need.
[edit: damn, but I need to learn how to type!]
Last edited:
Long range rifle, semi or bolt, in 308 or better
Short range semiauto defensive rifle in 5.56x45, 5.45x39 or 7.62x39.
22LR rifle.
12 gauge defensive/hunting shotgun
Large caliber defensive handgun (45ACP, 44 Special, 45 Colt, 357 Mag or 10mm) semi or revolver.
Concealment handgun in at least 9mm or 38 Special.
22LR revolver.
Short range semiauto defensive rifle in 5.56x45, 5.45x39 or 7.62x39.
22LR rifle.
12 gauge defensive/hunting shotgun
Large caliber defensive handgun (45ACP, 44 Special, 45 Colt, 357 Mag or 10mm) semi or revolver.
Concealment handgun in at least 9mm or 38 Special.
22LR revolver.
Tamara
Senior Member
Bare minimum?
Lemme grab the HK91, the 870, and stuff a couple of 1911s in my belt and I'll be right with you.
Lemme grab the HK91, the 870, and stuff a couple of 1911s in my belt and I'll be right with you.
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