best combination of guns

[Fat Boy]

I am considering the concept of selling/trading to get to a 3-4 gun collection as follows with intended use:

12 guage shotgun - bird/small game hunting, home defense
357 mag handgun- defense, target
22 lr - rifle or handgun? plink/small game

I am considering adding a rifle in .357 mag to the collection for longer-range shooting/brush gun/defense- or would I be better served to try and add an AR-based rifle in .223 or .308 to the collection? Would this give longer-range capability?

I like the .357 mag for cartridge compatibility-what do you think?

 

[sgtstryker]

I imagine just about everyone here has the three firearms you asked about. All good choices for your intentions. Yes, a rifle in .223 and .308 will give you greater range. I imagine just about everyone here has these two, too. Go for them all..they are good choices.

 

[Deus Machina]

Don't limit yourself to just one .22. I'd say keep a handgun (for practice) and a rifle (for practice and hunting). My current pair is a Ruger 22/45 and a Savage Mk2.

The other rifle would come down to personal preference.

Planning on the occasional deer, at short-range and you're a decent shot? .357 would work fine.

A rifle to reach out, an AR would be better. If you don't need the distance, consider an AK instead, or a .30-30.

 

[high country]

I think that most shooters end up with the basic core collection that is a lot like what you are talking about, with a change here or there. To me, covering the basics requires 5 guns:

Shotgun

.357 4" double action or .45 1911

Center fire rifle - this one is tough because it is really dictated by the use. A pistol caliber carbine probably isn't the best choice for your only center fire rifle because range is limited. .30-30s and .308 bolt actions are good general use rifles depending on location. For me it is an AR because the only hunting I do is pest control, so fast follow up shots are helpful and I don't need the power of a .308. I would like to add a .357 lever action to my collection, but it would definitely not replace the AR.

2x 22LR - a semi auto handgun (buckmark or Ruger 22/45 series are my preference), and a .22 rifle (semi-auto, lever, pump, bolt action, whatever floats your boat) is a bare minimum. Good luck keeping this to two guns though... definitely try a .22 revolver.

The two rifles and both handguns fit nicely in a single 2 rifle soft case for trips to the range. Ammo is plentiful and relatively cheap (really cheap if you reload), so sharing ammo between guns isn't that much of an advantage. A lot of shooting fun and utility can be gotten with a collection like this.

 

[hso]

Would this give longer-range capability?

Yep, ever see any .357 carbines on a 1,000 meter range?

Gotta ask, though, you don't expect to be shooting at anyone beyond 100-200 yards anyway so does it matter?

I have all those and I wouldn't be grabbing the .357 lever gun over the AR for anything other than fun on the range.

 

[Bhi curamach]

Ive stopped my gun buying though I'm really considering purchasing a slightly different semi auto rifle and using my existing to help defray expense either through trade in (shudder) or selling elsewhere.
I'm not entirely thrilled with the handgun selection as I'm out the. 22 these days.
As follows what I think mostly works for any need, real or imaginary.
MM M44
Romainian AKM -this Id like to exchange for a Saiga, I really want an AK103 clone. Despite the Rom being problem free and delivering excellent service. We will see on this.
Saiga 12. LOVE this damnable thing, it occurs to me I could have my silly 103 clone here, slightly cheaper or right at base price of as imported Saiga rifle.
CZ75D. Going nowhere, ever.
Makarov, Russian Baikal version in 9x18.
This and the m44 are the remenents of my initial interest in firearms, C&R goodness.
I know, this isn't C&R but back when I aquired it I really wanted a Russian one so....
type was more my speed than exactness, hence the Romy WASR10 with some era appropriate mods. You know, cold war tactical...
At any rate, the Makarov could easily be exchanged for a .22.
It mostly sits around doing nothing though it is much nicer to conceal carry than the CZ.
Size wise.

 

[TanklessPro]

I think that most shooters end up with the basic core collection that is a lot like what you are talking about, with a change here or there. To me, covering the basics requires 5 guns:

Shotgun

.357 4" double action or .45 1911

Center fire rifle - this one is tough because it is really dictated by the use. A pistol caliber carbine probably isn't the best choice for your only center fire rifle because range is limited. .30-30s and .308 bolt actions are good general use rifles depending on location. For me it is an AR because the only hunting I do is pest control, so fast follow up shots are helpful and I don't need the power of a .308. I would like to add a .357 lever action to my collection, but it would definitely not replace the AR.

2x 22LR - a semi auto handgun (buckmark or Ruger 22/45 series are my preference), and a .22 rifle (semi-auto, lever, pump, bolt action, whatever floats your boat) is a bare minimum. Good luck keeping this to two guns though... definitely try a .22 revolver.

The two rifles and both handguns fit nicely in a single 2 rifle soft case for trips to the range. Ammo is plentiful and relatively cheap (really cheap if you reload), so sharing ammo between guns isn't that much of an advantage. A lot of shooting fun and utility can be gotten with a collection like this.

+1

I agree that these 5 would be the minimum.
- shotgun
-centerfire handgun
-centerfire rifle
-22 handgun
-22 rifle

High country, thanks for the reminder that I don't have a 22 revolver. Guess who is going to the LGS today.

 

[BSA1]

I agree that these 5 would be the minimum.
- shotgun
-centerfire handgun
-centerfire rifle
-22 handgun
-22 rifle

If your budget allows it I would agree with the recommendation for the five gun battery.

Shotgun - 12 ga. rules the roost. I would go with a pump to ensure reliability with all types of loads.

Centerfire handgun - 357 Mag. revolver since it uses everything for low power 148 gr. wadcutters to hot heavy jacketed bullets.

Centerfire rifle - I would forego a pistol caliber as it is not enough gain over a handgun. The lowly 30-30 lever action rifle is generally considered to be the basic deer rifle. With a range of 150 - 200 yards and the common availability of affordable ammo it is also a excellent choice for a urban defense gun.

22 handgun - Every type and size to fill your wants.

22 rifle - I think the new Ruger 10/22 Takedown deserves a hard look. The 10/22 is a long proven design, is accurate and the takedown take up less space and makes for easy transport.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

If I could only have 3:

Glock G29 10mm
Ruger 10/22 .22lr
Springfield M1A .308win

If I could only have 4:

Glock G29 10mm
Glock G20 10mm
Ruger 10/22 .22lr
Springfield M1A .308win

If I could only have 5:

Glock 29 10mm
Glock 20 10mm
Ruger 10/22 .22lr
Saiga 12 Gauge
Springfield M1A .308win

 

[josiewales]

Stoeger uplander 12 ga.
Ruger GP100
Ruger 10/22

 

[Skribs]

I'm not familiar with bird hunting, so I'm not sure if you want a long or short barrel for that, but if you get a 12-gauge for HD and other purposes, then I'd recommend getting one that comes with easily interchanged barrels.

What you get should fit what you want, but I'm pretty much of the opinion that guns designed for target shooting aren't necessarily the best option for HD or carry, and that the gun shouldn't be chosen for it's ability to fit different roles.

 

[Warp]

I am considering the concept of selling/trading to get to a 3-4 gun collection as follows with intended use:

12 guage shotgun - bird/small game hunting, home defense
357 mag handgun- defense, target
22 lr - rifle or handgun? plink/small game

I am considering adding a rifle in .357 mag to the collection for longer-range shooting/brush gun/defense- or would I be better served to try and add an AR-based rifle in .223 or .308 to the collection? Would this give longer-range capability?

I like the .357 mag for cartridge compatibility-what do you think?

Sounds like another "If I could only have X guns", with X being 3-4.

I'd go:
Service caliber handgun for carry (a .357 you carry fits here)
Rifle. Personally I'd go AR15 with defense being the primary role
.22lr: I'd go rifle - practice/plink/small game/new shooters
Shotgun. I'd go pump 12 gauge, probably Remington 870, but Mossberg would be fine

If you have a specific hunting purpose for a scoped bolt gun in a larger caliber I would add that next, otherwise I would start at the top and double up under "two is one, one is none"

 

[oneounceload]

Use the AR or 357 lever gun for HD, and your shotgun choices open up to a greater variety, especially including the 20 bore, which is great for upland hunting.

I'm another one in the camp for a 22 handgun and rifle - great for plinking, small game and general practice - and in the thought mode of general practice, I would make my handgun the same as the big bore one - i.e, revolver or semi, and the same for the rifle - bolt, semi, single, etc.

 

[doc2rn]

The 5 gun rule has been around for a long time, and grandpa told me I don't need more than 3 (wished I had listened before that darn boating accident). His 3 where 30-30, 12g, and .22 lr. but later he traded in the 30-30 when he couldnt hunt anymore for a .357 revolver.

I would never presume to tell you what you need in what make and model, but I will tell you what I owned before the accident.
Ruger 77/22 MK II all weather target
Winchester 30-30
FNP-9
Bushmaster AR
Ruger Red Label 20g SxS

It would be difficult to change that basic lineup for me, but sadly most of these are no longer available in their original form so that darn accident really has me playing scavenger hunt at the gun shows.

 

[Scrumbag]

My Take would be:

Shotgun: 12g - Pump action with multichoke "Brid" and slug barrel
22 Pistol: Whatever takes your fancy
22 Rifle: Again whatever takes your fancy (Bolt or semi-auto would be my choice)
CF Handgun: If you want to hunt with it something with enough "oomph" so maybe a .357 Mag or 44 Mag in revolvers. Perhaps 10mm in S/A
CF Rifle: My advice would be get a bolt action .308 with a decent optic, maybe rail mounted so you can switch in a red dot for brush bashing.

Just my 2c

Whatever you choose, enjoy your shooting.

ATB,

Scrummy