Collection of calibers for all purposes

[christcorp]

This is a question about guns, it includes rifles and pistols, but couldn't think of a better place to post it. The question is:

Considering just north america; no hunting for African elephants or anything; and considering different possibilities for self defense, home defense, and carry; does anyone think I am missing a caliber/gun that might fill the gap for what I might need? I just got done selling some guns. (Why, because some I almost never shot, and I have friends/family that would like a gun and to properly learn how to use it. They trust me selling to them than a shop that they have to admit their ignorance). Anyway, here's what I have left. (Not much)

Remington 870 Pump 12 gauge 2 3/4-3" "28" and 20" barrels Shot Gun (Duck, Geese, Pheasant, Home Defense)
Remington 7mm Magnum Bolt Rifle (long range - Deer, Elk, Moose, Bear, Antelope)
Marlin 30-30 lever action Rifle (Short range - Deer, Elk)
Winchester mod190 22LR Rifle semi-auto (Small game, rabbits, squirrel, plinking, etc...)
SigSauer P220 45acp semi-auto Pistol (Home defense, Carry-Self Defense)
S&W Model 13-1 357mag/38spl Revolver (Home Defense)
Walther PPK 32acp semi-auto (Carry-Self Defense)
Single-Six 22LR and 22magnum revolver (Plinking, small game hunting)
44 caliber Black Powder Navy Pistol (Hell if I know)

Mind you, there's only me and my wife. (Late 40's). Some of the guns I had, I gave to my son and daughter for their protection and needs. So, is there a caliber or gun that some of you think SHOULD be on the list?????? I use to have an AK (MAK-90 7.62x39) but I sold it years ago. Is something like that or a .223 something some would suggest???? The Sig P220 45acp is a good carry in the colder winter months with clothing. The 32acp Walther is what I use in the summer warmer months. I live in Wyoming, so gun laws are never a problem. Anyway; besides just for "FUN", can anyone suggest something in between that might be missing or I might have a use for. I was thinking of a good quality 9x18 (9mm Mak) like an FEG or CZ. Good quality; inexpensive; smaller than the 45acp but bigger than the 32acp. Ammo is abundant and cheap. But yet, I can't really figure out a need for it. I totally believe in shot placement as being the key to self defense. While I do agree that a 22lr or 25acp, while capable of killing a person, is probably a bad risk for defense. However, with the proper ammo (European like Fiocchi or S&B), the 32auto can be quite acceptable as a carry gun. So, between the 45acp and the 32acp, I think my carry/self defense needs are covered. Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[tlmkr38]

Looks to me like you have about everything covered. Pretty reasonable collection actually. Hehehe now that you have the "needs" covered you can work on the "wants" the good part of that is you don't really have to think of a good reason to buy it LOL!!!!

 

[runrabbitrun]

Looks to me like you have it covered too.
Can me and mine come out and shoot with you guys?

 

[owlhoot]

Yep, the basics are fairly well covered. If you have a need, you might add a varmint cartridge in something like .223 preferably on an AR or mini14 frame.

 

[10-Ring]

I'd make a few changes but I think mostly from personal preferences more than an actual 'change' so, for the most part, you're good

 

[WVMountainBoy]

Now ya just need a ultra accurate long range target gun Something in .308 and from someone like Accuracy international

 

[catfish101]

The only thing you are missing is a Cheytac .408.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

It looks like your needs are pretty fulfilled. The only gap I see is a standard capacity (as in 20-30rd) semi-auto intermediate caliber rifle. AR or AK. Would you ever actually NEED that? I sure hope not (think multiple intruders with body armor rendering your shotgun ineffective...not very likely) but it's nice to fill in those gaps and that gives you the excuse to buy another gun
Also if you do go deer hunting, something in between the 30-30 and 7mm mag might be warranted, like a 30-06 or 7mm-08. Ability to reach out and not as hard on meat as the 7mm mag.

 

[christcorp]

Thanks for all the input. Yes, the 7mm is capable of extremely long range shots and virtually any animal in north america. I am thinking of a semi-auto rifle like the 223 or 7.62x39. Not sure if I agree with needing a "LONG RANGE" in the "308" caliber. I'm pretty sure that the 7mm mag will outdo the 308. Now, for an intermediate range in between the 7mm mag and the 30-30; something like a 308 or 30-06 is definitely something I've considered. Actually, I was thinking of killing 2 birds with 1 stone, so to speak. I like some old weapons, and was actually thinking of picking up an M1 Garand. Hence a 30-06. That might take care of that. But if not that, then possibly a 223 in either a mini-14 or AR-15; or a 7.62x39 in an AK style or SKS style. Haven't decided. Not sure if I can convince the "Department of Defense" (THE WIFE) that I need both or even all three.

I can't really rationalize needing a 44mag/44spl above and beyond the 45acp I have. And the 357magnum can handle just about everything else. And personally; I have never been a fan of the in between calibers such as the 40, 10mm, and pseudo calibers like the 357sig, 45gap, etc... I personally believe these were calibers designed strictly for marketing purposes and hype. There is nothing that these offer the others can't do. 32, 380, 9mm, 38, 357mag, 45acp, 45lc and 44spl/mag were pretty much the normal calibers. This were USA and Overseas calibers. I.e. 32 is really a 7.65 browning overseas. Just like the 380 is a 9mm Kurz (short). So, I prefer not to get any of the other calibers that are mostly hype. The one exception, but it's definitely not hype, but a caliber that's one of the originals and could possibly fill a niche, if not at least something FUN to play with, is a 9x18 (9mm Mak). I was thinking either a FEG or CZ. Cheap, reliable, surplus ammo, available, etc....

So, the considerations for the future I guess from suggestions here; and my own obsession; is:

1. 9x18 pistol
2. M1 Garand 30-06
3. 7.62x39
4. .223

One, some, or all. Thanks for the suggestions. Mike.....

 

[rmmoore]

My personal opinion on caliber collection is this:

12ga; preferably a pump
.22LR; an absolute MUST have
.45ACP; need I say more
.357 Mag; really, really need one of these for 3 caliber option
9mm; not my favorite, but see .223 reference
.223; as long as the military is using it...........
.308 bolt; almost as universal as it gets
.30-06; universal for any application in North America
.270; nice option when .308 or .30-06 aren't available
.243; nice to have for young shooters and smaller women if .223 isn't available and it has a bit more "umph"


Please note, with the exception of the 9mm, these are all calibers/guages that have been around a long, long time and well proven. While I love to see anything that helps the gun industry as a whole, I haven't seen much the last 15 years or so that one of these wouldn't take care of compared to the newest, latest and greatest, super-dooper magnum. Yeah, I'm old school and probably a middle-aged dinosaur, but they work and do the job they were intended to do pretty damned good. Just my .02 cents.

 

[rmmoore]

Oh yeah, and although it's not really a standing member of the "preferred" caliber collection, I'd add a .44 Mag; not because you'd need it, not because you don't have something already that would work. But because it's about as AMERICAN as apple pie and baseball/football. Every gunowner should have one, just, well, just because

 

[patrick526]

you don't have 9mm.

 

[1911 guy]

You've got it covered pretty well.

I consider the minimum battery for everything in North America to be a .22 rifle, 12ga shotgun, .30 caliber rifle and .45ACP pistol. Everything else is gravy.

 

[christcorp]

Patrick; No, I don't have a 9mm. I don't believe I have any need for an in-between caliber. I believe as far as needing a gun for self defense, that ANY caliber from 32auto to 44mag is plenty big enough to thwart off an attacker. If I could only own 1 handgun, then "Maybe" I would look at a 9mm, 40sw, or 10mm. These are calibers I believe are being looked at as some "All in One" caliber gun. I give some slack to the 9mm because it's been around for more than 100 years in Europe and the USA. The 40 and 10 I don't respect at all. But because I can afford at least 2 hand guns; and I can't shoot more than one at a time; I don't believe that there is anything a 9mm, 10mm, or 40sw can do that my 45acp or 32acp can't do. The purpose of the 357mag/38spl is because it is a revolver, very common calibers, dual use, and tried and true. Same with a 22lr revolver. If I listed everything from hunting to defense between the 357/38 and the 22lr, that they could do; the two lists would cover all possibilities. Same in the semi-auto world with the 45acp/32acp. Between the 2 guns, I believe that I can do anything that ANY other semi-auto can do. For self defense, I'm content with either the 32 or the 45acp.

But I am still trying to figure out a semi-auto rifle that has numerous uses. Basically, I think a Ruger mini-14 or AR style 223. OR, an SKS or AK style 7.62x39, OR an M1-Garand 30-06. I think one of those 3 would make all possible uses covered..... thx... mike...

 

[CB900F]

christcorp;

I used to live in Casper, grew up there, graduated from NCHS, & only moved out a few years ago.

You're missing a lightweight walking varminter. Something like a bolt action .223. If you were really into P-dog shooting, you'd already have something like a .22-250 listed, but you don't, so I presume you're not. However, a walking varminter is an extremely useful article to keep around for the occasional coyote, prairie dog, or emergency. Other than that, given the 7 mag as the top centerfire, the only other possibility I could see would be something along the lines of a .338 Winchester magnum.

900F

 

[christcorp]

Thanks CB. As I've mentioned, I'm definitely considering a 223. Possibly a mini-14 or an AR style. However, at the current prices, they seem a little high. I use to have an AK style 7.62x39. One of the things I liked about it was that it was a 30 caliber that had similar ballistics to a 30-30. But it had the advantage of large magazine capacity for certain types of defense. So, price wise; an SKS is the best at around $399. An AK style at around $599. But I am considering a Mini-14 or AR-15 style. Then of course, for nostalgic purposes, and because there is some practical use for it, I am looking also at an M1 Garand. Same with some of the russian military such as the 7.62x54 calibers. Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees in Cheyenne. If it did, I'd buy an AR, AK, and M1.

But I believe that either of them will compliment my existing collection and possibly round it out fully. And while I'm not into the "In between Niche" handguns; I am considering another carry gun. Mainly because the wife really likes the 32auto and sometimes the 45acp Sig P220 just isn't practical. So; I'm considering either a 380 or a 9x18 Mak. The 9x18 is very inexpensive and there's plenty of ammo. The 380 has more manufacturers. Oh well, considering these are some of the hardest decisions I have to make in life, I consider myself quite blessed.

 

[kendradad]

I love the 9X18, but be careful, they can be addictive. I have bought 6 in the last few months. I would recommend a Bulgarian or E.German (more expensive), Mak over a CZ82, (also nice gun).

Ammo easy to get and cheap, all steel gun, very reliable, pleasure to shoot.

Good luck.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Well, there is a Mini-14 in 7.62x39 called the Mini-30 if you prefer a .30 hole. There is also some AR-15s in that caliber.
The Garand is awesome and nostalgic, although it doesn't hold a whole lot of rounds. Would you consider an M1A or a FAL? Those are rugged 20-30rd semi-autos in .308, which from what I've read isn't really balistically inferior to an '06 until you get out to ranges you'd be using your 7mm mag at anyway. That way you'd kill a few birds (battle rifle, extreme home defense, intermediate range hunting, plus a cool nostalgic rifle) with one rifle and the DOD might give it the OK
For a little backup carry gun I love the Kel-Tec P3AT. It slips into your pocket, disappears, is reliable, light, cheap, made in the USA, and has a lifetime warranty. My Dad has the Ruger LCP and it fits the same description so it's basically a brand preference there (the ruger wasn't out yet when I got the kel-tec, but I don't have any complaints).

 

[Scratchy]

Seems to me you have just about everything covered. Maybe a .17 rimfire or a .22-250?

 

[wrs840]

I love the 9X18, but be careful, they can be addictive.

I don't mean to be antagonistic in any way, believe me please, but why are these "good" and the 9mm x 19 parabellum "not good"?

les

 

[Deus Machina]

Is it a good or bad thing that I can narrow my 'all-purpose range' with three or four calibers? I might allow some swapping out of them, too.

9mm for carry. I'm a fan of .45, admit .40's worth, but 9mm covers pocket pistols, since you can get Kel-Tecs and such in it. I also believe anything worth shooting is worth shooting well, and twice--a couple HST's to the chest will take any two-legged predator.

16gauge--I'm convinced this will kill anything as well as a 12 and better than a 20, in the right hands with the right ammo. But good luck finding anything but light shot in department stores. I'm really curious about loading up one with a long barrel and slugs in front of slow powder...

One of the .30's for hunting. .308, .30-06, x54r (big fan). Close or long range, elk or whitetails or mule deer? Just change ammo. I've heard of x54r loads from .30-30 levels to some wicked stuff that puts me in awe of a Mosin Nagant's metallurgy.

.22LR, just because you have to. Cheap, wide range of ammo, and you can find a round that will drop anything you shouldn't move up to the .30's for. Really, my Henry likes HV Golden Bullets enough that I could take a small critter at any range I'd trust my aim to, and no .17 or .22 magnum, however much I'd love one, will make my effective range any more.

 

[woof]

The OP has the calibers covered but I'd say he needs one or two more .22's because they are the most important on the list and if anything on the list warrants a backup gun it's the .22. I don't have duplicate guns in any caliber except .22 and I have four of those.

 

[kendradad]

I don't mean to be antagonistic in any way, believe me please, but why are these "good" and the 9mm x 19 parabellum "not good"?

les

Don't know where that came from. I own both and see nothing wrong with the 9mm at all, I just like the little makarov pistols.

 

[christcorp]

In trying to "Fill" the gap I believe I have in the "Multi-Shot" caliber/gun; I have come to a cross-roads. Here are my choices and request for suggestions.

Caliber:
30-06
.223
7.62x39

Guns:
M1 Garand (30-06)
ar-15 style (223)
ak/sks style (7.62x39)
mini-14 style (223)
saiga style (Both 223 or 7.62x39)

Trying to figure out which one to get. Except for the AR-15 style, I can get any of the other models/calibers in the $400-$600 price range. I love the M1 Garand, but that's pretty much only good for hunting and nostalgia. It doesn't hold enough rounds for the uses the others can do. Any suggestions?

 

[hinton03]

The gap seems to be a long range varmint round. If you were back east I would say 223, but since you are out west I would choose the 22-250. I would go with one of the new predator rifles that have become so popular; the barrel is heavy enough to give outstanding accuracy and light enough to be portable for calling and moving.