Collection of calibers for all purposes

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That caliber list needs a 9mm, a .44 magnum and at least one .22 rifle.

The GUN list requires a few more....

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Part of the reason for the .223 is for long range. But I also want it to double as a multi-round defense rifle. A bolt action 22-250 won't provide that. Plus, a 110 grain in my 7mm magnum will definitely reach out long range if I need it. So, I am still looking at the .223, 7.62x39, or the 30-06 in the M1 Garand.

David, I already have a 22 rifle listed. So that isn't needed. As for the 44 magnum; I could sort of see the need for that, but rarely. 180-200 grain Softpoints out of my 357 magnum will do just as well as anything the 44 magnum could do. But it does have the possibility. The 9mm I consider to be a useless caliber for anyone who has the ability to have more than 1 gun. I consider the 9mm, 40sw, and 10mm to be an in between round that people with only 1 gun have to try and fit multiple purposes. I prefer a 45acp and a 32auto. For carry purposes, those 2 calibers can handle most all situations.

I am leaning a bit towards the M1 Garand 30-06. It can be used as a semi-long range rifle. It can shoot 55 grain accelerators all the way up to 220 grain bullets for ultra-large game. It's only an 8 rd magazine compared to 20-30 for the AR style .223; but I need to balance the pros and cons of both.
 
How about a 1911, maybe an extension of your plinking duties? A good specimen can be had for under $1,000.00. I would recommend a hand cannon (460, 454, 500, but you already denied a 44), but I feel you are very practical? Happy shopping. :D
 
You might consider ammo price, if your adding a caliber, you adding another X - thousand rounds to your personal cache.

I was considering reloading (until the diaper bill ate that dream) One of thing that the reloading thread brought up was the ease of swithcing caliber, ie. you can use a 9MM plate for .40, and 7.62 x 25,

And can someone explain the difference between a .17, a .22LR or Mag, don't they do the same thing at about the same range?

BTW, how bout 7.62 x 25, .30 cal hole, and carbine speed (1500 to 1759 FPS) out of an inexpensive pistol, plus lots of surplus ammo.
 
My list of "must haves" is slightly different than yours but, If I wouldn't feel under gunned or unprepared if I had your collection. The only thing I would certainly add is a good meat chopper like an AR or AK. You probably won't ever need it but they sure are a lot of fun.
 
Thanks for all the great opinions. As for the 1911A1; I use to have a springfield armory and I really loved it. But if you look at my current list, I have a Sig Sauer P220 45acp. Personally, while I love the 1911A1 model, the P220 is a much better gun. So I believe I have that area covered. At one time I bought guns more as a collector and for fun. I've sold and given away quite a few of them. Some I wish I hadn't gotten rid of. But currently, I want my collection of guns to be such that every single gun has a purpose and if a scenario arises, that I have a weapon that can handle it. As I said in my opening post, the guns I have and their purposes are:

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 Brush Gun - 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)

Some of the guns do overlap even though I didn't mention it. I.e. the S&W Mod 13 357magnum can also be used for some hunting if needed. The only area I think I was sort of missing, was a gun that could handle a "Panic" situation. Basically a situation for large numbers of people. Not paranoid or survivalist; just thinking of a scenario that couldn't be covered by the rest of my collection. So; I had narrowed it down to an AR style .223; an AK style 7.62x39; an M1 Garand 30-06, or an M1 Carbine 30 cal.

The AK style is probably the most reliable and practical of the bunch. Ammo is cheap and available. It's a 30 caliber and has ballistics similar to a 30-30 rifle so soft points can also double as a hunting gun. 30 round clips. Simple and indestructible. Kick butt gun. And it can be had for around $500-$600.
The AR/M16 style also has readily available ammo that is somewhat cheap. Also 20-30 round magazines. Other than varmints, it's basically only good for crowds of people. Major disadvantage is the price. Roughly $1000.
M1 Carbine is a good choice for the caliber. Large magazine capacity. Easy to shoot and maintain. Biggest problem with it is ammo availability. I can get one for about $500.
Then there's the M1 Garand. 30-06 is a very popular caliber. Doubles as a great hunting round. Loaded with some 55 grain accelerators, it can be similar to an AR/M16, but with much better accuracy. However; it only has an 8 round magazine. But I also like the nostalgia of the rifle. They don't make any more of them and they are a great piece of history. I can get one for about $600.

I believe that with any of these 4, that I can fill the gap and complete my collection which basically includes a weapon for all scenarios and situations. From walking down the street and self defense; to home defense. From Bird hunting to Moose and Big Horn sheep hunting. From survival hunting and survival protection against other people. From wide open spaces of 400+ yards to dense forests. From open carry to concealed carry.

I believe I have all the categories covered. I just need to decide on the assault type rifle. FWIW; I'm leaning towards the M1 Garand 30-06 or the AK style 7.62x39. If nothing else, get the M1 Garand because they will eventually no longer exist; while the AK style with probably be around for decades more to come. Thanks again for all your opinions.
 
The muzzle loading rifle does sound like it could be a fun and interesting addition. We don't do much muzzle loading hunting out here in Wyoming. We're allowed to, it's just that most antelope, elk, moose, etc... are pretty long shots. But it does sound like something to add.

I don't think I need a 45-70 for any real purpose. As you correctly noticed, I have a 22lr rifle and a 30-30. But if you noticed, I also have a 7mm magnum. That rifle alone can pretty much hunt anything in North America. With 110 grain to 175 grain bullets. The 30-30 is nice in some of the denser forests. But I do appreciate the recommendation.

For what it's worth, I just sent in my order for the M1 Garand. I think that will take care of a few scenarios. I think the AK or AR style .223 or 7.62x39 is better for panic people scenarios, but those are rifles that should be available for many years to come. The M1 Garand in 30-06 is limited quantity and very few left. Plus, at the price, I get a good 8 shot rifle that's also good for hunting.

I did have a thought about another level action in 357 magnum. This way it's a dual purpose for the 357 magnum ammo I already shooting. But after getting the M1 Garand, I'll probably have to wait a little. The only other pistol I'm thinking of now is a 9x18 makarov style such as a CZ or an FEG.
 
I don't hunt but I do enjoy muzzleloaders for what they are - slow, fussy, dirty, and FUN. Some people buy them only to extend their hunting season...IMO those folks are missing out but to each their own.

I break it down like this:
.22lr, .380, compact .45acp or 9mm: utility guns.
.223 sem autos, long range rounds (6.5x55, etc): training guns.
Big bore (44mag and up) pistols and rifles: fun guns.

The utility guns are bread and butter. The training guns are vitamins, and the fun guns are meat and two veg. Ideally you have all three.
 
A few people have mentioned that my collection is missing a 44 magnum. I guess I just haven't been able to see the need for it yet. The thought that if I am in the woods, then I need a 44 magnum is indeed a viable thought. Here in Wyoming, the entire state is Mountains, Woods, and Prairies. I live in the capital city, which is also the most populated, and it only has a little over 50,000 in the city limits. 90% of the state is without people. Hell, we only have about 550,000 people in the entire state. There is no state, not even Alaska, with less people than Wyoming. So the woods, mountain, etc... is very common for us. And more than 85% of eligible people have a gun. But a 44 magnum just doesn't seem quite necessary based on my collection. If I didn't own a large revolver, then a 44 magnum, doubling with 44 specials, would indeed be a practical gun. However, I chose the 357 magnum for my large revolver. Ammunition is cheaper; it can also shoot a 2nd caliber (38 special); it is much more practical for self defense against humans; and it can be loaded with 200 grain bullets for those walks in the woods. (Which I definitely do carry). But a 200 grain in a 357 mag is definitely good protection. Handgun hunting isn't really a big thing here. Not when normal big game shots can easily reach 300-400 yards. Even bow hunters find it quite challenging here.

I guess the in theory, every single caliber could be said to fill a niche that another caliber doesn't. If I was hunting with a handgun, I'd definitely go with the 44 magnum. For wildlife protection such as a bear, the 357 magnum is quite capable.

So I guess the only gun really missing now is that .223 or 7.62x39 with a 30 round magazine. But for the really long or varmit types; I believe the M1 Garand shooting 55 grain 30-06 accelerators might actually be just as good. Probably better on accuracy. As for an urban multi-person defense weapon, the AR/AK styles are still much better. I guess I'll have to start saving. But I am excited about the M1 Garand. I get an 8 round semi-auto; shooting 30-06; capable of long range varmint as well as 200-300 yard deer/elk; shooting a 55 grain up to a 220 grain bullets. It's also a great piece of American History. If I could have only had 1 more gun ever; I probably would have gotten the AK style for it's dependability and reliability. Plus the availability of ammo. But in time, I believe I can still get that or the .223 AR or Mini-14 style.
 
What is this "need" of which you speak?

Seriously, if you are trying to justify buying more firearms based on need you are on the wrong track. You can do everything you "need" to do with a single-shot 12ga, a .357 revolver, a 30-06 bolt gun, and a pair of either pellet guns or .22 rimfires.

You want more. There is nothing wrong with wanting more of a good thing. Go with it.

I have everything I need. I want a .454 (or .460, haven't decided) revolver and carbine combo. I don't need to make up a need to justify such a purchase. As soon as I find what I want I'll get it.
 
I thought when I said "Need", I clarified the numerous purposes that guns are used for. In theory, you are correct that a 22, 357, 30-06, and shotgun could do just about anything. I personally don't agree with that list. I think there are quite a few scenarios where those 4 either couldn't do the job, or would do it lousy. But as I said in the beginning of the thread, I use to collect guns. I had quite a few. I have over time given away or sold quite a few. For numerous reasons. The guns I now keep, I want to be a collection that in theory, can accommodate any purpose or scenario I can imagine. Mainly still as a hobby. I'm not a paranoid person believing in the end of the world or society as we know it. Just wanting to see if based on the collection I currently have, if there were some areas that might not be covered. I do believe there is one area.

As far as justifying a gun; the only thing I'm justifying is it's purpose. Hell, a 22 can do just about anything in the world you can imagine. That doesn't mean it's the most practical. I can drive an RV to work everyday, but that isn't practical either. I don't have to justify the cost. I can afford any rifle probably on the planet. But I can afford such things because I don't waste my money on just anything I see or want. But with the exception of a defensive gun against large crowds, I believe I have all other scenarios covered. Why am I concerned with the gun's "Purpose"? Why do some people collect only lever action rifles and they have 30 of them? With my collection, I can go back to my parent's or friend's home in the thick forests of the eastern United States and do quite well with a 30-30 Marlin. (Especially now with new Hornady flex tip bullets that allow pointed bullets to be in a tubular magazine and extend the range out further). Basically, I don't have to take a 7mm mag to Penn or New Jersey to hunt deer. And I don't need to try and shoot an Elk in Wyoming at 350 yards with a 30-06. I can use my 7mm mag. There are lots of scenarios.

Same with handguns, shotguns, etc... I like having guns for purposes. I have different fishing poles for different fishing. I have different cars/trucks for different driving. And I have different guns for different purposes. Some people collect guns. Some just have 1 rifle, 1 handgun, and 1 shotgun. We're all different. But I do prefer not to use certain guns for certain uses. So I don't really think 4 guns can do all things. I do agree that in a survival situation, my #1 gun is a 22 rifle. Everything else would be secondary.

Anyway, now that I have just purchased the M1 Garand (The 60-90 day wait sucks); the only area I can see not having the right gun for, can be covered with an AK or AR style gun. I'll just have to do more soul searching.
 
No black rifles there. Another shotgun would allow you to separate one for home defense only. It could stay loaded at all times.
The benefits of hunting in the blackpowder season has made a couple .50 cal Knight rifles a must in my house.
You could get a dedicated vehicle gun for each vehicle, or for each room in the house for that matter.
 
You listed a set of guns with their missions. 7mm mag for long range hunting, etc.. You then basically asked, "what missions should I add and then get new guns to fulfill?"

I guess my point is that you can invent missions to justify anything but you might as well go with "I want." It's a lot less taxing.

I want a .454 or .460 revolver. I could make up something about bear country jamborees or handgun hunting the mighty Texas Deer but the reality is I like .45 revolvers and want one that is more powerful than my current low-pressure-loads-only gun.

Similarly you can invent something about defending yourself from mobs or you can say, "I want a low-power centerfire rifle with 30 round magazines." They get you to the same destination but one is a lot less...strained.

Alternatively, you could ask what other guns would serve your existing missions better (7mm STW beats 7mm RM, etc.), or how you can accomplish specific missions with the guns you have (a 7mm RM can be used to hunt deer at shorter ranges quite nicely with handloading or reduced power factory ammo).

Just my $87.50
 
Actually; I wasn't asking what missions I should add and what weapons to go with them. I posted the list because I believe that "Except for a large crowd protection type of weapon; e.g. AK/AR type" that my collection in fact covers any "Missions" that could exist. My question was simply to determine if there was a scenario or such whereby something in my collection wasn't capable of satisfactorily accomplishing that mission.

There's obviously many guns that are similar in respect to what they can do. I.e. A 300 win mag and a 7mm mag basically can do what each other can do. Obviously, some people have their preferences. Just like some recommended a 1911A1; however, my SigSauer P220 45acp can handle the mission exactly the same. So that too wouldn't be practical. But the question was if there was a scenario, situation, mission, whatever that someone could think of that what I had couldn't handle. Yes, all guns can kill, so in theory a 22 pistol is all a person would ever need. But we know that a 22 isn't always the practical gun to use.

So, based on my collection, I believe that I have weapons that can handle; in a SATISFACTORY way:
1. Different variations of home defense
2. Different variations of concealed carry defense
3. Plinking
4. Brush gun for short range hunting of deer size animals out to about 150 yards.
5. High power rifle that can be loaded light for small animals all the way up to heavy weights for large animals; out to 500 yards. "Probably further, but that's probably my limit"
6. Small game hunting
7. Bird and any other animal I can't think of
8. Outdoor protection

So basically, is there a scenario that I haven't thought of and should consider. And if so, does one of the weapons I have listed satisfactorily qualify as handling that scenario?

Again, this is not a "Paranoia" or "Survivalist" mindset. Some people collect different calibers and guns for hunting. Some collect a types of military weapons. Some collect certain manufacturers such as ONLY S&W or Winchester or Springfield Armory. There's a lot of reason people collect and buy guns. I wanted my collection to include guns for every practical scenario and use. It will arguably be that some people think a certain gun is BETTER at a scenario than the gun I have and use. That's personal taste. I.e. Some will believe the 9mm, 40sw, etc... is better than my 45acp. That's simply preference.
 
How bout a mosin nagant, high power rifle to practice with, and cheap ammo?

that way you expand plinking into the high power range, and you can practice with a weapon similar to your hunting setups
 
If you want something in 223 or 7.62x39, you will not go wrong with a Saiga!! Either caliber can be had and ther are extremely dependable!!!
 
Actually, I was definitely thinking of a Mosin Nagent. Especially considering I can get one for about $89. But that would theoretically be just for fun or because I wanted it. I have an M1 Garand coming, and the 7.62x54R of the Mosin Nagent and 7.62x63 of the M1 Garand 30-06 are close to each other. Yes, the Mosin is definitely cheaper to buy and shoot. But that goes back to just being for fun. Even the M1 Garand is pushing the limits of having a gun that fulfills a purpose that something else I have doesn't do in a purposeful way. Again; a 22 can kill a deer or elk, but that isn't it's purpose. But for the FUN side of weapons; a Mosin, a 9x18 Makarov, and a few others may find their way into my safe. But they won't be bought for any "Purpose" other than they're fun. The collection I'm speaking of and listed, is designed to cover all practical scenarios; WITHOUT a major overlap. Not that my collection is better than someone else. Some would replace my 7mm mag with a 270. Some would replace the 45acp with a 1911A1 or a 40sw. But just wondering if there's a "Scenario" I overlooked.
 
Sorry ez; but I have no idea what you're asking. "CAN I..... WHAT?"

Can I get a Moisin Nagent???? Yes. They are a dime a dozen. They also make a great hunting rifle.

Can I WANT it? Can I afford it?

Can I WHAT???? What is your question????
 
Ez was asking if you could think of a better reason than, "Because I wanted it." It was a rhetorical question meant to say that want is sufficient justification for an adult to make a decision. He put it in context by saying that he could not think of a better reason himself.

That's basically the same thing I said earlier.
 
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