essential 3

[cerberus65]

Shotgun: Remington 870 Express (18.5" barrel for HD, 28" barrel for birds)
Rifle: Remington 700 in .243 (works for everything from varmints to mid-size deer)
2nd Rifle: Marlin .22LR (works for small game plus everyone ought to have at least one .22 rifle - and they don't have to be all that expensive)
Handgun: Stainless steel S&W .357 magnum revolver (good for carry or as backup HD - and cheaper than a 1911, trust me, I've been looking around)

Yeah I know, that's 4 not 3. The only way I can figure out how to do less than 4 is if you find some black powder rifle that you can shoot slugs or shot out of. Then you just need a carry pistol and a .22 of some sort to get cheap, fun practice. BTW, I almost added 2nd Handgun above since everyone really needs a .22 pistol or revolver too (or both!).

 

[JustRick]

As a rank newbie I have no business posting to a thread like this. But... I can at least say what I've spent real money on.

Remington Wingmaster 870 20 gauge
FN FNP 9mm

Looking at:

Rifle (any ideas? strangely attracted to M1As and VZ 58s)
CZ SP-01 Tactical

Actually, this week I've become a CZ nut. I suppose it'll change in a couple of weeks. Tonight, my son and I are going to a handgun course. With all the shooting I've been doing lately, I'm more than ready if a paper target attacks me!

 

[mainebear]

Slapnut: First of all welcome to the High Road. You just can't beat this forum. Great experience, very clean respectful folk with lots and lots of knowledge. I guess I'd agree with most of the other posters. Remington 870 in 12ga, Remington 700 in either 308 or 30-06. For the pistol if you want semi auto the Ruger P series is pretty bulletproof and 45acp is great. Or perhaps a nice S&W 357 revolver. Or if just for plinking you can't beat a nice little 22. Please don't forget to include pix when you start buying. Happy shooting, be safe.

 

[Prepster]

If I had my choice it would be as follows.

Handgun: Ruger Vaquero .45 colt, bbl length of your choosing

Rifle: Uberti 1873 Winchester lever action replica in .45 colt w/ octagonal barrel

Shotgun: CZ-USA hammer coach in 12 gauge.

Others have made more practical/affordable suggestions, but if you've got the money all of the above are wonderful and useful.

 

[Slapnut]

I've no experience with CZ shotguns... (actually, I had no idea they even made them, to be honest). how are they, overall?

when I did a quick lookup on them, I also ran into an interesting bit I've never encountered as well... a Benelli "inertial driven" shotgun. anything spectacular about these two that would put them above the 870 or 500?