That's a good way to look at it. My first three were (are) my Norinco SKS, my Ruger GP100, and my Marlin 39AS. If I were to be led by my heart, my last three would be my Marlin 1894 CSBL, my S&W 66, and probably a 4.6" barreled Ruger Single Six (of which I do not own, yet).
Ruger GP 100 in .357 Bolt action 30.06 with good scope 12 gauge pump shotgun. I prefer Winchester model 70/1300 for the above. Remington 870 probably has more parts availability, though. Hard to leave out a .22
Kahr MK40 870 AR The 870 and the AR are obvious (as the frequency of their choosing here attests). The MK40 is an attempt to combine durability, power, and conceal-ability. I suppose with the plethora of micro-9’s these days there are probably better choices.
This week it would probably be: 1. Ruger LCP. Not the most cutting edge pistol but hard to argue with IMO as a highly portable and concealable CCW piece. 2. AR-15 (because it does a great many things well, even in .223) 3. A S&W model 15 for recreational target shooting.
Kimber Gold match II 45 ACP Remington 760 30-06 Remington 870 Wingmaster 12 ga 3" magnum IMI 77gr 5.56 Razorcore ( Black hills not an option at this time ) Remington 3" #3 steel Remington golden saber 45 ACP 185 BJHP
I could live with: S&W Mod 25 ---6in, .45acp---prefer N frame Smiths over any other revolvers 1911---Commander---.45acp---still think it is the best semi-auto Henry lever-action---.22cal---nicest .22 I have ever shot You can tell I'm an old guy.
Might as well ask a golfer if he could only carry 3 clubs in his bag, or better yet, ask a fisherman which three lures or a fly fisherman, wet or dry, which three flies, and store bought or handled made. So for your question, I’ll respond in kind, what job do you intend for that gun(s)? Self defense at home isn’t the same as concealed carry in public, is not the same as water birding , is not the same as pot hunting is not the same as dangerous game hunting. There are pistols that are acceptable for grizzly out to 100 yards and rifles, axe guns , in any caliber cut down on both ends. And we haven’t even begun on the bullets: FMJ, HP, soft points, round points armor piercing, tracer, lead-tin alloy. However, the most important element in gun selection is behind the gun not in front of the smokey end. The gun that fits my hand, cheek and shoulder may not fit you. If it isn’t comfortable you won’t do your best. Unless we are only talking about fun shooting on a sunny day, the details make the difference in bringing home dinner or not coming home at all. The last point I’ll make is about training and that concept includes so much more than just shot group. With a ten dollar club or a 1000 dollar club, my golf card are going to look the same because I haven’t picked one up since I shipped to the Northern Tier. When you are satisfied with your shot group, run 40 yards, stop and shoot; now turn off the lights and empty your piece at the target. Now face away, then turn, acquire and neutralize 3 targets. And by the way did you maneuver to clear the area behind your point of aim to avoid endangering others needlessly?
12 gauge pump gun .22 mag bolt action .270 Win, bolt action I got no use for handguns or handgun cartridges in this scenario.
The ones I have. AR15-self explanatory but I'd pick one of the ones I have that's the most utilitarian. 9MM-Probably go with the bigger size Taurus I have-G3 12 Gauge - Pump. Only one I have is a Mossberg pump. I picked these three because-not entirely perfect in any category, they all could harvest big game in a pinch, harvest small game, and perform self defense adequately. Also, I could reload each of these long term with supplies on hand, as well as hulls, brass, and lead that can be salvaged.
This is tough…Do shotguns count? 1. .308 Winchester in a Ruger GSR 2. 12 gauge in a Remington 870 3. .357 Magnum in a Ruger GP100 These could do 100% of what I need to get done, but it wouldn’t be as fun. Handloading all three really opens up the capabilities.
To simplify, I will limit the choices to guns I already own. 12 Ga Remington 1100 - It fits me well and I can hit what I'm shooting at and there are many ammo choices Also, sentimental reason as it was given to me by my dad. 9 mm Ruger EC9s - Can be CC'd in virtually any circumstance 5.56 mm Ruger AR - Everyone should own an AR
For over a decade, all I had was a Ruger 10/22. That makes 1 of 3 Then I added a BHP and only had those 2 for another decade or 2. So either a BHP or a a wonder 9 would be #2 of 3. Those 2 are fairly easy for me to pick. #3... is tougher. I'm definitely more of a rifle guy than a shotgun guy after having a rifle for 40+yrs & a shotgun for only a dozen, without a lot of use either. But a shotgun sure is versatile. A smooth bore with slugs and a scope would probably fill my rifle needs for my typical distances but still have all the upside of shooting shot. The shot gun would probably be a 20ga pump. The rifle.... oh geeze... probably .223/5.56 for thrifty reason but maybe a 350L or .243 or, if I was still young and durable, a .308 or 30-06
Bone stock Glock 19 CF Winchester Featherweight in 30-06 with iron sights, the old style trigger, and a high end fixed 6X scope (Schmidt Bender?) 20" 12 gauge 870 Wingmaster.
.22 Buckmark, couple different barrel lengths and optics 20ga shotgun, dosent matter what. 7mm Remington (1-8 twist 3.7" action) bolt action, probably a Christensen Ridgeline cause i know i like them, or a custom build.
Guns I Have: Weatherby MarkV Ultra Lightweight 7mm RM Remington 332 O/U 12 gauge Taurus 605 357mag They cover all my needs. I would add a 22lr if we could have a fourth.