What does the term, "Go to War Gun" or "Fighting Gun", mean to you

[tarosean]

absolutely nothing..

 

[GunnyUSMC]

GO TO WAR GUNS. It seems so long ago, but feels like yesterday. The M16A2 in my hand and Beretta M9 at my side. For those of us that have seen the Elephant, the weapons we fought with will always come to mind.
But I find that most that are looking for that GO TO WAR GUN have yet to see the Elephant, or never will.
I pray to God that those that have not tested a gun in war never have to. And for those of us that have that we fine peace within as the years fade.
I can still hear the sound of thunder on a clear day.

 

[Ranald]

To me it means the gun that you have with you when the cow excrament self levatates up into the rotating oscillator.

We had a similar term for the break out war that we expected in Korea - Come as You are. Meant that you fought the fight/war with what you had on hand when it started and don't expect any additional help in the near future

As in ww2 Philippines, or any other country so invaded and occupied... the list is endless over the millennia of human "civilisation"... Doubtful that I will "go to war" in the sense implied by the OP... but war may come to ME.. and if it should my prayer is that I have the strength, aptitude, resolve, and means to take the war to the enemy...

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

"Going to war" implies you have time to think about impending direct action and you also have the time to get your gear on and organized.
I think it also implies you intent to find a fight.

The gun I have on me at the time of an expected confrontation is my CCW gun. Intent is defense and getting me out of a sticky situation.

"Go to war" guns consist of comms to call in airstrikes, mobile armor, explosives, and crew served weapons.

 

[Panzerschwein]

It has to be a proven, reliable firearm above all else.

 

[JO JO]

I still think the term GO TO WAR GUN just fuels the anti gun folks to push harder "as they believe" the AR15 is a civilian version military grade assault rifle made for military personnel to use in the field ,
perhaps a better question would be what firearm do you trust,
I echo what was said above when I was in the service I had an M16a2 , there is no going to the local gun store asking whats the best go to war gun , I just do not understand this as a civilian go to war gun thing?
I do understand owning a reliable firearm for personal and family protection and shooting sports / plinking fun , IMHO

 

[Jackal]

It simply means a gun that you would trust your life and the life of your loved ones too.

 

[herrwalther]

GO TO WAR GUNS. It seems so long ago, but feels like yesterday. The M16A2 in my hand and Beretta M9 at my side. For those of us that have seen the Elephant, the weapons we fought with will always come to mind.
But I find that most that are looking for that GO TO WAR GUN have yet to see the Elephant, or never will.
I pray to God that those that have not tested a gun in war never have to. And for those of us that have that we fine peace within as the years fade.
I can still hear the sound of thunder on a clear day.

Spot on with many points Gunny. In my case it was an M4 and M9. People who claim X gun is the next "War Firearm" while shooting at a well lit, indoor range make me laugh. I know what I look for in firearms. And self proclaimed internet firearms experts are a dime a dozen. Only a handful are worth their salt and hard drive space for their reviews in my opinion.