USSR
Member
Personally, I'd move to another retirement home that would let me have more than one gun.
Don
Don
You are Reaching Retirement: What one Rifle.......
- Thread starter SharpsDressedMan
- Start date
- Status
SharpsDressedMan
member
I like this topic, and I like the diversity of the answers. There is no one gun for all, or any one right answer, as everyone is so different. I am reaching my threshhold of age, but feel that I now will never be any better of a shooter UNLESS I define myself more, and limit myself to fewer guns for the sake of being better with THEM....better to ace a few than be a jack of all. I've managed to get real good with most all of my guns, and I dearly enjoy them all, but there is no one gun that I think identifies me, or would be identified with me. I'd like to get to that point, where one handgun, or one rifle, is ME. When my grandson gets it handed down, he will know it was my favorite, or the one I used the most, or shot the best. Maybe others will say, "Your grandad could shoot the ass off a fly at XXXyards with that gun!", etc. For some of us, we may someday, or maybe even now, have a gun like that. Or one that is our favorite. I know I may never be able to whittle down, but, if I do manage to thin down the guns, and find my "best", then I want them to almost be a part of me. And then, when I have no more use for them, I'll be ready to hand them down, with dignity, and maybe a few stories.
I doubt I'd thin down to one or two, but it wouldnt take many to stay busy shooting and be happy.
I started out liking classics, have strayed a bit now and then, but am still mainly interested in classics. Anything from Sharps, Colt single actions, '86, 92, 94 and 71 Winchester levers, Smith&Wessons, Mauser and Springfield sporters, up to about Remington 8's and 81's catch my attention. Would hate to choose just one.
I started out liking classics, have strayed a bit now and then, but am still mainly interested in classics. Anything from Sharps, Colt single actions, '86, 92, 94 and 71 Winchester levers, Smith&Wessons, Mauser and Springfield sporters, up to about Remington 8's and 81's catch my attention. Would hate to choose just one.
SharpsDressedMan
member
Regarding playing golf with just one club: Wouldn't you have a lot of respect for a guy that could shoot the round of golf with one club, and come in under par all the time? It would be the same with the guy with one gun. If I got that good with one rifle, or handgun, I wouldn't NEED the others. (Not that I wouldn't want them or enjoy them, just wouldn't NEED them.)
Regarding playing golf with just one club: Wouldn't you have a lot of respect for a guy that could shoot the round of golf with one club, and come in under par all the time? It would be the same with the guy with one gun. If I got that good with one rifle, or handgun, I wouldn't NEED the others. (Not that I wouldn't want them or enjoy them, just wouldn't NEED them.)
Well it's always good to minimize gun-related clutter. I am constantly selling guns and accessories that I don't use just to keep organized.
Generally I'd say if the person could handle it, a .308 semi-automatic rifle like an M1A is the most versatile. You can shoot varmints with it or use it for home defense with Hornady TAP plastic tipped ammo, and it could also be used as a target, battle, or sniper rifle.
However, when I'm 85 I bet I won't be strong enough to handle an 11 lb battle rifle. Maybe I'd just go for an AR-15 and go about setting it up, which is probably beyond the scope of this conversation.
Gordon
Member
I must say I think this has been the best thread ever on this forum. Well with just ONE rifle and getting old to the Big Sleep I would eschew my vetted fighting rifle collection and go for the .308 1961 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight with a Nightforce 2-10x in Warne Maxima lever mounts. It is a mundane 1.5 MOA at 200 yards shooter with Federal Match with just a bedding job and trigger tuning. I can hunt ANTHING I would want to in my waning years out to any range shy of half a mile, reliably! What is more to ask?
Swiftyjuan
Member
No, I am not going to get rid of anything now that am retired, but the one rifle I would save for my son is a Winchester 52 with the original scope mounted by Winchester in 1937. Oh, the rifle was originally build for William Soroyan.
jmstevens2
Member
What the heck is that 3 gun? What does it eat?
Last edited:
Just one rifle? Never! But, I do understand the idea of thinning the herd, as I near retirement, myself. I think "consolidation" is a more accurate term.
I realized that I only needed one manufacturer and one chambering in my lever rifles, and stayed with .308 Winchester and Browning BLRs. The .357 Mag Marlins were sold off. With auto rifles, I am already at one chambering, .223/5.56, but am considering phasing out
the AR15, and staying with the Mini-14.
My only bolt-action rifle is a .375 H&H Winchester Model 70 Safari Express. That is a keeper, just in case I ever walk among walk among giant quadrupeds, and because, it is
such a beautiful rifle, and because I have been a fan of books about Africa and the Raj since I was a boy.
I can certainly live without a .22 rimfire rifle, as I don't have one now. I do have a .22 revolver, and access to a .22 auto pistol. If I move to a rural area, however, I think I would like a rimfire rifle, probably a Marlin lever rifle.
Single-shots; ah, this is why I cannot willingly consolidate down to only rifle, though if I had to narrow things down to only one make and model, with examples in various chamberings, the Ruger Number One would be a candidate for the title. To really smash things, I have a 1H in .375 H&H, and for a lighter-weight rifle that can still smash things, a Sporter in .45-70. If I did not have .308 chambered in another action type, I would want a #1, probably a 1A, chambered in a good all-around cartridge such as .30-06, .270, or 7mm Mauser.
This is not to say the Ruger is the only single-shot I like. When I retire, I will be able to access tax-deferred savings, and if I feel secure enough, financially, just might order myself a really nice Shiloh Sharps or a Lone Star Rolling Block, or similar level of custom
rifle.
No, I can narrow things down to one shotgun easily enough, but not one rifle, as long as I am still competent to handle my own affairs.
I realized that I only needed one manufacturer and one chambering in my lever rifles, and stayed with .308 Winchester and Browning BLRs. The .357 Mag Marlins were sold off. With auto rifles, I am already at one chambering, .223/5.56, but am considering phasing out
the AR15, and staying with the Mini-14.
My only bolt-action rifle is a .375 H&H Winchester Model 70 Safari Express. That is a keeper, just in case I ever walk among walk among giant quadrupeds, and because, it is
such a beautiful rifle, and because I have been a fan of books about Africa and the Raj since I was a boy.
I can certainly live without a .22 rimfire rifle, as I don't have one now. I do have a .22 revolver, and access to a .22 auto pistol. If I move to a rural area, however, I think I would like a rimfire rifle, probably a Marlin lever rifle.
Single-shots; ah, this is why I cannot willingly consolidate down to only rifle, though if I had to narrow things down to only one make and model, with examples in various chamberings, the Ruger Number One would be a candidate for the title. To really smash things, I have a 1H in .375 H&H, and for a lighter-weight rifle that can still smash things, a Sporter in .45-70. If I did not have .308 chambered in another action type, I would want a #1, probably a 1A, chambered in a good all-around cartridge such as .30-06, .270, or 7mm Mauser.
This is not to say the Ruger is the only single-shot I like. When I retire, I will be able to access tax-deferred savings, and if I feel secure enough, financially, just might order myself a really nice Shiloh Sharps or a Lone Star Rolling Block, or similar level of custom
rifle.
No, I can narrow things down to one shotgun easily enough, but not one rifle, as long as I am still competent to handle my own affairs.
DNS
Member
My Savage model 24 in 22mag/20 gauge.
Best of both worlds.
Best of both worlds.
I'd keep a lightwieght soft recoiling rifle that could reach out as far as I could see.
Glad I don't have to make a single choice, but I can see keeping my poddle shooter into old age.
Glad I don't have to make a single choice, but I can see keeping my poddle shooter into old age.
USSR
Member
You OBVIOUSLY have never played golf.
Don
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // Wow one rifle, not fair, unless I get to keep most of the rim fires and we are talking one centerfire. That "might" happen.
It would have to be versatile.
Although heavy, I'd choose the Savage 24V, .30-30 over 20ga with a .22 caliber 18" insert/drilling.
These breakdown for easy storage or carrying in a smaller case.
If only one including rimfire.
1939 Winchester Model 69A, .22 with 5 and 10 round mags,a Lyman Peep Sight and factory tapped for a scope. Got one but don't want the scope on the rifle.
I started using this rifle at Boy Scout Camp in the 60s.
Pretty much where my rifle shooting started so to find a nice one was outstanding.
As a great bonus it is a straight shooter too.
It would have to be versatile.
Although heavy, I'd choose the Savage 24V, .30-30 over 20ga with a .22 caliber 18" insert/drilling.
These breakdown for easy storage or carrying in a smaller case.
If only one including rimfire.
1939 Winchester Model 69A, .22 with 5 and 10 round mags,a Lyman Peep Sight and factory tapped for a scope. Got one but don't want the scope on the rifle.
I started using this rifle at Boy Scout Camp in the 60s.
Pretty much where my rifle shooting started so to find a nice one was outstanding.
As a great bonus it is a straight shooter too.
Retirement is not death, so you don't need to worry about which rifle to be "buried with"...yet. It's a time to reap the rewards of life's work! If you can't reap, don't take the leap!
I recently retired, but had bought about all the guns I wanted in the past few years, in preparation for retirement. I also asked that if anyone were to give me retirement gifts, to please give gift certificates to Kittery Trading Post or Cabelas. With the certificates, I bought a slightly-used CZ 455 in .22 WMR (with a trade) and will probably pick up another gun soon.
You will need a few .22LR rifles and handguns, a .223 Bolt-Action (and/or AR), a .243 Win bolt, a .270 or 30-06 scoped, bolt-action hunting rifle, a 1911 shooter, and a couple of concealed-carry guns.
Also, don't forget a couple of shotguns, a 12 gauge multi-purpose, and a light 20 for upland. For when you slow down, maybe a muzzle-loading rifle is in order, as well.
If you don't handload, start!
Picher
I recently retired, but had bought about all the guns I wanted in the past few years, in preparation for retirement. I also asked that if anyone were to give me retirement gifts, to please give gift certificates to Kittery Trading Post or Cabelas. With the certificates, I bought a slightly-used CZ 455 in .22 WMR (with a trade) and will probably pick up another gun soon.
You will need a few .22LR rifles and handguns, a .223 Bolt-Action (and/or AR), a .243 Win bolt, a .270 or 30-06 scoped, bolt-action hunting rifle, a 1911 shooter, and a couple of concealed-carry guns.
Also, don't forget a couple of shotguns, a 12 gauge multi-purpose, and a light 20 for upland. For when you slow down, maybe a muzzle-loading rifle is in order, as well.
If you don't handload, start!
Picher
I think it will be the rifle with the best optics and any of my pistols that have the crimsontrace laser grip.
When we get old one of the things that hurts is the loss of vision. Some can not even drive anymore because their vision has deteriorated.
Funny after sixty I increased my collection.....
When we get old one of the things that hurts is the loss of vision. Some can not even drive anymore because their vision has deteriorated.
Funny after sixty I increased my collection.....
AlexanderA
Member
I disagree with the premise of the thread. I've been retired now for more than 11 years, and in that time I've acquired more guns. Perhaps the question to ask is what gun you would take with you to the nursing home (if that's even permitted!). Retirement in general is the prime of life!
doubleh
Member
Maybe I shouldn't be commenting since I'm well over the 70 year age mentioned. I just can't imagine cutting back to one rifle, or three, or six, or, well you should get what I mean. Same goes for handguns. Besides the kids and grandkids will enjoy them just like I have when I'm gone.
kimberkid
Member
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2010
- Messages
- 1,654
Well ... Life is a death sentence, sorry to burst your bubble.Why would you sell your guns because you're retired? Is that like a death sentence? I would buy more. But I always do
With 10 years or less to retirement this thought has crossed my mind too. First off, for reasons which are unexplainable I have no children or grand children that have embraced shooting sports. If I only had a few guns that wouldn't be a problem, the wife could dispose of them but that's not the case. I don't want her to be taken advantage of or burdened with the chore like my parents did with me with my fathers extensive clock collection or my mom's hundreds of Cupies and pink pigs ... of which I had zero intrest in.
I've thought about liquidating several and flipping those funds into something full-auto like an HK sear-pack or an M-16 ... at least for a few years and then sell them off when I hit my 70's or 80's; as I said I don't want my collection to be a huge burden on those I leave behind ... I could see thinning the heard to my top 10 or so title 1 guns ... but not just 1.
Last edited:
RugerMcMarlin
Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2011
- Messages
- 979
1 !??!, Hell I'm gonna be buried with mine, kinda like pharoah and his treasure.
(see fine print, towards bottom of will)
(see fine print, towards bottom of will)
"Retirement home" means "incapable of getting yourself dressed in the morning." No gun is useful then, the shooter simply can't.
Taking the premise as still being able to lace my shoes, I choose something I had a lot of experience with. It's not the time of life to be learning something all new - you can - but at 58, it's not as easy, especially with something with the safety of use that firearms have. Kinda like the accidental acceleration of Audi's - largely an old fart problem they were in denial about.
So, familiarity, ie, already practiced safety habits. Light weight, because I hunt, and walk in to locations. Durable, because hunting isn't friendly to old wood and steel guns - todays hunting gear can keep you out much longer in horrible weather quite comfortably, and experience does, too. It has to be a relevant caliber, but frankly, bigger than intermediate is really overpowered in most edge and rough country where game animals live. Hunting shots are usually less than 300m, more likely eyesight in mature woods or trails.
Manual action rifles rely on good shooter ability, and honestly, that's not getting better. Ref: Audi drivers. Self loading actions let the shooter concentrate on targeting with the diminishing visual acuity they suffer, and low power scopes and red dots help a lot.
I built my retirement rifle, when I can't shoot it, I likely shouldn't be trusted with one - or the keys to the car
AR15A3 dissipator, midlength, A1 stock, TD battlegrip, rifle handguards, in 6.8SPC. Chopped M4 rear sight, red dot, and entirely Foliage Green. Once the FSB is pinned, I'm done. Sooner sell off that Fudd .30-30 or Rem 700, my last one will function. Of the two of us, I can represent the curio and relic. My gun? Not so much.
My kids will remember me for that.
Taking the premise as still being able to lace my shoes, I choose something I had a lot of experience with. It's not the time of life to be learning something all new - you can - but at 58, it's not as easy, especially with something with the safety of use that firearms have. Kinda like the accidental acceleration of Audi's - largely an old fart problem they were in denial about.
So, familiarity, ie, already practiced safety habits. Light weight, because I hunt, and walk in to locations. Durable, because hunting isn't friendly to old wood and steel guns - todays hunting gear can keep you out much longer in horrible weather quite comfortably, and experience does, too. It has to be a relevant caliber, but frankly, bigger than intermediate is really overpowered in most edge and rough country where game animals live. Hunting shots are usually less than 300m, more likely eyesight in mature woods or trails.
Manual action rifles rely on good shooter ability, and honestly, that's not getting better. Ref: Audi drivers. Self loading actions let the shooter concentrate on targeting with the diminishing visual acuity they suffer, and low power scopes and red dots help a lot.
I built my retirement rifle, when I can't shoot it, I likely shouldn't be trusted with one - or the keys to the car
AR15A3 dissipator, midlength, A1 stock, TD battlegrip, rifle handguards, in 6.8SPC. Chopped M4 rear sight, red dot, and entirely Foliage Green. Once the FSB is pinned, I'm done. Sooner sell off that Fudd .30-30 or Rem 700, my last one will function. Of the two of us, I can represent the curio and relic. My gun? Not so much.
My kids will remember me for that.
Give me a Cooper or an Anschutz in .22lr, .22 Hornet, or .222 Remington. Either of those would be it for me. I figure by that point my little hunting will be done and gone. No need for the hunting class rifles. It will put holes in whatever target I put in front of it and do so very accurately. It will also be a rifle that could be shot by any small grandchildren as well. At that point, my need for a .30 caliber is long gone and I'm just going to be looking for fun. I don't see a day where I sell all but one, but if I had to only own one it would certainly be one of those.
a-sheepdog
Member
I would not narrow it down to just one. I would keep my trusty 7mag, a 12 gauge shotgun and my 45 along with a 22 rifle. I think that would suit my needs for most anything. If only one rifle.....my 7mag.
USSR
Member
Hmmm, guess I'll shoot nakid then.
Don
- Status
