TitanTom
Forum Rocket Scientist
Lifetime Member
If I were looking to put together a minimum set of useful firearms, this is what I'd do. Keep in mind you can spend a lot to do this, but I've concentrated on building a set on a very realistic budget.
1) The first I'd shop for is a good, eminently serviceable 22. Above all else, a 22 is what's gonna keep you fed. Think squirrels and rabbits. A Ruger 10/22 fills the bill nicely, and they come in a gazillion configurations. Stainless steel construction is a must, and a 10/22 Takedown in stainless is at the top of the list.
2) Nothing is quite as versatile as a shotgun. A 12 ga Remington Express Magnum, paired with an extra 18 or 20 inch barrel will meet all needs, Mossberg will do the same if you favor that brand.
3) There's an old saying that makes a lot of sense - "There ain't too many problems a man can't fix with 700 dollars and a 30-06". Wise thinking. 30-06 ammo, while not as plentiful as 308, will handle heavier bullets better, and will take down, with careful shot placement, about anything on the planet, and at least anything you might encounter in North America. A Savage Axis, again in stainless steel, fitted with a good scope, will serve you well, and won't break the bank.
4) How about a nice, handy carbine. Most folks immediately gravitate to the AR platform, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I'm gonna stick with the traditional American approach to a civilian carbine, which is to pair it with your pistol. You can take your pick here between a Marlin or Rossi stainless lever gun in 357 mag. Henry makes 357carbines, but none that I know of in SS. Ive owned both the Marlin and Rossi in this caliber, for me, Rossi gets the nod due to it's price point.
5) You need a nice, SS 357 revolver to go with that carbine. EVERYBODY makes them, just about, and as long as you stick with a good brand, you can't go wrong. S&W makes a wide range, and Colt's brought back the Python, so if you have a buttload of cash you can try those. My wife, on her own, shopped for and bought a Taurus 627 Tracker that has, with 38 spl rounds, out performed several of my S&W target revolvers. My 2 favorites are the Ruger Security Six and truly outstanding Smith 620, both of which are discontinued but can be found used. A Ruger GP100 is likewise hard to beat.
If you are the 'Tacticool' kind of guy, you can replace my more traditional options above with:
1) A tricked out 10/22
2) A Mossberg 590
3) An M1A in 308
4) An AR carbine
5) A Glock G17 9mm
Or whatever you fancy.
1) The first I'd shop for is a good, eminently serviceable 22. Above all else, a 22 is what's gonna keep you fed. Think squirrels and rabbits. A Ruger 10/22 fills the bill nicely, and they come in a gazillion configurations. Stainless steel construction is a must, and a 10/22 Takedown in stainless is at the top of the list.
2) Nothing is quite as versatile as a shotgun. A 12 ga Remington Express Magnum, paired with an extra 18 or 20 inch barrel will meet all needs, Mossberg will do the same if you favor that brand.
3) There's an old saying that makes a lot of sense - "There ain't too many problems a man can't fix with 700 dollars and a 30-06". Wise thinking. 30-06 ammo, while not as plentiful as 308, will handle heavier bullets better, and will take down, with careful shot placement, about anything on the planet, and at least anything you might encounter in North America. A Savage Axis, again in stainless steel, fitted with a good scope, will serve you well, and won't break the bank.
4) How about a nice, handy carbine. Most folks immediately gravitate to the AR platform, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I'm gonna stick with the traditional American approach to a civilian carbine, which is to pair it with your pistol. You can take your pick here between a Marlin or Rossi stainless lever gun in 357 mag. Henry makes 357carbines, but none that I know of in SS. Ive owned both the Marlin and Rossi in this caliber, for me, Rossi gets the nod due to it's price point.
5) You need a nice, SS 357 revolver to go with that carbine. EVERYBODY makes them, just about, and as long as you stick with a good brand, you can't go wrong. S&W makes a wide range, and Colt's brought back the Python, so if you have a buttload of cash you can try those. My wife, on her own, shopped for and bought a Taurus 627 Tracker that has, with 38 spl rounds, out performed several of my S&W target revolvers. My 2 favorites are the Ruger Security Six and truly outstanding Smith 620, both of which are discontinued but can be found used. A Ruger GP100 is likewise hard to beat.
If you are the 'Tacticool' kind of guy, you can replace my more traditional options above with:
1) A tricked out 10/22
2) A Mossberg 590
3) An M1A in 308
4) An AR carbine
5) A Glock G17 9mm
Or whatever you fancy.
Last edited:
