C.R.
Member
so ,I have seen lots of "If you could only have one.. " threads , how about you get one of each . Shotgun, pistol and rifle . What are your "Big Three" and why?
One of each ...
- Thread starter C.R.
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Any 12 gauge pump. Any semi-auto between 9mm and 45 with more than 10 round capacity. Any bolt action rifle between .260 and .30-06.
I can do everything I need to do within any of those constraints. which brands and models are all just variations of quality and cool factor.
I can do everything I need to do within any of those constraints. which brands and models are all just variations of quality and cool factor.
Insp Evans
Member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2012
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- 32
I'd pick a .22, a 12 gauge pump and a .30-06'. Brand isn't too important as long as it is in good shape and accurate. There's not much you can't hunt in the 50 states with those three. I realize some feel the .30-06' is a bit light for grizzly bears, but I'm sure many a grizzly has been taken safely with one, particularly if you use a 220 grain bullet or other heavier round.
Candyman87
Member
870, 92FS, AR15 and I can do just about anything I need to.
huntsman
Member
12 gauge BSS because I like a SXS and this one fits
Blackhawk .45 convertible because it's a simple gun
Don't own a Rifle but would like a 45/70 for deer.
Blackhawk .45 convertible because it's a simple gun
Don't own a Rifle but would like a 45/70 for deer.
Black Knight
Member
My Remington 870. It has a 20 inch barrel and rifled sights, good for hunting at reasonable distances and great for home defense.
My 4" S&W 686-1. A good 357 magnum revolver that has never failed me and can use 2 different calibers of ammo should that be necessary.
Either my AR15 or my Winchester model 70 with a Luepold 3-9 scope in 270 Winchester. The AR is a great modern rifle for defensive use but can lack in the hunting area. The Winchester model 70 may lack in the intermediate defense ranges but excels in long range shooting and is capable of taking medium-large game should it be required.
My 4" S&W 686-1. A good 357 magnum revolver that has never failed me and can use 2 different calibers of ammo should that be necessary.
Either my AR15 or my Winchester model 70 with a Luepold 3-9 scope in 270 Winchester. The AR is a great modern rifle for defensive use but can lack in the hunting area. The Winchester model 70 may lack in the intermediate defense ranges but excels in long range shooting and is capable of taking medium-large game should it be required.
Ed Ames
Member
Two out of three of those do nothing for me. The other is fine but not ideal.
Add a pocket pistol, a .22 pistol, a big bore revolver, and a .22 rifle to your already mentioned handgun to start covering some useful ground.
Add something suitable for home defense if you lean that way. AR platform in .223 is cheap and easy to work with.
If you are into hunting you should probably specify that the big bore revolver be a magnum of one sort or another. Alternatively, add a 10mm, .45 mag, etc. auto.
Add a pocket pistol, a .22 pistol, a big bore revolver, and a .22 rifle to your already mentioned handgun to start covering some useful ground.
Add something suitable for home defense if you lean that way. AR platform in .223 is cheap and easy to work with.
If you are into hunting you should probably specify that the big bore revolver be a magnum of one sort or another. Alternatively, add a 10mm, .45 mag, etc. auto.
Panzerschwein
member
Shotgun: Mossberg M590A1
Combat proven, rugged as can be. Nine shot capacity. Devastating in close quarters.
Pistol: Colt Rail Gun 1911
Beyond combat proven, accurate and powerful, comfortable to shoot and the greatest combat handgun ever made, even today.
Rifle: PTR-91 GI
Stupid reliable, proven track record, devastating even against armored threats. Easy to find ammo, and can reach out farther than any AR.
Those are my choices.
Combat proven, rugged as can be. Nine shot capacity. Devastating in close quarters.
Pistol: Colt Rail Gun 1911
Beyond combat proven, accurate and powerful, comfortable to shoot and the greatest combat handgun ever made, even today.
Rifle: PTR-91 GI
Stupid reliable, proven track record, devastating even against armored threats. Easy to find ammo, and can reach out farther than any AR.
Those are my choices.
gbran
Member
S&W 686+ 4 inch 357/38 revolver
Mossberg 500 pump, 20 inch, 8 rnds, 12ga
357 levergun
Mossberg 500 pump, 20 inch, 8 rnds, 12ga
357 levergun
entropy
Member
Krebs AK103K, 870 Tactical Magnum with SpeedFeed III stock, Taurus PT 1911A1. I have the last two, and for now the AMD-65 I built will have to do.
Honorable mention: LWRC IC M6A2.
Honorable mention: LWRC IC M6A2.
A handgun a rifle and a shotgun.
I suggest a 12 ga. (In my case a Remington 870 with 2 barrels and rem chokes 26 inch vent rib for birds, 21 inch with rifle sights for serious stuff) and a .30-06 (my go to hunting rifle is a Savage 116fask Weather Warrior) , the handgun could be anything from a .22 on up. My first was a Ruger mk2 with a 5.5 inch bull barrel. Everyone should have a .22, if not a couple.
I suggest a 12 ga. (In my case a Remington 870 with 2 barrels and rem chokes 26 inch vent rib for birds, 21 inch with rifle sights for serious stuff) and a .30-06 (my go to hunting rifle is a Savage 116fask Weather Warrior) , the handgun could be anything from a .22 on up. My first was a Ruger mk2 with a 5.5 inch bull barrel. Everyone should have a .22, if not a couple.
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Barry the Bear
Member
12 ga pump from the "good brands" (i.e. Mossberg, Remington, Ithaca, winchester)
.44 magnum in a good handgun a model 29 or ruger redhawk
And an m1 garand in the venerable .30-06
.44 magnum in a good handgun a model 29 or ruger redhawk
And an m1 garand in the venerable .30-06
Crashbox
Member
Well, let's see...
- For shotgun, a Benelli Nova 12-gauge would be suitable since it can handle up to 3-1/2" shells. There's a remote (but not zero) possibility that the 3-1/2" ones would be the only available shells, so in a so-called TEOTWAWKI scenario it could be a distinct advantage.
- As for handguns, probably either a .357 or .44 Magnum. I'd prefer the latter as it is notably better for defense against bears and the like.
- For rifles: hmmm... I would also lean toward the M1 Garand in .30-06 for its versatility. Granted, you can run a wider range of powder/bullet combinations in a bolt or lever-action rifle but the M1 has thoroughly proven itself for general utility, so to speak.
Since I just acquired an M1 today, I now have my "Big Three". And it is a good feeling.
- For shotgun, a Benelli Nova 12-gauge would be suitable since it can handle up to 3-1/2" shells. There's a remote (but not zero) possibility that the 3-1/2" ones would be the only available shells, so in a so-called TEOTWAWKI scenario it could be a distinct advantage.
- As for handguns, probably either a .357 or .44 Magnum. I'd prefer the latter as it is notably better for defense against bears and the like.
- For rifles: hmmm... I would also lean toward the M1 Garand in .30-06 for its versatility. Granted, you can run a wider range of powder/bullet combinations in a bolt or lever-action rifle but the M1 has thoroughly proven itself for general utility, so to speak.
Since I just acquired an M1 today, I now have my "Big Three". And it is a good feeling.
Deog
Member
Mossberg 590 9 shot
G19
Marlin lever 336
All easy to get and find ammo
G19
Marlin lever 336
All easy to get and find ammo
Sheepdog1968
Member
Fairly easy for me. My needs are a mixture of self defense, clay shooting and some hunting.
For the shotgun it would be a Mossberg 500. I like the controls and the versatility I get with barrels. A shotgun is my personal preference for a home defense long arm.
For the pistol I like Glocks. I am a fan of 45 ACP. I'd settle for the Glock 30SF.
For the rifle ID probably go with a 30-30 lever action as its so fun and good enough to hunt with. A scout rifle in 308 would be fine. Also, I'd be happy with a mini-30 as well. Any one of these would be fine for me.
For the shotgun it would be a Mossberg 500. I like the controls and the versatility I get with barrels. A shotgun is my personal preference for a home defense long arm.
For the pistol I like Glocks. I am a fan of 45 ACP. I'd settle for the Glock 30SF.
For the rifle ID probably go with a 30-30 lever action as its so fun and good enough to hunt with. A scout rifle in 308 would be fine. Also, I'd be happy with a mini-30 as well. Any one of these would be fine for me.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,312
1) Handgun-Colt Government .45 with .22 conversion assembly
2) Shotgun-Maverick 88 12 gauge
3) Colt AR15 SP1 Sporter .223
2) Shotgun-Maverick 88 12 gauge
3) Colt AR15 SP1 Sporter .223
cat_IT_guy
Member
Tough call. I figure for the shotgun I'd go for a pump 12ga, probably a Mossberg or Remington. Pistol? I think a 686 would be hard to beat... Mags for defense and big game, light 38s for small game. Thinking more a 10mm probably wouldn't be a bad bet. Rifle? I guess an ar-10 would be a pretty good bet..not too heavy, pretty good range for reach out and touch, and powerful enough to hunt almost anything.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
1. Remington 870
2. Remington 700 BDL VSSF in 308 Winchester. (Have)
3. Colt Government Series 70 .45 ACP (Have)
Only thing I don'y have is a shotgun and haven't had one for decades.
Ron
2. Remington 700 BDL VSSF in 308 Winchester. (Have)
3. Colt Government Series 70 .45 ACP (Have)
Only thing I don'y have is a shotgun and haven't had one for decades.
Ron
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Preface: My shooting interests are hunting-related first and foremost, although I also carry and enjoy target shooting.
1. Mossberg 500 12 guage with 28" vent rib barrel with removable chokes, 18" cylinder bore with rifle sights, and a 24" rifled slug barrel with cantilevered scope mount and a 4X Leupold. Why? Versatility. The vent rib takes care of small and upland game as well as clays. The cylinder handles home defense and makes for a handy hog gun. The rifled slug barrel makes it a deer killer out to 150 yards. A Remington 870 would work just as well, but I own a 500.
2. Remington Model 7 in .308 Win. This has been my go-to hunting rifle for years. Mine sits in an HS Precision sporter stock and wears a 2-7X Leupold. The setup is quite capable out to 450 yards, although I have never taken game at that distance. The .308 packs enough punch for anything I am likely to hunt; more than necessary for varmints, but it'll do the job.
3. Stainless Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel. Why? Again, versatility. Great gun for field carry as well as target shooting. In a good rig it will work for concealed carry. And as a reloader, I can shoot everything from powder-puff target loads up through full power hunting loads, varying the projectile by application. It would be my handgun if I could only have one.
1. Mossberg 500 12 guage with 28" vent rib barrel with removable chokes, 18" cylinder bore with rifle sights, and a 24" rifled slug barrel with cantilevered scope mount and a 4X Leupold. Why? Versatility. The vent rib takes care of small and upland game as well as clays. The cylinder handles home defense and makes for a handy hog gun. The rifled slug barrel makes it a deer killer out to 150 yards. A Remington 870 would work just as well, but I own a 500.
2. Remington Model 7 in .308 Win. This has been my go-to hunting rifle for years. Mine sits in an HS Precision sporter stock and wears a 2-7X Leupold. The setup is quite capable out to 450 yards, although I have never taken game at that distance. The .308 packs enough punch for anything I am likely to hunt; more than necessary for varmints, but it'll do the job.
3. Stainless Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel. Why? Again, versatility. Great gun for field carry as well as target shooting. In a good rig it will work for concealed carry. And as a reloader, I can shoot everything from powder-puff target loads up through full power hunting loads, varying the projectile by application. It would be my handgun if I could only have one.
1. Shotgun - Mossberg 590A1. Built like a tank and pump action is plenty reliable
2. Pistol - Glock 19. 9mm is readily available, and it's small enough to conceal easily, but large enough to make long-ish shots easy enough
3. Rifle - AR15. Lightweight, modular, and suitable for home defense and taking deer sized game (proper bullet selection assumed)
2. Pistol - Glock 19. 9mm is readily available, and it's small enough to conceal easily, but large enough to make long-ish shots easy enough
3. Rifle - AR15. Lightweight, modular, and suitable for home defense and taking deer sized game (proper bullet selection assumed)
buck460XVR
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2007
- Messages
- 10,091
Quality SxS 12 ga. shotgun.
.44 mag revolver.
.44 mag carbine.
Those guns along with a good bow/crossbow would take care of everything I need. I lived without legal CWC for 57 years. My area, my lifestyle, I could give it up for a excellent range/hunting type handgun. Like a PC 629. The shotgun is obvious. Classic firearm, you can hunt every game bird in North America with it, no plugs to worry about, instant option of two chokes and two chambers, thus can carry for both quail and pheasant at once. Also makes for a good sporting clays gun.The .44 carbine would be all the rifle I'd ever really need. The type of areas I hunt, the animals I hunt and the way I like to hunt, all I need outta either a handgun or rifle is 100 yards. Probably a Ruger 77/44 with 2-7 glass. The .44 rifle along with the 629, means I'd only need to load metallic for one caliber. One or two types of bullets for all my shooting needs along with only two powders needed to stuff 'em. Scoped, a .44 mag carbine is good enough for even big deer out to 125 yards with 270/300 gr pills.
There ya go.
.44 mag revolver.
.44 mag carbine.
Those guns along with a good bow/crossbow would take care of everything I need. I lived without legal CWC for 57 years. My area, my lifestyle, I could give it up for a excellent range/hunting type handgun. Like a PC 629. The shotgun is obvious. Classic firearm, you can hunt every game bird in North America with it, no plugs to worry about, instant option of two chokes and two chambers, thus can carry for both quail and pheasant at once. Also makes for a good sporting clays gun.The .44 carbine would be all the rifle I'd ever really need. The type of areas I hunt, the animals I hunt and the way I like to hunt, all I need outta either a handgun or rifle is 100 yards. Probably a Ruger 77/44 with 2-7 glass. The .44 rifle along with the 629, means I'd only need to load metallic for one caliber. One or two types of bullets for all my shooting needs along with only two powders needed to stuff 'em. Scoped, a .44 mag carbine is good enough for even big deer out to 125 yards with 270/300 gr pills.
There ya go.
The Alaskan
member
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- Mar 14, 2015
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- 477
Winchester Model 12 pre 64. They don't call it the game getter for nothing. Grouse to Moose, home defense-it gets the job done.
Winchester Model 70. pre 64. 30-06. The Alaskan do it all rifle. Black Bear to Brown, Caribou to Muskox, if it's brown, it's goin' down.
Ruger Revolver in....hmmm 357 or 44 magnum...tough choice there. Probably the 44 only because I live in Alaska and 44 will protect me better from bears. Lower 48, or purely self defense/home defense, in 357. I can leave the revolver loaded for 10 years and never touch it, grab it when I need it, and I know it will fire. A Glock, not so much.
Winchester Model 70. pre 64. 30-06. The Alaskan do it all rifle. Black Bear to Brown, Caribou to Muskox, if it's brown, it's goin' down.
Ruger Revolver in....hmmm 357 or 44 magnum...tough choice there. Probably the 44 only because I live in Alaska and 44 will protect me better from bears. Lower 48, or purely self defense/home defense, in 357. I can leave the revolver loaded for 10 years and never touch it, grab it when I need it, and I know it will fire. A Glock, not so much.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
^^
I like the way you think. If I lived in Alaska, I'd probably trade the 4" GP100 for a 4" Redhawk in .45 Colt.
I like the way you think. If I lived in Alaska, I'd probably trade the 4" GP100 for a 4" Redhawk in .45 Colt.
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