I have "chased" after many guns over the years - usually selling and buying on a regular basis to find those weapons that fit me the best. I was pondering the ideal number of calibers that one should own - to cut costs, improve efficiency of use and not be duplicative by having very similar caliber sized guns. So I decided to try a 3 caliber approach - 22lr, 9mm, and .308 - selling off my other calibered guns. I know it is fun to have lots of choices, but realistically, what would you consider the ideal caliber types to own?
Odd question
- Thread starter prairiefire
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Re: Odd question
.22, .45, and .308. You can reload .45 cheaper than you can buy 9mm for and make it do anything you want.
.22, .45, and .308. You can reload .45 cheaper than you can buy 9mm for and make it do anything you want.
Re: Odd question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22, .45, and .308. You can reload .45 cheaper than you can buy 9mm for and make it do anything you want. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^^^ + a 12 or 20ga shotgun</div></div>
Agree'd! 22LR bolt rifle, 45ACP 1911, 308Win Bolt action, and a SxS 12 Gauge would be it for me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22, .45, and .308. You can reload .45 cheaper than you can buy 9mm for and make it do anything you want. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^^^ + a 12 or 20ga shotgun</div></div>
Agree'd! 22LR bolt rifle, 45ACP 1911, 308Win Bolt action, and a SxS 12 Gauge would be it for me.
Re: Odd question
Might swap out the SxS for an 870 or 500 in 12 gauge. More rounds, lighter, and can be shorter. Whats not to like?
Might swap out the SxS for an 870 or 500 in 12 gauge. More rounds, lighter, and can be shorter. Whats not to like?
Re: Odd question
.22lr, 9mm, 12 gauge = low cost, availability, and flexibility.
can go from chipmunk to bear in about 3 seconds with the 12 guage, let's see an AR do that!
.22lr, 9mm, 12 gauge = low cost, availability, and flexibility.
can go from chipmunk to bear in about 3 seconds with the 12 guage, let's see an AR do that!
Re: Odd question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Terror!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22, .45, and .308. You can reload .45 cheaper than you can buy 9mm for and make it do anything you want. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^^^ + a 12 or 20ga shotgun</div></div>
Agree'd! 22LR bolt rifle, 45ACP 1911, 308Win Bolt action, and a SxS 12 Gauge would be it for me. </div></div>
Almost sounds like a plan to me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Terror!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22, .45, and .308. You can reload .45 cheaper than you can buy 9mm for and make it do anything you want. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^^^ + a 12 or 20ga shotgun</div></div>
Agree'd! 22LR bolt rifle, 45ACP 1911, 308Win Bolt action, and a SxS 12 Gauge would be it for me. </div></div>
Almost sounds like a plan to me.
Re: Odd question
.22, 9mm, 309 sounds like a great range of calibers. .45ACP is a really close fourth because of the 1911 platform for me.
.22, 9mm, 309 sounds like a great range of calibers. .45ACP is a really close fourth because of the 1911 platform for me.
Re: Odd question
22LR, 45ACP 1911, .223 Rem, .308 Win, 338LM, 50BMG
I have numbers 1, 3, 4, and 6. Working on 2 and then 4 will come waaaaaay later when I can save up for either an AIAW or DTA.
22LR, 45ACP 1911, .223 Rem, .308 Win, 338LM, 50BMG
I have numbers 1, 3, 4, and 6. Working on 2 and then 4 will come waaaaaay later when I can save up for either an AIAW or DTA.
Re: Odd question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Might swap out the SxS for an 870 or 500 in 12 gauge. More rounds, lighter, and can be shorter. Whats not to like?</div></div> Of those two I would rather have the 870 but I have a soft spot for SxS and would still rather have that than a pump or semi. I guess if we were talking SHTF type crap then my choices would be <span style="text-decoration: underline">a lot</span> different but since we're just talking about condensing the collection to as few calibers as possible then I'll stick with my choices.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Might swap out the SxS for an 870 or 500 in 12 gauge. More rounds, lighter, and can be shorter. Whats not to like?</div></div> Of those two I would rather have the 870 but I have a soft spot for SxS and would still rather have that than a pump or semi. I guess if we were talking SHTF type crap then my choices would be <span style="text-decoration: underline">a lot</span> different but since we're just talking about condensing the collection to as few calibers as possible then I'll stick with my choices.
Re: Odd question
I agree SxS guns are fun, but even if I was out hunting the availability of shots is always nice. There is an old SxS hanging on my wall that would probably blow apart if shot but it looks great being a mantle piece.
I agree SxS guns are fun, but even if I was out hunting the availability of shots is always nice. There is an old SxS hanging on my wall that would probably blow apart if shot but it looks great being a mantle piece.
Re: Odd question
swap that .308 for a .260 and your golden for the basics. im going to work on getting one soon as a long range rig leaving my .308 for a bush gun. you could always go the dta srs route and have a multi calibered gun. the only way I could ever justify it would be when getting a .338 LM. its about 1000 bucks more for the trg and the caliber swaps are around 1600$ each but you would save alot by only buying one scope. definitely not the way you'd want to go by cutting costs though, however, it is something thats been giving me alot of fun toying with...i hope im rich one day
swap that .308 for a .260 and your golden for the basics. im going to work on getting one soon as a long range rig leaving my .308 for a bush gun. you could always go the dta srs route and have a multi calibered gun. the only way I could ever justify it would be when getting a .338 LM. its about 1000 bucks more for the trg and the caliber swaps are around 1600$ each but you would save alot by only buying one scope. definitely not the way you'd want to go by cutting costs though, however, it is something thats been giving me alot of fun toying with...i hope im rich one day
Re: Odd question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Terror!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22, .45, and .308. You can reload .45 cheaper than you can buy 9mm for and make it do anything you want. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^^^ + a 12 or 20ga shotgun</div></div>
Agree'd! 22LR bolt rifle, 45ACP 1911, 308Win Bolt action, and a SxS 12 Gauge would be it for me. </div></div>
Agree with this but would only add that you need some small caliber semi rifle. .223 That should be a minimum arsenal. All these are EASY to find ammo for either store bought or make your own in addition to both accurate ammo and milsurp.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Terror!</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22, .45, and .308. You can reload .45 cheaper than you can buy 9mm for and make it do anything you want. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^^^ + a 12 or 20ga shotgun</div></div>
Agree'd! 22LR bolt rifle, 45ACP 1911, 308Win Bolt action, and a SxS 12 Gauge would be it for me. </div></div>
Agree with this but would only add that you need some small caliber semi rifle. .223 That should be a minimum arsenal. All these are EASY to find ammo for either store bought or make your own in addition to both accurate ammo and milsurp.
Re: Odd question
I like your selection, but you have to add a 12 gauge pump into the mix, in my humble opinion.
I like your selection, but you have to add a 12 gauge pump into the mix, in my humble opinion.
Re: Odd question
A .22LR bolt action/semiauto rifle and/<span style="text-decoration: line-through">or</span> semiauto handgun, for training, recreation, and small game.
A .44Mag revolver and/<span style="text-decoration: line-through">or</span> lever carbine, for moderate distances, medium game, personal defense.
A 20ga Semiauto Shotgun, for generic use, medium game, personal defense.
A .260 Rem bolt action rifle for extended distances, medium game.
A .280 Rem bolt action rifle for generic use, longest distances, bigger game.
A Garand, for the peace of mind, and warmth of the heart.
I believe in the right tool for the task. Respect the task. Compromises are not on my agenda.
Greg
A .22LR bolt action/semiauto rifle and/<span style="text-decoration: line-through">or</span> semiauto handgun, for training, recreation, and small game.
A .44Mag revolver and/<span style="text-decoration: line-through">or</span> lever carbine, for moderate distances, medium game, personal defense.
A 20ga Semiauto Shotgun, for generic use, medium game, personal defense.
A .260 Rem bolt action rifle for extended distances, medium game.
A .280 Rem bolt action rifle for generic use, longest distances, bigger game.
A Garand, for the peace of mind, and warmth of the heart.
I believe in the right tool for the task. Respect the task. Compromises are not on my agenda.
Greg
Re: Odd question
Shotguns are a whole 'nother breed... much like Greg said and I apply to that theory also. I couldn't live with just one. If I did probably a 20 ga. pump because of the versatility from anything from clay to quail to dove to pheasant to geese to deer (to HD). With that said, a 20 ga is about the only thing I DON't own! LOL!! I need my .410 for quail, 28 ga for dove/pheasant, 12 auto for ducks/geese, 12 O/U for clays although I usually shoot the 28 for skeet.
But on to your question:
.22 bolt gun, .45 1911, .308 bolt gun would be my choices. I almost opted for a .30-06.
Shotguns are a whole 'nother breed... much like Greg said and I apply to that theory also. I couldn't live with just one. If I did probably a 20 ga. pump because of the versatility from anything from clay to quail to dove to pheasant to geese to deer (to HD). With that said, a 20 ga is about the only thing I DON't own! LOL!! I need my .410 for quail, 28 ga for dove/pheasant, 12 auto for ducks/geese, 12 O/U for clays although I usually shoot the 28 for skeet.
But on to your question:
.22 bolt gun, .45 1911, .308 bolt gun would be my choices. I almost opted for a .30-06.
Re: Odd question
A 22 rifle is a must, obviously, for practice/plinking/small game. The next step up for me would be a .223 for small game/coyotes in whatever platform floats your boat. Form there I jump to the 300 Win Mag because it will take down anything I will ever likely point it at. A handgun for self defense in 40s&w makes my list because I already have one and a 12 gauge pump for birds and I'm pretty much set. I would change the 300 to a 260, the 12 to a 20 and the 40 to a 38 revolver for kids/wife.
A 22 rifle is a must, obviously, for practice/plinking/small game. The next step up for me would be a .223 for small game/coyotes in whatever platform floats your boat. Form there I jump to the 300 Win Mag because it will take down anything I will ever likely point it at. A handgun for self defense in 40s&w makes my list because I already have one and a 12 gauge pump for birds and I'm pretty much set. I would change the 300 to a 260, the 12 to a 20 and the 40 to a 38 revolver for kids/wife.
Re: Odd question
My 20's are a Charles Daly semi, an 11-87, and a Mossberg rifled bolt action. The first two can each utilize Rem Chokes.
Greg
My 20's are a Charles Daly semi, an 11-87, and a Mossberg rifled bolt action. The first two can each utilize Rem Chokes.
Greg
