Best overall gun... Target, hunting, home defense, shtf

[manco171]

Ruger 10-22 will cover two if not three of your criteria. For shtf have both 10-22 and winchester defender mod 1300. 8+1 in 2 3/4. 7+1 in 3" magnum. lots of aftermarket for both of these when the current frenzy dies down

 

[liquiditynerd]

I am looking into the savage 24. I like the idea of a .223 over a 20 gauge. There is also the 22/410, 3030/16. I figure if I'm out small game and a hog comes out I can have a slug, with the butt accessory you can have bird, buck, slug all within reach.

Just a thought.

 

[whoaru99]

Ok.... I was just saying that some people may be very calm during a home invasion and be able to crack off a very well aimed shot. Others may prefer to have the large margin of error if they were in an episode of adrenaline rush and finding it difficult to stay calm and aim proper.

I understand, but the point is one may not have as large a margin of error as one thinks.

 

[whoaru99]

I am looking into the savage 24. I like the idea of a .223 over a 20 gauge. There is also the 22/410, 3030/16. I figure if I'm out small game and a hog comes out I can have a slug, with the butt accessory you can have bird, buck, slug all within reach.

Just a thought.

I have an old bolt action JC Higgins 16ga, Took some game in its day, but I'd not buy anything in 16ga these days for practical use. 12ga or 20ga is the ticket.

 

[brandonhagen1]

I'm still saying a judge is great for home defense shoots any 45 Cal or 410 shells works good for birds at somewhat close range too

 

[grouperdude]

Isn't dealing with robbers/burglars the nature of home defense, unless you believe in the zombie apocalypse? Many burglars, if caught in the act, will run if you just mention that you have a gun, even if they are armed.
If you are banging some other guy's wife, and he is coming to hunt you down, I wouldn't consider that in the normal range of home defense needs.

To me, anyone thats not out to hurt me, is not a threat. I feel the defense means protecting myself, not monetary items. I have insurance for that. Don't get me wrong, if someone breaks in, first ill grab my pistol, go to a secure part of the home and call the police. If the intruder walks into the area I'm in I'll have a loaded firearm ready without making noise to give away my position.

Not saying you are wrong, just have a different opinion on what I am willing to use force on.

 

[grouperdude]

I'm still saying a judge is great for home defense shoots any 45 Cal or 410 shells works good for birds at somewhat close range too

Check out S&W Governor, 410, .45 ACP and .45 colt

 

[cwi]

To me, anyone thats not out to hurt me, is not a threat. I feel the defense means protecting myself, not monetary items. I have insurance for that. Don't get me wrong, if someone breaks in, first ill grab my pistol, go to a secure part of the home and call the police. If the intruder walks into the area I'm in I'll have a loaded firearm ready without making noise to give away my position.

Not saying you are wrong, just have a different opinion on what I am willing to use force on.

I think you are muddling things a bit. If an intruder has randomly targeted your house, most will leave quickly if they are made aware that someone there is armed. If they don't, then you start setting up for an encounter.

If an intruder happens upon someone without any means of defense, it is a wild guess as to what he would do. Some would still run, others may come up with new ideas. That is a prime example of when having a weapon may turn things in your favor, especially if you let it be known that you have one.

The whole point of cycling a pump shotgun, isn't to wait until the guy can see you and have a shot, your are supposed to do it from a protected area to demonstrate that you do indeed have a gun, and not just your finger in your pocket. You seem to be saying that if you cycle a pump, say behind a closed door, that is more dangerous than waiting silently until they enter the room where you are? Most criminals would never open a door where they heard a shotgun being loaded, or any gun for that matter. The ones that would, can then be introduced to the slide trombone. The danger is that if you don't announce, and then something goes wrong like a misfire, you have missed an opportunity to avoid the situation altogether.

This is exactly what my friend did, and also what I have read about how to best handle an intruder in your home. Most of the other alternatives fall into the category of the 'make my day' types. I would rather them leave.

Again, if you have someone that is specifically targeting you, that is a different scenario, and one you presumably have advanced knowledge of, and also understand you may be targeted almost anywhere, not just the home. Although, even a determined attacker will likely think twice before continuing, if they have been made aware that the victim is armed, with confirmation, from a concealed location. Better yet, don't bang some other dude's wife.

 

[707]

I understand, but the point is one may not have as large a margin of error as one thinks.

Valid argument. Go to the range, or set up a moving target on a pendulum and see how many times you can hit a weighted pie pan-size target moving at 10 yards (30 feet) with a pistol, or a rifle.. then try a shotgun. Or you yourself strife side to side firing at a still target with a variety of weapons, I think you will be more successful with a shotty. A 4 inch hole is over 500% larger than a 3/4 inch hole.

Since we are speaking in hypotheticals anyway... If a crim makes it past my moat full of ale and gators. And approaches my house without falling in the pits with punji sticks. And still makes it past a swarm of radio controlled Africanized bees. Also gets by the trained monkeys with curare darts and my bull mastiff with mechanize-assist jaws of death.. And somehow gets into my house I would rather be waiting with my semi-auto Verona 12 gauge, which is what I keep near my bed. :rockin:

I think it's safe to say a man (or woman) should protect his self and family with whatever weapon they feel most confident and accurate with.

 

[rpe290]

snip

This is exactly what my friend did, and also what I have read about how to best handle an intruder in your home. Most of the other alternatives fall into the category of the 'make my day' types. I would rather them leave.
snip

Can you tell us where you read this? I have also read that alternating bird shot and rock salt in a shotgun is the best thing for home defense, but is REALLY not a good idea in my opinion...

 

[Airplanedoc]

I bet that rock salt is good on the shotgun as well.

 

[headbanger]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but look at Freedom Arms revolvers in .454 casull. Some of the best made handguns in the world and good for hunting and self defense as long as you're not looking to concealed carry.

 

[cwi]

Since we are speaking in hypotheticals anyway... If a crim makes it past my moat full of ale and gators.

Since they are living in beer, are the gators sloppy drunks, or mean drunks? It would make a significant difference in a crim's decision.

 

[haus88]

Dam I went today they had 4 ar15s so I look at one and he said only nj residents, rrr so I'm going to buy a 12g this fri when he said there getting more in. Then when I save up the money a remington 700 in .223 or .308 not sure yet

 

[cwi]

Can you tell us where you read this? I have also read that alternating bird shot and rock salt in a shotgun is the best thing for home defense, but is REALLY not a good idea in my opinion...

I don't know why the need for color, but I will join in. Is color the new emoticon?

I did not state it as a way to say that if you read it, it is true. You can always find someone with an opinion to agree with yours, doesn't make it right. The described 'plan of action' is a fairly commonly recommended one, and is mostly common sense. For those who are fans of those comical guns shows on TV these days that have people doing Seal Team 6 building clearing exercises as if that is how you should go about defending your home, I am not sure any info to the contrary would make any difference.

The rock salt is definitely from the movies. About the only it does is limit your range, at very close ranges it won't be much different than bird shot. On top of that, you aren't going to find salt loads at the store. Is somebody going to recommend 'dime' hand loads next.

 

[haus88]

And man did ammo get expensive I rember paying $15 for a brick of 22lr now 48.76$

 

[Airplanedoc]

The rock salt is definitely from the movies.

Not true, Union Pacific Railroad Police use Rock Salt in their shotguns to keep hobo's and bums our of box cars and off Railroad property. And yes they are a real police force equivalent to state police in 21 of 23 states in which they operate.

 

[rpe290]

I don't know why the need for color, but I will join in. Is color the new emoticon?

I did not state it as a way to say that if you read it, it is true. You can always find someone with an opinion to agree with yours, doesn't make it right. The described 'plan of action' is a fairly commonly recommended one, and is mostly common sense. For those who are fans of those comical guns shows on TV these days that have people doing Seal Team 6 building clearing exercises as if that is how you should go about defending your home, I am not sure any info to the contrary would make any difference.

The rock salt is definitely from the movies. About the only it does is limit your range, at very close ranges it won't be much different than bird shot. On top of that, you aren't going to find salt loads at the store. Is somebody going to recommend 'dime' hand loads next.

(I didn't use color, unsure what you mean)

I would just like to see one semi-qualified "defense instructor" like Ayoob or Clint Smith (anyone similar is fine) that says this is a good idea.

 

[cwi]

Not true, Union Pacific Railroad Police use Rock Salt in their shotguns to keep hobo's and bums our of box cars and off Railroad property. And yes they are a real police force equivalent to state police in 21 of 23 states in which they operate.

I am sure someone has used it before. It was more a comment on it being referenced in the movies much more than real world use, or portraying the real world consequences of it. Rock salt is just as dangerous as shot as some ranges, and bird shot is just as 'safe' as salt at some ranges. And I highly doubt the RR's insurance company currently allows them to pepper people with salt loads simply for loitering on their property. Maybe 'back in the day', or even 'in the movies'.

 

[liquiditynerd]

Damn skippy on prices. I was just outback with the ruger air hawk .177. Fun and way more affordable.

 

[cwi]

(I didn't use color, unsure what you mean)

I see it, do you not?

I would just like to see one semi-qualified "defense instructor" like Ayoob or Clint Smith (anyone similar is fine) that says this is a good idea.

Do either of them parade around in black military cargo pants, and a polo shirt with patches from guns and ammo makers all over it? Or talk at length about where the best place is for the 'shower gun'? Or talk about 'forward deploying' reserve supplies. Those are the only types I know of that refer to themselves as 'defense instructors'.

Why would you need someone else to tell you that avoiding a situation is the best option? That you know the names of more than one preferred 'defense instructor' off the top of your head, makes me think we have different views of home defense- I am talking about how to prevent zombies from getting my brain, and from what I hear you have to sever their head to take them down.

 

[cwi]

Damn skippy on prices. I was just outback with the ruger air hawk .177. Fun and way more affordable.

Don't forget stealthy. I miss having a pellet rifle. I need to look into the clones of the piston based RWS style with the side cocking. The break barrel cocking is a little goofy, and can hurt your hands if you slip. I will have to review the .22 vs. .177 caliber trade offs again. I can't remember which one was flatter. The knockdown didn't seem as important as penetration, which the ammo below solves for either caliber.

Have you tried the Beeman machined ammo with the triple sealing rings and pointed front?
Pricier than normal pellets, but very effective. Although, it may only be available in .20 cal (common for Beeman, and the gun I used it with). Regular pellets usually just bounce off tree rats >25 yds. I used to be on 'squirrel patrol', when I worked at a country club in college. Just like in Caddy Shack, you really did have to act like a golfer, at least after they got wise to me. The greens keeper actually clued me in on it (he also called those pointy pellets 'cop killer pellets'). If I tried to be silent, they would run. Put a couple of bags on the cart with clubs rattling around...

 

[liquiditynerd]

I haven't seen them. Right now I have daisy pointed. The ruger goes to 1000 fps and stops small game at 30 yards. I'm going Friday for squirrel and rabbit. If it'll stop raining.

Good point on stealth. I got it when those buggers stripped a 30 foot row of broccoli that had just started to produce. I later figured out that, as OP mentioned SHTF, it can put dinner on the table without everyone in a mile knowing I'm there.

So there you go OP, target, hunting, SHTF. That's 3 outta 4. Sorta lol. I know, I know you want the 16 ga.

 

[cwi]

I haven't seen them. Right now I have daisy pointed. The ruger goes to 1000 fps and stops small game at 30 yards. I'm going Friday for squirrel and rabbit. If it'll stop raining.

Anything pointed is better than those 'dum dum' pellets I used as a kid. I think RWS makes an equivalent version, and may shoot even better. The machined ammo seals better, and is much more accurate.

I see the Ruger is a piston style as well. Much better than all that pumping, and usually more powerful. I prefer the side cocking, but the $300+ RWS used to be the only one choice- along with some cheap chinese clones.

 

[whoaru99]

High velocity air guns make as much, perhaps more noise, than something like one of the "quiet" 22 caliber rimfires and typically have less power in doing so.

As well, in my neck of the woods, there is no differentiation between an air rifle and a firearm in regards to shooting within City limits. So, I'm not pissing around with any air rifles even though some are OK.

 

[Rys06Tbss]

I have been watching this thread for a bit... I should have responded sooner. I have an AR15 that I used to keep under my bed. Problem with that is it shoots at 3000 FPS which will tear through walls and potentially hit loved ones on the other side. I have a 1911 with 1000 FPS hollow points loaded in my night stand. I feel a bit better using that but that doesnt fit into the hunting portion of this thread. I honestly would probally reach for my Mossberg 500 with 3" 00 Buck. That gun is very trustworthy. I have about 8k rounds through it since I bought it 3 years ago. I have killed alot of clays with it and done a fair amount of hunting. If I were to pick another HD gun it would probally be a boom stick for sure.

 

[Tex]

Rock salt is just as dangerous as shot as some ranges, and bird shot is just as 'safe' as salt at some ranges.

There is no way rock salt is as dangerous as bird shot at any range. Even at point blank rock salt will do far less damage than lead shot.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot33.htm

 

[cwi]

There is no way rock salt is as dangerous as bird shot at any range. Even at point blank rock salt will do far less damage than lead shot.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot33.htm

Did you even bother to read the backing evidence you posted?

Also, I was not trying to say that rock salt could be used as an alternative load for defense. I was saying that it was still dangerous, which it is. As for gauging its 'dangerousness', your link shows rock salt can kill you at close range, but I discovered bird shot can kill you at least three times at the same range, so you may be correct after all. Here is a link to my evidence: www.Iambeingsarcastic.com

Same goes for losing an eye at much greater distances than will kill you.

 

[brandonhagen1]

Check out S&W Governor, 410, .45 ACP and .45 colt

Ya I've seen them judge is about the same

 

[gizmodog51]

wow! your are cutting a wide path there.....best all around gun...for what situation?

home defense?....pump shotgun, rem defender is a good one.

small caliber handgun plinker? .22cal ruger, walter, beratta, S&W...infinite......

medium caliber target? revolver...older S&W or COLT ($$) .38cal WC

semi auto large caliber handgun? everyone luvs the 1911 or H&K, also springfield XD, and many others.....infinite....

semi auto medium caliber? 9mm see above list plus steyr....this is a popular caliber for about every gun maker a worldwide caliber......

rifles small caliber target /plinking/hunt small game, CZ any model
CZ also makes center fire too. excellent product for money. ruger, older 22s from the fifties......

WWII milsurp...1906 spgfld, M1 , Enfld, Mauser, Mosin/nagant.....again your choice.

semi-assualt AK47 , FN-FAL, M-16 series, H&K93, and others........

the best all around gun is the one you own when you need it most!

this subject is a can of worms for debate as people and guns are as diverse as people and beer styles.......

GD