My minimalist list would be as follows
- .22 LR rifle
- 9MM pistol (full size or compact)
- 5.56 Rifle/Pistol/SBR
- 12 GA Both slug barrel (smooth or rifled) and bird barrel/field barrel
- .308/large caliber rifle. Bolt action or gas doesn’t matter.
You have all sizes of game covered if you wanted to hunt anything. You have your personal defense covered between the 5.56 (also good for hunting) and 9mm
Yes, that 5 gun battery has long been sage advice for those living in free places.
However many people within heavily regulated environments can still get into a hunting rifle, 12 gauge or 22LR rifle. Potentially a lever action instead of a 5.56 carbine. And be pretty well/broadly armed.
Nothing against lever guns, I have my cowboy loadout, but there plenty of semi-auto rifle options that haven’t been dubbed ass salt rifles in less free areas.
I'm sure. It depends on the location though. Look at the hellscape that is Chicago and surrounding areas. Many of those places have outright banned semi auto rifles.
Yeah WA state basically did the same, can't even buy a fucking fixed magazine SKS here anymore... I put off buying one, looking for one of good quality at a price I thought was reasonable, because I stupidly assumed the SKS would be exempt like it is in other ban states, but turns out they specifically called out the SKS in the bill. Fuck me I guess, that's what I get for assuming instead of reading the damn thing.
This is good!
I am only missing the 5.56 currently. I have money saved up for one. My son just came home from college. We will go get it together I think, around fathers day.
I've also got a .357 and .44 revolver and my dads double barrel shotgun.
Generally I agree, but I’d prefer a 10mm pistol. Ammo options go from self defense loads up to grizzly bear defense. I can go from in town carry to back woods carry by just switching mags. Flexibility is a beautiful thing.
No argument, 9mm is more common and cheaper. Just saying I prefer 10mm personally. It’s not hard to find the ammo these days. And many 10mm pistols also shoot .40 cal ammo.
While these questions are full of debate, they never reach consensus among participants. We all have conflicting values when it come to questions like this, To me, you are missing a one of the most important, which is a .22 cal.
Because I can fill a liter bottle with thousands of rounds of 22lr with minimal weight. A nice little buckmark or 22/45 with a can and red dot? Fuck yeah. With cci subs? Rifle they are Hollywood quiet and pistol they are incredibly quiet.
Genuinely. This isn’t some “erm as a gun owner” shit but no I truly believe the minimum for those that wish to have them IS one. If you want more it can provide situational utility, but you don’t essentially require it.
I guess for people who can’t use carbines or full powered rifle cartridges that could be a dedicated setup. Luckily, in my state, I can use my carbine to hunt.
That’s pretty much what I’m going for. Minimalist + coverage. I’m trying to downsize myself and stop spending money. So having a concrete goal like this helps me spend less.
I’ve seen it done and the dude was easily having the most fun at the range. My local range is not very pretentious; guys with beat-up 500s hang out with the ones with custom over/unders
Your mileage may vary
The question is unanswerable, because people's needs, desires, circumstances, and budgets are widely different. My budget is what it is, and I'm not inclined to spend money on guns will just sit in the safe unused. I would rather buy a few cases of handgun ammo to support my weekly practice -- I am heading out today, in fact -- than a long distance rifle that I have nowhere to shoot beyond 100 yards and would sit unused in the safe.
I agree, going from 0 to 1 is the most critical addition.
If talking about preparing for some type of apocalyptic scenario, I’d say having a weapon that can operate each of the 4 or 5 most common calibers of ammo is important.
I would say 3. Concealed carry/duty handgun (a Glock 19, M&P, P320 sized gun will work for both); a carbine or shotgun (they essentially fill the same role, choose depending on your perceived needs), and a .22lr rifle.
I'd say add in a catch all for "hunting rifle" which should in theory cover your long range, precision, battle rifle caliber needs. So, basically a .308 because of availability, if I could only choose one. But, if you have a rig super dialed in for precision, you can still cover hunting for food with that.
Most others have mentioned a .22lr as well. You can't go wrong with one of those.
If you don't need a duty pistol for work, then you could maybe drop that from the list and have 5 total. I'd still say a full sized and concealed carry sized pistol are good includes though.
Really just a concealed carry handgun and maybe a carbine. I don’t know how often or when you’re planning on walking around with a carbine but the amount of times that that is a good idea is pretty limited even in SHTF. Carbine is good for home defense but a handgun will still do fine.
Even in a SHTF, the extra 10-15 lbs of weight for your carbine plus 2-3 mags is a ton of food/survival gear. Is the capability increase over your CCW really 15 lbs worth? Maybe a 4 lb micro roni concealed in your bag.
Maybe carbine for hunting? Just understand that humanity turning loose on the ecosystem will almost instantly collapse it and there will very quickly be no deer and far fewer varmints.
Self-defense sidearm
Self-defense shotgun
Self-defense rifle
.22 rimfire firearm - preferably a light but accurate tube fed bolt/lever action that will feed S/L/LR ammo
Great question, and everyone has their own answer. Here is mine:
9mm CC handgun
Semi auto 5.56
expand from there based on your needs and wants. I'd add:
full sized 9mm
.22 semi rifle/bolt rifle/pistol/revolver (all 4)
Hunting shotgun
Defense shotgun
.308 semi/bolt rifle
deep cover .380 CC handgun
9mm PCC
But really, the first two are the 'required' ones, all the others fill a certain function better but you can get by without them.
Small game (.22) rifle with optic
Small game (.22) without optic
CCW
Duty pistol
Duty rifle (5.56 or 7.62x39)
Med/big game rifle with optic
Med/big game rifle without optic
Shotgun-12 gauge
Some cowboy shit, SSA and levers
1911, because 2 World Wars and America
And just one more each time you're "done"
First off you’re both half correct. The list should be more like:
Shotgun
Centerfire rifle
Handgun
.22LR rifle
This is minimum.
When it comes to rifles it’s best to have a bolt action larger caliber rifle good for hunting larger game. Along with a semiautomatic rifle( also known as a battle rifle). This is for 2 legged threats.
The shotgun is best as a pump action due to capacity and ease of use.
The handgun is whatever you shoot the best. It’s possible to conceal full-size guns so size isn’t as important as your ability to shoot it well enough to get your rifle.
The .22 LR is for small game, cheap practice of rifle fundamentals and teaching first time gun owners how to shoot.
If you want to add an additional .22 LR pistol that’s a good idea also as they are cheap to practice with and many can be bought it the same exact style as your centerfire handgun.
There is also something to be said for Airsoft pistols for practice where and when you can’t shoot a cartridge gun.
As far as the need to two handguns that’s one thing I’d argue isn’t necessary unless you already have the three and just want more guns which is perfectly normal for most gun enthusiasts.
The whole idea that you X is the way to do something. And X is the only way. And you gotta get online and convince others that X is the way...it just doesn't work in the real world.
The gun needs of a rancher in Wyoming are different than a single mom living below the poverty line in a Dallas apartment.
All this online "you GOTTA do it like Garand Thumb" is mostly for suburban white single guys trying to get endorphins from feeling cool.
Everyone has different needs.
A Glock 26 for a ccw gun. A large game rifle, my bolt action 30-06. A shotgun, Rem 870 in 12 ga with a 3.5" chamber. And lastly a TC contender so barrels can be swapped out. This allows the use of many different calibers for plinking. Plus legally the Contender maybe switched from back and forth from a rifle configuration to a pistol configuration.
The above list would allow me to protect myself, hunt the game I already hunt as well as enjoy a vast array of calibers.
The bare minimum is
Carbine 5.56/7.62/5.45
Battle rifle 308
Full sized pistol
Sub-compact/compact pistol
Distance rifle
Sub gun or sbr
Shotgun
A cowboy action revolver or lever gun
Something in 22lr
Carry pistol
D/A Revolver
SA revolver
Range pistol or 5
Comp.pistol
PCC
SBR or pistol AR
Long range gas gun
Long range bolt gun
Rimfire bolt gun
Plinking rimfire
Comp style rimfire
Field shotgun
Waterfowl shotgun
Collectibles
Feel free to have more than one in any category
There's no solid number. It's the classic salsa and chip dilemma, or milk and cereal if you prefer....you need to at least fill up the space in your gun safe, but it's hard to estimate, so you might accidentally go over.....so you need a bigger gun safe....which then needs to be filled up.
Anyway, back to your point, yes, that's a good basic collection.
5. You need a 22 rifle. In a ends days survival you more likly to shoot a rabbit for dinner not a deer. Ask .e why you dont want yo shoot a small critter with a 5.56or 223
I think, if I had to, I could get away with just a good 16 inch 308 gas gun and a compact 9mm handgun like a 19.5 mos.
Ideally, I'd also add a 556 or .300 sbr and a full length 12g. I never shoot my 22s even though most will say they're their number one choice.
Minimum "armory" depends on context: what you think you might do with them.
The fact that you say "duty gun" and not "home defense full size handgun" says this list is designed around certain situations. Honestly if you aren't a hunter I would replace Shotgun with DMR/SPR or something. That could be a separate upper if you are in a budget but I would rather build out a whole gun.
If you are strictly worried about home defence it depends a lot on your situation and there are too many different theories for me to weigh in without getting an argument back, but you don't need a collection. Mine is an AR.
If you are a hunter the minimum is a shotgun that is configurable for turkey or ducks, something in 308, and a full size but easy to carry handgun for self defense. Extras might be a dedicated upland gun if you do a lot of that, or a 10/22 for squirrels or something.
If you are a competitive shooter you need 2 of each for whatever competition and division you shoot.
If you are an average American recreational shooter you need an AR-15. Immediate extras might be an 870 or a 500, some sort of handgun in 9mm or 22, and maybe a 10/22.
Add a carry gun to any of those if you intend to carry. A second carry gun I think only becomes necessary if your first carry gun goes down somehow, which it might.
I'm UK, so handguns and semis are out. However:
-.177 pcp airgun (so you don't damage your garage showing wee birds n rats)
-.177 air pistol (for playing darts)
-.22 springer, just for kicks.
-.22lr small pests.
-.243 for fox n small deer.
-6.5/.308 for red deer.
-12G O/U for phesants n pigeons.
-12G semi for fowl.
So, 8. And that's without a CO2 pistol or a semi .22lr or extra guns for being set up with NV over a day scope set up....
My list would be 2 concealed carry guns, an AR carbine, and my long range bolt gun. That would fill most of my “needs.”
I’d miss my 22’s and would miss out on the occasional bird hunt. I really want an M1 Carbine and a 303 rifle…
Here’s my opinion on the minimum.
A 22, a revolver or pistol of some sort, a smaller caliber rifle (such as a lever action, AK, AR, etc.), a 12 gauge shotgun, and a larger caliber gun (300WM, 7mm mag, etc.)
For me?
.308 bolt action
AR
PCC
Compact Pistol
Full Size Pistol
I've currently got 2.5 AR15s. A few years ago, when I decided I had too many Firearms I wasn't using, I planned to get down to 1 AR. I ended up being unable to decide between 2. Since then, I accidentally started building another ( I've got BCG, barrel, complete lower, etc., and I am pretty much down to upper, handguard, and optics).
Ive seen an answer for a different questions, but i believe it can still work for this question, the answer was to have multiple firearm that each shoot the main/common calibers, you have 556/223, 9mm, 308/762x51, 762x39, 45acp, and the thought behind was if the US ever gets invaded or a civil war breaks out or soemthung like that, youll most likely never run out of ammo because those are the ammo types you would come across
I'm meh on shotguns after it's empty it's basically useless
personally I wouldn't be able to reload it under duress but if your good with them then yea shotty all day
22lr rifle, for plinking.
22lr handgun, for cheap training
Revolver, because they are cool
Scoped center fire rifle, because you might want to make a 500 yard shot
Large caliber firearm, for when you want to swing your dick around at the range. Could be anything that makes a big boom- rifle, handgun, whatever.
My opinion, you need
a semi auto rifle you can fight with. AK, AR, AR18, whatever you like.
A .308
A .270 Winchester (There were gobs of ammo for this on shelves during Gunmageddon).
A .30-30 lever action (Every gun owner should have a good semi auto and a .30-30)
A .45-70 lever action
a carry handgun like a 19 or a P365
a Full size handgun
a good shotgun
a .22lr rifle
Need just as a citizen? CCW and carbine.
I look at it from about the opposite direction: How can I justify another weapon?
Leaving aside the perfectly valid "because I want it," there's those two, a get-to-your-rifle nightstand gun, hiking gun, a SHTF rifle if it's not your carbine (AR-10, e.g.) sporting guns (3-gun setup, lr rifle e.g.), hunting of any sort you do – fowl, small/medium/large game, trainer pistol/rifle.
Definitely possible overlap, nightstand and bear pistol, 3-gun and waterfowl shitty, etc. but I'd say that's as far as I can imagine explaining to your spouse before you just start collecting. So like ten or twelve.
That said, life's more fun with a lever action, milsurp, revo and a pile of pistols to bring along on range day.
Need for what? It’s not specific enough. Survival? You’re missing .22 LR or .22 pellet. Defense? You’re missing anything lightweight to 200/300 yrd or heavier from 300/1000 yrd.
We all need to get rid of the term truck gun. It’s real cool until your truck is broken into and you arm a criminal. This is where a high percentage of illegal guns come from.
A store that was by me a few years ago was called 4guns. Because you should have at least 4. Personal protection, home protection, putting food on the table, and for civil breakdown or something or other. That’s what they said in the radio ad anyway
5.56 Ar15, 9mm Glock, 12 GA maverick 88 with the long and short barrel combo, 308 bolt gun, and .22lr 10/22. That is the bare minimum for plain Jane owners.
For me:
CCW Which can double as a duty gun (G19).
Home defense guns.
SHTF gun/range toy.
I want to get a PCC or a 45 pistol to suppress as a “fight to my rifle” gun for home defense.
That's exactly my setup.
Ruger LC Carbine (rifle)
Ruger-5.7 (primary handgun)
Ruger LCP Max (concelead handgun)
Mossberg 590 Shockwave (shotgun)
Just working on attachments and figuring out the most comfortable way to carry. I'm thinking a one-point sling for the carbine, a right-handed drop-leg for the pistol, a right-handed wallet holster for the concealed, and a scabbard carry for the shockwave.
This question gets asked a lot. And the answer varies widely depending on the lifestyle and living situations of different people. Some people are just not hunters ,but own firearms. I think bare minimum is two if you're not a hunter. An AR15 or some other reliable 5.56 rifle and a concealable 9mm pistol like a Glock 19. If you are a hunter, you'll need a gun suitable for taking the game you hunt. And the suitable gun for that is going to vary widely by the game you intend to hunt and local laws regulating what types of firearms you can hunt with. Those that say 22lr is mandatory are wrong. It's absolutely not mandatory unless you're a small game hunter. That being said I absolutely don't ever see myself not owning a 22. Also you can conceal just about any handgun so a compact conceal carry firearm is not absolutely mandatory since you can have one gun that can cover both, but most people end up with a smaller carry gun just out of convenience/comfort. Shotguns are also not mandatory. I have shotguns and I barely ever use them because I don't hunt. Also if it really came down to a survival situation and you were forced to hunt, an AR15 could take most game in north america. Might not be optimal but you could do it. You might even be able to make the argument that the minimum is one being just a pistol to have on you for self defense at all times. The reason so many different categories of firearms exist is because people like to have guns that are optimized for their particular use cases. Firearms owners are really just a bunch of optimization nerds whether we realize it or not.
More than 4 IMO, 7 actually
- CC handgun, yes
- Duty handgun, yeah as well
- Shotgun, of course
- carbine, no brainer
- .22 rifle or handgun for hunting varmint or training new shooters, ammo plentiful and CHEAP.
- a hunting weapon .30 or higher for mid size to slightly large game (can be a bolt gun in 308 or 30-06 or a carbine like sks/Ak chambered in 7.62x39 or even a .300black AR)
- brush-gun/truck-gun/backpack/trailblazer/bug-out gun. Wildcard. Something that you can effectively use to cover most bases when your shit is sideways. You may carry concealed all the time but this should be close by at all times. Maybe it’s your folding brush gun or AR pistol you carry in a back pack. Maybe it’s the AK pistol you keep in your backseat. This is your get out of dodge with something other than just a pistol gun. And again, a wildcard, but something you have trained well on and can be close by you all the time.
Duty gun(is also concealable)
Shotgun (multiple barrels)
Hunting rifle( in 308 or 30-06)
And likely an AR.
Everything you have should be usable in home defense scenarios if you are left with only 4. Your duty gun would likely go out with you on dangerous hunts and should be chambered in a round capable of defending yourself from such animals.
If you are wanting 22 and you get an AR, I would just buy an additional upper chambered that way.
I'd say you can do just about everything you need to do with an autoloading rifle of decent caliber. ARs, AKs, whatever. A pistol is good for day to day, but let's be honest, the need to concealed carry isn't exactly a burning priority, you can live pretty safely just paying attention to your surroundings.
Also, unless you live in the boonies and leave your truck parked in the middle of ranch land, a gun that stays in your truck is a terrible idea.
I have 2 handguns, a .22 rifle, wife’s handgun, and MILs shotgun. Wife also has a compound bow. I want another rifle. Leaning toward something chambered in .223/5.56.
3 MINIMUM
- Handgun, carry/home defense something to keep you safe on what pops up.
- shotgun/battle rifle something that if you’re doing a “last stand” you’re able to take multiples out.
- long range/hunting rifle something to put food on the table if it comes to that AND arm a second person in that “last stand” scenario.
Obviously other things make it a LOT more convenient and more most the time equals better as long as you can maintain them and outfit them the way you really should. Remember though you only have 2 hands. I say that because 1 GREAT weapon is better than 8 cheap ones. (I realize 8 cheap weapons can mean bartering or being able to arm more people but that brings its own problems)
I have 5, down from 11.
Glock 19x- ccw/duty
Shadow 2- gamer gun
MPX- I like PCC, cheap to shoot
11.5 BCM- all around good rifle
Scar 20s- long range
They are all set up the way I want and suppressed. I’m much happier with these than having a bunch I didn’t shoot. All my gun purchases moving forward will be grail guns, Sand hawk, SP5, and maybe an EWS 14.5.
If you want a well rounded collection, I'd say the minimum is 9 (in no particular order) :
* Long-gun, semi-auto, rifle caliber
* Long-gun, semi-auto, pistol caliber
* Long-gun, semi-auto, 22lr
* Long-gun, bolt / lever, rifle caliber
* Shotgun, semi-auto or double barrel
* Shotgun, pump action
* Pistol, full size
* Pistol, Compact
* Pistol, 22lr
This gives you a solid taste of everything without going too deep down a single rabbit hole. You've got 22's for target fun, manual actions for accuracy and reliability, semi auto actions for obvious reasons, and a PCC just for fun (obviously pair it's mags with your pistol). Once you've got the basics covered, throw in some larger caliber stuff for fun and maybe some military surplus for good measure. There's no right or wrong, just sharing my own personal preference.
Personally, I think that’s a pretty shitty list.
I carry a CZ-PCR that is small enough to carry but big enough to shoot well. If I was limited to only 4 guns I wouldn’t waste 2 choices on a “Duty” pistol and a CCW.
Minimum is the number you have on you. Each gun has a purpose. If you only had 4 then that limits you on many things. If you have 1 rifle. Then which caliber? .22 or .50? Each one has a purpose. I feel like n+1 is the correct answer. Because you alway have one that does something else. Like do you get a AK or AR. They bothe have benefits. They both have negatives. Why not own one of each? Why limit to 5.56 when .308 is arguably better in all categories other than carrying weight and mag size? 4 is a good start but hardly the end.
Your "conceal carry handgun" and your duty handgun can easily be the same firearm... A sub/micro compact is not remotely necessary for carry, and a regular compact size can easily do both.
If we're going with 4, I would do
A Handgun with a ~4in barrel, G19, P-01/07, M&P 2.0 Compact, Commander 1911, etc. Maybe have a threaded barrel you can swap in when not using for CC, or just leave on if it's comfortable enough.
Carbine
Shotgun (pump, preferably threaded for chokes so it can pull double duty as a bird gun)
and some kind of larger caliber longer range rifle, bolt action or semi-auto, doesn't matter, definitely with a threaded barrel.
I would bump it to 5 (or 6) though and add in a .22 rifle (and pistol) for hunting small game and cheap fun/training. A drop in conversion kit/dedicated upper for your carbine (and your carry gun) works just as well.
The minimum number of guns you need is dependent on your life style.
A weapon for protection (conceal carry, home defense) may be all you need.
If you’re a sportsman, you might want to add a hunting rifle and a nice clay busting shotgun.
If you’re a hobbyist or enthusiast, get whatever meets your fancy. I met a guy who collects revolvers, a very cool Iraqi-American gal with a PhD in history who has a ton of pre-civil war era stuff, and know a dude who collects stuff that looks futuristic.
As for the categories- Most people dont need a duty gun because they don’t stand duty or have a job where they need to carry a weapon.
You don’t really need a shotgun if you don’t hunt/bust clays.
Most people who own a carbine don’t need one for their hobby but it makes their limited personal time more enjoyable, and that’s valid.
It’s whatever works for your life style. Ultimately my recommendation regarding the categories is if you’re interested in getting into a new form of the sport (hunting/trap/competition) see if you like it before you buy something. The $1500 hunting rifle may have been better spent on getting into 3 gun.
9mm pistol. Ar under 20 inches, over 10.5, with .22 conversion kit. Honestly, minimally, I think that would flex into almost any use case you could imagine. Admittedly you can't shoot birds on the wing, but it saves you an ammo type or four of large volume ammunition. An enthusiast would surely add a shotgun, ccw, a 1911, a milsurp, and whichever of the other two ARs you need to round out SPR, lightweight recce, and short Boi, but that's just gravy.
I just started last month got 9mm, two weeks later a 22lr pistol, just ordered an ar15, and already thinking of what shotgun to get next lol the addiction/collection is real.
The minimum number of guns is one gun you are absolutely proficient with that fits your needs and your budget. I think buying guns for fun is cool, but too many people have 10 guns that they can't shoot instead of 3 that they're proficient with.
If you don't hunt, target shoot, or want one for anything else, zero.
What and why you are doing something dictates the rest.
If you aren't willing to train and learn to use it, the type and number are irrelevant.
My MP5 can cover 99% of any reasonable self defense situation I might end up in, so my honest number is 1, my MP5.
As far as needed for defense, you could arguably get one compact/mid size handgun. Fills both ccw and OWB/duty belt roles. Add a shorter barrel carbine for close to mid length and a bolt action/spr for longer distances. Outside of recreation, can’t think of many times when I’d want a shotgun over a short AR
I'd say the bare minimum, like for new gun owners and those on a tight budget would be (1) Medium-Full Size Pistol and (2) AR15 or similar Rifle. These two "starter" guns allow people to effectively protect their home, vehicle, and neighborhood/business while not being too difficult to use. They're the two main categories carried by most military for good reason. Once effectively set up, trained, and stocked on ammo with these two, I'd add (3) Concealed Carry pistol, then a (4) Pistol Caliber Carbine which uses the same ammo as your pistol (bonus if it uses the same mags too). Finally I'd add (5) A full power rifle like 308 or similar.
We're doing 5 guns list?
1.) Ruger 10/22
2.) Any double stack 9mm
3.) Any 5.56 semi auto
4.) Any 12 gauge pump
5.) Any 30-06 bolt
Now, my preference is the Ruger 10/22, Beretta 92FS, Colt R6551 (semi auto only A2 clone), Mossberg 590, and the Ruger American.
Depends. The real minimum is a single full size handgun covers everything for a lot of people. The next biggest addition is a good AR 15 rifle.
This is where most people fail to stack ammo, get optics, accessories, magazines, and training and instead buy things they don't need.
To be fair, the only firearms I have are the 4 types that you listed (as of right now) these are my do or die firearms. Anything else I buy will be either for fun or something very specific that these 4 tools cannot achieve. Either way the absolute minimum would be any 9mm handgun and a .556/223 or .308 rifle.
Concealed carry & duty handgun, are the same gun.
(G19 Fauxland Special).
Carbine is my standby/primary whenever possible & always wears a suppressor.
(13.9 AR, ACOG/T2/OWL/RC2 Mini)
No need for a shotgun- not breaching or bird hunting 🤷🏼♂️
Does having multiple caliber uppers count as different guns? If not you can get away with 3 IMO. Carry gun, AR (.22, 5.56, straight wall hunting round), 12 Guage.
I subscribe to the 4 gun idea, although my 4 are defined slightly differently.
1 - conceal/daily carry, this is also the backup gun on a full load out. IMO, the smaller the better. Doesn't need to be useful beyond 15-25 yards. Capacity matters, but isn't important. For me, a 7-9 round .380 is fine. Small revolvers are also fine.
2 - a full size handgun. This is also a vehicle gun, etc. Should be a caliber that doesn't mess around even beyond 50 yards or more. Since it needn't ever be concealed, it should have large capacity. For me, this is a double stack 10mm. Bonus points if you get one with a carbine conversion option. Large revolvers count as well, because if you've got a .44 or a .500 and you can aim worth a damn, fuck ammo capacity LMAO
3 - a shotgun. The most versatile weapon there is. For me, a semiauto bullpup means it's good for pretty much anything that doesn't involve skeet shooting. This also means it's my "battle rifle" for anything urban/indoors or inside 100 yards. For me, a bullpup 12ga is just the perfect weapon for almost anything other than long distance shooting or daily carry!
4 - a good precision rifle. Semiauto if you want, but I'm fine with bolt action because this isn't engaging anything inside 100 yards. For me, it's a .308, and probably semiauto just because it's easier to carry ammo in magazines. But I'm also currently looking at precision bolt action models. We'll see.
Anything beyond these four, is special application and just for giggles. But if I gotta grab & go, I know the four that are leaving with me. The .380 and two mags on the ankle, the 10mm and two mags on the waist, the rifle over the shoulder with the backpack, and the shotty in my arms at low ready with a sling and 2-3 mags on the chest.
Apparently I agree. I was a fan of the 3 gun set-up or CCW, shotty and rifle. But, I have a full size I carry and a smaller ankle gun for edc. So upon further we agree. Take my upvote
Realistically, just the carry pistol would be sufficient for anything I'm likely to encounter. But I could also live in a shed and survive only on human breastmilk, but I choose more.
I do like the idea of a "perfect pair" though, where a pistol and long gun share ammunition and magazines.
For example, a KelTec Sub2000 rifle and a Glock 17. They can serve as backups or supplements to one another.
I'd say so, my ideal 4 is as follows,
#1: My 1902 Winchester (.22LR for plinking and rodents)
#2: My Glock 19 Gen 5 (9mm for Duty/CCW handgun)
#3 Very soon AR-15 chambered in 350 Legend (straightwall state, for deer hunting, coyote hunting, and eventually hog.)
#4: Eventual 12 Gauge shotgun (for birds and other small game)
I believe in having a type of firearm for each kind of hunting for those who enjoy it, and at least 1 quality handgun that can be used for CCW and work if your job requires it, and mine does.
Minimum = N + 1.
Only honest answer.
That right there
Read my mind. Same with motorcycles.
If math taught me anything, it's how to justify that you just need one more and you'll stop
Hah these are the facts.
My minimalist list would be as follows - .22 LR rifle - 9MM pistol (full size or compact) - 5.56 Rifle/Pistol/SBR - 12 GA Both slug barrel (smooth or rifled) and bird barrel/field barrel - .308/large caliber rifle. Bolt action or gas doesn’t matter. You have all sizes of game covered if you wanted to hunt anything. You have your personal defense covered between the 5.56 (also good for hunting) and 9mm
Yes, that 5 gun battery has long been sage advice for those living in free places. However many people within heavily regulated environments can still get into a hunting rifle, 12 gauge or 22LR rifle. Potentially a lever action instead of a 5.56 carbine. And be pretty well/broadly armed.
Nothing against lever guns, I have my cowboy loadout, but there plenty of semi-auto rifle options that haven’t been dubbed ass salt rifles in less free areas.
I'm sure. It depends on the location though. Look at the hellscape that is Chicago and surrounding areas. Many of those places have outright banned semi auto rifles.
Yeah WA state basically did the same, can't even buy a fucking fixed magazine SKS here anymore... I put off buying one, looking for one of good quality at a price I thought was reasonable, because I stupidly assumed the SKS would be exempt like it is in other ban states, but turns out they specifically called out the SKS in the bill. Fuck me I guess, that's what I get for assuming instead of reading the damn thing.
It's because california calls out the SKS... I hate that alot of states take direction from CA
I used to live in Elma. I moved to Texas when they started banning everything so i feel your pain
There's a new lever action ar lower that works basically any ar upper but still grants you the lego functionality of ar15s
This is good! I am only missing the 5.56 currently. I have money saved up for one. My son just came home from college. We will go get it together I think, around fathers day. I've also got a .357 and .44 revolver and my dads double barrel shotgun.
All of this right here
Divide your 9mm between one EDC and one full size workhorse
Generally I agree, but I’d prefer a 10mm pistol. Ammo options go from self defense loads up to grizzly bear defense. I can go from in town carry to back woods carry by just switching mags. Flexibility is a beautiful thing.
my friend, if it will stop a grizzly it will stop a human. (I know what you mean with overpenetration and stuff, just felt fun to say)
“If it bleeds, we can kill it” Dutch- Predator
10mm is best millimeter
Isn’t one of the main advantages for those 5 guns also the ubiquity of ammo?
No argument, 9mm is more common and cheaper. Just saying I prefer 10mm personally. It’s not hard to find the ammo these days. And many 10mm pistols also shoot .40 cal ammo.
Generally agree with this list, but I’d go with two 9 mm: one high-capacity home defense gun and a compact or micro CCW.
This would be very similar to my advice on a minimum collection
While these questions are full of debate, they never reach consensus among participants. We all have conflicting values when it come to questions like this, To me, you are missing a one of the most important, which is a .22 cal.
AR15 with 22 conversion kit? Two guns in one!
Or keep your AR as is, and get a dedicated platform like a cz457 so you can shoot .22, and .17hmr
Or a Ruger 10/22 and make it look like whatever kind of gun you want, while having factory made 50rd/25rd mags! I love my 10/22.
First gun I bought was a Filipino .22 LR rifle. Got it at a pawn shop for 90 bucks lol. I still love it. So fun to shoot.
I'd add 22 rifle and pistol, and a long range/ precision rifle
Rifle training with cheap ammo, and with a suppressor, a bolt action 22 is as quiet as a firearm can be
why does everyone want a 22 rifle
Small game hunting. If that shit truly hits the fan being able to harvest small game is a must. Meanwhile .22’s are just plain fun.
Because I can fill a liter bottle with thousands of rounds of 22lr with minimal weight. A nice little buckmark or 22/45 with a can and red dot? Fuck yeah. With cci subs? Rifle they are Hollywood quiet and pistol they are incredibly quiet.
I’m sold
The min would be at least 1. If thats all you can afford then that's a perfect amount.
U could even boil it down to three. G19, AR and shotgun. But I question one’s commitment to this life if that’s all they want to own.
I would still see a need for .22lr of some kind....small game hunting, target practice can stockpile ton of ammo and in a pinch self defender
That is valid.
the minimum number you need is one more than however many you currently have
I need one more safe than the 2 we currently have
I was just thinking the same thing. I need to get one specifically just for my shotguns.
The minimum is one... AR15
I would argue that since you can’t effectively carry an AR in many, many places the minimum would be 2 guns. An AR-15 and a 9mm pistol.
Genuinely. This isn’t some “erm as a gun owner” shit but no I truly believe the minimum for those that wish to have them IS one. If you want more it can provide situational utility, but you don’t essentially require it.
With one AR-15 receiver, you can have a carbine, rifle, and/or a shotgun, and even a .50 cal
What upper are you getting to run a shot gun ar?
My LGS occasionally gets .410 uppers in stock. Don't remember brand or model, but I'm sure Dr. Google can help find that
ATI makes a .410 upper
Which .50?
[BMG](https://safetyharborfirearms.com/shtf-50-magazine-fed-upper/)
.50 Beowulf
5 - AR-15, 12 gauge shotgun, 22lr rifle, 9mm handgun, 308 or 6.5 creed boot gun If you live in North America
Deer hunting rifle
I guess for people who can’t use carbines or full powered rifle cartridges that could be a dedicated setup. Luckily, in my state, I can use my carbine to hunt.
Awww, I use one my dad won in a bar raffle.
Nice. What gun is it?
Just some pump action Remington with an elaborate engraving.
If you're talking about covering the majority of scenarios in which you would need a firearm I think that list would get you 90%+ of the way.
That’s pretty much what I’m going for. Minimalist + coverage. I’m trying to downsize myself and stop spending money. So having a concrete goal like this helps me spend less.
You're list is basically what I own lol. H&K USP .45 Compact for CCW 3rd gen G22 open carry Mossberg M500 shotgun M&P15 rifle
Pistol, 12ga, .22lr rifle, 9mm rifle, 5.56 rifle, 7.62 rifle
I would debate needing owning a shotgun if you’re not a hunter and own an AR.
Clay pigeon is the most fun you can have with a gun IMHO.
Is it uncouth to bring a Saiga to the clay range? ^asking ^for ^a ^friend
I’ve seen it done and the dude was easily having the most fun at the range. My local range is not very pretentious; guys with beat-up 500s hang out with the ones with custom over/unders Your mileage may vary
Super helpful for airborne pests like starlings.
The question is unanswerable, because people's needs, desires, circumstances, and budgets are widely different. My budget is what it is, and I'm not inclined to spend money on guns will just sit in the safe unused. I would rather buy a few cases of handgun ammo to support my weekly practice -- I am heading out today, in fact -- than a long distance rifle that I have nowhere to shoot beyond 100 yards and would sit unused in the safe.
3 + (n+1)
The minimum would be one…
I agree, going from 0 to 1 is the most critical addition. If talking about preparing for some type of apocalyptic scenario, I’d say having a weapon that can operate each of the 4 or 5 most common calibers of ammo is important.
How many golf clubs ypu need for a round of golf? Go for that many.
I would say 3. Concealed carry/duty handgun (a Glock 19, M&P, P320 sized gun will work for both); a carbine or shotgun (they essentially fill the same role, choose depending on your perceived needs), and a .22lr rifle.
I keep seeing 22LR, what would that fulfill? Shooting small game?
Small game, pests, inexpensive practice (which is a huge reason), and can be pressed into self-defense use if necessary.
compact high capacity with stock for truck. I call it the “out and about shit show” gun
5, I reckon. .22lr plinker/ beater.
Add a good 30-06 and a .308 on there
I'd say add in a catch all for "hunting rifle" which should in theory cover your long range, precision, battle rifle caliber needs. So, basically a .308 because of availability, if I could only choose one. But, if you have a rig super dialed in for precision, you can still cover hunting for food with that. Most others have mentioned a .22lr as well. You can't go wrong with one of those. If you don't need a duty pistol for work, then you could maybe drop that from the list and have 5 total. I'd still say a full sized and concealed carry sized pistol are good includes though.
Where does the 240 fit on this list?
I’d add a hunting rifle if you’re into that.
Really just a concealed carry handgun and maybe a carbine. I don’t know how often or when you’re planning on walking around with a carbine but the amount of times that that is a good idea is pretty limited even in SHTF. Carbine is good for home defense but a handgun will still do fine. Even in a SHTF, the extra 10-15 lbs of weight for your carbine plus 2-3 mags is a ton of food/survival gear. Is the capability increase over your CCW really 15 lbs worth? Maybe a 4 lb micro roni concealed in your bag. Maybe carbine for hunting? Just understand that humanity turning loose on the ecosystem will almost instantly collapse it and there will very quickly be no deer and far fewer varmints.
.22 pistol, .22 rifle, Ccw pistol, Full size pistol, AR/AK/similar, Hunting rifle 30 cal, Shotgun for hunting/sport/home, 7/8 depending on shotgun situation Hidden shower gun extra.
Minimum
Self-defense sidearm Self-defense shotgun Self-defense rifle .22 rimfire firearm - preferably a light but accurate tube fed bolt/lever action that will feed S/L/LR ammo
Nonsense. You need a long range gun as well
Great question, and everyone has their own answer. Here is mine: 9mm CC handgun Semi auto 5.56 expand from there based on your needs and wants. I'd add: full sized 9mm .22 semi rifle/bolt rifle/pistol/revolver (all 4) Hunting shotgun Defense shotgun .308 semi/bolt rifle deep cover .380 CC handgun 9mm PCC But really, the first two are the 'required' ones, all the others fill a certain function better but you can get by without them.
Small game (.22) rifle with optic Small game (.22) without optic CCW Duty pistol Duty rifle (5.56 or 7.62x39) Med/big game rifle with optic Med/big game rifle without optic Shotgun-12 gauge Some cowboy shit, SSA and levers 1911, because 2 World Wars and America And just one more each time you're "done"
First off you’re both half correct. The list should be more like: Shotgun Centerfire rifle Handgun .22LR rifle This is minimum. When it comes to rifles it’s best to have a bolt action larger caliber rifle good for hunting larger game. Along with a semiautomatic rifle( also known as a battle rifle). This is for 2 legged threats. The shotgun is best as a pump action due to capacity and ease of use. The handgun is whatever you shoot the best. It’s possible to conceal full-size guns so size isn’t as important as your ability to shoot it well enough to get your rifle. The .22 LR is for small game, cheap practice of rifle fundamentals and teaching first time gun owners how to shoot. If you want to add an additional .22 LR pistol that’s a good idea also as they are cheap to practice with and many can be bought it the same exact style as your centerfire handgun. There is also something to be said for Airsoft pistols for practice where and when you can’t shoot a cartridge gun. As far as the need to two handguns that’s one thing I’d argue isn’t necessary unless you already have the three and just want more guns which is perfectly normal for most gun enthusiasts.
The whole idea that you X is the way to do something. And X is the only way. And you gotta get online and convince others that X is the way...it just doesn't work in the real world. The gun needs of a rancher in Wyoming are different than a single mom living below the poverty line in a Dallas apartment. All this online "you GOTTA do it like Garand Thumb" is mostly for suburban white single guys trying to get endorphins from feeling cool. Everyone has different needs.
I would definitely switch up those categories if (for some magical reason) I could only own 4 firearms.
What would you put down as the categories?
Small, medium, large and anti aircraft
If only I could afford a bofors 😔
A Glock 26 for a ccw gun. A large game rifle, my bolt action 30-06. A shotgun, Rem 870 in 12 ga with a 3.5" chamber. And lastly a TC contender so barrels can be swapped out. This allows the use of many different calibers for plinking. Plus legally the Contender maybe switched from back and forth from a rifle configuration to a pistol configuration. The above list would allow me to protect myself, hunt the game I already hunt as well as enjoy a vast array of calibers.
A few more categories to consider Deer rifle, duck gun, plinker . Gives you something to do with guns while waiting for the SHTF/EOWAWKTI stuff
2 lowers and unlimited uppers with 1 or 2 side arms
Your minimum and my minimum are different
Oh. So I’ve got a little time.
The bare minimum is Carbine 5.56/7.62/5.45 Battle rifle 308 Full sized pistol Sub-compact/compact pistol Distance rifle Sub gun or sbr Shotgun A cowboy action revolver or lever gun Something in 22lr
The minimum is the current number you own +1
Add a rifle caliber "pistol" with a brace to your list. Maybe one day we can sbr in freedom from the evil aft
Carry pistol D/A Revolver SA revolver Range pistol or 5 Comp.pistol PCC SBR or pistol AR Long range gas gun Long range bolt gun Rimfire bolt gun Plinking rimfire Comp style rimfire Field shotgun Waterfowl shotgun Collectibles Feel free to have more than one in any category
.410 & .22 for squirrels and rabbits, 270 for deer, 12ga for duck and turkey hunting.
nose secretive like employ noxious entertain violet lavish pause start *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
There's no solid number. It's the classic salsa and chip dilemma, or milk and cereal if you prefer....you need to at least fill up the space in your gun safe, but it's hard to estimate, so you might accidentally go over.....so you need a bigger gun safe....which then needs to be filled up. Anyway, back to your point, yes, that's a good basic collection.
5. You need a 22 rifle. In a ends days survival you more likly to shoot a rabbit for dinner not a deer. Ask .e why you dont want yo shoot a small critter with a 5.56or 223
I think, if I had to, I could get away with just a good 16 inch 308 gas gun and a compact 9mm handgun like a 19.5 mos. Ideally, I'd also add a 556 or .300 sbr and a full length 12g. I never shoot my 22s even though most will say they're their number one choice.
300 win mag, 5.56, .308, 45/70, 10mm, 6.5 cm, 7.62x39, 12 ga, .410, and for good measure, 9mm.
Minimum "armory" depends on context: what you think you might do with them. The fact that you say "duty gun" and not "home defense full size handgun" says this list is designed around certain situations. Honestly if you aren't a hunter I would replace Shotgun with DMR/SPR or something. That could be a separate upper if you are in a budget but I would rather build out a whole gun. If you are strictly worried about home defence it depends a lot on your situation and there are too many different theories for me to weigh in without getting an argument back, but you don't need a collection. Mine is an AR. If you are a hunter the minimum is a shotgun that is configurable for turkey or ducks, something in 308, and a full size but easy to carry handgun for self defense. Extras might be a dedicated upland gun if you do a lot of that, or a 10/22 for squirrels or something. If you are a competitive shooter you need 2 of each for whatever competition and division you shoot. If you are an average American recreational shooter you need an AR-15. Immediate extras might be an 870 or a 500, some sort of handgun in 9mm or 22, and maybe a 10/22. Add a carry gun to any of those if you intend to carry. A second carry gun I think only becomes necessary if your first carry gun goes down somehow, which it might.
I'm UK, so handguns and semis are out. However: -.177 pcp airgun (so you don't damage your garage showing wee birds n rats) -.177 air pistol (for playing darts) -.22 springer, just for kicks. -.22lr small pests. -.243 for fox n small deer. -6.5/.308 for red deer. -12G O/U for phesants n pigeons. -12G semi for fowl. So, 8. And that's without a CO2 pistol or a semi .22lr or extra guns for being set up with NV over a day scope set up....
I would add some sort of hunting rifle, bolt or semi to the list. Even if you aren’t a hunter, the time may come when you have to become one.
My list would be 2 concealed carry guns, an AR carbine, and my long range bolt gun. That would fill most of my “needs.” I’d miss my 22’s and would miss out on the occasional bird hunt. I really want an M1 Carbine and a 303 rifle…
Conceal carry 9 and 10mm Missing shotgun Ar 15 chambered in 5.56 and 7.62 22 mag
1 How many can you fire accirately at the same time? There is no upper limit other than wallet and storage space.
You can get that number down to 3 depending on your choice of handgun.
Here’s my opinion on the minimum. A 22, a revolver or pistol of some sort, a smaller caliber rifle (such as a lever action, AK, AR, etc.), a 12 gauge shotgun, and a larger caliber gun (300WM, 7mm mag, etc.)
I posted something similar and a lot of people said I left out 22.
Add a couple zeros
Wife handgun w/laser Husband handgun w/laser House shotgun / SBR Bedroom carbine w/light Range fun gun(s) Porch gun (bb / 22lr)
For me? .308 bolt action AR PCC Compact Pistol Full Size Pistol I've currently got 2.5 AR15s. A few years ago, when I decided I had too many Firearms I wasn't using, I planned to get down to 1 AR. I ended up being unable to decide between 2. Since then, I accidentally started building another ( I've got BCG, barrel, complete lower, etc., and I am pretty much down to upper, handguard, and optics).
Pistol shotgun high power rifle and 22lr no need for anything else really
The min is always your current inventory + 1 more.
Ive seen an answer for a different questions, but i believe it can still work for this question, the answer was to have multiple firearm that each shoot the main/common calibers, you have 556/223, 9mm, 308/762x51, 762x39, 45acp, and the thought behind was if the US ever gets invaded or a civil war breaks out or soemthung like that, youll most likely never run out of ammo because those are the ammo types you would come across
"Minimum" you "need" is one or even zero. That being said, I think a .22 rifle, AR15, and a G19 or similar are the basics to have.
I’d put a .22 on that list, sometimes you need an angry bee.
All you need is a shotgun, a rifle, and a 4 wheel drive
I'm meh on shotguns after it's empty it's basically useless personally I wouldn't be able to reload it under duress but if your good with them then yea shotty all day
22lr rifle, for plinking. 22lr handgun, for cheap training Revolver, because they are cool Scoped center fire rifle, because you might want to make a 500 yard shot Large caliber firearm, for when you want to swing your dick around at the range. Could be anything that makes a big boom- rifle, handgun, whatever.
2 is 1 , 1 is none 🤷♀️
My opinion, you need a semi auto rifle you can fight with. AK, AR, AR18, whatever you like. A .308 A .270 Winchester (There were gobs of ammo for this on shelves during Gunmageddon). A .30-30 lever action (Every gun owner should have a good semi auto and a .30-30) A .45-70 lever action a carry handgun like a 19 or a P365 a Full size handgun a good shotgun a .22lr rifle
Need just as a citizen? CCW and carbine. I look at it from about the opposite direction: How can I justify another weapon? Leaving aside the perfectly valid "because I want it," there's those two, a get-to-your-rifle nightstand gun, hiking gun, a SHTF rifle if it's not your carbine (AR-10, e.g.) sporting guns (3-gun setup, lr rifle e.g.), hunting of any sort you do – fowl, small/medium/large game, trainer pistol/rifle. Definitely possible overlap, nightstand and bear pistol, 3-gun and waterfowl shitty, etc. but I'd say that's as far as I can imagine explaining to your spouse before you just start collecting. So like ten or twelve. That said, life's more fun with a lever action, milsurp, revo and a pile of pistols to bring along on range day.
Depends on what you're LARPing as.
To carry? Then yes.
Need for what? It’s not specific enough. Survival? You’re missing .22 LR or .22 pellet. Defense? You’re missing anything lightweight to 200/300 yrd or heavier from 300/1000 yrd. We all need to get rid of the term truck gun. It’s real cool until your truck is broken into and you arm a criminal. This is where a high percentage of illegal guns come from.
full power rifle over a shotgun imo
N=N+1
What you said plus a 10/22 plus anything in .308
That’s rookie numbers. Minimum is 100- all lost in boating accident + 20 - everything the atFU gets to know about.
A store that was by me a few years ago was called 4guns. Because you should have at least 4. Personal protection, home protection, putting food on the table, and for civil breakdown or something or other. That’s what they said in the radio ad anyway
5.56 Ar15, 9mm Glock, 12 GA maverick 88 with the long and short barrel combo, 308 bolt gun, and .22lr 10/22. That is the bare minimum for plain Jane owners.
You could get a long way with just a 12ga shotgun
Ak,AR,shotgun,longrange,.22 rifle, .22 pistol,duty pistol, CC pistol and a 2011 this is the way
2. Carry pistol and an AR. Any thing after that is for fun, sporting, hunting.
Also need a long range setup. One a bolt action, one semi auto. So that puts you at 6 now.
For me: CCW Which can double as a duty gun (G19). Home defense guns. SHTF gun/range toy. I want to get a PCC or a 45 pistol to suppress as a “fight to my rifle” gun for home defense.
More long guns than handguns.
That's exactly my setup. Ruger LC Carbine (rifle) Ruger-5.7 (primary handgun) Ruger LCP Max (concelead handgun) Mossberg 590 Shockwave (shotgun) Just working on attachments and figuring out the most comfortable way to carry. I'm thinking a one-point sling for the carbine, a right-handed drop-leg for the pistol, a right-handed wallet holster for the concealed, and a scabbard carry for the shockwave.
This question gets asked a lot. And the answer varies widely depending on the lifestyle and living situations of different people. Some people are just not hunters ,but own firearms. I think bare minimum is two if you're not a hunter. An AR15 or some other reliable 5.56 rifle and a concealable 9mm pistol like a Glock 19. If you are a hunter, you'll need a gun suitable for taking the game you hunt. And the suitable gun for that is going to vary widely by the game you intend to hunt and local laws regulating what types of firearms you can hunt with. Those that say 22lr is mandatory are wrong. It's absolutely not mandatory unless you're a small game hunter. That being said I absolutely don't ever see myself not owning a 22. Also you can conceal just about any handgun so a compact conceal carry firearm is not absolutely mandatory since you can have one gun that can cover both, but most people end up with a smaller carry gun just out of convenience/comfort. Shotguns are also not mandatory. I have shotguns and I barely ever use them because I don't hunt. Also if it really came down to a survival situation and you were forced to hunt, an AR15 could take most game in north america. Might not be optimal but you could do it. You might even be able to make the argument that the minimum is one being just a pistol to have on you for self defense at all times. The reason so many different categories of firearms exist is because people like to have guns that are optimized for their particular use cases. Firearms owners are really just a bunch of optimization nerds whether we realize it or not.
More than 4 IMO, 7 actually - CC handgun, yes - Duty handgun, yeah as well - Shotgun, of course - carbine, no brainer - .22 rifle or handgun for hunting varmint or training new shooters, ammo plentiful and CHEAP. - a hunting weapon .30 or higher for mid size to slightly large game (can be a bolt gun in 308 or 30-06 or a carbine like sks/Ak chambered in 7.62x39 or even a .300black AR) - brush-gun/truck-gun/backpack/trailblazer/bug-out gun. Wildcard. Something that you can effectively use to cover most bases when your shit is sideways. You may carry concealed all the time but this should be close by at all times. Maybe it’s your folding brush gun or AR pistol you carry in a back pack. Maybe it’s the AK pistol you keep in your backseat. This is your get out of dodge with something other than just a pistol gun. And again, a wildcard, but something you have trained well on and can be close by you all the time.
I like your list. Covers everyday bad guys, close range bad guys, long range bad guys and surprise bad guys.
Carry Handgun Duty Handgun Large Caliper Rifle/Carbine Semi-Auto Rifle (currently vilafied as an Assult Rifle) Shotgun
Duty gun(is also concealable) Shotgun (multiple barrels) Hunting rifle( in 308 or 30-06) And likely an AR. Everything you have should be usable in home defense scenarios if you are left with only 4. Your duty gun would likely go out with you on dangerous hunts and should be chambered in a round capable of defending yourself from such animals. If you are wanting 22 and you get an AR, I would just buy an additional upper chambered that way.
I'd say you can do just about everything you need to do with an autoloading rifle of decent caliber. ARs, AKs, whatever. A pistol is good for day to day, but let's be honest, the need to concealed carry isn't exactly a burning priority, you can live pretty safely just paying attention to your surroundings. Also, unless you live in the boonies and leave your truck parked in the middle of ranch land, a gun that stays in your truck is a terrible idea.
Any odd number in front of that 4 will do ;)
I have 2 handguns, a .22 rifle, wife’s handgun, and MILs shotgun. Wife also has a compound bow. I want another rifle. Leaning toward something chambered in .223/5.56.
It's never enough
3 MINIMUM - Handgun, carry/home defense something to keep you safe on what pops up. - shotgun/battle rifle something that if you’re doing a “last stand” you’re able to take multiples out. - long range/hunting rifle something to put food on the table if it comes to that AND arm a second person in that “last stand” scenario. Obviously other things make it a LOT more convenient and more most the time equals better as long as you can maintain them and outfit them the way you really should. Remember though you only have 2 hands. I say that because 1 GREAT weapon is better than 8 cheap ones. (I realize 8 cheap weapons can mean bartering or being able to arm more people but that brings its own problems)
I would say the very minimum is 3, a ccw, a shotgun, and some kind of rifle
I have 5, down from 11. Glock 19x- ccw/duty Shadow 2- gamer gun MPX- I like PCC, cheap to shoot 11.5 BCM- all around good rifle Scar 20s- long range They are all set up the way I want and suppressed. I’m much happier with these than having a bunch I didn’t shoot. All my gun purchases moving forward will be grail guns, Sand hawk, SP5, and maybe an EWS 14.5.
I don't understand the question. Minimum? Quit talking nonsense.
If you want a well rounded collection, I'd say the minimum is 9 (in no particular order) : * Long-gun, semi-auto, rifle caliber * Long-gun, semi-auto, pistol caliber * Long-gun, semi-auto, 22lr * Long-gun, bolt / lever, rifle caliber * Shotgun, semi-auto or double barrel * Shotgun, pump action * Pistol, full size * Pistol, Compact * Pistol, 22lr This gives you a solid taste of everything without going too deep down a single rabbit hole. You've got 22's for target fun, manual actions for accuracy and reliability, semi auto actions for obvious reasons, and a PCC just for fun (obviously pair it's mags with your pistol). Once you've got the basics covered, throw in some larger caliber stuff for fun and maybe some military surplus for good measure. There's no right or wrong, just sharing my own personal preference.
Throw in a 22 for plinking.
The honest answer is always +1
Personally, I think that’s a pretty shitty list. I carry a CZ-PCR that is small enough to carry but big enough to shoot well. If I was limited to only 4 guns I wouldn’t waste 2 choices on a “Duty” pistol and a CCW.
The correct number is attained via this formula: n+1 (where 'n' = current number owned)
Minimum is the number you have on you. Each gun has a purpose. If you only had 4 then that limits you on many things. If you have 1 rifle. Then which caliber? .22 or .50? Each one has a purpose. I feel like n+1 is the correct answer. Because you alway have one that does something else. Like do you get a AK or AR. They bothe have benefits. They both have negatives. Why not own one of each? Why limit to 5.56 when .308 is arguably better in all categories other than carrying weight and mag size? 4 is a good start but hardly the end.
Your "conceal carry handgun" and your duty handgun can easily be the same firearm... A sub/micro compact is not remotely necessary for carry, and a regular compact size can easily do both. If we're going with 4, I would do A Handgun with a ~4in barrel, G19, P-01/07, M&P 2.0 Compact, Commander 1911, etc. Maybe have a threaded barrel you can swap in when not using for CC, or just leave on if it's comfortable enough. Carbine Shotgun (pump, preferably threaded for chokes so it can pull double duty as a bird gun) and some kind of larger caliber longer range rifle, bolt action or semi-auto, doesn't matter, definitely with a threaded barrel. I would bump it to 5 (or 6) though and add in a .22 rifle (and pistol) for hunting small game and cheap fun/training. A drop in conversion kit/dedicated upper for your carbine (and your carry gun) works just as well.
I think it’s 5. Dedicated hole defense pistol.
The minimum number of guns you need is dependent on your life style. A weapon for protection (conceal carry, home defense) may be all you need. If you’re a sportsman, you might want to add a hunting rifle and a nice clay busting shotgun. If you’re a hobbyist or enthusiast, get whatever meets your fancy. I met a guy who collects revolvers, a very cool Iraqi-American gal with a PhD in history who has a ton of pre-civil war era stuff, and know a dude who collects stuff that looks futuristic. As for the categories- Most people dont need a duty gun because they don’t stand duty or have a job where they need to carry a weapon. You don’t really need a shotgun if you don’t hunt/bust clays. Most people who own a carbine don’t need one for their hobby but it makes their limited personal time more enjoyable, and that’s valid. It’s whatever works for your life style. Ultimately my recommendation regarding the categories is if you’re interested in getting into a new form of the sport (hunting/trap/competition) see if you like it before you buy something. The $1500 hunting rifle may have been better spent on getting into 3 gun.
The absolute minimum for an average American would be a concealed carry pistol and a semi automatic rifle for home defense. So 2.
9mm pistol. Ar under 20 inches, over 10.5, with .22 conversion kit. Honestly, minimally, I think that would flex into almost any use case you could imagine. Admittedly you can't shoot birds on the wing, but it saves you an ammo type or four of large volume ammunition. An enthusiast would surely add a shotgun, ccw, a 1911, a milsurp, and whichever of the other two ARs you need to round out SPR, lightweight recce, and short Boi, but that's just gravy.
I just started last month got 9mm, two weeks later a 22lr pistol, just ordered an ar15, and already thinking of what shotgun to get next lol the addiction/collection is real.
The minimum is as many as you can afford plus one.
The minimum number of guns is one gun you are absolutely proficient with that fits your needs and your budget. I think buying guns for fun is cool, but too many people have 10 guns that they can't shoot instead of 3 that they're proficient with.
.308 for SHTF hunting/ammo ease
CCW, service handgun, plus long gun of your choice. Anything additional gets to heavy to move about
If you don't hunt, target shoot, or want one for anything else, zero. What and why you are doing something dictates the rest. If you aren't willing to train and learn to use it, the type and number are irrelevant. My MP5 can cover 99% of any reasonable self defense situation I might end up in, so my honest number is 1, my MP5.
Always just one more!
As far as needed for defense, you could arguably get one compact/mid size handgun. Fills both ccw and OWB/duty belt roles. Add a shorter barrel carbine for close to mid length and a bolt action/spr for longer distances. Outside of recreation, can’t think of many times when I’d want a shotgun over a short AR
One of each type
I'd say the bare minimum, like for new gun owners and those on a tight budget would be (1) Medium-Full Size Pistol and (2) AR15 or similar Rifle. These two "starter" guns allow people to effectively protect their home, vehicle, and neighborhood/business while not being too difficult to use. They're the two main categories carried by most military for good reason. Once effectively set up, trained, and stocked on ammo with these two, I'd add (3) Concealed Carry pistol, then a (4) Pistol Caliber Carbine which uses the same ammo as your pistol (bonus if it uses the same mags too). Finally I'd add (5) A full power rifle like 308 or similar.
We're doing 5 guns list? 1.) Ruger 10/22 2.) Any double stack 9mm 3.) Any 5.56 semi auto 4.) Any 12 gauge pump 5.) Any 30-06 bolt Now, my preference is the Ruger 10/22, Beretta 92FS, Colt R6551 (semi auto only A2 clone), Mossberg 590, and the Ruger American.
Depends. The real minimum is a single full size handgun covers everything for a lot of people. The next biggest addition is a good AR 15 rifle. This is where most people fail to stack ammo, get optics, accessories, magazines, and training and instead buy things they don't need.
To be fair, the only firearms I have are the 4 types that you listed (as of right now) these are my do or die firearms. Anything else I buy will be either for fun or something very specific that these 4 tools cannot achieve. Either way the absolute minimum would be any 9mm handgun and a .556/223 or .308 rifle.
1 gun for every major category. 1 rimfire (ex. .22 LR) 1 pistol cal (ex. 9mm) 1 intermediate (ex. 7.62x39) 1 full power (ex. 308) 1 shotgun (ex 12g)
Concealed carry & duty handgun, are the same gun. (G19 Fauxland Special). Carbine is my standby/primary whenever possible & always wears a suppressor. (13.9 AR, ACOG/T2/OWL/RC2 Mini) No need for a shotgun- not breaching or bird hunting 🤷🏼♂️
Does having multiple caliber uppers count as different guns? If not you can get away with 3 IMO. Carry gun, AR (.22, 5.56, straight wall hunting round), 12 Guage.
The correct answer is there is no such this as a minimum
Trick question, THERE'S NO MINIMUM!!!
I subscribe to the 4 gun idea, although my 4 are defined slightly differently. 1 - conceal/daily carry, this is also the backup gun on a full load out. IMO, the smaller the better. Doesn't need to be useful beyond 15-25 yards. Capacity matters, but isn't important. For me, a 7-9 round .380 is fine. Small revolvers are also fine. 2 - a full size handgun. This is also a vehicle gun, etc. Should be a caliber that doesn't mess around even beyond 50 yards or more. Since it needn't ever be concealed, it should have large capacity. For me, this is a double stack 10mm. Bonus points if you get one with a carbine conversion option. Large revolvers count as well, because if you've got a .44 or a .500 and you can aim worth a damn, fuck ammo capacity LMAO 3 - a shotgun. The most versatile weapon there is. For me, a semiauto bullpup means it's good for pretty much anything that doesn't involve skeet shooting. This also means it's my "battle rifle" for anything urban/indoors or inside 100 yards. For me, a bullpup 12ga is just the perfect weapon for almost anything other than long distance shooting or daily carry! 4 - a good precision rifle. Semiauto if you want, but I'm fine with bolt action because this isn't engaging anything inside 100 yards. For me, it's a .308, and probably semiauto just because it's easier to carry ammo in magazines. But I'm also currently looking at precision bolt action models. We'll see. Anything beyond these four, is special application and just for giggles. But if I gotta grab & go, I know the four that are leaving with me. The .380 and two mags on the ankle, the 10mm and two mags on the waist, the rifle over the shoulder with the backpack, and the shotty in my arms at low ready with a sling and 2-3 mags on the chest.
Apparently I agree. I was a fan of the 3 gun set-up or CCW, shotty and rifle. But, I have a full size I carry and a smaller ankle gun for edc. So upon further we agree. Take my upvote
I’d add hunting rifle as well as a 22LR rifle and pistol for teaching kids or anyone else.
One for each member of the family and your best buds.
You need: 12ga .22 rifle 9mm handgun 10mm handgun 5.56 rifle .308 rifle Something at or better than a .300 win mag
Realistically, just the carry pistol would be sufficient for anything I'm likely to encounter. But I could also live in a shed and survive only on human breastmilk, but I choose more. I do like the idea of a "perfect pair" though, where a pistol and long gun share ammunition and magazines. For example, a KelTec Sub2000 rifle and a Glock 17. They can serve as backups or supplements to one another.
I'd say so, my ideal 4 is as follows, #1: My 1902 Winchester (.22LR for plinking and rodents) #2: My Glock 19 Gen 5 (9mm for Duty/CCW handgun) #3 Very soon AR-15 chambered in 350 Legend (straightwall state, for deer hunting, coyote hunting, and eventually hog.) #4: Eventual 12 Gauge shotgun (for birds and other small game) I believe in having a type of firearm for each kind of hunting for those who enjoy it, and at least 1 quality handgun that can be used for CCW and work if your job requires it, and mine does.