Only 1 Handgun? One Rifle?

[jim4065]

The truth is that I have guns that I've never fired - kinda silly. Been thinking about thinning the herd some, but can't seem to get started. Maybe looking at it from the wrong end? So now I'm trying to decide which is my best? or favorite? and then start ranking downwards.

At any rate, if you could only keep one handgun - which one would it be? And what is the cartridge? Got an old Woodsman that I'd hate to give up, but a .357 mag sure seems more flexible - and then you've got to consider: What about a cartridge which works in both rifle and handgun? Also - just got a Ruger Alaskan in 44 Mag - not bad recoil, but am I still going to want to shoot it 20 years from now?

Rifle brings on the same problems. I could give up my shotguns without much strain, just keep Dad's 16 gauge pump.

[MtGun44]

Mountain gun .44 mag. VERY close second is Ruger std auto .22 6" bbl.

Rifle is harder. Probably Ruger 77 in 7x57, but Savage 110 in .30-06 is very close.

Hope it never comes to this! Choices depend a lot on expectations of future conditions,
if there are societal breakdowns in your personal crystal ball, the choices would be
VERY, VERY different.

Bill

[felix]

You never will have the right gun at the right time, just as you cannot possibly have enough security (money). That is why it is extremely important to have the Lord on your side at all times. ... felix

[Ole]

HG: Ruger GP100 4" .357 stainless.
RF: Ruger M77 Hawkeye stainless in .358 Winchester.

[PatMarlin]

I would have to say for my side arm- Ruger Blackhawk in 45 LC

For my rilfe- toss up between my VZ-24 mauser in 358 Winchester, and Marlin guide gun in 45-70.

Don't leave me without my 870 scattergun bro ...:mrgreen:

[ronterry]

You old farts and your revolvers :)

Maybe an AR-10/.308 as the rifle, and maybe my DW commander bobtail 10mm???? and to be honest, I would probably want to make my own commander 1911 in 10mm.
If I was going to keep one of each, it would be something I made with my hands.

[69daytona]

Go with what you like in your hand. for me I would go with the S&W500 4" for a revolver, can be down loaded to no recoil but still more power than any 45 or go the other way and its as powerfull as most rifles.
Same with rifles, hard to beat a 30-06 by any maker, one of the best all around rifles ever made.
My personal guns I fall back on are my 4"500 and my Remington 700P in 300RUM. with these Im ready for anything.

[PatMarlin]

OK- I know I turn 50 next month, but I have NEVER been called an old fart before..!

Dang...:groner:

[BD]

In a general sense I'm pretty close to Mtn gunner. A ruger .22 and a 6.5x55.

However, There's gonna be a heck of a fight to get me down to one of each, so I'll assume they'll be whatever I had the most ammo loaded up for at the end.

BD

[Trey45]

Hand gun would have to be my Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt convertible, yes i cheated and ended up with 2 calibers here in one gun, 45 colt and 45 acp! Sue me.

Rifle would be , ........ um........ well.........hmmmmmm.............. man as much as I hate to admit it, I'm going to have to say my Soviet VEPR in 7.62x39, it's capable of taking any game I may encounter here in Gates county NC.

Can I still have at least one shotgun and a coupe 22's tho? Pretty please??


Thats my Vepr in my profile pic btw. Aint she purdy :)

[mike in co]

OK- I know I turn 50 next month, but I have NEVER been called an old fart before..!

Dang...:groner:

wellcome to the club...u o f!
an ar10t, and a cz85/75 in 9mm.........cause of the ease of ammo....

'06 is great and works well...but too much powder, too heavy.

9mm cast boolits and very little powder

an ar15 will do most of what an ar10 can( except beat the wind at long range....)

7.62x51 and 9mm can be pretty much universal ammo......

if there were no limits on component availability...things might change.....

mike in co

[oldhickory]

Just two guns I couldn't do without...

I guess if it has to boil down to just two;:shock:

My old Ruger Standard Model.

My 30/06 on a Mauser 98 action.

[Gray Fox]

If I were to remain here in the sunny South, which I hope I don't have to, I could get by just fine with either my Ruger 4 5/8 convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP or my .45 Colt Mtn Gun, and my rifle length .45 Colt Puma, both shooting Lee's 300 grain flat point. If I'm successful in sorta retiring back out West some place, I'd switch the rifle to my McMillan-stocked .30-06 Sako (and tuck my Ruger #1 .45-70 someplace in my truck where no one would notice).

[Leadforbrains]

One Handgun and only one rifle?
Surely you jest.

[lylejb]

hate to think about it, really.:-(
that a day would come that i could only have one....

but if i had to choose a handgun, it would be my 1911 .45
i know mine is as reliable as a rock, powerfull enough, and won't let me down.
there's just something about the sound of a 1911 going into battery, that no gee whiz plastic gun will ever match, and no wheelgun will ever have. don't get me wrong, i own and like revolvers too, but it's just not the same.

for a rifle, it has to be my husky 30-06. my dad bought this in the 1950's. i used it hunting when i was growing up.
When i do my part, i can cover 5 rounds with a quarter at 100yds. yeah, i know target rifles can shoot one hole at a 100yds, but that's not the point. it's a hunting rifle, and for me, i do very well with it.

LB

[SWIAFB]

Ruger super single six
Savage 24F 223 over 12
reason being, ammo availability.
22lr adapter for 223

[218bee]

I'm sure this would change soon after I give this more thought but..........a blue steel Smith 29 with 6" barrel in 44mag and a Sako blue steel/wood in 30/06

[AZ-Stew]

You old farts and your revolvers :)


OK- I know I turn 50 next month, but I have NEVER been called an old fart before..!

Dang...:groner:

Well, I guess I'm an older fart than Pat, and I'll stick with my revolver, too. At least I come home from the range with all my brass (unlike you young buck auto-shooters). I'll take my S&W M-57 .41 Mag., but I'd like to have the barrel cut down from 6" to 5".

And I'll take my Rem. M-700 stainless synthetic in 30-06. Given the right bullet or boolit and load it will do anything required of a rifle on this continent.

Regards,

Stew

[klcarroll]

Well, ......I guess I qualify as an "Old Fart" too: ......But I learned long ago that you can NEVER have enough guns or calibers!!

.....Just ask any five-year-old if there are only two Christmas Presents that he (or she) would be happy with; ........And they'll tell you what a crazy question THAT is!!!!

Kent (...An "Old Fart" who truly appreciates his "toys"!)

[Bret4207]

I hate these questions, but it's raining cats and dogs here. Just one of each? 4" M19 Smiff and, after careful thought, my Marlin 35 Rem. Neither is perfect, but if I only could one they'd and share the moulds. Actually it'd be a toss up between them and my M-24 Smiff and the 44 Puma.

But what would I do without a 22???

[Lloyd Smale]

my 50 ak and one of my 500 linebaughs. they can be loaded up or down to kill anything on earth

[bcarver]

Rifle would be Ruger 77 in 7mmx57 Mauser.
pistol conversation I will not consider.

[atr]

pistol......colt new frontier with 22mag and 22 LR cylinder
rifle....7x57 rem 722

of course it would be HARD to live with just 2.....

[44man]

The .475 BFR and a 6.5X55 but I need to add a gun. A ruger slabside Mark II. Always need a .22.

[9.3X62AL]

One Handgun and only one rifle?
Surely you jest.

What he said. Absolute minimum would be Rem 870 12 gauge, 30-06 bolter, and 4" Model 686 in 357 Magnum.

[JesterGrin_1]

I hate these questions, but it's raining cats and dogs here. Just one of each? 4" M19 Smiff and, after careful thought, my Marlin 35 Rem. Neither is perfect, but if I only could one they'd and share the moulds. Actually it'd be a toss up between them and my M-24 Smiff and the 44 Puma.

But what would I do without a 22???

I would have to agree. I think I would stick with my Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag and my S&W 629 Classic. in .44 Mag as someone else has mentioned you can load them up or down.

But also with what others have said you would have to have a shotgun in there somewhere and a .22. So for the .22 I think I would go nuts between a Colt Woodsman and the Ruger BlackHawk in .22.

[winelover]

I'll stick with NATO calibers, 9mm Browning HP & 308 Armalite.


Winelover

[Dan Cash]

The answer is simple: One of everything.

[Wicky]

Being from Australia no pistol!! :-(
But if I could I would keep my 686 in 357.
For a rifle I would keep my 308 Parker Hale. It will knock over anything in Oz.

[BIGGUNGOBOOM]

S&W 29, 44 MAG. And Remington 700, 30-06

[Terrier]

In town - CZ-75 and a set up 12 gauge.
In the "not in town" - .358 WCF custom and my long gone 4" S&W M-66.
Terrier

[sundog]

Ithaca 37 12 guage w/28" mod bbl, a good [standard parts] 1911A1 in 45 ACP, and a good bolt gun in 30-06

Mrs sundog would have a double barrel .410, a Ruger .22 auto, and a worked over 10/22

[Hurricane]

If I could have only one handgun it would be chambered in .22 LR. Revolver or pistol would not matter much but I would take a S&W Model 17 or a Ruger Super Single Six if I had a choice. For the one rifle, I would get a .22 LR again. If I could cheat a little, I would pick a combo rifle/shotgun like the Savage 24 in .22 LR/410. For big game I would use a longbow made from an old osage orange fence post. The arrows could be tipped with arrowheads made from glass bottles. I am assuming this kind of a choice would come only if I had a financial downturn or if the government is running roughshod over us. In either case, large caliber ammo would be difficult to get. A .22 rifle can do amazing things if it has to.

[BarryinIN]

It's really hard not to pick a .22 for one, but:

Rifle:
Steyr Scout .308. It does about anything I need a rifle to do, and weighs less than most.
(2nd choice- M1 Garand in .308) Same reasoning. but heavier, although giving me the option of semi-auto.

Handgun:
Browning HiPower 9mm. Popular caliber, and the BHP is the one that fits my hand best. Wife and kids could probably handle it OK if they had to.
(2nd choice- 1911)

Maybe the smart thing to do would be to use one choice on a TC Contender or Encore with about 250 barrels and various stocks, but I'll play by the "spirit" of the intent of the question. :)

[oldhickory]

Thanks Sundog!...I forgot about the Mrs! That doubles the guns I have acess to!:bigsmyl2:

For the Mrs...My M1 and my 629-3 S&W!

[2ndAmendmentNut]

Tough decision. Keep in mind that as long as your guns are stored right they will not go down in value, and with our new President promising change they are very likely to go up in value ten fold.
But if I had to make that decision I would go with a stainless Ruger Gp100 4" barrel in 357mag. A good gun in 357mag is better then a life time supply of duct tape.
For my rifle I would have to make it a bolt action Remington or Ruger in 308win.

That would be my choice if I simply had to make, but keep in mind that a 22 rimfire is as necessary to life as sunshine and water.

P.S. What do you have that you would sell? I might be interested.

[Rio Grande]

Mosin m44 in very good condition, and S&W model 37 2" .38.
Hey - that's all I have right now. But they will take care of my needs.

[Rio Grande]

You never will have the right gun at the right time, just as you cannot possibly have enough security (money). That is why it is extremely important to have the Lord on your side at all times. ... felix

He's right.

[Recluse]

I've read so many of these "if you could only have one or two guns, what would they be?" and my answers have never changed.

For the handgun, hands-down it would be a six-inch Smith & Wesson Model 686. The .357 Magnum round is tested and proven beyond anyone's doubt whatsoever. Six inches is long enough to hunt at short ranges, yet still concealable via a shoulder rig. The stainless alleviates worries of rust and pitting prematurely and broadens the spectrum of cleaning solutions and techniques. The L-frame is large enough to handle a full and steady diet of magnums with no adverse affects for a long time.

For the rifle, hands down it would be a Winchester 94 in 30-30. And THAT one doesn't even need explanation. :)

:coffee:

[jhrosier]

.... A good gun in 357mag is better then a life time supply of duct tape.....

This has to be the quote of the week. :drinks:

A 5" S&W M627 would fill that requirement nicely.

The rifle to go with it would have to be an M1A.

Jack

[Catshooter]

Smith&Wesson Shorty .45 for a short gun. Light weight, stupid accurate and dead reliable. Eight rounds of goodness.

CZ 527 bolt gun in 7.62x39. Incredibly versitle weapon.


Cat

[NVcurmudgeon]

Lord, and current events willing. S&W Model 27, .357 Magnum and Ruger 77/Lilja .35 Whelen. Ammo flexibility through the magic of .35 caliber and cast boolits. Should things turn ugly, Colt Woodsman Sport and Ruger Mini 14 Ranch, .223 Rem.

[gds]

The same answer I always give:

1911 .45 ACP

AR15 M4 style

[ronterry]

Well, I guess I'm an older fart than Pat, and I'll stick with my revolver, too. At least I come home from the range with all my brass (unlike you young buck auto-shooters). I'll take my S&W M-57 .41 Mag., but I'd like to have the barrel cut down from 6" to 5".

And I'll take my Rem. M-700 stainless synthetic in 30-06. Given the right bullet or boolit and load it will do anything required of a rifle on this continent.

Regards,

Stew

OK OK, I will admit that after I had my back surgery I've been shooting my wheel guns more to avoid leaning over to reclaim my brass. I even bought one of those fold up dollies to tote my gear around, and I'm a young 40, but I was called an old bastard once! :mrgreen:
BTW: My 70 year old step father I shoot with is in better shape then me!!!!!!!!!

[RayinNH]

Since it wasn't stated under what conditions we would make our decision, I will choose from the enjoyment standpoint. My blackhawk .45 Colt and the 30-40 Krag would stay. If the choice was when the bleep hits the fan it would be something I could make from a 30-06 case, maybe 7x57 and a .45 Auto...Ray

[testhop]

i i guess iwould keep the 45 auto for the handgun .
and a 270 winchester pre 64 if push to shove .
altho i would like one of the 22 pistol and rifle

[phil218b]

You never will have the right gun at the right time, just as you cannot possibly have enough security (money). That is why it is extremely important to have the Lord on your side at all times. ... felix

My bible,prayer book,1911,garand. And hope for the rapture before all I could have is the my last two guns.

[3006guns]

As was already mentioned, no conditions were specified......so let's assume the worst. Catastrophe, hurricane, terrorists, riots, BO's second term,etc. You will NOT be able to give your guns constant, adoring attention and replenishment of ammo and parts are concerns.

You're limited to one handgun so something you can feed with standard ammo is called for. Anything exotic can make you look foolish (and empty) after awhile. Many good calls have been made so far....personally I'll take my S&W 65. It's been with me for many years to some rather wild places and alway goes "bang", especially with my handloads....either .38 special or .357. Ammo is widely available, even in bad times. My .45 auto is in the same category......just depends on which I grab first.

Rifle: Okay, I'm going to be the odd duck here, but it's based on over 40 years of collecting and shooting just about everything. I have quite a few rifles to choose from, but a bolt gun would probably win out over a semi auto such as an SKS, AK or AR, assuming we're not going into combat. Why? Simplicity. And which bolt gun would I choose? Brace yourself.....

A Japanese type 99, 7.7mm Arisaka......

Fired conservatively, my ammo would last a long time. A Lee hand press and a couple pounds of components round out the list. The rifle itself is dirt simple (I think the bolt has four parts), overly rugged and has a chromed bore. I can strip/clean it quickly and even fabricate parts if need be. As much as I'd like to pack a 1903 out of national pride, I don't need target grade sights. Just durability, reasonable power and accuracy. The Arisaka was designed to have the crap beat out of it and still shoot. Yeah, they're ugly to some folks but after studying them for quite a few years you become impressed......the original designers already answered the question.

[MT Gianni]

BLR in 308, 45 Blackhawk, mine is a dual cylinder but I could live with the Long Colt only if pushed.

[pumpguy]

I've read so many of these "if you could only have one or two guns, what would they be?" and my answers have never changed.

For the handgun, hands-down it would be a six-inch Smith & Wesson Model 686. The .357 Magnum round is tested and proven beyond anyone's doubt whatsoever. Six inches is long enough to hunt at short ranges, yet still concealable via a shoulder rig. The stainless alleviates worries of rust and pitting prematurely and broadens the spectrum of cleaning solutions and techniques. The L-frame is large enough to handle a full and steady diet of magnums with no adverse affects for a long time.

For the rifle, hands down it would be a Winchester 94 in 30-30. And THAT one doesn't even need explanation. :)

:coffee:

Right calibers, wrong guns.

I would choose my 6" SS Ruger GP-100. More accurate than a Ruger ought to be and tough as nails.

For my rifle I would have to take my 1968 336C. 'Nuf said.

[mtnman31]

Pistol - "88 Magnum, it shoots through schools"
Rifle - "Phased plasma rifle, in the 40-watt range"

Sorry, had to throw out a couple movie quotes for fun.

Seriously, not knowing the circumstances, I'd want the following based solely off my favorites:
Pistol - .45 H&K USP
Rifle - M1A or FAL (like my .308's)

If it was a survival situation, I'd want a .357 revolver and a .12ga shotgun. The shotgun would be versatile enough for hunting of fowl, four legged creatures and works to protect you from two legged animals.

[Hardcast416taylor]

Since I seem to be an older "old Fart" than you other young "old farts" I would have to say my 2 picks would be my 5 1/2" Ruger BH in .45 LC that I worked over and one of my `17 Enfields in .338/06. Robert :wink:

[wildwilly]

Ruger Mark ll, 22 lr
T/C Contender carbine 223 Rem

[legend]

i cant believe you can ALL be so wrong...

handgun would be the mod 57 41 mag

long gun the mod 700 30-06

cuz thats what i have faith in.

[Jim]

Answering roll call of Old Farts Club, "Here, Sir!"

My .45 Colt Judge for the bedside, My old .bolt action .30-06 to feed my family and if you don't mind, may I keep my LeFever double 12? It's a family heirloom and nothing can escape that left hand barrel.

[Jim_Fleming]

A Marlin 1894, and a nice Ruger (read that big, probably a Super Red Hawk) both chambered in the same caliber. If not a Super Red Hawk and the 1894 in .44 Mag, some other service revolver in at LEAST .357 Magnum and the 1894 in the same caliber.

[Bret4207]

Since youse guys are adding the 22 then I'll add my 22 Kit Gun to my list. Or maybe better ,my Savage 22/410.

[AZ-Stew]

Since I seem to be an older "old Fart" than you other young "old farts" I would have to say my 2 picks would be my 5 1/2" Ruger BH in .45 LC that I worked over and one of my `17 Enfields in .338/06. Robert :wink:

Looks like it's turned into an "old fart"ing contest! :drinks:


i cant believe you can ALL be so wrong...
handgun would be the mod 57 41 mag
long gun the mod 700 30-06
cuz thats what i have faith in.

And some folks don't read all the other posts before spouting off. You're in good company, young man. And your justification is absolutely correct. Maybe we can share ammo. :-D :Fire:

Regards,

Stew

[longhorn]

Ooooh, I hate this game. Makes me queasy just to contemplate........as of this morning, I'd go with the slicked Ruger SP101 in .357 (extremely concealable and capable) and the Anschutz bolt .22 with Leupold and open sights. Killing deer around here with a .22 is no big feat. Now, by later this afternoon I may decide a big centerfire is the way to go.......

[ph4570]

HK91 (.308) & Sig P226 (9mm)

[cajun shooter]

Another old fart reporting for duty sir! The above post have some wonderful choices. Such as the S&W 65, 29, 19 and 57. All great guns and without a doubt would serve one well as I have or have owned all of them. I would chose a revolver ( old farts club) because all my brass is there for retrieval. You do have to have a shotgun for survival to put meat on the table, hard to hit a running bunny with a handgun. In fact I've had more than one make a clean break when I had the shotgun. Choice there would be 870 or model 37 Ithaca. 45 Colt revolver and 45-70 rifle. Oh I almost forgot, plenty of BP and lead.

[archmaker]

Actually that is fairly simple for me.

Ruger SBH 7.5" 44Mag
Savage 110 - 30-06
Remington 870 - 20ga (I know 2 guns, but you HAVE to have a shotgun!, I love me some dove, and 30-06 is a little to much gun for such a small target).

But it does make for an interesting thought. The 30-06 was given to me when I graduated high school, which is what I am giving my former step-son for his HS graduation gift (once he finds time to come see me :( ).

Shoot the 44 in IHMSA so it will do for close and distant targets.

But I like my others, and still plan on adding to my collection.

[ronterry]

My bible,prayer book,1911,garand. And hope for the rapture before all I could have is the my last two guns.

Real nice Phil!!! :drinks:

I wish there was enough room to mill out the magwell on my AR-10 project to make it 30-06. There's barely enough room for 308!
The 1911 to me is a no brainier - as reliable and potent as any plastic fantastic out there! I carry mine daily in bobtail'ed commander form...
My Kimber officer is one sweet piece also! I have no idea why it gets a bad rap, cause I've put thousands through it without a hiccup...

http://www.ronterry.com/Arms/Images/30-06-001.jpg

:mrgreen: -=YOU OLD FART=-

[stubshaft]

Freedom arms FA83 in 454 Casull
Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70
Remington 870 12ga.

[PatMarlin]

We need to put Stubshaft Joe on a strict non fattening caliber diet ...:mrgreen:

[hamour]

S&W Mod. 27 6"

12gax12gax30-06 Drilling.
Quality insert .22 mag in one shotgun bbl. 30-30 insert for rifle bbl.
Quality pivot mount for scope.

Due to moronic laws in Europe, they have the one gun concept down to a fine art.

[Maine1]

I'd have to go with my Glock 20 10mm. I can use 40 cal as well, with LW barrels.
A 308 of some type: FNFAL preferably, but i could live with a savage bolt.

[Leftoverdj]

I cheat. I got a Valmet 412 in 12x .30-06 when they were cheap. Later had to pay more for a used set of 12 gauge barrels than I did for the whole gun. Still kicking myself for not buying a set of 9.3x74 barrels for around $150 for the silly reason that I did not own the Valmet at the time.

Pistol would have to be my 6" S&W Model 57. I'm not wedded to the .41 mag, but I shoot that particular pistol better than anything I have ever owned.

[Bob Krack]

M1A (.308) or Garand ('06 or .308)

M1911A .45ACP with interchangeable .22 kit

Remington 870 or Mossburg 500 12ga (or 20ga would be ok)

[ronterry]

Man, this is a straight up 'Old Fart' convention. I bet y'all got dem SASS badges too?

[PatMarlin]

Here's my "Old Fart" smoke wagon for ya, and my GPS to guide me back home ..:mrgreen:

[ronterry]

Pat nice try, cause you 2-1 (Old Fart to young buck ratio) with that analog dial caliper in the shot. [smilie=1:

Nicely composed photo BTW...:-D

[JesterGrin_1]

I am only 46 but still a member of the OLD FART CLUB lol. The analog dial caliper does not need a battery so it works all of the time lol. Sorry I do not have a Single Action Ruger well I do but it is a .22 lol. And older than I am lol.

And even though I do have a plastic fantastic Glock lol. I also have a 1911 I threw together years ago. Ithaca frame essex slide, Wilson Match SS barrel and other things thrown in lol. But boy does that thing shoot.

But I still have to admit I am a revolver guy lol.

As for rifles. I still prefer bolt and my Marlin Lever Guns even though I do have a 60"s era AR lol. But back then they were the SKS of the day I think they were $120.00 new lol.

Ronterry I have to say that .308 frame you made is BEAUTIFUL from what I have seen of it.

[ronterry]

Thanks Jester, it was some work because CAD files were no where to found, and the BP we're from an older or billet version. So there was a lot of measuring before I made any cuts. I finaly came up with a 505 rule! Just add .505 to the AR15 BP's, and it worked out pretty well. I finally have an AR10 LPK, and just need to etch it and anodize it. Still saving for the barrel and what nots. I might do a thread over in Gunsmithing or something, but I would recommend anyone who want's to leave the Feds out of your 2nd Amendment rights by making your own AR10 receiver - get fluent with machining AR15 blanks, cause there half the cost. (AR15 $25, AR10 $56)

[Nora]

Like others it would depend on the situation. But if it came down to flat out necessity, I've got an M38 and a Makarov in my bug out bag. I'd stick with them. If not it would be my very nicely sporterized '03A3, and my new Colt .32

I'm assuming that all the family heir looms aren't included in this...........

[part_timer]

I'm going to go with my .22 browning pistol and I'd steal my son's .22 Romanian training rifle. Both are good shooters and I have LOTS of ammo stored away for rainy days.

Lots of choices but given the only one of each "period" rule that's my pick. I guess it's head shots for me.

[AZ-Stew]

Boy, you guys are really high tech. Dial calipers and all. [smilie=1:

Until I got my hands on a $10 digital (on sale) from Midway, I used to keep a vernier caliper at my desk at work. I never had to worry about anyone stealing it. There were only a couple of other people in the building who knew how to read it, and I trusted them.

Regards,

Stew

[PatMarlin]

Now that I started using digital, I don't pick up the old dial anymore. ....:mrgreen:

[1Shirt]

Guess I go with Felix. That said, IF---I had to choose, it would be a 357 in a Rug, and a 222 or 223 (but over a 20gage
1Shirt!:coffee:

[gnoahhh]

Another OF here, piping up with his 2 cents worth of BS!!

About the only scenario I can think of that would cause me to pick one handgun and one rifle would be a complete breakdown of society of catastrophic proportions. In a situation like that I would grab my Colt Woodsman and Savage 99 .30/30 and walk away from all the rest. Ammo for either can be found anywhere, plus a brick of .22's, a .30 mould/tong tool/pound of powder/ few hundred primers/ stick of lube don't take up much room in a backpack. Pry WW's off of abandoned cars and melt them in a soupcan- you can keep the .30/30 going out in the hinterland long after supplies of factory ammo dry up.

Forget the GPS. Buy some good old fashioned topo maps and a good compass for your bug-out bag. If the sh*t has hit the fan to the extent where you have to "bug out" there's a good chance the GPS won't be functioning. OT anecdote: the Navy no longer requires learning celestial navigation or use of the sextant at the Naval Academy, per my Midshipman nephew. Most warships don't even have one on board anymore. What happens if the satellites are knocked out, or a nuclear shock wave negates the navigation gimmickry?

[armyrat1970]

Ruger GP-100 6" stainless with full underlug and Marlin 1894 in 357Mag.

[BOOM BOOM]

HI,
I have to agree w/ Felix, 1st go w/ God on your side.
Then for backup as I'm not done repenting yet...

Ruger Redhawk 44 mag.
870 rem. 12 gu
7MM mag[smilie=1:

[exile]

This is an answer that changes daily, but today my answer would be my .44 Mountain Gun and my Ruger 10/22. I would like the rifle to be a CZ 550 in 6.5 Swedish Mauser but I cannot afford one right now, so there you have it.

exile

[.357]

My Ruger police service six .357 4 inch
And some sort of .22 caliber rifle. maybe my old russian bolt action

[Old Ironsights]

Another Cheater here.

SP101 and my 16x16x9.3-72R drilling.

Though if I could afford it it would be the SP101 and a stainless 16x16 over .358 Win Drilling...

[1Shirt]

Ironsight's, Tain't cheetin, just OF common sense to have a shotgun rifle combo. I could never afford a drilling, so just go w/a Sav. over and under, but maybe now that I think of it, maybe a 30-30 on top, (and maybe also one of those inserts that let you shoot a 30 cal pistol ctg as well.
1Shirt!:coffee:

[MakeMineA10mm]

I'd have to go with my Glock 20 10mm. I can use 40 cal as well, with LW barrels.
A 308 of some type: FNFAL preferably, but i could live with a savage bolt.

I've got to say that I can not find fault in anyone's choices or arguments in defense of their choices. They're all good, make sense, and apply to each individuals' particular requirements/situation.

As far as my choices, even though I'm officially in the "Old Farts Club," and will never be without my S&W 629 (in other words, I'll cheat to keep more than one of each), my official choice of weapons pretty much mirrors Maine1's here.

My reasons why:

The Glock 20 in 10mm is concealable, powerful enough to hunt with, light enough to carry all day, and has a high enough capacity and terminal ballistics to be an excellent defensive handgun. In other words, it will do it all. The one down-side to it is the relative rarity of ammo, but the circumstances of why we have only one pistol would dictate my decision there. If it's teotwawki, I might take a Glock 21 in 45ACP, with a fully-supported barrel to handle hotter-than-standard-but-not-quite-45Super-loads. This way I could still find factory ammo by raiding wal-marts and other places that may still have it on the shelves before the zombies get me. However, if this is due to political pressure, I'd stick with the 10mm, because presumably supplies would still be available, individuals would just be limited to one choice. In that case, my 10k casings, thousands of bullets and various boolit moulds will keep my going.

For a rifle, I'd take a 30-cal. semi-auto, probably an M1A/M-14, although a G-3/HK91, FN FAL, or Garand would all suit me fine. Again, these are flexible choices - They can put dinner on the table, yet they are semi-auto, high-capacity battle rifles which can hold off the hoards of zombies. The 308s are a little better in regards to higher-capacity and detachable box magazines, but I wouldn't feel disadvantaged by an M-1 Garand much, unless I'm a lone-wolf trying to defend my family alone... I'd hope that would not be the case.

In fact, I'd hope the revolution would have started before we get to the stage of politically being restricted to one pistol and one rifle. Of course, I don't see demonstrators complaining much about the socialization of our auto-industry and financial sectors, so who would stand up against taking away free speech and our weapons?

I guess I'm about flexibility... :mrgreen:

[Old Ironsights]

Ironsight's, Tain't cheetin, just OF common sense to have a shotgun rifle combo. I could never afford a drilling, so just go w/a Sav. over and under, but maybe now that I think of it, maybe a 30-30 on top, (and maybe also one of those inserts that let you shoot a 30 cal pistol ctg as well.
1Shirt!:coffee:
That's why I picked .358 Win. I'm pretty sure I could get a .357max/Mag/.38sp chamber insert for it.

Also, I like 16ga because it is the classic ideal size for 1oz of shot. Gimme 50 Brass 16ga cases and I'd be good about forever.

It's crazy that drillings are so expensive. Of course, they ARE an artifact of Europe's stupid Gun Laws, but they are so unbelieveably useful that I really can't understand why "Guild Grade" i.e. commercial rather than custom, guns aren't being made by somebody.

I've often thought that if I had the time & money to play at the Cowboy Action/Dressup game I would make a Expat European Persona carrying my 100y/o Hammer Drilling and pair of 1870 Webleys...

[TWBryan]

I'm not sure I could live like that. Probably my GP100 6" and one of AR15's..

[Jon]

If I could only have one of each. It would probably be my FAL and my 1911.

308 and 45 are about as common as you can get for calibers.

[brianintheup]

What ever handgun you are most comfortable with. If you are looking for home defense the .357 will do fine. If you're looking for a woods gun 45 LC or 454 casull. Rifle the 30 cal. of your choosing. In a Remington 700 or a Savage.

[whisler]

The Good Lord and the bible would be no-brainers. They may be able to take my Bible but they can't take God from me. Calibers would be .357 and 30/06 but the decision would be which guns. Probably choose the Ruger blackhawk and the Winchester 70 (and a 12 gauge pump, because rules or not, you can't be without a shotgun)

[Hicountry]

My 1911 with a tacsol .22 top end, .45acp top end, .460roland top end

and an ar-15 with a .223 top end, 6.5grendel top end, .50bmg top end, and a .410 top end

all bases covered

[RobS]

As a cast bullet shooter and hunter I would say a 454 casull for a pistol as one can shoot easy target/plinker rounds i.e. 45 colt loads or full power 370 grain solid cast slugs at magnum levels. As for the rifle, well then a 375 H&H for the same principles that I chose the 454 casull; easy plinker loads or full house loads that will work for any hunting purpose. As a cast bullet shooter who reloads these two guns fit the bill well for so many purposes. As for a shotgun........a 12 gauge Remington 870.

[Lead Fred]

Model 29 Smith and Wesson 44mag, 8 3/4in barrel
Model 1894 Marlin in 44 mag
a few 100 Lever Evo 44 mag rounds
ear plugs

[357maximum]

Actually I could rather :shock: easily :veryconfu spend the rest of my days with:

My Dan Wesson 357mag pac, and my 1950's 336 in 35 rem and also my bows seeing as how they do not count in this game.......... silence is golden in certain circumstances.:evil:

[sheepdog]

HG: Ruger GP100 4" .357 stainless.

Yup, best damn .357 every made. Built like a tank but doesn't weigh like one. You can load some double charges in a GP100 and still be safe (though never recommended).

[Old Ironsights]

Yup, best damn .357 every made. Built like a tank but doesn't weigh like one. You can load some double charges in a GP100 and still be safe (though never recommended).
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/MrMisanthrope/Rugertank.jpg

Same can be said of the SP101...

[WickedGoodOutdoors]

In a Non perfect world were the Gunbbermint restricted the ownership to just one of each. I would have to go with a 1911 .45acp with a .45/ .22 interchageable barrel. and a 12 GA Pump shotgu.

But Wait Order now and get the option of a .308 AR style rifle with .338 interchangeable upper and a

12 Ga interchangeable upper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX7vwivR6cE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ethefirearmblog%2Ecom%2Fblo g%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2F12%2Dgauge%2Dar%2D15%2Dupper% 2Dmachine%2Dgun%2F&feature=player_embedded

But unlike this one I would prefer one that dont jam mon

[Sonoma2k2]

if i had only one pistol it would be my glock 19 in 9mm, the reason for 9mm is that its abundant everywhere and in almost every home. i know not the most powerful thing in the world but hell theres ammo galore. the germans did do something right in this cartridge.

as for the rifle i guess my ar-15m4a3 holds thirty rounds, and the ammo is again everywhere so when the stuff hits the fan we can atleast use the ammo from the controlled state trying to take our weapons

if expanadle to 1 shotgun id throw in my mossberg 500 it takes hell and keeps on racking em.:lovebooli

[reddog]

My Son says his 1894 and his Blackhawk. Kant argue with that much. Me, I'd take my 686 and my 39A. I kant fight an army on my own, but I rekon I can feed myself with a 22rf.

[Linstrum]

I look at it totally differently than for example a model 92 Rossi lever rifle and a Smith & Wesson revlover both in .44 Magnum, although that is a darned good combination. A darned bad combination would be a .277 Shooting Times Westerner and a .454 Casull - read on to see why.

The way I would base my choice is on reloadable cartridge availability throughout the foreseeable future (I haven't read all of the posts because I'm a bit short on time, so if somebody else already mentioned my idea, my apologies).

In the United States there have been made at the very minimum multi-millions each of .45-70, .30-30, .30-06, 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester, 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington, 9mm Parabellum, .45 APC, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special/Magnum, and of course the ubiquitous but not easily reloadable rimfire .22 Long Rifle (in the 1920s-1930s my late father used to reload .22 long rifle rimfire using wet match head paste squished into the rim of a spent cartridge and then topped off with ffffg black powder and a piece of solder wire snipped and pounded into a .224" diameter pill). The same for the great number of cartridges made for the above chamberings is not so for cartridges like the Shooting Times Westerner series, the Winchester Short Magnums series, and the equally oddball pistol cartridges. No matter how great of a performer a certain cartridge is, if it is an "orphan" after a few years, forget it as far as being useful for the purposes of this thread!

My choice would be something like a Ruger #1 in .45-70 and a revolver also in .45-70, although .45-70 revolvers are a bit rare.

Another choice would be a .30-06 and a .44 Magnum.

Another choice would be a .308 Win and 9mm Parabellum.

Another choice would be a .308 Win bolt rifle and a .308 Win Contender.

As soon as I made my decision I'd look into getting a 55-gallon barrel full of each caliber of once-fired brass, reloading dies and boolit moulds, a ton of lead wheel weights or Zamak zinc diecast alloy, a 100-pound sack of potassium nitrate, 20 pounds of 98% pure agricultural-grade dusting sulfur powder, 100 pounds of ammonium nitrate, 3 pounds of antimony trisulfide, instructions for making potassium chlorate, and a clean, dry, cool place to store it all. That would keep a person fed with rabbit, venison, game fowl, etc, and keep pesky neighbors at-bay for 50, or so, years. Ten grains of a 70% potassium nitrate and 30% powdered table sugar mixture mixed well with 20 grains of a mixture of 85% ammonium nitrate and 15% charcoal will get a boolit down the barrel of a .30-06 quite smartly.


rl583

[500MAGdaddy]

I'd keep dad's old 4" 29 with the RCBS 250K for loads and my grand-dads 94 in 30-30...first series with a round barrel...

[RBak]

A really tough question, maybe even cruel.

First thought says a .22 handgun and my Liberty mdl. Ruger in 7x57.

Careful thought says a .22 handgun (Colt Frontier Scout) and my old Savage 24V with a 30-30 over 20 gauge.
I've had this gun for many years and I have killed about everything in the small-game category that man normally eats, along with several fair sized deer.

Since it is a single shot, there are many bullets available that put this gun a couple of steps ahead of the typical 30-30.... although, admittedly, it is lacking in pin point accuracy found in many other type 30-30's.
Still yet, for hunting accuracy out to 200 yards it is about all the average guy could ask for.

Russ...

[ASM826]

.22s don't count. They are like brooms, there should be one in every room.

I like the Ruger .45colt/.45acp and a bolt action 30.06 Winchester model 70.

But I don't theeenk so, Lucy.[smilie=1:

[TexRebel]

simple, give me a win 92 and a colt model p in the same cal, it could be 38-40, 44-40 or even the new guns in 45 LC

[-06]

According to the situation. If a "grey man" situation then an old 30-30 and revolver. If tactical then the M1A and 45. I keep a 700 and the M1A in a hard case with ammo in my truck constantly. They both use 308(I know it is sad to have to use an inferior round-lol) so one battle pack gives them both an edge. For deer hunting I use an '06 and have for nearly all my life. wc