Best all around gun?

[RoyJackson]

And for the wife, just start with light 12g trap loads.

On a two legged intruder, even trap loads will do a number to them...once they get hit with the shot, isn't likely they'd be getting back up on their own...

 

[clemsonfor]

On a two legged intruder, even trap loads will do a number to them...once they get hit with the shot, isn't likely they'd be getting back up on their own...

Esp at 5 yds or less. With a full choke or turkey choke, they will rip a golfball sized hole in someones chest!

 

[patrick_g]

Over under rifle/shotgun combo gives you some of both worlds. Think of it as a two shot gun with one barrel optimized for distance and precision and the other for massive energy distributed through lead shot over an area. Very simple to load, fire, reload. Not a training nightmare and very reasonable recoil. Much harder to shot yourself by accident than a pistol in a stressful moment..

Detractors will say but it isn't semi-auto, doesn't have a million round magazine, etc but generally for most purposes you don't need but one shot and the target gets hard to aim at. It limits you to two immediate shots but there are ammo carriers to fit on the stock to make reloads handy.

You have a couple criteria to meet: 1. shoot a small varmint, 2. shoot a large varmint, possibly two legged walking upright (and not a bear.)

I keep a rifle, shotgun (12 ga full choke pump), and handgun handy but not everyone wants an arsenal about.

Patrick

 

[RobertN]

I cover all those bases and more personally.

But if the OP is not a hunter, and does not shoot much, a 12g would do it all. And, do it all on a reasonable budget.

You need more than one gun.
A 20 gauge is versatile but don't go shooting a raccoon in the garage with it.
You're better off resigning to the fact that 2 or 3 guns are necessary in a rural environment
Everybody needs a pistol, a shotgun, and a rifle.
If I could only have 1 pistol, it be a .22
One rifle, would be a .308 or .223
One shotgun, would be a 12 gauge pump. Not that I wouldn't take a 20, but all things considered a 12 is my choice, and I've had both.

 

[PAfarmer]

I would have to say a 223 over a 12 Gauge. Very nice combination in my opinion... I have used one around my farm for my years. Very capable in most any situation ..Ammo is readily gotten at resonable prices.........

 

[wdchyd]

I cover all those bases and more personally.

But if the OP is not a hunter, and does not shoot much, a 12g would do it all. And, do it all on a reasonable budget.

Plus the OP'r doesn't have to be good shot, just point and shoot...BANG

 

[mallera]

Pump shotgun, 12 or 20 guage. Versatile ammo selection, larger coverage area.

I am mindful of the large cottonmouth coming toward me on the bank of my front pond this past summer. :shocked: I own and shoot a Ruger semiauto 22 pistol, SW 357, several deer rifles including a 30-30 but a pistol or rifle would have been harder for me to aim accurately, especially quickly in a tense situation. My 2 cents worth.

 

[patrick_g]

So far I haven't read any post suggesting a realistic problem with an over under rifle/shotgun. Gives a choice, wider range of applicability.

Patrick

 

[whistlepig]

So far I haven't read any post suggesting a realistic problem with an over under rifle/shotgun. Gives a choice, wider range of applicability.

Patrick

The sights on these type guns is a consideration. A .223/20 gauge combo would be hard to fit for the perfect sights. A .223 is long ranged enough for a scope. A shotgun doesn't need a scope. The choice of calibers is just about perfect.

 

[forgeblast]

If I am not mistaken, rossie makes a youth kit that is called the triple threat. Has a .243, 20 gauge, and .22; all are single shot and you have to change out the barrels which takes all of 30 seconds. Comes in a case too that you could bring with you.
as far as 20 vs 12, my single shot h&r 20 hits harder then my 870 12 gauge.