Best all around gun?

[g0rd0]

12 gauge for sure, a good pump (remington makes a fine reliable one that you can put a slugster barrel on it).
But, depending where you are in relation to roads neighbours, ect I also keep a 7mm rem mag bolt action for the big stuff:thumbsup:

 

[dodge man]

I agree, 12 gauge shot gun. I bought a slightly used Remington 870 for less than $300 as I recall. Its useless out beyond about 50 yards, but anything inside 25 yards is going to be dead. Like others have said, slugs will extend that range out to 100 yards or a little more.

 

[foggy1111]

A good 20 gauge pump shotgun can be used by almost any family member....and may be good out to 50 yards or so with buckshot.

Another gun that I really like for the stated purpose is a lever-action 357 mag rifle. I own a Marlin 1894 in 357 mag....and it is the most fun caliber to shoot in a rifle....and has next to 0 recoil. Enough power to dispatch a coyote, deer or other similar sized critters to 100 yards. Cheap and fun to shoot. Hold 10 rounds.....and can rattle em off like an assault rifle. Great handling, short (36") rile.....rides nicely in a scabbard or in ATV mounts. Ammo is also compatible a good revolver for super versatility. Good for personal/home defense. :thumbsup:

Note: We also have a 357 Rossi lever-action rifle. I paid $325 for a new one in stainless steel....and put a ghost ring rear sight on it for quick action....and durability. We have it mounted in a scabbard on our lifted golf cart. We do have some bears that frequent our property.....and this is my wife's best bet should she run into a bear / coyote / wild dog / etc. She has demonstrated that she can reliably shoot this gun....unlike a handgun.

 

[Bird]

When I was a kid growing up out in the country, my Dad had two guns. One was a very old pump 12 gauge that was not kept loaded and I never knew him to use it for anything but quail hunting. His other gun was a remington sport master bolt action .22 rifle with the tube magazine. It was kept loaded at all times with .22 long rifle ammo and he used it a great deal for squirrel and rabbit hunting, occasionally for bullfrogs, but also to kill hogs and calves at butchering time, as well as to kill varmints such as skunks, and even a few times to kill stray dogs and cats that could not be run off.

 

[creekbend]

I do not want to appear to sound too inquisitive, but I think that it would be pertinent to supplying an answer to your question, if we knew more in regards to your familiarity with firearms. Have you or your Wife ever participated in shooting shotguns, semi-auto's, revolvers or various rifles? Have you ever hunted? Perhaps this info might aid us in supplying a more definitive answer to your question, in regards to suggesting the adequate weapon. Just a thought. Thanks.

 

[dmay]

I think the best all around gun for a husband & wife is a gun that you both will have fun shooting. This is where a .22 LR rifle really fits well. Inexpensive to buy. Inexpensive to shoot. Recoil is light. Target shooting becomes fun. Fun = practice. So that means when an emergency comes and you need to shoot, not only do you both know how, you'll find you are both good shots.

Once everyone is comfortable with the .22 then move to more powerful firearms if desired. If you're looking for a both a rifle and handgun consider getting ones that use the same ammunition. Lots of .22LR handguns. Another good rifle/handgun ammunition match is .357 which can be loaded with .38 Special for target practice.

 

[RPW]

.22 are great, shotguns of any caliber are good also but here's my take. 30-06 for those long range shots, 30-30 for close to medium shots and a .45auto when you're on your tractor and need to dispatch that snake. Now if you can't hit the broad side of a barn stick with the shotgun BTW; a shotgun going after a coyote around a chiken coop means lots and lots of chicken dinners

Good luck.

 

[Western]

I also vote 12 Gauge.

If your going to carry it on an ATV check your laws about having it cased, (Thread on here about this).

Also, don't think I'd want to shoot anything bigger than a BB gun in a garage, unless it's is an intruder, then the heavy artillery.

 

[CTPhil]

I'd go with a .22 mag.

 

[robs660]

I like my 12 gauge pump
I really like my .357 Ruger stainless 8"
I adore my glock 22 .40
I am now obsessed and in love with my stag arms AR15. There is very little recoil, smooth and dead accurate and I have never seen my wife more comfortable with a gun. I have been amazed and dumbfounded at the versatility of the weapon. If I had to keep just one it would be the AR
I also bought the .22lr conversion for practice and target since .223 is not cheap