Best all around gun?

[RobertBrown]

I know that there is no perfect gun for every situation, but what would be the best all around gun for the rural living? Something that would be used for home protection, shooting that coyote that is about to get into your chicken coup, the wild rabid dog coming towards your kids, a racoon in your garage...etc. Needs to be durable and able to take the abuse while attached to the quad. Something that is simple for the wife to operate.

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.

You can get several different loads for a .22 pistol, one or two of which are suitable for close quarters, indoors.
You can get a myriad of loads for your shotgun as well.
The rifle, well it's specialized but what do you shoot that coyote with once you've missed him with the shotgun? He's not coming in that close again. There's a reason coyotes are so difficult to control. They are smart, don't make the same mistake twice, and like rats: doesn't matter how many you kill they will always be back.
I suppose I would buy the .22 pistol first, then when you realize the limitations, get the shotgun. You don't need to spend much on a scattergun, but don't scrimp on the pistol. Get a good quality pistol. 500$ should be the budget there.
That's my advice

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. pistol, rifle and shotgun.

I've actually sat and thought about these things a time or two.. if I had to bug out and weigth was an issue.. what would I carry.

there's carbines like the circuit judge that shoot 45 colt long or 410 shotgun 3" that and a pistol and you could be ok.. make that a 45 wheel gun and that cuts yer ammo down to 2 types.

mind you your shotgun is limited, and your 'rifle' is limited.

I've also thought about those high pont .45 carbines and a 45 acp pistoll.. etc.. that and a pumpgun..e tc. but then.. no long range.

a .22 OU 20 or a .223/20 might be nice.. etc..

soundguy

 

[RobertBrown]

a .22 OU 20 or a .223/20 might be nice.. etc..

soundguy

That's a good combination. I've wanted one but I could never find one with decent sights.

 

[Soundguy]

i've seen a couple at shows. usually after I've bought something and don't have money.. etc.

soundguy

 

[clemsonfor]

yep.. pistol, rifle and shotgun.

I've actually sat and thought about these things a time or two.. if I had to bug out and weigth was an issue.. what would I carry.

there's carbines like the circuit judge that shoot 45 colt long or 410 shotgun 3" that and a pistol and you could be ok.. make that a 45 wheel gun and that cuts yer ammo down to 2 types.

mind you your shotgun is limited, and your 'rifle' is limited.

I've also thought about those high pont .45 carbines and a 45 acp pistoll.. etc.. that and a pumpgun..e tc. but then.. no long range.

a .22 OU 20 or a .223/20 might be nice.. etc..

soundguy

I have a Hi-point 9MM. Got it in college for the truck so that if its stolen its not a loss. Think i paid $119 for it then. Its accurate enough at 30ft. Im really not a pistol guy so i cant really compare it to anything else , but me and the wife can hit a man size target with it at the farthest possible distace that it would be shot inside a house! Shot several hundred rounds through it (i know not much, but its a gun for protection not fun) and never had a jam that i can think of yet. The .22 HA ammo is so inconsistant that seems you never know when a shell will get stuck in the chamber or my old .22 is picky etc.

 

[Soundguy]

my 45 HP carbine is the same way. accurate enough for a man size target using supplied sights at 30yds.

no jambs on plenty of brands of commercial ammo

soundguy

 

[wh22366]

I'd vote for the 20 ga. also. It's effective on the critters you mention and is easier on shed walls and your wife's shoulder than the 12 ga.

 

[Soundguy]

my fav 20 is my belgium auto 5 light 20

soundguy

 

[whistlepig]

I bought an Ithaca Model 37 from the new Ithaca company about 8 years ago. It is by far the best pump that I have ever owned.

 

[RobertN]

I mentioned a 12g instead of other shotgun gauges just because of load selection. You can get anything from light trap loads to heavy hitters just about anywhere.

16g or 20g are great. But, I have not seen the selection of ammo, even at gun stores. But you can go to K-Mart, Wal-Mart ect and find a huge selection of 12g.

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

I'd vote for the 20 ga. also. It's effective on the critters you mention and is easier on shed walls and your wife's shoulder than the 12 ga.