Best all around gun?

JMER817 · Nov 10, 2011

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.

DAY · Nov 10, 2011

20 ga. shotgun.

dusty3030 · Nov 10, 2011

First, a .22LR. Auto, Ruger 10/22 or lever Marlin 39 or a Henry if you are on a budget. Might be lacking long off, but around the house and barn it will do all.

If coyotes are a definite problem a lever .22 Mag (not really any good auto .22 mags around) would be a great choice, Henry has one.

Stepping up to centerfire hard to beat a good old 30/30 lever action or a good running SKS auto for an all around beater that you can kill anything that walks in the lower 48 with authority, but would be very loud, messy, and a little dangerous nailing a possum in the garage with.

RoyJackson · Nov 10, 2011

I'd suggest a 12 gage pump action with an extended tube as the best all round firearm.
If you're more interested in a handgun, a .357 Mag revolver with a 4" barrel.

RobertN · Nov 10, 2011

12 guage pump. You can shoot shot or slugs. Light loads to heavy loads. Slugs can take anything in N. America. Bird shot can take most all smaller animals/snakes/birds. It is simple to operate. Ammo is available pretty much anywhere. Good shotguns are easily available new or used.

dmccarty · Nov 10, 2011

Shutgun.

While a pump can be a bit confusing to use for some it is pretty simple and reliable.

A double would be even simpler and that much more reliable.

12 or 20 gauge depending on the user.

Later,
Dan

5030 · Nov 10, 2011

dmccarty said:
Shutgun.

While a pump can be a bit confusing to use for some it is pretty simple and reliable.

A double would be even simpler and that much more reliable.

12 or 20 gauge depending on the user.

Later,
Dan

Lets hope so. Won't fire open.:laughing:

5030 · Nov 10, 2011

Best all around firearm for me is the one I'm most comfortable with.....

However, guns, are like tools. You don't use a sledge hammer to drive a brad. Conversely, you don't drive a 10 penny nail with a carpet tack hammer.

GolfAddict · Nov 10, 2011

For the uses you listed, and since you have the wife in there as one of your user requirements, I'd recommend a youth model 20 gauge pump shotgun. A good quality pump shotgun is very reliable, easy to use, etc., and you don't have to be that great a shot when using medium load shot shells which should address your listed uses. The raccoon in the garage...I think you want to chase it out first prior to using any of the suggested guns on it.