2 calibers and one shotgun type you should consider

I know, long post. Skim if you like.

Here to discuss a topic that some folks I have seen make overly complicated. I am 58 years old, and started going out with my Dad, uncles, cousins, and family friends when I was pretty young – maybe 6. I didn't carry a firearm back then, but came along to be part of the family activity. My sisters also started tagging along at a pretty young age. We would go camping on fall weekends well into our teens and all hunt together – for rabbits, squirrels, birds and deer.

So, this is a hunting thread, but it is also a common sense firearm thread. It is not about range shooting, or combat training, or about what to do if society collapses. Going to a range is fun (I have a 50 and 100 meter range in my backyard,) and you can get combat training for free in the military, if you want to put in the time (along with help with college, a house, health care, and a bunch of other things).

So back to my topic. I have found that I collected a lot of firearms over my life. I was getting very specific as to what each rifle or shotgun was supposed to do. So I had a rabbit .22, a rabbit .410, a rabbit 20 gauge, and even a rabbit revolver! It went the same for squirrels, turkey, ducks, grouse, geese, white tailed deer, antelope, mule deer, elk and moose. Yup, had three gun safes to store all that stuff in, and I was proud as pie!

About ten years ago though I started to downsize my belongings. Got rid of a bunch of stuff not related to hunting (sport can, a ski-boat, a dirt bike, etc), but the time came for me to finally start distributing my firearms out to family and friends, especially the younger folks, who are not always as involved in outdoors sports like hunting and fishing as I was at their age.

Those of you who own firearms know that it can be painful to part with our individual rifles and shotguns. You remember the times you used them, and associate them with friendship, wonderful experiences, and great hunts. But parting with them when the recipient is young, and starting out in life as an adult, when a rifle or shotgun does not fit into their budget is also a source of joy. I hear my nephews and nieces, friends of the family, and even the neighbor kid who grew up down the road tell me about the great times they have had with a rifle or shotgun I turned over to them and feel pretty good.

I got my collection finally down to 2 .22 rifles, 2 12 gauge shotguns, and a single 30.06 big game rifle. How did I choose? Well, I 'll give you my rationale.

First, the .22 is the best all-around hunting rifle you can have. Lets face it, small game is the longest season for hunting, so that is what you will being doing the most during the fall The ammo is cheap, light, and can be used for all small game, including turkey. A good .22 bolt action can be bought for about $200 dollars. They pretty much last forever. The .22 bolt action I retained is a Mossberg model 46 made in 1940s, that my Dad used as a kid, and is still a tack driver. No scope, but it does have a selection of front and rear sights you can cycle through, including duel peep sights. It has a tube magazine, so it will hold about 15 long rifle shells. It is great for practice, as it weights about 7lbs, right up there with most heaver gauge rifles, so the “feel” is the same.

I also saved a Remington model 121 pump .22. I just could not give that lightweight little gun up. It was the first gun my Dad let me use, and I was brutal on both rabbits and squirrels for many years. I still carry that rifle in a nylon scabbard when I hunt for upland birds with my shotgun – just in case I see a rabbit or squirrel. It weights less than three pound when loaded, and you hardly notice it on your back.

On to shotguns – with one caveat – not all people are built alike, and what I will discuss depends on your weight, height, overall build, etc. I am going to discuss the two shotguns I kept behind, and why. I am 6'2” tall and weight 190 lbs. I Kept two model 500 Mossberg 12 gauge pumps for my essential shotguns. If you are 5'2' and weight 110 lbs, maybe go with a higher gauge, or the .410 (which is actually the Caliber of the gun).

I have owned several very fine shotguns over the years. I used to do a lot of trap and skeet, and had a very elegant Bellini over/under that was prettier than my wife (don't tell!). That gun went to a friend for the family's son, who was really into shotgun target sports. He could not believe that I was giving him a gun that could pay a year's tuition at most state colleges. But the thing is – I never used it much. Once a year at most. And I never could bring myself to bring it out to the field. It was just too much of a work of art to drag though the brush or drop on some rocks. But my old Mossbergs...they seem to enjoy that type of treatment, and get uglier and more homely every year.

I have banged those guns into trees and rocks, dropped one in a steam full of muck, and subjected them to all manner of abuse. They always go bang. They always feed. They hit what I shoot at, and they really don't require much upkeep. They can hunt big game, or delicate upland birds, because of the variety of shells that you can buy. And the ammo keeps getting better. I have a buddy who does long hunts out in Montana, and he even has flair shells he carries in case of an emergency signal is required. I used to have a Remington 11-87 semi in 12 gauge, but I find I can actually shoot faster with a pump than with the auto. Go figure. Maybe something about me.

Finally, the big-game rifle. I have gone through more of these calibers than you can imagine. I don't want to even think about all the time I spent out on the range zeroing several rifles in preparation for the hunting season. Now I am down to one rifle left – A Ruger 77 in 30.06. Why just one? The 30.06 will deal with anything in North America. It has such a range of bullet types and weights that you really just need to re-sight up or down, and a simple 3X5 card in the gun safe can get you back to zeros for any bullet in a hurry (keep good notes!). Remember to wright down the manufacturer, bullet type, etc so you don't waste time. Each bullet type will shoot a little different in a rifle, so mark that down too.

The 30.06 can shoot out to amazing ranges. I am not talking about “at the range,” but rather real world hunting, where your scope is fairly light, and does not have a bunch of control knobs sticking out that can get bumped or throw you off zero if you rub up against them,. You use the scope reticle (and out west maybe a small a range finder), and you are not making adjustments to the scope.

I had a few big-game rifles that I swear were made just to give opthamologists ( eye surgeons) someone's retina to operate on. These guns are brutal, and are more in keeping with an African hunt for cape buffalo or elephant. They are expensive to buy and shoot, and they are not needed in North America for the hunter. Some people swear by these powerful rifles, but I know that they always pray to zero in the first 3 rounds at the range to avoid that really deep blue bruise at the end of the day.

So there are my three guns. The .22 – cheap, fun, and best all around game gun for the hunting season. The 12 gauge pump, almost the most versatile firearm for taking game. I have gone back and forth on this – which would you rather have if you had to pick one – I'll still stick with the .22. It is lighter, ammo is light, I am g

ammo is light, I am getting older and weight becomes more important. Finally, the big-game rifle – the 30.06. Versatile, long shooting, fairly easy on recoil, and not that expensive to shoot.

I am not very picky of one make or model of .22 bolt, pump shotgun, or 30.06. I wound up with what I have because that is what I had. The mainstream manufacturers all do a good job of turning out a good product. I always said that I have never owned a firearm that was not better than me – meaning that I blame myself for missing a shot, not the rifle or gun. Some are picky about ammo, but you figure that out pretty quick.

I have been hearing a lot of good things about Turkish shotguns, for instance, and although I am not in the market, would love to hear from someone who has some first hand knowledge. I would be more interested in hearing about why you like/dislike .22s, pump guns, or 30.06 bolts.

Thanks for bearing with me

a reply to: Havamal

I have a Ruger SR22 pistol that is the most amazing weapon I have ever owned. it has all the characteristics I like, will shoot anything I put in it, and is super easy to take down and clean. For all those reasons, along with the one's you mentioned about the .22LR, I feel like having one of those is as important.

One never knows when they will be attacked by empty beer cans, so one must prepare for such an attack and be ready.

a reply to: network dude

Long ago I had one. They are fine protection from all types of cans, and can be used on paper plates and small plastic army men. Keep the faith brother!

They are also great for teaching kids.

Pass it on.
Keep America the sharp-shooting nation that it has always been.

I have a .22lr for smaller varmints and attacking cans (I have killed 300 lb+ hogs with it.) A 12 gauge for just about anything inside of 20 yards. A 30.06 for when I need to reach out and touch someone.

a reply to: Havamal

You almost went the exact same route I did when deciding on what calibers to consolidate down to.

I chose .22 lr

12 gauge

.308

Newer platforms than yours but same principal .22lr and 12 gauge for yearly fun and the .308 for elk/deer season.

Same as you, if I had to choose between the 3 I'm going with .22 long rifle.

I'm a small guy 5'6 145 lbs, but if I'm going to be doing a lot of shooting with the 12 gauge I use lighter loads. Found some aquila mini shells that I can shoot all day, "if I had the money to blow."

I agree 100% with your hesitation when giving up any long held and loved platform, but I'm glad you are helping others to access and cary on in such an amazing and fulfilling past time.

a reply to: Homefree

Somehow Americans always wind up with these big 3. Guess they can take care of all hunting needs over here. I love the bullets you can find for the 30.06, and the shells for the 12. Pretty much makes the nut.

a reply to: Stevenmonet

.308 would be my second choice in long range rifle. I should have put that in my upper screed. Like I said, not all folks are the same size and should not get a gun or rifle that is bigger than they are comfortable with.

I shot .308 in the military, and they are damned good. The 30.06 just has a little more "bump" and range. As I get older though, I can't really say I need the range or the "bump."

Use what you like and are familiar with, I always say. Good hunting brother!

a reply to: Stevenmonet

Oh, and those new 12 shells are great. I love the low recoil.

originally posted by: Havamal
a reply to: Stevenmonet

Oh, and those new 12 shells are great. I love the low recoil.

Ya federal makes some too for about the same price. The real doozies are the aguila mini slugs, but I havn't seen any of those in at least 12 months maybe more.

I hope more manufacturers catch on and that the 1 3/4 shells will become more common. All the fun of a 12 gauge in close with about as much recoil as a .410 and you get a higher shot capacity out of your old pump too. What's not to love?

a reply to: Havamal

The paring down of firearms is not a task I look forward to either. I think of it much like the idea of hanging up the keys for the last time. Only I came into it later in life as I never owned a firearm until 30. The only thing I have been a danger to was paper targets and some skeet.

I agree fully with your selections with the exception that since I live in Ohio, I have to use straight walled cartridges. The minimum is .357. I’ll recommend a .44 because the .45-70 (while a Buffalo Killer) is just too much mule on your shoulder and the .44 (like the .357) is also a pistol round. I’m all about double duty utility. Everywhere else in the free world you can use a 30-06 or even a .308. Ohio is a .357 minimum or 20 or 12 gauge (slug only). There is some that say a 38 Special is legal (which would make a 9mm legal by default due to the bullet diameter) and the state mentions .357 diameter specifically, but never uses anything lower powered than a .357 magnum in their examples. So stay safe with the .357 magnum as your minimum threshold. Although the .44 Special and .44 Magnum mentioned frequently and are my recommendation.

a reply to: Stevenmonet

The trick to a 12 is to get a heavy one. They swing slower to track birds, and don't jerk around when going after rabbits. I have not used a 12 on rabbits in years (like to get some meat), but a heavy gun (and a 12 is a gun, not a rifle) is much easier to track with. I mean about 7-8 pounds.

The pump shotgun is a unique American firearm. Made for our hunting needs, cheap, and affordable.

I know I stated up top that this is not a thread about anything other than hunting, but fill in the blanks folks. A 12 has a very big place if you have some problems around the house. It is the most destructive thing that you can carry and hand fire, with the right rounds, and if you own one, you know what I mean.

I keep one at my cabin in North PA. Single shot. 19 inch barrel. We get bears banging on the door some times. )) buck, and me and the wife sit down and see if bear can come in. Never has happened, but a 12 at 10 feet will make a hole through a bear. As a vet, I don't want to think what it would do to a person. I don't need extra bad dreams.

a reply to: Ahabstar

How many bullets do you buy?

Just kidding.

I have had a lot of rounds at different times. My thread is about getting down to just a few. I went to graduate school in Indiana, and had to hunt with 12 slugs for deer, for safety reasons (bullets went too far).

The rounds you mention are all valid. I just got to the point where I was cutting down to what I really needed. I also gave away a lot of firearms to the younger folks who still run around in the woods and have fun. I hope I have given them a reason to go out.

I like those.

I have 3 .22's, all Ruger:

10/22
Mark IV Target
Wrangler revolver

originally posted by: network dude
a reply to: Havamal

I have a Ruger SR22 pistol that is the most amazing weapon I have ever owned. it has all the characteristics I like, will shoot anything I put in it, and is super easy to take down and clean. For all those reasons, along with the one's you mentioned about the .22LR, I feel like having one of those is as important.

One never knows when they will be attacked by empty beer cans, so one must prepare for such an attack and be ready.

originally posted by: Stevenmonet

originally posted by: Havamal
a reply to: Stevenmonet

Oh, and those new 12 shells are great. I love the low recoil.

Ya federal makes some too for about the same price. The real doozies are the aguila mini slugs, but I havn't seen any of those in at least 12 months maybe more.

I hope more manufacturers catch on and that the 1 3/4 shells will become more common. All the fun of a 12 gauge in close with about as much recoil as a .410 and you get a higher shot capacity out of your old pump too. What's not to love?

Those are at my LGS, but I've read that they don't cycle well in many shotguns.

a reply to: Madviking

Ruger. Always go bang. Great firearms. The .22 are super.

a reply to: Madviking

Everything cycles in a 12 pump. That is why I love them.

a reply to: Madviking

My old remington and both my keltec KSGs eat em up. I haven't had reason to try em in anything else.

I wouldn't try em in any detachable magazine fed shotguns or semi autos though.

I'm afraid the shorter shells may cause feeding issues with detachable mags, and the lower recoil might cause cycling issues with some of the semi autos.

This may be why you have heard reports about them not cycling in certain platforms.

If you have a pump action I'd pick up a box and give em a try. Your shoulder will thank you for it.

Forgot to mention break barrels will eat anything of the correct gauge. And my brothers over under is no exception. He loves using the mini shot shells.

Yes, and Ruger is the king of .22's.

I want an SR22 and a Single Six too! haha.

originally posted by: Havamal
a reply to: Madviking

Ruger. Always go bang. Great firearms. The .22 are super.

originally posted by: Havamal
a reply to: Ahabstar

How many bullets do you buy?

Far less than I used to...

Maybe I’ll one day endeavor for a “universal” one gun solution with the Beretta M9 and a 22 conversion kit for the swap out as desired. Now someone will naturally point out 12 gauge shell adapters...never figured out the idea of firing a .22 or 9 mm or .45 from a shotgun barrel (effectively a .72 caliber weapon) and expecting it to be safe.