I am thinking that, in some ways, the more the better but that is not the basis for this string.

Anyway, to the point.

1. 12ga shotgun that can handle slugs and shot which can be used for hunting or home defense.
2. A high-powered rifle (7mm or larger) for hunting.
3. 1 or 2 concealable 9mm pistols which can be used for non carry defense and/or conceal carry.
4. A .380 or .32 smaller than the 9mm pistol(s) in case the carry needs a smaller pistol.
5. 1 good accurate .22 caliber rifle for small game.

I did say "handguns". I would add a high capacity magazine semi auto carbine for defense in extreme situations to your long gun list. Doesn't need to be an AR15, but something a little more military than a bolt action hunting rifle.

Oops, your right on saying "handguns". Sorry about that I missed that.

I suggest that you need only one handgun.
The reason for my suggestion has to do with absolute familiarity in the panic of a save-your-life situation: You do not want to be caught dithering "Now, let's see—which pistol am I carrying...?"
You need to be able to reach in the exact same place for the exact same gun—or, at least, for a gun which operates in exactly the same way. (For instance, a smaller version.)

Unless you are a dedicated handgun hunter, with the necessary skills and experience, the same handgun that will save your life in the city is the same handgun that will save your life in the woods. No handgun you can conveniently carry will take care of a determined or angry grizzly bear. Every handgun you can conveniently carry will kill deer and snakes.

The one exception I suggest to my "handgun law" is a .22 rimfire conversion that fits your pistol. If you absolutely want to shoot a .22 rimfire pistol, this is the way to go.


A wise man once said: "Beware the man with but one gun. He may know how to use it."

My grandfather had a room in his condo, there were maybe just under 60 shotguns, acouple handguns, and even a musket.

Obviously it left an impression on me, his ol war room is something I hope to replicate, except I am definitely more into handguns (eventually ARs as well) then shotguns, but it is my sincere belief there is no such thing as too many handguns. No such thing as too many guns in general.

Originally Posted by Steve M1911A1

A wise man once said: "Beware the man with but one gun. He may know how to use it."

Hopefully the one gun man's firearm doesn't malfunction... Because the man with the backup pistol is the man who believes in second chances lol

Just shaking the cage

...How could a flintlock musket malfunction?


(Consider your chain yanked in return.)

Flintlocks were renown for misfires. Damp priming comes to mind. Maybe it's my naval background.

Though what I am hearing is that if I get good with my one pistol, Ruger SR40, is all I need.

Two .40's....one hammer fired, one striker fired.......one .380 striker fired.........one wheel gun 9mm.......

That depends. When Obamasuits come to collect them how many cheapos do I have to give them before they think, "He must not have any more, lets go to the next house." Then I can turn around and get out my good ones.

When I read the title, I was thinking this was a thread about some anit-gun person trying to determine out "gun needs" for us! Like the ones that say "....why do you need so many guns? ...why do you need 30 rd. magazines, ....etc."

How many do they make?

You did say NEED and not WANT....is that correct?

You might be better with a one gun style to handle all your available mags in an emergency situation. In the dark of the night sleeping in your bed, in your house the front door comes bashing in . you reach for your 45 1911 handgun and grab extra magazines. son of a gun!! I grabbed the wrong magazines,lol gosh darn it i grabbed the nine milimeter mags. Just making a simple point about the one gun and knowing how to properly use that one gun in an emergency situation. Maybe buy a couple dozen of the same gun,lol and all the mags will fit, all the safeties will be the same, the mag release buttons will be the same. Pointing and shooting in the dark, oops know your target, lol. darn wife, I forgot she had that pta meeting tonight. Nothing wrong with owning different guns, we are collectors . But don't confuse yourself with keeping different readily available handguns for emergency situations. Waking from a sound sleep can be hard enough with out that first cup of coffee. let me see i'm in NY, 7 round 1911's here we come,lol.

To me, guns are tools. I may enjoy practicing with them, but they are tools. The original question is like asking how many hammers do I need as a home owner. I won't buy a 1911 just to practice with it. My 40 cal meets my needs and has more bullets. I was interested if there was some basic use for a hand gun that I wasn't covering with the original list.

To pic's comments, since I own an SR40, if I buy a smaller gun, the first one I would look at would be an SR40c. On the otherhand, I don't think they make an SR44mag. But it would be fun.

As many as you want and can afford is how I see it.

I have way more than I'll ever need.

Having said that, I'm always on the look out to buy another.

"just one more"...

I would like to have one of each. I'm not greedy.

I would say every gun enthusuast should own these:

1. A 45acp
2. A high capacity 9mm
3. A 22 plinker
4. A 357/38 six shooter

Originally Posted by Kotis

I would say every gun enthusuast should own these:

1. A 45acp
2. A high capacity 9mm
3. A 22 plinker
4. A 357/38 six shooter

I've got that list covered......several times over.

I don't see a reason for a high cap 9 and an acp other than wanting it. Can't a full size 40 fill both roles?

Ballistics wise yes, but I don't think the 9's on the list for that reason. For a 40 and a 9, which ammo is more prevalent and available worldwide? Don't think its the 40...

this...

Originally Posted by warbird1

As many as you want and can afford is how I see it.