The
YOU is the operative word here. While I’ve always wanted to cover the bases, even when I started out, I picked the guns by what I personally wanted based on my needs. And because my needs were hunting based, guns that covered my hunting needs got priority. They were just more practical for me than a random list generated by someone, somewhere else.
A .22 rifle is almost a must. Because I did both deer and varmint hunting (and the deer rifle I borrowed went away) I got a .243 bolt action as it is a dual use caliber. For bigger game (elk) in a couple more years I got a .270 (fast, flat shooting, manageable recoil). Later I added a .223 bolt rifle for varmints, so the .243 is almost negated. That happens. Any list will see changes. And that was MY list. Other people will have different lists based on what they like.
I always have liked pistols and bought a used .22 semiauto, then sold it and got a new one for handgun practice and squirrels etc. Next was a centerfire pistol - a S&W .357 Magnum revolver. Today it would be a semiauto slanted towards CC and self defense (i.e. Glock 19 type but not necessarily a Glock 19). I would suggest that a .22 pistol of some kind should eventually be on a serious pistolero’s list. They teach a lot without recoil and really loud noise allowing a person to concentrate. Ruger, Browning, and S&W make good ones.
A defensive semiauto rifle could be covered by an SKS and if you have one, then keep it; but the AR15 really has a lot going for it and should be on a needs list.
I’m not a big shotgun guy, and have limited myself pretty much to upland game and am not that into defensive shotgunning. But a pump shotgun should be on most gun guy’s list. Whether hunting or defensive oriented is up to the individual.
In today’s society I think basic defensive guns come first. It wasn’t that big of a deal back in the day for me (pre-CCW, pre-ban) but it is today. So pick wisely.
If you are a range shooter only, into target shooting, or match competition, hunting, or collecting then YOU can figure out the minimum.
I would suggest you spend decent money on decent quality guns when filling needs. Somewhere in the middle ground. In defensive pistols, that would be $425-$625 generally, if you get my drift. Other categories usually have a popular benchmark gun or guns you can base that on. In defensive pistols that would be around Glock pricing generally.
After you get your needs, then you can play with the wants. Guns like the M1 Garand or a revolver fall into this category. And stuff like 9mm carbines and for me, pistol caliber lever actions. Collector stuff like another SKS or a Makarov or other surplus pistol. And the 1911.
These are fun guns to own and shoot if you like guns. They broaden your scope and understanding. You learn how to apply basic marksmanship to other platforms with them often.
I think where a lot of guys go wrong is mixing up practical needs with desired cool wants. A lot of times when that happens, the cool gun you wanted so bad stales and is sold off. It’s easy to fall into the gun-of-the-month syndrome, so use some restraint. While guns tend to increase in value, that is in the long term. In the short term you lose money. In addition, there are a lot of guns that are a tougher sale on the used market.
