Well Rounded

[alloutsmith3]

As much as I would like to own dozens of rifles I just don't have the finances to do so. I would like to have a well rounded "arsenal" though. Heres what I have so far:

Savage 93R17 in 17HMR
Bushmaster Predator AR-15 in 223
Savage 10FP in 308
Remington 1100 TAC-4 in 12ga
Remington 870 Express Turkey in 12ga

I would prefer to stay with calibers that have factory ammo available. Lets hear what rifles/calibers you would add to round things out. Thanks

 

[rscott5028]

Here's a quick list...
Start with the ones you need most.
Leave out the extremes until finances permit.
Skip every other one if you must.

22-250 - varmint
6BR or 243 Win - mid range accuracy
260 Rem - sniper competition (or 6.5x284 Norma - F-Class)
270 Win - all around
7mm Rem Mag - plains and long range
30-30 Win - close cover
300 Win Mag or WSM - plains and long range
338 Lapua Mag (338 Edge if you handload) - extreme long range
375 H&H Mag - all around african big game
416 Rigby - classic double rifle
470 Nitro Express - dangerous game

pistols...
22LR
9mm Luger
45ACP

Don't forget muzzle loaders and edge weapons.

And according to Darrel Holland, "Beware of the man with only one gun. He probably knows how to use it."

 

[300 ultra]

270 win and 338 win. Factory ammo and proven killers.

 

[zkodiak]

A 30-06 would be a good choice also for you can find ammo even in the most remote places.

 

[Booney]

A 10/22 and A 300 RUM.

 

[HARPERC]

Interesting question. Is this an arsenal for the sake of having an arsenal (collecting is a valid hobby). Or is it purpose driven. If purpose driven my advice is to not trade product for opportunity. Example, I would love to have a high quality double rifle to hunt Cape Buffalo with. If I had the money for a double rifle, I'd take the perfectly good bolt action .375 I own and actually go.
At first glance your list is missing a good .22 rifle, a .22-250, and an all around go anywhere, general use big game rifle, buy yourself a good stainless, synthetic stocked .340 Weatherby magnum, mount a quality scope that suits your taste, and go get it done! Have fun

 

[azsugarbear]

You don't indicate what kind of budget you have, so we are all shooting in the dark here. (Get it?) Like the others, I think you should add some kind of good 22LR. Then, not in any particular order: A small caliber, centerfire rifle. Many prefer the 22-250, but the 223 would be my first choice. If you can only afford one, then mine would be an automatic, black rifle (multi-purpose). A good medium bore comes next for hunting and some target practice. Anything from the 6.5 on up through the 30's works fine. Your 308 fits the bill here. I would also suggest eventually adding anything in a 338 magnum (Edge, Lapua, Rum) for some true long distance stuff beyond 1000 yds. To my mind, there is no sense in adding a big bore (400's and up) unless you plan on going to Africa some day. (Although the 375 and 416's are considered medium bore in Africa, I call 'em big bore in the lower 48).

That's it for the long guns. I would also have at least one 12 and one 20 gauge shotgun in my arsenal. Pistols are a matter of preference. I would have at least one auto and one wheel gun so that you become familiar with the operation of both. My auto would be in a personal protection caliber such as 9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm, 45. The revolver in 38 Special. I would also have a target 22LR pistol for plinking.

Now, on to the blackpowder rifles, compound bows, crossbows, spearguns....... well, that is best left for another thread.

 

[alloutsmith3]

Thanks for the input guys. I was thinking about adding a 10/22, 223 in a bolt gun and a semi-custom 300 win mag for the long stuff. Forgot to mention that I have 2 Springfield XD's, 1 in 3" subcompact 9mm and 1 in 5" tactical 40 S&W. Also have a Bowtech Admiral to cover the archery side. I also have a side-by-side 20ga and over-under 12ga but don't plan on using them much because they hold too much sentimental value.

 

[liltank]

I'm on the 300WM train with ya. I think that would be a viable option for long range. I also want to promote the 300RUM, but that is a lot of gun and ammo aint' cheap. Nothing wrong with a 7mmRM either. HSM make some good hunting ammo making it a good long range factory fodder shooting rifle. If you ever get into reloading then the skies the limit. I have to also agree with a 270 Win or the 270WSM.

You have the black rifle in 223 already, so if you can hunt with it, no need getting a bolt gun unless you want some really tight firing groups, but with a little tweaking it can be a bug hole shooter.

Tank

 

[alloutsmith3]

I can hunt with the Bushmaster so maybe the money from the 223 bolt gun would be better spent on some reloading equipment. Then maybe later on I'll retire the Bushmaster to range duty only and add the 223 bolt gun.

 

[roninflag]

you do not say where you are . i would get a 7mm rem or 300 wm sendero with a vais, first thing. thena good .22 target.

 

[1984nitro]

Me personally because I am like you. I love guns but cant justify having 2 or more guns that are capibale of the same thing. I went with a 22 lr, 220 swift ai 1-8" twist for long range varmints, 270 win for all big game and 870 shot gun concealed pistol and xdm 40. Oh and my wifes 223 AR that I shot also. That being said if I were you I first would add a bigger .224 caliber something like the 22-250/ai or 220 swift ai in a fast twist for long range varmints. Then go with something that will shoot farther then the 308 win for big game. Something like the 338 edge or 300 rum. Then you will be set without breaking the bank.
just me thought
Eric

 

[Dr. Vette]

I love guns but cant justify having 2 or more guns that are capibale of the same thing.

Eric

Try it some time, it's fun.

Never at a loss to have one the kids can use, or let a friend borrow if he wants to go hunting.

 

[rscott5028]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1984nitro
I love guns but cant justify having 2 or more guns that are capibale of the same thing.

Eric

Try it some time, it's fun.

Never at a loss to have one the kids can use, or let a friend borrow if he wants to go hunting.

Isn't that what this thread is all about? ..."justifying more guns"

If you already have a 223 and 308, you can hunt just about anything on the planet.

I'm pretty sure Luke Skywalker could've taken out the Deathstar with a 308 using proper shot placement. gun)

So, buy what you want just because you want to and justify it based on some real or perceived objective.

A 338 Lapua will round out your arsenal. But, it may not be particularly pratical depending on your likes and objectives.