Essential caliber list

[cbuck]

As of now i own 22lr, 22mag, 9mak, 38spl, 45acp, 7.62x39, 7.62x54r, 12ga and 20ga

my list would probably keep 22lr, 38spl, 45acp, 7.62x39, 12ga and I'd add on 9mm, 357 to compliment the 38spl, 308 and possibly 223 if i decided to drop the 7.62x39

i think this would alot me a good set of weapons to own without owning a every caliber with the ammo to go with each. the less common calibers i own would probably eventually being sold or turning into safe queens

What does everyones caliber lists consist of now and where do you see it heading as far as expanding to more or dropping to less

 

[dabluesguy]

I kinda have the standard pistol (22 lr, 22 mag, 38, 357, 9 mm, 45 acp, 44 mag) and of course the ever popular 7.62x54R.

 

[(*_*)]

7.62x25, 9mm, .357sig, .357 mag, .40, .45, .270, .223, 7.62 x 54, 12ga

_______ After Tomorrow _______
7.62x25, 9mm, .270, .223, 7.62 x 54, 12ga

(I dont count my various .22's .22 magnum etc)

 

[Shotgun693]

.22rf, .357, 12 ga, .30-30. These are not all you might own but they should be the heart of any hunter's gun collection.

 

[Yung.gunr]

I have .22lr, .22mag, .380, 9mm, 7.62x54r, .223 (as of tomorrow), 410 & 12ga.

I think I may be done.
Except for maybe a .45. I really want a 1911. But.... then again maybe I will just get it in 9mm to keep things simple.

I figure between 7.62x54r and .223 I have medium to bigger game covered. With .22lr I have small game. With .22 mag it would mainly be smaller game as it's in a revolver. I have winged game down between 12ga & 410. I imagine I could get some rifled slugs and use the shotguns for more medium to larger game as well.

Anyone see any holes? (pun somewhat intended)

 

[Ricky]

Need more!

Young Gunner, You aren't even close to being "Done" stop trying to kid your self you'll add 3 calibers in the next 3 years. For one thing, you don't have a real high power rifle round.

I'm 51 years old, I've had guns since I was 14 years old. I've added 2 calibers this year.

 

[bossman]

Blow off the 357 and keep the 22 magnum.

 

[pelo801]

22lr, 32 acp, 7.62x25,9mm mak, 380 acp, 9mm, 38 spcl, 357 mag, 40s&w, 10mm, 41 AE, 45acp, since this is the handgun forum i won't mention the rifles and shotguns. i have been tossing around the ideas of 357 sig, 9x25 dillon, but i am leaning towards the 44 mag.

 

[C0untZer0]

Essential right? Not a list of "like to have"


These first 4 cover a lot of ground

1) .22LR
2) .308 Winchester/ 7.62x51mm NATO
3) 12ga - bird shot and #1 buck
4) 9mm

5) 44 magnum - versatile with a pistol & carbine combo

I don't understand how people can have 9mm, 38 spl and Mak all as essential - the 9mm does everything the other two calibers do.

 

[banditgriot]

.22lr, .38/.357, .30-06, 12 GA (hunting primary, defense secondary)

.22lr, 9mm P, 5.56, 7.62x39, .308, 12GA (defense primary, hunting secondary)

bottom line = .22lr, 12GA IMHO

 

[Daekar]

22lr, .223 Rem, 9mm, 357 Mag, .308 Win, 12 ga.

 

[Edward429451]

Good call on the 44 Mag. I'll take it a step further and say to gain the 44's full versatility, cast for it. I have seven moulds for mine, in six weights ranging from 180 grains up to 325 grains, add in the plastic shot capsules and it's even more versatile. It's still only one caliber though.

44 Mag as discussed.
.308 Winchester or it's equivalent. Everyone should have a big game rifle.
.223/.30 Russian. This is purely a security niche. Hi capacity, fast firing, light weight and recoil. The Homeland Defense Rifle, battle rifle, whatever you want to call it, this is it. I'm guessing that there should be three 223's for every one .308. I passed over the 7.62X39 in favor of the .223, but that's just preference.
45ACP is what I have as a city pistol. Any 9mm would suffice as well for this niche, possibly even some .380's.

Instead of talking specific calibers as essential, wouldn't it better to identify all the essential niches to fill in a typical American family's home?

 

[Hal]

Essential caliber list

Just one - .357. (.355" through .358")

Nothing comes close to matching it for all around versitility.
It comes in so many platforms, it's nearly impossible to not find a proper one for anyone.
The power spectrum of that caliber is unmatched in any other factory loaded ammunition.
W/the proper load in the proper platform, it will kill anything in the lower 48.
Ammunition in that caliber can be found nearly anywhere.

Note - I've mentioned many times that I personally have no use for the .357magnum. While that's true, it doesn't change the fact that the caliber is at the top of the list.

 

[Sparks1957]

.22LR, 9mm, .45acp, .223, 7.62 x 54, 12ga

I try to have dual-use calibers as much as possible, keeps the inventory simpler

 

[Hammerhead]

I've paired down my collection quite a bit and am very happy about it.
Now I have .22lr .22WMR, .357, 9mm, .44 spl, .45 Colt (carbine) and 30-30.

I would like to be done with the .22WMR, but I can't seem to part with my CZ 452 Lux in that caliber.

Sold off all my Glocks.

Might sell my Ruger Bisley .44 spl, don't seem to shoot it much.

 

[Mercenary]

So far:

.410 - Break Barrel Shotgun
12 Gauge - Mossberg 500
9mm - M&P
22LR / 22 Mag - Ruger Single Six
308 - Savage

I want to add:

223 - AR
7.62x39 - AK
357 Magnum - S&W 686
45 ACP - 1911
40 S&W - Not sure yet but it's so popular with LE, you might as well add it.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Essential? As must not be without?

.22 LR.

.38 Special or .357 Magnum. Both are of equal weight as far as I'm concerned.

.300 Savage

12 gauge

Everything else is nice to have window dressing that fills gaps and, in a very few cases, capabilities, but as far as I'm concerned, isn't essential.

 

[danez71]

Recently went from:
22lr, .223, 30-30, 9mm

Down to:
.22lr, 9mm

Then up to:
.22lr, 9mm, and added 12ga


Want to add:
(not sure of order)
9mm carbine rifle
.357/9mm - ruger blackhawk
.357/38 lever action

Then probably add .223 again

 

[ltc444]

Mine essentials are as follows:

22lr, rifle and pistol, 12ga pump, AR-15 223, 308 bolt, 50 cal BP hawken replica, 357 mag and 1911 45acp, Remington New Model Army 44cal replica. These weapons provide the optimum for survival and self defense. Most have been widely discussed and justified. Most list exclude the black powder. I believe these weapons will be effective is the hardcore survivalist are correct.

My can't live without, 722 Rem in 257 Roberts, M-1 Garand, Marlin 336 30-30,
Win Mod 70 338 Mag. 9mm pistol.

Just for fun. Mod 94 in 44 mag, BP dueling pisotls. and a Kentucky pistol replica.

 

[pturner67]

Ruger GP100 357 (shoots 38 as well)
Glock 17 9mm
S&W M&P 40
Spikes Tactical 223/556

may add a 308 soon but that should be about all I will ever need...focus is on accuracy and mastering each