Thinking Man's Corner

Article by: William G.

This is simply a fun (to me) hypothetical discussion/exercise. My friend Capt. Bobby C. threw out this question to me the other night, so it gets an article. “One rifle, one shotgun, one handgun. If you could only pick one of each; and that had to be used for hunting, home defense, or duty, which ones and why?” This is not based off restriction via laws, but rather for logistics, monetary reasons, or perhaps a minimalistic lifestyle choice. So, here we go:

Rifle:

The first one that comes to my mind is the ubiquitous AR-15. It is the most common rifle for law enforcement agencies, the semi-automatic version of the issued gun of our military, and the most popular commercial long gun made. You can get parts for it in virtually every gun shop, the magazines are reasonably priced, it is reliable (from the right manufacturer), accurate, and powerful enough for most purposes (to include harvesting deer). It can be equipped with a LPVO for ranges out to 300 yards (about the maximum effective distance for terminal performance limitations of the 5.56x45mm NATO/223 cartridge), or it can be equipped with an electronic optic, and possibly with a flip to the side magnifier. When you keep the gun simple with a sling, white light, optic, and possibly a spare mag on it; then it is tolerable and portable for extended periods of time.

It offers a reasonable amount of ammunition in reliable 20-30rd magazines, with even some 60rd magazines that have proven reliable. When we look at what is practical, we can keep the gun light and maneuverable. It does not need a bi-pod, a lazer, batteries in the stock, angled vertical foregrips, huge lights, etc. Better to use a short vertical foregrip, and a compact, bright, intuitive and robust light such as a Surefire Scout, X300 Turbo, Cloud Defensive REIN, or one of the new Streamlight Pro Tac XL’s. You can use the magazine as a monopod (and, no it will not cause malfunctions as long as your gun, ammo, and mags are in spec), and you do not need visible or IR lazers unless you are frequently running nods. Most are coming with a nitrde or cerakote on the steel, and anodized or cerakote on the aluminum. They are reasonably priced, but can be a little bit expensive if you are on a budget (save up your money, and do not go budget grade). They are easy enough to work on, but some parts require special tools (so keep that in mind, and go to an armorer’s class before you need an armorer).

It is not ideal to harvest moose, or defend against bear. Though you can always shoot the moose through the neck, and the bear through the eye, as long as you remain calm under the circumstances. Not ideal for that, but sure is the ticket for home defense, stopping active killers, taking most deer for the table, eradicating coyotes and other pests, and evening up the disparity of force presented by a violent mob out for blood.

Perhaps though, you are behind the iron curtain in one of the bastions of communism that has infected some states of this beloved country. The venerable lever gun still has its place. The Winchester 94 or Marlin’s copy (the one without the superfluous and dangerous cross bolt “safety”) in a 16” barreled, 30-30 version is a slick and serviceable option. Put on some ghost ring sights, a butt cuff, a decent sling, and a piece of pic rail for a Surefire Scout or X300 Turbo, and you have what Col Jeff Cooper called the Gunsite Police Rifle. It hits harder than the 5.56 cartridge, has a longer range, better terminal performance, is legal in more states, and is more benign in appearance for public perception. (There was also the Brooklyn Special, chambered in 44 Magnum.) It doesn’t carry nearly as many rounds, it’s slower on multiple shots on the same target, and it doesn’t look as nifty neat as the AR, but man oh man, can it still do the job in the right hands. If you want style points, and to show the world you are a man of sophistication and taste, there is yet one other variant to consider – the Browning BLR Take Down, a lever action, detachable box magazine fed, take-down, rifle, chambered in the 308 cartridge. On any of the above lever guns, you can attach variable power glass (though on the Winchester you will need an offset mount. Some can even be had with QD mounts for the scope, so you can switch over to the irons if the glass fails. They are generally blued, so maintenance is your downfall if you don’t keep it up. They tend to be as expensive as some of the better AR’s on the market, and while whole rifles are plentiful, spare parts may have to be ordered-they are available though. Get them before you need them, especially spare screws. They are easy enough to work on by yourself.

Shotgun:

As you know, the shotgun is my baby; and my choice is that old warhorse, the Remington 870, chambered in nothing other than 12 gauge (is the best fighting knife ever made, even better than the Bowie or Ka-Bar). Set up with ghost ring sights, a shortened length of pull stock, a 4-6 rounds side saddle, a sturdy 2-point sling, a +1 or 2 magazine extension, and a Surefire integrated fore end, you have the most decisive man portable tool available to put a definitive end to the fight someone else started. Loaded with 2 ¾ 8 pellet 00 buck and/or Brenneke slugs, you have the power and options to handle just about anything out to 120 yards. You can cull large and dangerous game, hunt fowl, or equalize the situation against multiple violent felons. You can even shoot skeet for fun. Need a longer barrel for any of this, easy to do with the 870. Ghost rings aren’t your thing? You can get a bead, rifle sights, express sights, or even mount an electric optic, or a magnified one in some instances. The 870 is generally not ammunition sensitive, and tends to operate better in austere conditions, and with less than ideal maintenance. You can also find parts and accessories for the 870, virtually anywhere. Everything but the ejector is easily replaced by the operator with some knowledge. It is affordable, and with a parkerized finish it just needs to be wiped down occasionally (you can cerakote or Teflon coat it if you want even more weather resistance). It is easily configurable to be legal in every state in the union. Some may opt for a self-loader, and that is a personal choice. Set up nearly the same way (you will run into some issues mounting a side saddle and an integrated fore end light on SOME models, so you may need to go with a butt cuff instead, or skip the extra ammo on board completely). They tend not to be as reliable with neglect or in harsh environments though, but they tend to be quicker to shoot for those that don’t put in the work. The other negative of these is that some of them can be complicated to work on, and spare parts may have to be special ordered from the factory. If you ever get three wishes, make one of them that you never have to personally fix an ARGO gas system in the field, by yourself. (I am still not sure how I got one of the pins back in place without losing any parts or tearing the gun up.)

Pistol:

What gun will work for exposed duty carry, special activities, concealed carry, dignitary protection, home defense, sport shooting, plinking, and limited-close range hunting if needed; that is both big enough to fight with, but small enough to conceal? The well-established Glock 19 fits the bill just about better than anything else. It has a proven track record, can take 15-17-19-24-33 round magazines (and can take 10rd mags in those states that violate the Constitution with illegal and immoral laws). Need an optic? The G19 can do that. Need a weapon mounted light? The G19 can do that too. It is well balanced, accurate enough, durable, generally reliable, and chambered for a cartridge that is suitable for defensive work. You can get parts for it virtually everywhere. Every holster manufacturer on the planet makes a model for it. It is affordable, has a rust resistant finish from the factory, and requires minimal maintenance (though you must clean and properly lubricate it-like any machine). In an 8-hour course, with a catered lunch, you can learn how to completely replace every part, though you could really learn how to do it in 2 hours, but reasons or something. Very simple machine, that works well at a lot of things.

HK VP9 or P30, Sig P320 or P226, FN 509, multiple 1911 variants, all may do some things better than the Glock 19, but none have the easy availability of spare parts, and the balanced size. The Sig P365XCA is slimmer than the G19, and holds 2 more rounds in the flush fit magazine. It can take a light and an optic. But, it is not ideal for uniformed duty work, you can get parts-but not as easily, and it is a little harder to work on under field conditions (it can be done, but just not as easily as the G19). So, if I had to choose one, it would be the G19 (with a Holosun SCS or EPS, or a Trijicon RMR HD, and a Surefire X300U with DG switch).

That would conclude the list at this point, but since it is theoretical, and my article, I must also add some other considerations in. Since this is my choice of arms, I would say that the following are needed:

22 LR Rifle:

My practical side says get a Ruger 10-22 takedown for weight, capacity, spare parts, reliability, durability, ease of transport, and practicality.

The nostalgic and aristocracy in me cries out for and demands something of a more refined era. It would be the Marlin 39D takedown lever gun, or for the absolute most cool points, a Winchester 62A takedown slide action. Both are blued steel and wood, with tubular magazines, and are heavier and slower than the 10-22; but oh my goodness are they ever sleek and classy.

Either way, a 22 LR rifle is perfect for recreation, teaching new shooters the basics, pest control, taking small game for the pot, and can even be used defensively if need be.

22 LR Pistol/Revolver:

Now here it starts to go down the rabbit hole. Let’s start with the pistol. The most durable and reliable one I have encountered is the Ruger MkII. It is accurate, and serviceable, but heavy. It is also hard to work on, but it rarely needs parts replacements. Ruger has newer models that are smaller and lighter, but I have no experience with them, so I don’t have an opinion. I recently have been shooting a friend’s Kel-Tec, and it appears promising, IF it is durable. Time will tell. For my love of nostalgia, I would most likely choose a Colt Woodsman, a Browning Nomad, or a Hi-Standard for my 22 LR pistol; though I may be tempted by the Whitney Wolverine. So many choices, so little money. Last thought on the 22 LR pistols – what about a compact one in addition or in lieu to the full size? Well, there are a couple I like. The Walther TPH (hard to find and expensive) or the Beretta 21A (shortly to be discontinued). Both are great pocket guns, and are power hours contenders.

For the revolver, what is the purpose? Because you can, the only reason you need; and it is no one else’s business why, that’s why. If you choose a full-size pistol, then perhaps a light weight snub nose revolver could serve in the concealment role if needed. The best I have had is a Smith and Wesson 317, but you will have to find the short barrel on the second-hand market, as they only produce larger ones now. The Smith and Wesson 43C is available, and it is a concealed hammer with high visibility sights, and a cerakote finish. However, quality control is highly inconsistent. You never know if you are going to get one with a gritty trigger, or one that will shave lead, or one that is a jewel. The small ones can also be used as a study for a larger caliber snub revolver.

If you went with a small 22 LR pistol, and want to go with a larger revolver; I like the Smith and Wesson 63 or the K22 (for that extra style). If you want lightweight, the 317 with the longer barrel is still available in the new guns counter.

Bolt Action Rifle:

For hunting, scouting, defending your country manor, and for meditative relaxation that is more practical, funner, and less expensive than golf (debatable); the tried and true bolt gun is the choice of the sage. My first choice is the Steyr Scout in 308 (I am sure everyone is surprised). Respectable other choices include: the Springfield 1903, Krag, Winchester M70 (pre-64), Blaser 93, Steyr SSG, and the K98 Mauser. All have smooth actions, are robust, reasonable weight, can be highly accurate, and either have excellent triggers or can be worked on to get the rifleman’s trigger. If you put glass on your bolt gun, get a duplicate scope and rings (you are welcome in advance). If it has magazines, get 2-4 extra as well.

Concealed Pistol/Revolver:

If I could also have a gun that is specific to concealment, in an auto pistol I would choose a Sig P365X. I can mount an optic on it if I want, and if I need extra concealment, I can put a standard P365 grip mod on it. With the standard grip mod and no optic, the gun can be carried in a pocket if need be, and has a 10rd mag that I can carry in pretty much every state. Conversely, in free states that love liberty, you can fit up to a 17rd magazine in that little pocket rocket. There are now millions on the open market, spare parts are becoming more common, and they shoot like a mid-size gun. The Glock 43 is nice, but only holds 6 rounds. The Glock 43X holds 10 rounds, but the frame is much larger than the 43 or P365, and is not as concealable.

If we go with the snubby (good choice, by the way), my two most favorite are the Smith and Wesson 642 (no lock) or the 649. The 642 is an air weight so it is easier to carry in a pocket, but can have some stout recoil with +p rounds. It does have a fully enclosed hammer, so that helps to keep lint and debris out of it. The 649 is stainless steel, handles stouter rounds better, has a shrouded hammer. Each has its advantages. You should really get both. Better yet, get 2 copies of each.

Some may wonder why I did not include a battle rifle (FN FAL, Galil, HK91, M1A) or a Pistol Caliber Carbine (HK SP5, Sig MPX, etc.). I have nothing against them, I just don’t personally have them fit into my lifestyle or situation. If they are something that you like, you are well served by the niche they feel, or just because you want them.

I hope you have enjoyed this departure from our regularly scheduled programming. Talking about some of these guns, brings back fond memories of times spent in the woods and on the range with good friends. It gives us, or me at least, something to look forward to, thinking of my next trip to the range. Variety is the spice of life, and for gun guys that is doubly so. Tomorrow ends with a y, and that means it is range day. It is raining and cold here, but my range has a covered shooting area for such occasions, and I have a warm jacket. Regardless of where you are, I hope you enjoy your next range trip.