Four Gun Minimum

The hobby of firearms is very expansive, with so many picayune differences in guns and cartridges it can be overwhelming. So here is a thought experiment for people getting started as firearms enthusiasts and for old hands with walls full of guns. You can do everything you might want to do with just 4 guns.

I first came across this idea in the writings of the late Col. Jeff Cooper. The idea being that with a shotgun, a rifle, a pistol, and a .22 rimfire you can do just about anything you might want to do with a gun. The shotgun allows you to hunt all manner of small game and birds. The rifle serves as your large game and weapon of warfare, Your pistol is the constant self-defense companion, and the .22 rimfire is for "fun" shooting and training new shooters, or possibly small ground game where the shotgun is too noisy.

But Which Guns?

Col. Cooper's answer here was the 1911 for self defense, a Scout Rifle for the rifle, a double barrel "coach" or pump shotgun and a rimfire rifle of some type. My answer differs based on what your focus is. 

For a shooter learning the ropes I'd recommend a bolt action 22 rimfire rifle, a bolt action centerfire rifle in 308, a 12 gauge pump shotgun (with interchangeable barrels, like the Mossberg combos) and a rimfire semi-auto pistol. 

For the self-defense oriented shooter I'd recommend a defensive semi-auto pistol like a Glock or XD, an AR-15-style rifle (possibly something like the JR carbines or Glock magazine ARs if range is not important to their defense). A semi auto shotgun with a barrel less then 20", preferably with detachable magazines if available. And a small rimfire pistol or revolver for backup.

For the hunter I'd recommend an interchangeable barrel pump action shotgun, a bolt action 30-06 caliber rifle, a 44 Magnum or greater caliber revolver and a semi-auto rimfire rifle.

For the target shooter, I'd recommend a 1911-style pistol, an AR-15-type rifle, an over and under shotgun and a target rimfire of their choice of type.

For the "prepper" looking for guns that will keep running the longest, a 357 magnum double action revolver. A "convertible" 22 rimfire single action revolver. A Thomson/Center Contender with a variety of barrels, and a double barrel over and under "Turkey" shotgun with interchangeable chokes.

For those worried about "Zombie Apocalypse", but on a budget. A PMR-30 pistol, a 22 Magnum rimfire semiauto rifle, a 9mm pistol and a pump action shotgun with a 18" barrel.

For the more general shooter on a budget in a rural area, A single barrel break open shotgun, A used bolt action rifle in a midrange caliber, a used revolver in 38 special or 357 magnum and a budget rimfire rifle.

For the more general shooter on a budget in an urban area, an inexpensive semi-auto pistol in 380 or 9mm, a rimfire semi auto pistol, a rimfire semi auto rifle and a break action shotgun.

Classic "Old West" enthusiast. a Single action centerfire revolver, a single action rimfire revolver, a lever action rifle in 30-30 if they hunt, or their revolver cartridge if they don't, and a double barrel "coach" shotgun.

But that's just me. What do you think are the 4 guns to start with, and for what focus? Post your choices in the comments.

Is that Really Enough?

This is where gun people start to worry about all the guns not on the list. What about a backup carry gun or a rifle that can take bear or African big game? What about match shooting or a really long range rifle? Well that's why this list is a starting point. First, focus on the guns that will suit the problems and use cases you are most likely to have. Then branch out into the things you want to do. It's better to have just a couple of guns and a bunch of ammo then dozens of guns you never get to shoot.