Guns Every Hunter Should Own
February 10, 2010 7 Comments
With hunting season over I’m looking forward to giving all of my firearms a good cleaning and letting them rest for the next several months. I’ve also been thinking that once again I have learned that my small gun collection is more than adequate for the game I hunt. What do I use? Here’s the breakdown:
Mossberg Model 500 Pump Shotgun, 12 Gauge
This was the first gun my dad ever bought me. I’ve carried mine for 18 years and it still performs like the day I got it. It’s with me in the field 90% of the time I go hunting. My favorite feature on Mossbergs is the safety on top, which I think is a bit faster for wingshooting. It takes a variety of chokes and can shoot anything in 2 3/4 or 3 inch shells. I use mine for turkey, doves, ducks, geese, rabbit and quail. It’s easy to break down and clean and with proper maintenance your grandkids will get as much enjoyment out it as you have. But I’m being buried with mine so sorry about that kids.
Marlin Model 60 Rifle, .22LR
The Marlin Model 60 has been the best-selling .22 on the market for a long time and for good reason. It is a triumph of engineering. It’s simple, accurate and dependable. My dad bought me mine and I’ve had it almost as long as the Mossberg. I adore this gun I’ve taken plenty of squirrels with it by shooting over open sights. Add a scope and it’s a great varmint gun.
Remington .270
For a long time after my dad bought this I thought it was too much gun for hunting in Kentucky. The .270 is a long-range round and I was used to hunting in thick woods where shots are 30 yards or less. Then my brother hunted with it in a wide field and dropped a nice buck at 125 yards. I was impressed. The .270 we inherited from our father is shared by us during deer season. Ours has now taken 4 deer and I hope many more will follow. The .270 continues to gain popularity among deer hunters and I suspect it will stay that way for sometime.
Marlin lever action, .44
I borrow this little beast from my brother when I hunt thick woods. It’s got hooded sights, which I love and it’s extremely accurate at under 50 yards. My only complaint is that with its small frame and the big loads it fires this thing kicks like a mule. The last time I fired a few rounds through it I had a bruise for 3 days afterwards.
Ruger P85 semi-auto, 9mm
This really isn’t a hunting gun but I take it on deer hunts in case I need to finish one off. I would also carry it as a back-up gun if I was ever hunting wild hogs. It holds 15 rounds and I always feel safe with this baby in the glovebox.
So why a Mossberg and not a Beretta? That’s my current 12 gauge, and I have to say I love it. As to lever action, my father in law has 2 1950′s era Winchester lever action 30/30′s which I also hope to make part of my collection at some point soon. They are SMOOTH as can be too. Belonged to his Aunt who was a bush nurse in Alaska and carried them as bear guns.
Well my dad picked a Mossberg for me – not sure why. He always liked Remingtons and the 870 is the most popular pump in the US. I’ve never liked Berettas very much. They look a bit too ‘modern’ for my tastes. Same for Benellis. I’ve seen a few Brownings I would consider owning. The Mossberg has done me right though so I suspect I will still be carrying it for many more years.
It’s been a while, Mike.
Good to see you’re still at it.
What about a Daisy Red Ryder for fun w/ the family?
A tasty little collection. Must say I also have these guns or close variants. Always thought a .357 was a very serviceable gun to have for it’s flexibility; hunting, marksmanship or protection. TR also kept a .380 in his nightstand even when he was in the White House.
In looking at the Marlin line, why are Winchesters so expensive?
I don’t follow your question Joe. Marlins and Winchester are separate brands.