In a recent post, TTAG’s Don Gammill Jr. mentioned his growing appreciation for the wide variety of consumer taste in firearms. In other words, Don’s no longer laboring under the impression that American gun owners want “a” gun; they want “the” gun for “the purpose.” So I got to thinking (a far more dangerous activity than anything I do with a firearm): with an unlimited budget and a proper security, what guns would I buy for what? So here’s a random list of uses. What gun or guns would you buy to fulfill the niche?
1. Concealed carry at a formal wedding
2. Car journey with kids in Johannesburg
3. Hiking through the pot grower’s paradise
4. Rafting trip through Deliverance-land
5. Post-hurricane social meltdown (short term)
6. Apocalypse then (extended social collapse)
7. Knowing that a mafia hit man is coming
8. Defending mountain top cabin from enemy troops
9. Open carry at an upmarket gun club
10. Woman (imagine) walking to car in poorly lit parking lot
Terrific post, especially for those who are considering concealed carry. The circumstances of one's carry mission are important.
In my experience, initial ccw holders buy 'too much' gun for their typical mission. The pistol is then often left at home…
1. Concealed carry at a formal wedding
any easily-concealable pocket pistol in no less than .32 cal.
2. Car journey with kids in Johannesburg
lightweight carry semi-autos with laser sights, .22LR Walther PPK for backup.
3. Hiking through the pot grower’s paradise
A compass, GPS, satphone, 1911, and a snubby pocket pistol as backup.
4. Rafting trip through Deliverance-land
a 1911, crossbow and Bowie knife.
5. Post-hurricane social meltdown (short term)
12 guage and a couple of handguns – maybe a 1911 and a .38 Chiefs Special.
6. Apocalypse then (extended social collapse)
12 guage pump, AR-15, 1911 in .45ACP, a crossbow, Bowie knife, tactical knife, tactical flashlight(s) with LOTS of extra batteries, reloaders, powder, primers, dies, bullets, etc. Extra arrows, and a couple of .22LR varmint rifles.
7. Knowing that a mafia hit man is coming
An AR-15 with a scope and laser sights, with a .45ACP semi-auto as backup.
8. Defending mountain top cabin from enemy troops
AR-15 in .233 with LOTS of extra, loaded magazines and a 12 gauge pump.
9. Open carry at an upmarket gun club
Full-size, tricked out 1911, baby, all the way!
10. Woman (imagine) walking to car in poorly lit parking lot
A Sprinfield XD 3" compact in .40 S&W.
1. Concealed carry at a formal wedding
Walther PPK. So sleek. So Bond.
2. Car journey with kids in Johannesburg
Flame Thrower- hey it works for that vehicle security system marketed in the country…but realistically I would go with a reliable polymer semiauto pistol here.
3. Hiking through the pot grower’s paradise
I am going shotgun since the weeds will be so high range is not an issue.
4. Rafting trip through Deliverance-land
Ain't gotta be born out in the styx to have an F-150 and a .30-06'
5. Post-hurricane social meltdown (short term)
Reliable high-quality AK variant. I am going with an Arsenal AK. It presence alone speaks volumes in urban areas.
6. Apocalypse then (extended social collapse)
The aforementioned AK and a howitzer to defend my piece of the Island…
7. Knowing that a mafia hit man is coming
We are going to want to take him out from a distance but still have backup firepower. AR-15 is an excellent choice here…
8. Defending mountain top cabin from enemy troops
Desert Tactical Systems bullpup. I'll take mine in .338 Lapua.
9. Open carry at an upmarket gun club
Full-size, tricked out 1911, baby, all the way! (Brad said it best)
10. Woman (imagine) walking to car in poorly lit parking lot
Taurus Judge, 410 shot shells. Hasn't the watermelon commercial swayed you yet?
Brett, regarding your response to Numbers 5 & 6: Stay tuned for my upcoming reviews of both an Arsenal (Bulgarian) AK (in .223 no less), and an older Romanian AK (in 7.62X39). The Arsenal gun was surprisingly accurate and a joy to shoot.