What is the number of firearms a hunter should have to cover everything he hunts?

[jhjimbo]

What is the number of firearms a hunter should have to cover everything he hunts?

[huntfishtrap]

It would be impossible for me to put a specific number on it without knowing what constitutes "everything". In general, I would say two for each use would be about the minimum - one main one and one backup in case something happens to the other.

[asrenstrom]

2 or 3 rifles of varying calibers for different sized game and ranges. 2 or 3 shotguns of varying gauge and size for the same reason (maybe a slug barrel to act as a rifle for heavy woods hunting of deer...). 1 solid handgun of larger caliber for personal protection in the woods, maybe another for conceal & carry purposes if the first doesn't suit the bill. So I would say 5 guns is a minimum to get a good spread of use in almost all scenarios.

[jcarlin]

That's up there with how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop.

In my staying local to hunt world, I can get by with two rifles and a shotgun and never be found wanting. Maybe a third rifle if mid sized predators are factored in.

In my ideal world.. one more!

[ozark_ghost]

Asking that question to outdoors-men is like asking a woman how many pairs of shoes does she really needs. If you are a minimalist, one rifle in .22 for small game, one rifle in 30-30 or larger for bigger game, one shotgun with variable choke tubes in either 20 or 12 ga, one hand gun for carrying in the woods, one handgun for personal defense, and a larger closet for your wife's shoes. Otherwise have as many different types of each for the hunting scenarios that you hunt in the most, i.e. a carbine for dense woodlands, a longer barreled rifle for more open ground/longer ranges.

[4everAutumn]

At last count, my wife thinks it's about 63. Seriously though, I could get by with a 12 ga. shotgun, a small bore rifle, a large bore rifle, small bore and a large bore hand gun and a muzzle loader. The extras I keep around just provide options to make it more fun. I have actually been trying to think of a few to sell to help pay for a toy I bought and it's incredibly tough to decide which ones can go.

[DSMbirddog]

For me it would be my 30.06, my 22 rifle, a 12 ga. pump, and my muzzleloader. Finally my 357 Mag would be included.

[illinoisburt]

The number a hunter *should have*? As many as he or she desires! The absolute minimum number *needed* to hunt? Exactly one. Know a lady that hunts everything with a 20 gauge Mossberg 500 youth model with modified choke and rifle style williams fire sights on the rib. She is not a gun person, just wanted an inexpensive tool that works. Squirrels, rabbits, pheasants, geese, turkey, deer and coyotes. Think a couple possum and raccoon might have bit the dust as well. The old adage of beware the man with one gun applies to the ladies too!

[Brian Armstrong]

I think, a good .22 A good Shotgun and a good Rifle. If you had only one choice a good shotgun with a pocket full of 71/2 some number 4 some 00Buck and some slugs.