GOAT Thread!

[smithra_66]

I thought I'd start an interesting idea that I've been thinking about for a while.

In the age of social media it seems we love to rank things, and I was wondering what kind of viewpoints we'd get on the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) in each category of firearm.

I'm sure this list will be highly subjective. Your reasoning could be historical significance, functional superiority, or just whatever YOU personally like best.

I didn't want to get way down into the weeds with a ton of different categories, so I was thinking of breaking it out by firearm type and then action type like this:

Greatest of all time:

Cap/Ball Revolver:
Single Action Revolver:
Double Action Revolver:

Single Action Pistol:
Double/Single Action Pistol:
Striker Fired Pistol:

Pump Action Shotgun:
Automatic Shotgun:
Break Action Shotgun:

Single Shot Rifle:
Lever Action Rifle:
Bolt Action Rifle:
Semi-auto Rifle:


I'll start:

Cap/Ball Revolver: Colt 51 Navy
Single Action Revolver: Colt Single Action Army
Double Action Revolver: S&W Model 29 pinned & recessed

Single Action Pistol: Colt 1911
Double/Single Action Pistol: Beretta M92
Striker Fired Pistol: Glock 17

Pump Action Shotgun: Winchester Model 12
Automatic Shotgun: Winchester Super X-1
Break Action Shotgun: Perazzi MX8

Single Shot Rifle: Springfield Trap Door
Lever Action Rifle: Winchester Model 1892
Bolt Action Rifle: Winchester Model 70 pre 64
Semi-auto Rifle: Colt M16 / AR15

You can see that Colt and Winchester dominate my list. Anyone else want to take a stab? If we get enough it will be interesting to crunch the numbers and see things like which brand has the most entries, etc.

[sheepdawg]

I'll argue bolt action rifle. The greatest bolt action rifle of all time is the Mauser 98, the basis of most bolt action rifles including the pre 64 Winchester 70.

[smithra_66]

Originally Posted by sheepdawg

I'll argue bolt action rifle. The greatest bolt action rifle of all time is the Mauser 98, the basis of most bolt action rifles including the pre 64 Winchester 70.

Good point and of course that's the basic gun from which the M70 pre 64 is derived.

I looked at it as what would I rather have if offered a mint 70 and a mint 98...and I'd probably choose the 70 because I'd favor a sporter over a military rifle.

[ContinentalOp]

I'll just post the categories I have some experience with.

Double Action Revolver: S&W Model 65

Single Action Pistol: 1911
Double/Single Action Pistol: Beretta 92
Striker Fired Pistol: Glock 19

I went with the 65 because I think it's just a great all-around revolver, especially with a 3" barrel.

1911...Well, I don't think I really need to explain that.

I think the 92 is a great DA/SA gun. Spent several years as the military's standard issue pistol as well as a popular gun in law enforcement during the transition from revolvers to semi-autos. Super reliable, when properly maintained. Excellent trigger. A little large, but with MecGar mags, aftermarket grips and triggers, and different variations, it becomes more size-efficient and user-friendly. My 27-year-old 92FS is filling the home defense role for me. I suppose the Sig P226/229 could fit here, but after shooting Sigs I definitely have a preference for the Beretta. I could also add the Beretta PX4 Compact as the most underrated DA/SA gun.

The Glock 17 pretty much started the drive towards striker-fired guns, but I think the Glock 19 is the better pistol. Light and compact enough to carry concealed, but large enough to shoot well. It also happens to be the only Glock I'm interested in, and one of the few striker-fired guns I want to get.

Just my opinion.

[STCM(SW)]

I though it was about a car!

[44wheelman]

While I prefer the 29, I think you nod goes to the m19... versatility! A 4” 19 can do it all.

I like the p226 over the 92....but both are great guns. But I like Sigs ergonomics better....the P229 would be my goat.

Yup, Mauser action....

I’ll go with the m1 over the AR’s....but I think the AK is probably the real winner.

[smithra_66]

Originally Posted by 44wheelman

While I prefer the 29, I think you nod goes to the m19... versatility! A 4” 19 can do it all.

I like the p226 over the 92....but both are great guns. But I like Sigs ergonomics better....the P229 would be my goat.

Yup, Mauser action....

I’ll go with the m1 over the AR’s....but I think the AK is probably the real winner.

Great debate on the M1 too. While I LIKE my m1 better, I think the AR is a better overall platform. More reliable, more accurate, and arguably the most influential semi-auto ever (along with the AK). And it shows no signs of slowing down in 2021 while the M1 is long retired.

[steelslaver]

Best single action Ruger single actions are superior in every way other than customs.

Best DA Big bore N frame S&W revolvers

best single action semi handgun the 1911

Best pump shotgun 870

Best bolt rifle anything based on Mauser 98 action

Best lever gun Browning Model 81 BLR

Best semi auto Anything based on the M1 action

[Endshake]

I agree with the OP mostly.

Double action revolver, I would give to the Smith K-frame out of sheer success and longevity.

DA/SA pistol, I would give to the CZ-75.

Semi auto shotgun, I'd go with the Auto-5

Break open shotgun, the Winchester model 21.

Single shot rifle? Tough, but the Remington rolling block. Close second, the Winchester high wall.

Bolt action has to be the K98.

Lever action? Being a Winchester guy, my favorite is probably the 92. However, for sheer balance of power, weight, longevity.....it has to be the 1894.

[smithra_66]

Originally Posted by steelslaver

Best single action Ruger single actions are superior in every way other than customs.

Best DA Big bore N frame S&W revolvers

best single action semi handgun the 1911

Best pump shotgun 870

Best bolt rifle anything based on Mauser 98 action

Best lever gun Browning Model 81 BLR

Best semi auto Anything based on the M1 action

Good list and it's interesting how we'd classify "best."

Obviously Ruger can't hold a candle to the history and significance of the Colt SAA on American culture...so does that mean "best?" If you're looking at pure functionality, yes the Ruger likely wins...but to me, "greatest of all time" has some intrinsic qualities other than just functionality.

[Grayfox]

I'll go along with most of these picks. Just a couple of my choices.

DA revolver: S&W M&P/Model 10. These ruled the handgun world and filled lawmen's holsters for longer than any other handgun.

DA/SA Pistol: Any of the Sig Sauer P-2XX Series. Just pick your size and caliber. Excellent pistols all.

Single shot rifle: Sharps 1874. A true classic.

Semi-Auto Rifle: M1 Garand. This rifle saved our civilization and changed the face of warfare forever.

[PHS327]

Perhaps it requires a statement of purpose in order to say something is the GOAT. For example, the GOAT double action revolver would need categories. The best double action revolver

for concealed carry: Smith and Wesson model 65
for hunting large game: Ruger Redhawk in 44 mag
for target shooting: Smith and Wesson model 14

[ISCS Yoda]

All very, very subjective, and it depends on experience as well as history. I've handled a lot of weapons/firearms in my time but not as many as you and you and you. And a lot of my weapons were "toys", meaning they were purchased to literally play with so as firearms go they were not "weapons" in my hands.

Moreover, I am not a fan of certain firearms so it's really only their history that would cause me to classify them as "goats". Example - 1911 versus Browning Hi-Power. I'm not a fan of the 1911, I much prefer the BHP for a single action pistol but, for Americans the 1911 is a GOAT while for Europeans the BHP would probably be the GOAT.

The M1 Garand "saved civilization" (I like that) but the M14 was a far better rifle but for various reasons it was not around long as the US Army's battle rifle, having been replaced by the M16. I would have argued that the M14 was the best ever until I got tired of the weight of my M1A. Voila! Instant AR15 fan.

I bought a Remington M788 bolt rifle in .308 Winchester in 1971 because of my fondness for the M14's 7.62 NATO round. I didn't buy another bolt gun for decades. A tack driver, death on whitetails, what more did I need? So it's my GOAT. I can't compare it to a Model 70 Winchester that I never needed or wanted and to this day I've only had 3 other center fire bolt rifles not counting some milsurps that passed through my hands. But one was a Yugo 98 Mauser, I had it customized into a .35 Whelen death on pigs rifle, and it's still with me. GOAT? Who is to say?

Some handguns are easier.

S&W M10 double action revolver. - - - - GOAT

Beretta Model 70 .22 - - - - - - - - - - - GOAT

Beretta Model 950 BS mousegun - - - - - - GOAT


There. That was simple was it not?

[Old_Cop]

Tom Brady is the GOAT.

[beagleye]

I think there should be a separate category for rimfire bolt action and semi auto rifles, different animals IMHO. And I would nominate CZ 452 and Ruger 10/22.

[jimbo728]

My body is the goat!
Total Paralysis recovering Lyme Disease.
Now workinking on recovering from a stroke left arm &left leg weakened.
Jim

[Ivan the Butcher]

Originally Posted by jimbo728

My body is the goat!
Total Paralysis recovering Lyme Disease.
Now workinking on recovering from a stroke left arm &left leg weakened.
Jim

Had the stroke with the associated left side paralysis 10 years ago, it is your choice to overcome, and your attitude shows you will! I'm rooting for you!

Now to the GOATs: Single Shot Center Fire. I have expierance with High Walls, Rolling Blocks, Trapdoors, Falling Blocks (Sharp's, Complain and Ruger), a number of break actions, and single shot bolt actions. Dollar for Dollar: the tip up/break action is the best! Overall accuracy; The Bolt action. Most fun: All qualify, but Rolling blocks take the prize! Biggest movie draw: Matthew Quigley Sharp's 1874 in 45-110 straight.

Ivan

[ISCS Yoda]

Biggest movie draw: Matthew Quigley Sharp's 1874 in 45-110 straight

While there is truth to that, I wouldn't argue against Lin McAdam's (James Stewart) One of One Thousand Winchester 1873 lever action rifle. [Winchester '73 is the movie.]

jimbo728, way back in the days of my misspent youth I read a series of books called "Bomba, the Jungle Boy". One of the lines routinely expressed by him was "where there's life there's hope". You sound like you're putting up the good fight so here's to you! Make it so!

[jdh]

Cap/Ball Revolver: Ruger Old Army
Single Action Revolver: Colt Model P
Double Action Revolver: S&W L frame

Single Action Pistol:Colt Model O
Double/Single Action Pistol: CZ75
Striker Fired Pistol: M&P

Pump Action Shotgun: 870
Automatic Shotgun: A5
Break Action Shotgun: Citori (Belgian made)

Single Shot Rifle: Handi Rifle
Lever Action Rifle: Savage 99
Bolt Action Rifle: 98 Mauser
Semi-auto Rifle: BAR (sporting not machine gun)

[Chukar60]

Single Action Revolver: Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8” bbl in 45 Colt
Double Action Revolver: Any Smith K frame

Single Action Pistol: 1911
Double/Single Action Pistol: CZ75
Striker Fired Pistol: Glock 19 due to popularity and function, but I like my P365XL more now

Pump Action Shotgun: 870
Automatic Shotgun: Benelli Montefeltro
Break Action Shotgun: Browning Superposed 1950’s vintage 20 gauge only

Single Shot Rifle: Ruger #1
Lever Action Rifle: No opinion
Bolt Action Rifle: Mauser 98 or quality derivative
Semi-auto Rifle: AR 15 platform so many options and calibers hard to beat

That is my 2 cents worth and it worth less than that.

[Eltioloco]

Cap & Ball Revolver: 1851 Navy
Single Action Revolver: Colt SAA
Double Action Revolver: Webley Mkiv

Single Action Pistol: Browing High Power
Double/Single Action Pistol: CZ75
Striker Fired Pistol: Glock 17

Pump Action Shotgun: Ithaca 37
Automatic Shotgun: Browning Auto 5
Break Action Shotgun: L.C. Smith

Single Shot Rifle: Martini
Lever Action Rifle: Winchester 1894
Bolt Action Rifle: SMLE #4mk1
Semi-auto Rifle: M1

Picked for personal experience and historical significance.

[Heinz]

ap/Ball Revolver: Colt 1860 Army
Single Action Revolver: Colt Single Action Army
Double Action Revolver: S&W Model 19 pinned & recessed

Single Action Pistol: Colt 1911
Double/Single Action Pistol: Smith and Wesson 645
Striker Fired Pistol: Luger P06

Pump Action Shotgun: Winchester Model 12
Automatic Shotgun:Browning Auto 5
Break Action Shotgun: LC Smith 12 Gauge, Any grade

Single Shot Rifle: Shiloh Sharps 45 110 or 45 90
Lever Action Rifle: Winchester Model 1892
Bolt Action Rifle: Barrett 338 Lapua
Semi-auto Rifle: M1 Garand

[Peak53]

New category: .22 rimfire rifle

Answer: Marlin 39a

[Big Cholla]

Cap/Ball Revolver: Colt Walker Dragoon. Because it set the stage for all other improvements in cap & ball handguns that followed.

Single Action Revolver: Colt Single Action Army. Again, a great beginning of reliable, usable and powerful enough handguns.

Double Action Revolver: The "K" model by S&W. It showed the way.

Single Action Pistol: Colt M. 1911. Still the choice today of many fighting professionals.

Double/Single Action Pistol: S&W M. 4006. Led the way to many copycats by Smith as well as other makers. Changed many LE Agency from revolvers to semi-auto-loaders. Another maker still benefits from S&W's design.

Striker Fired Pistol: Glock M 19. Again, a break thru in thinking and design.

Pump Action Shotgun: The Remington M 870. A "shooting system" that lead the way for what followed.

Automatic Shotgun: Browning's Auto 5 12 ga. Made auto-loaders acceptable to the masses.

Break Action Shotgun: Greener of England. Set off a wave of presentations by other makers that still please us today.

Single Shot Rifle: Browning's M 1885. Again, showed the way forward.

Lever Action Rifle: Winchester's continual improvements in Browning's original lever action. I hesitate to select a single model as they all met the needs of many.

Bolt Action Rifle: A tie between the Winchester M 70 and Remington's M 700. Both are continuation of the Mauser design, but with significant improvements that outsold Mauser by a factor of millions.

Semi-auto Rifle: U.S Rifle, Caliber .30, M1. The free world still owes a big debt to John Garand.

May I add a category? Full Automatic Battle Rifle: No other choice than John Browning's Ma Deuce. In continual use by armed forces all over the world from 1918 to today......103 years of needed performance.

[smithra_66]

Great addition of the full auto rifle.

I think there's one thing we can all agree on by these lists:

John M. Browning is the GOAT designer. Easily.

[Muss Muggins]

Originally Posted by Peak53

New category: .22 rimfire rifle

Answer: Marlin 39a

Ruger 10/22. Change my mind . . .

As for the others, I can only contribute in a couple categories, and I'll say the following are the goat in their area . . .

Smith & Wesson Model 36

Smith & Wesson Model 10

Smith & Wesson Model 66

Colt AR-15

Sig Sauer 1911

[Kurusu]

[M29since14]

I admire Perazzis too, but I’m also of the opinion that the Browning Superposed, and later the Citori, deserves the place of honor over the MX8, though unquestionably the MX8 (trigger problems notwithstanding) was/is a very fine shotgun.

If I could have only one shotgun it would be a small-frame Browning.

[smithra_66]

Originally Posted by M29since14

I admire Perazzis too, but I’m also of the opinion that the Browning Superposed, and later the Citori, deserves the place of honor over the MX8, though unquestionably the MX8 (trigger problems notwithstanding) was/is a very fine shotgun.

If I could have only one shotgun it would be a small-frame Browning.

Yep I couldn't argue that.

I think the MX is a better high volume target gun by a lot, and that's why I favored it.

[sheepdawg]

Originally Posted by Big Cholla

Bolt Action Rifle: A tie between the Winchester M 70 and Remington's M 700. Both are continuation of the Mauser design, but with significant improvements that outsold Mauser by a factor of millions.

You do realize there have been something like 21 million 98s sold to the German armed forces, other countries and civilians since it's inception.

[bushmaster1313]

May not be "The" GOAT's
But they are my GOAT's

Double Action Revolver:



Double/Single Action Pistol:



Break Action Shotgun
Pump Action Shotgun:


Single Barrel Trap Gun:




Lever Action Rifle:





Bolt Action Rifle:



Semi-auto Rifle:


Pump Action Rifle:


Home Defense (point-at-where-they're-widest) Shooting Iron

[LVSteve]

Some of you are going to freak out at some of my choices...


Greatest of all time:

Cap/Ball Revolver: Don't know enough about them (DKEAT)
Single Action Revolver: DKEAT
Double Action Revolver: S&W Model 65. With a 3" barrel it's the perfect size.

Single Action Pistol: Star Model B. Purpose built for 9mm and so easy to shoot.
Double/Single Action Pistol: CZ-75 SP01 Phantom. So much nicer handling than any other DA/SA semi.
Striker Fired Pistol: Canik TP9SFL. Does everything a Glock does without the sproing.

Pump Action Shotgun: DKEAT
Automatic Shotgun: DKEAT
Break Action Shotgun: DKEAT

Single Shot Rifle: DKEAT
Lever Action Rifle: Marlin 336. The ultimate evolution of the tube fed lever action, IMHO.
Bolt Action Rifle: Swiss K31. Stupid accurate out of the box.
Semi-auto Rifle: MAS 49/51. Mechanical simplicity at its best.

[RobertJ.]

Greatest of all time:

Cap/Ball Revolver: Colt 1860 Army
Single Action Revolver: Ruger Super Blackhawk
Double Action Revolver: S&W Model 29

Single Action Pistol: Browning Hi-Power
Double/Single Action Pistol: S&W Model 39
Striker Fired Pistol: Glock 19

Pump Action Shotgun: Remington 870 Wingmaster
Automatic Shotgun: Remington 1100
Break Action Shotgun: Winchester Model 21

Single Shot Rifle: Ruger #1
Lever Action Rifle: Winchester Model 94
Bolt Action Rifle: Model 98 Mauser
Semi-auto Rifle: AR 15

And for good measure:

[smithra_66]

Originally Posted by RobertJ.

Greatest of all time:

Cap/Ball Revolver: Colt 1860 Army
Single Action Revolver: Ruger Super Blackhawk
Double Action Revolver: S&W Model 29

Single Action Pistol: Browning Hi-Power
Double/Single Action Pistol: S&W Model 39
Striker Fired Pistol: Glock 19

Pump Action Shotgun: Remington 870 Wingmaster
Automatic Shotgun: Remington 1100
Break Action Shotgun: Winchester Model 21

Single Shot Rifle: Ruger #1
Lever Action Rifle: Winchester Model 94
Bolt Action Rifle: Model 98 Mauser
Semi-auto Rifle: AR 15

And for good measure:

Solid list right here, save for the single action pistol!

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Silly me. I thought this was about college fraternity initiation. My bad.....

[Eltioloco]

Originally Posted by LVSteve

Some of you are going to freak out at some of my choices...


Greatest of all time:

Cap/Ball Revolver: Don't know enough about them (DKEAT)
Single Action Revolver: DKEAT
Double Action Revolver: S&W Model 65. With a 3" barrel it's the perfect size.

Single Action Pistol: Star Model B. Purpose built for 9mm and so easy to shoot.
Double/Single Action Pistol: CZ-75 SP01 Phantom. So much nicer handling than any other DA/SA semi.
Striker Fired Pistol: Canik TP9SFL. Does everything a Glock does without the sproing.

Pump Action Shotgun: DKEAT
Automatic Shotgun: DKEAT
Break Action Shotgun: DKEAT

Single Shot Rifle: DKEAT
Lever Action Rifle: Marlin 336. The ultimate evolution of the tube fed lever action, IMHO.
Bolt Action Rifle: Swiss K31. Stupid accurate out of the box.
Semi-auto Rifle: MAS 49/51. Mechanical simplicity at its best.

I agree on most of your choices but I would choose a S&W 66 over the S&W 65 for the adjustable sights and the FN FAL over the MAS 49/51. But I like the Marlin 336 and the Swiss K31.
Ken