If I can have only one rifle, which should it be?

Peyronie · Oct 19, 2023

Start off by getting a bolt action 22LR. Tip, there are a lot of older rifles out there going for very little money that are pure gold and put new rifles to shame.

Once you feel you need a bigger rifle I'd recommend the 1903 from your list. Both are bolt so your kids will be able to transition a lot easier, albeit the 1903 would be lot heavier.

UNCLE PAULY · Oct 19, 2023

CZ 452 American in 22lr.

steelslaver · Oct 19, 2023

If you could only have one pair of shoes what would they be?

Rustyt1953 · Oct 19, 2023

steelslaver said:
If you could only have one pair of shoes what would they be?

Crocs, of course.

Onomea · Oct 19, 2023

1. A training tool for my daughters

2. Own a piece of history

3. Range gun

4. Potential Deer Rifle

I'd drop the fourth requirement, as you say it is extremely unlikely, and go with a .22, specifically a pump action from Remington, say the 12C, or a Winchester, say the 61. Gives you everything else required.

rockquarry · Oct 19, 2023

BabaBlueJay said:
Oh I am not vain enough to think one rifle I own could do everything. I am just being realistic with my situation. I will never be able to own 30 guns, nor do I have any desire to do so. I am a minimalist at heart and would rather pour my financial resources into my daughters than my own hobbies. I want 1 (maybe 2) rifle(s) for a cool range gun and to train my daughters. If both are not possible, perhaps I get a 22 when they are older to start them and then they can move up to the 1903/SKS/Henry

I'm pretty much in agreement with you, but in the spirit of the original post, a selection of one rifle was mentioned. However, this goes to show how pointless these "if you could have only one" threads really are. Why would anyone want only one "compromise" gun if you can afford and have a use for more than one?

Muley Gil · Oct 19, 2023

BabaBlueJay said:
I think this is sound advice. A 22 rifle is the perfect entry into firearms. I will admit I would like a center fire rifle too, maybe I will need to expand to 4 maximum over time

FOUR! I had more than that before I was able to drive!

Miracle Man · Oct 19, 2023

THE PILGRIM said:
When I quit hunting and sold off most of my rifles, I kept this one.
It’s a 30-06.

If I could truly, really, 100% only have one rifle. It would be my bolt action 30-06. And I wouldn't have to think on it at all.

tops · Oct 19, 2023

If I ever get down to one rifle it will be a .22RF. Larry

GypsmJim · Oct 19, 2023

BabaBlueJay said:
Oh I am not vain enough to think one rifle I own could do everything. I am just being realistic with my situation. I will never be able to own 30 guns, nor do I have any desire to do so. I am a minimalist at heart and would rather pour my financial resources into my daughters than my own hobbies. I want 1 (maybe 2) rifle(s) for a cool range gun and to train my daughters. If both are not possible, perhaps I get a 22 when they are older to start them and then they can move up to the 1903/SKS/Henry

I deer hunted with a Mossberg 500 starting at age 16. Brought home many a deer with that gun and only switched to a .45 Colt when handguns became legal in my state.

When my boys were 7 years old I bought them each .22 bolt action rifles. I was amazed at how quickly they got proficient with them. When they turned legal hunting age they moved up to Mossbergs, and got SKSs when they were old enough to buy them on their own.

It should go without saying that no matter what age they were, all their guns were locked in a safe and only I had the key. All ammo was locked in another safe, 2 floors away.

I was a "collector" before I got married. The wife was not happy with the guns, but put up with them. When we finally bought camping property and a cabin I built a rifle range. One day I convinced her to shoot Dad's 1939 Winchester Model 39A .22 bolt and she actually liked it. She now has a pistol permit and is fine with it all.

Shooting is truly a family sport. Being a member of the NRA is a must, plus the info they can supply to youngins is priceless.

BabaBlueJay · Oct 19, 2023

GypsmJim said:
I deer hunted with a Mossberg 500 starting at age 16. Brought home many a deer with that gun and only switched to a .45 Colt when handguns became legal in my state.

When my boys were 7 years old I bought them each .22 bolt action rifles. I was amazed at how quickly they got proficient with them. When they turned legal hunting age they moved up to Mossbergs, and got SKSs when they were old enough to buy them on their own.

It should go without saying that no matter what age they were, all their guns were locked in a safe and only I had the key. All ammo was locked in another safe, 2 floors away.

I was a "collector" before I got married. The wife was not happy with the guns, but put up with them. When we finally bought camping property and a cabin I built a rifle range. One day I convinced her to shoot Dad's 1939 Winchester Model 39A .22 bolt and she actually liked it. She now has a pistol permit and is fine with it all.

Shooting is truly a family sport. Being a member of the NRA is a must, plus the info they can supply to youngins is priceless.

I'll never stop trying to get her to go. She is open to seeing the club which is beautiful in the middle of the woods. Maybe just take her there for a start and ease here into it.

Also to all the people saying I need more or you had more when you were a teenager, good on you. I love that people enjoy their 2nd amendment rights. Just remember I grew up in a household with no guns and my wife was the same way. For some people a massive collection is great, for others that may not be the goal. I don't want more than 3 because I have other things I'd like to spread my resources to as well. I do appreciate most of the helpful feedback though.

Drm50 · Oct 19, 2023

The only real gun on the list is the 03.

gerhard1 · Oct 19, 2023

None of the above.

Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle in 308 Winchester is what I'd pick.

Faulkner · Oct 19, 2023

Limiting one self to just one rifle seems un-American.

6518John · Oct 19, 2023

My dad always told me when he was into his cups, “son, all a man needs are three guns. A model 10 Smith, a model 12 Winchester, 12 gauge with modified choke, and a pre 64 Model 70 in 30.06. And it wouldn’t hurt to slip in a little Belgium Browning .22. But don’t tell your mother I said any of this!”

BabaBlueJay · Oct 19, 2023

Faulkner said:
Limiting one self to just one rifle seems un-American.

I would agree, but that's my situation. I still have a revolver and a shotgun so it's not my only gun at least.

Exaviator · Oct 19, 2023

Aside from bowling over the odd bunny, at 83 my hunting days are over and have divested myself of all, but one long-gun. It is a 1948 Model 1 Bruno .22, owned since new and still in excellent condition.

Baltimoreed11754 · Oct 19, 2023

Given your qualifications the .357 is the only choice. Everything else is too much gun for your daughter to enjoy. Other than the 1903 [have two] I wouldn’t want any of the others if you gave them to me.

STCM(SW) · Oct 19, 2023

At least you can reload a 30-06 up or down to your needs....

Mike SC Hunter · Oct 19, 2023

NOT GONNA HAPPEN..........But your thread generated lots bandwith.

If I can have only one rifle, which should it be?

If I can only have 1 rifle, which should I get?

Henry AR-7

Norinco SKS

Henry All-weather Big Boy (357 Magnum)

Springfield M1903

Norinco Type 56 AK-47

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