Here we go, with yet another of Kim’s imaginary scenarios.
Your house and all your belongings were destroyed in a fire while you were away on vacation. Fortunately, you were extremely well-insured, and your payout will enable you to rebuild your life almost completely.
However, you decide that you’d rather move out into the boonies and live in the mountains, e.g. on a piece of land such as this one:
…and you could afford to build a log cabin such as this one on the property:
So having established all that — and please refrain from making any criticisms or comments on all the above, the really important question is this:
What guns would you choose to have on hand, on your new property? (And to make it a little challenging, assume that for the first year, you only have room for a twelve-gun safe for long guns in your new house; and your wife / girlfriend has limited you to six handguns so she can buy better-class kitchen appliances or some such nonsense.)
Note that the locale will have all sorts of critters roaming around that you may have to deal with, so choose accordingly.
My choices are below the fold.
Rifle #1: Taurus Mod 62M (.22 Mag)
Rifle #2: Browning Buck Mark (.22 LR)
…because the next choice is:
Handgun #1: Browning Buck Mark (.22 LR)
Handgun #2: Ruger Single-Six (.22 LR/Mag)
Handgun #3: Ruger Super Blackhawk (.44 Mag) — for those close encounters of the dangerous kind
Handgun #4: 1911 (.45 ACP) — for those occasional shopping trips to town
Handgun #5: Uberti 1875 Outlaw (.45 Colt) — because cowboy
Handgun #6: S&W Mod 65 (.357 Mag) — bedside gun
Rifle #3: Mauser Mod 12 (6.5x55mm) — hunting in open country
Rifle #4: Marlin 1895 (.45-70 Govt) — because bears
Rifle #5: Winchester 94 (.30-30) — hunting in the deep woods
Rifle #6: AK-47 (7.62x39mm) — because every home should have one, even in the boonies
Rifle #7: CZ 550 Lux (.300 Win Mag) — to reach out and touch someone/thing
Rifle #8: M1 Carbine — because you need to have some fun, too
Rifle #9: Cooper Mod 21 (.223 Rem) — for varminting past 75 yards
Rifle #10: Taurus/Winchester Mod 63 (.22 LR) — because I’m sentimental
The last two long guns in the safe are shotguns:
#11: Mossberg 500 (12ga) — for more close encounters of the dangerous kind (and I wouldn’t keep it in the safe, either)
#12: CZ Bobwhite (20ga)
…because you’d better believe that on 160 acres, I’d have at least one of these:
So… your choices?
Winchester 94 in 30-30
Winchester 70 in .30-06
Winchester 62 in .22 LR
M1 Garrand in .30-06
AR-15 M4 pattern in .556 NATO
Colt 1911 A1 in .45 ACP
AK-47 in 7.62x.39
Dan Wesson Mod 744 in .44 MAG
S&W K frame in .375 MAG
FN Hi-Power in 9mm
Winchester Mod 12 in 12 Ga
Winchester Super-X in 12 Ga
Well, I live in rural Montana, on a bit more than 160 acres.
The ‘important to locale’ weapons I have are not too special. I have an assortment of AR’s in 5.56 and 7.62, because the ergonomics are best in class. I have a couple of 1911s but carry a Glock in .45ACP normally, a G20 in 10mm in the field. A couple of Mossberg 500s including a Shockwave. Over the fireplace I have a Henry in .45-70, in case of bear… A couple of 10/22s including a stainless takedown, a couple of Mk-Rugers, a 22/45.
The truck gun is an FR-8 in 7.62, which I used to take my last elk. My late wife got one that same day with her M/28-30 Mosin (she was of Finnish heritage). Killed, field dressed from the blast, cooked from the fireball, all in one shot.
I have a 6.5 Creedmore RPR, a Savage 110 in 6.5 Creed, a .338 Lapua Magnum (custom), and a .416 Rigby on a Pattern 14 Enfield (also Custom). And if a modern-day Hannibal comes across the Bitterroots with his elephants, a .50BMG
I don’t bird hunt, but do have a couple of bows…
” Killed, field dressed from the blast, cooked from the fireball, all in one shot. ”
Best description of a Mosin, ever.
Ditto!
Laugh of the Day.
Yep. I describe my M44 carbine as a triple-threat weapon – stab ’em, shoot ’em, set ’em on fire, all in one motion.
Judging by the vegetation, this is moderate elevation. It is also downhill from the ski area so again moderate elevation. Other than the normal defensive weapons and fun guns everyone should have no matter where they live the location would indicate a couple of specific choices. Griz do live in the area so you are going to want a heavy rifle, 12G and revolver sufficient to the purpose. Assuming you hunt, you are going to want an elk rifle like a 338 or 300 Win Mag and something lighter like a 308 for the mulies. An extra barrel for your 12G should do for bird hunting with a range of bird shot covering pheasants to geese.
Well, with 160 acres gun safes are not required. All guns will be stationed and properly maintained so as to be immediately useable at all times.
My armory would contain firearms capable of personal protection, fun, and able to kill any living thing that might be on the property. There would be multiples of all firearms, plenty of replacement parts, and all supportive supplies and large volumes of ammo.
The home in the picture is not very big, maybe 1500 sf in living area. I would increase the size a little, rearrange the room orientation, and have a walk-out basement to include a large larder and water storage. I would also have a large ground based solar array, and a 5-10 acre pond for water access.
Six Handguns
1 – Sig P229 9MM
2 – Ruger Blackhawk convertible 4.62 in blued 9MM / 357 & 38
3 – Ruger Single Six convertible 4.62 in blued 22 LR & 22 WMR
4 – Ruger GP100 4 in stainless 357 Magnum
5 – Ruger LCR 38 Special hammerless 1.87 in
6 – Ruger Alaskan 2.5 in stainless 44 Mag
Twelve Rifles
1 – Ruger 10 / 22 stainless 22 LR
2 – Marlin 60 Stainless 22 LR
3 – Savage 270 bolt action
4 – Mossberg 500 12 gauge
5 – Norinco SKS 7.62
6 – Henry Lever action 357 Mag
7 – Henry Lever action 44 Mag
8 – Henry Lever action 30 30
9 – Ruger Red Label 20 gauge
10 – Mossberg 500 410
11 – CZ bolt action 22 rifle
12 – Marlin 39A lever action 22 LR
I live about 1/4 of the year in BC just north of Eureka Montana, lake Koocanusa west, pretty isolated place on a dead end road mostly surrounded by lake and crown land.
As for guns not much, just a 30-06, .308, 3 .22s, a12 gauge, and a .410. I get to shoot many more because when my oldest son comes to visit he brings twice as many. We spend many happy and noisy hours at a nice 150 yard range across the road and about a half mile down a forestry road.
With your fantasy land, you might as well have a fantasy lake too, so you too can have a hole in the water you throw money into. Why should I be the only one to spend a fortune and work 40 hours a year to go boating for a week? Lake Koocanusa is a nice big reservoir extending down from Canada to Libby where the dam is and there are thousands of other lakes.
As for log cabin, the layout looks nice but the loggishness of that thing will cost a fortune to build, maintain and insulate. All of my neighbours who have them have grown to hate them. Build the way the locals build, you’ll like it. And as ghostsniper writes, your plan is small. The locals mostly do stick framing, often with steel siding and roof in fire-prone areas, and you can build a 3,000 sq ft house that way at the same cost as your log cabin.
Good pick in Montana, an utterly beautiful state. The Montana mountains and the southern interior of BC also share a fantastic climate. Hot dry summers, mild winters with snow but not too much snow, great skiing, lots of game, you’ll love it.
Indeed. We almost bought property in Eureka. Since my wife was Canadian we talked about living in Canada, but the firearms laws being what they are….living in Ottowagrad, Ontario Oblast, was bad enough.
Nice. Add a walk-out basement, and you’re nearly there.
As to guns: Start with the basics – the required preparation 4 calibers, first: .22, 9mm, 5.56, and 12 gauge. Those because the ammunition is readily available anywhere, and between them will do any job.
If I were collecting for the zombie apocalypse (or its equivalent), everything would be in those 4 calibers. Of course, that’s not the whole goal, so we’ll need more, but it’s the place to start. A 10/22, a Sig P320 (any competent 9mm duty size gun will do), a decent AR (I’ve assembled all of mine, and they run like clockwork), and my preference for the 12 gauge is an 870. Lots of other viable options, of course.
Double that for redundancy. And that’s just a starter. Lets see, that’s 6 long guns so far, and 2 handguns.
Beyond that, this is Montana, after all, so bear country. Big bore handgun country, so .44 mag, probably a Ruger Blackhawk (3). Gonna need a nice 1911, say a Wilson Combat (4 – by my running count). Everybody should have a .357 mag revolver; mine’s a Ruger GP100 (5). And a SAA, in .45 colt, of course. As someone put it above, because cowboy.
As to the additional 6 long guns – a couple lever guns, say a 1873 Winchester platform in both .45 and .44 mag, to pair up with the revolver. Handy, easy to shoot, adequate for nearly any daily needs. For more long range needs, a bolt rifle in .270, say a nice Winchester M70, appropriately scoped. For more range, a dedicated long range shooter, probably in 6.5 Creedmore; it seems to be the current long-range champ, and has been around long enough it looks to stay, not just pass away in favor of the next big cool round.
At this point, the NEEDS have been met, so it’s on to the wants. I have two spots left. Your rules don’t let me take the old warhorses (yet), so I’ll have to pick just a couple. First, I’ll have to take a Garand. Required. Because Garand.
And finally, I’m disappearing on (only) 160 acres, presumably away from it all, and I want the away to stay away. My last choice will cost more than the others combined, but will serve the “get off my lawn” purpose, and feed the historical itch. Give me a Browning 1919 – fully auto. In vintage correct 30-06. I’ll mount it to a Jeep or a truck, and prepare additional positions on an appropriate approach points with pre-positioned ammunition.
Now where do I buy claymores?
BTW – I looked at the map, and checked the area on Google maps. Way too close to actual people. If you’re limited to 160 acres, it needs to be much further away from population centers like Missoula. And if you’re going to be that close to Missoula, you need a lot more than 160 acres. Or 12 guns.
Humankind I like fine – it’s people I can’t stand. Any city or town of more than about 20,000 at a time is to be avoided.
I’d like a larger floor plan. I’d like a den on the first floor too. Also need a reloading room.
Handguns
1) S&W 29 4″
2) S&W 686 or 66
3) S&W model 17 or 617 6 shot
4) S&W J frame 442 would suffice
5) Ruger Mk II or later
6) S&W 1911 or if money were no object Wilson Combat, Les Baer, Dan Wesson etc
That was hard, just 6 handguns. Maybe swap out the J frame for a 9mm S&W M&P 9c for a town gun.
Longarms
1) Mossberg 500 12 ga with bird barrel, slug barrel and 18″ Home defense barrel
2) Browning Citori 425 or 525 whatever I already have. O/U for clays and bird hunting. I have 12ga but maybe a 20ga would be a better option here.
That should do for shotguns
3) Ruger 77mk II or Winchester pre-64 model 70 in 30-06 with iron sights and a good scope like Leupold
4) Ruger 10/22 for fun and small game
5) M1 Garand
6) M1A .308/7.62 fun and reach out to touch
7) M1 Carbine fun fun fun
8) Marlin 336 30-30 because ‘Merica
9) K31 Swiss because I don’t have one or maybe something quality in 7mm-08
10) No 4 mk II Lee Enfield -fun
11) Ruger 77/22 bolt action 22lr
12) AK or AR I suppose. Fun, good for defense I suppose
Can I trade a couple rifles for more handguns?
JQ
we need an archery range, tomahawk throwing area and a good size lake for kayaking and fishing
JQ
Everyone has been watching toooooo muuuch YELLOWSTONE!
(which ain’t a bad thing)
The house needs a basement. 😉
Not surprisingly, I cheated. Many of my firearms have a quick change ability for other calibers and barrels for additional capabilities. And a lot of them are suppressed, because I enjoy collecting stamps. Many of the firearms are Self-Defense related, as 160 acres in Montana screams EOTWAWKI. At the very least it implies a gunsmith will be a looooong way away.
Long Guns
AR-15 (With 5.56mm and 300 BO (Super and Sub) Uppers (Suppressed))
Browning BL-22 Lever (Suppressed)
CZ 600 Alpha (6.5 Creed and .308 Barrels) (Suppressed)
M-1 Garand
Marlin 1894C Pre-Remington (Suppressed)
Marlin 1895CB Pre-Remington
Marlin 336 Pre-Remington (Suppressed)
Mossberg 500 w/ Several Barrels
Ruger 10/22 Competition (Suppressed)
Ruger PCC 9 w/ M-LOK Handguard (Suppressed)
SIG MCX Virtus Patrol (300 BO) (Suppressed)
SR-25 Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle (6.5 Creed and .308 Uppers) (Suppressed)
Handguns
Browning Buck Mark Field 5.5 (Suppressed)
Glock 20 Gen5
Glock 34 Gen5 (Suppressed)
Glock 48 (Shield Mags and Extendos)
Ruger GP 100 Match Champion
SIG MCX Rattler 300 BO (Suppressed)
I’ve been out running around town all day and fighting with the cable company in search of a cheaper rate. We looked at my bill and I said “Is that the best you can do for me. I’m willing to drop a bunch of “premium” channels that I never watch.” “Sorry sir that’s the best we can do.” “Okay my local power power company can give me higher speed internet, no data cap, decent TV channel selection, and my same phone service – yeah I still have a land line – for about $200 a month less. I’ll turn in my stuff as soon as I get the power company system installed.” Better to say “sorry sir” and lose my whole account.
Now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, let’s talk guns.
Pistols:
.22 Browning Buck Mark
.22/.22 mag Ruger Single Six
Smith 686 4″ barrel – a great “walking around” gun
Ruger Blackhawk 6″ barrel in .44 mag
Wilson Combat or other high end 1911 in .45acp of course
A good quality 9mm service pistol. I’m not a Glock guy so I’ll probably go SIG.
Long guns:
Henry .22 lever gun. They’re all good and that brass receiver really is pretty
Henry Big Boy in .44 mag – another pretty rifle
Old model Marlin Guide gun in .45-70. Bear medicine
Old model Marlin 1894 in .357
Daniel Defense AR-15 5.56 M-4 style Not a real big fan of that caliber but a guy needs something that shoots the most common military and law enforcement round out there just in case.
Daniel Defense AR-10 .308 Long barrel with a good scope. Reach out and touch someone with another caliber that’s available almost anywhere.
M-1 Garand. Not as much .30-06 lying around as there used to be but it works on deer and social irritants with soft points. I’d lay in some tracers and black tip armor piercing. Never can tell when you might need it.
M-1 carbine – lots of fun to shoot. A decent rifle for somebody who’s recoil shy. Not a long term go to gun because ammunition is pretty hard to find. Time to fire up the reloading gear.
I don’t know CZ’s as well as I should but I’ll bet that they could set me up with a nice long range bolt gun in .300 win mag as an elk rifle.
Cooper Scout rifle in .308. I’ve never been convinced of the practicality of this rifle but I’ve always wanted one if only because its so weird.
Older model Remington 870 police model with rifle sights, extended tube and some sort of weatherproof finish. Nothing quite says get off my lawn as a nice as a good pump gun.
Browning A5 semi auto in 20 gauge. Fun bird gun.
I’m going to assume that we’re leaving the muzzle-loading guns out of this. Mostly because they are the contents of Vault A and most of Vault B…both 48-gun vaults.
Cartridge guns:
Pistol:
Pardini SP in .22LR. I love a true match-grade .22.
Morini CM-84 free pistol.
Manurhin MR73. 6 inch barrel. Best revolver out there.
Glock 19 with red dot sight (I know, it’s blasphemy. Sue me.)
Seecamp LWS32 (deep concealment gun)
S&W Model 29.
Rifle:
Anschutz 1710. The ultimate sporter .22
LWRC REPR. 7.62×51 battle rifle. Alternate is a custom AR-10 build.
Custom Mauser-action rifle in .375 H&H Magnum. Good for anything in North America.
Shotgun:
Beretta 686. Sporting gun.
And forget the floor plan…I want room for a hot tub. And a 10m air pistol range indoors.