This might be a conversation that a non-firearms enthusiast spouse shouldn't encounter. The firearms themselves may not be inexpensive, but as tabs suggests, supplying them with ammunition is a whole different investment.

How many primers is enough?

That looks familiar............
 

[QUOTE=Henry Schmidt;


I guess that leaves something to carry;
I go old school for this Colt 1908 .380. It gives me that Al Capone feel.

[/QUOTE]

Hmmm, that looks familiar! Only mine is a .32 and a bit older.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1391607045.jpg

5 Specific firearms.

#1 Model 37 Ithica with 18.5" and 28" barrels, and solid and folding stocks.

#2 Big game rifle. I would choose a .30-06 and something bolt action. One of the 700/70/77 variants with a Leupold scope would be where I would lean. But There are other actions (lever, pump, and although not allowed for hunting in PA, semi-auto as well), and many capable calibers. Most of these are limited to 5 round fixed magazines, but if you get one with a detachable magazine, often larger capacities can be had.

#3 .357 magnum revolver. Earlier I said 4", but I think this would be my primary self-defense weapon, so I think I'd go with a 3" K frame S&W, or a 2.75" Security Six, or a 3" Sp101. Probably in stainless for ease of maintenance. And I'd really rather have adjustable sights unless blown away by the deal on a fixed sight model.

Those three would allow for hunting medium and large game with the .30-06 and small game, turkeys, and waterfowl with the 12ga. The shotgun would double as a home defense weapon, and you could carry, target shoot, and I suppose hunt with the revolver. The next 2 will be personal preference firearms.

#4 Model 92 Browning in .357 magnum. A nice rifle that would serve for target practice, small game (with .38 specials) and medium game (with .357 magnum) hunting arm, and an excellent home defense weapon. Plus it isn't real common, and if you care for it will likely appreciate in value.

#5 20ga shotgun. This also could serve as both a hunting and home defense arm. I would get a double, and like the 92, I would look at nicer offerings with an expectation that it would appreciate in value, but not something so collectible that it would make me afraid to use it. Maybe a Browning, a Winchester 101, or a Ruger Red Lable.

I would also shoot as much as was practicable. And I would consider reloading. I don't have a .22 on my list, and that is in part because if you cast your own bullets, you can shoot .38 specials as economically as .22's. It won't save you any money on shooting (you'll still spend your entire ammo budget), but it will allow you to shoot much more. Having a handgun and a rifle that shoot the same ammo serves to simplify things.

TM, why a 20ga shotgun and not a 12ga?

The 20ga is a subjective choice. the Ithica 37 would be a 12ga, and for upland game, I like a 20ga better. Plus the smaller gauges seem to appreciate better than the more common 12. But 28ga and .410 can be pricey to shoot. The Model 92 and the 20ga are meant to be useful, but more subjectively pleasing. The 12ga, big game rifle and handgun are utilitarian and purposeful.

.22lr- Ruger 10-22
.22lr-semi auto pistol
9mm- HK FNS or G19
308- Rem 700
12g- Winchester 870 6+1