12 gauge pump is the most versatile firearm, you can hunt doves and squirrels, all the way up to grizzly bear and moose! That can’t be done with any other firearm!
I agree with the simplicity angle. I own three guns, a 12 gauge pump shotgun, a 357 magnum revolver, and an AR-15. The only reason I went with an AR is because of my Army experience, it's the rifle I'm most familiar with as far as maintenance and servicing.
Good luck! LMFAO let me get you started. This guy has the holy trinity of self defense arms±. He has military training which goes beyond pointing and firing a gun, e.g., listening, stalking, hiding, patience, strategy, psychology, preparedness,... list goes on. So... His front door you kicked in, that was your warning to stay out. I'm not joking even a little when I say, his door was closed and locked for your protection, not his. If you're lucky he's a Marine or Navy Seal so your death will be relatively quick, painless, and you won't live long enough to even know it happened. Yippee-ki-yah, kids!@@spacecoyote6646
Upgrade the AR-15 from the standard 5.56 round to a 6mm ARC. You'll need a new barrel obviously, but also a new bolt carrier group and possibly magazines. Much more power and legal to hunt deer and larger game in all 50 states without very little extra recoil.. Probably the most accurate cartridge for the AR-15 platform and has excellent barrel life. An excellent all-around cartridge.
I grew up on a farm, and my dad had 3 guns, a winchester single shot 12 gauge similar to yours, a Revelation .22 bolt action rifle that held about 15 rounds in a tubular magazine under the barrel, and an HG 9 shot .22 revolver. These served all of our firearms needs, from hunting to pest control to slaughtering livestock. They would have served us well in self defense as well, if we had ever needed that.
Similar story here. Dad had a 12 gauge shotgun, just a basic model, don't remember the brand, and a Winchester .25-20 he got as a Christmas gift at work (that was back in the 50's). He gave the shotgun to a neighbor that hunted, but used the .25-20 for varmints until he finished the 2 boxes of ammo he'd gotten with the rifle. When he went to the sporting goods store to get more ammo the firearms fellow said if Dad promised to put that rifle away and keep it safe he'd _give_ him a Ruger .22. Dad's long gone but I've still got both those rifles.
CCI has released a new .22 round called "Uppercut" which was designed for Pistols BUT runs close to 1500fps out of a Rifle, Mushrooms extremely well,... It actually runs 950fps & mushrooms out of a pistol.
My first gun was an old Iver Johnson 410 2& 3/4chamber I still have I have taken a lot of squirrels and rabbits with it more than I can count it also have taken doves with it and raccoons and barn rats
h&r my first 12 gauge single. when "hunting" was fun. 15 years old hunting pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, dove. thanks for the video. keep em coming. I subbed to your channel. as I continued to watch , I saw the adapters...... I have never heard such a thing. im gonna find some. thank you
For Me this is as simple as it gets. 1) Ruger 10/22. Will take a Deer all the way down to a Squirrel and 2) S&W .44 mag. Nothing on the America's it won't stop From a Coastal Grizzly and a Moose , Human beings. 100 rds of Buffalo Bore rounds and you can easily carry a couple of thousand rounds of .22lr. That alone would last you a decade to supplement your fishing and trapping.
I am 61 years old. Born & raised Outdoors here in Arkansas. I own many guns & rifles but my primary choice of weapon is a Single Barrel. I buy Henry single barrel guns for the sole purpose that they are made 💯 here in the USA 🇺🇸. I fill the freezers each season using them. I believe that the best choice for survival & homesteading is simplicity & the single barrel fits that need. As You stated, a good 22 is as important. Again Henry & Winchester gets the nod on that. I like the more vintage Winchester 22’s as they were also built here in the USA & the quality exceeds the junk being offered today. I like my 22’s being able to shoot all 3 sizes being short, long, & long rifle. Your message in this post is spot on. Thanks for recognizing & spreading the message of Single Barrels. I couldn’t agree more.
I was born and raised in the Ozark mountain, somethings he said I liked and and agree with some things I did not agree with it, but that’s just me you can take the game with a22 if you know how to shoot
I would suggest looking at the Rossi lever action .22 rifles. I have one that I take with me in my tractor when I am bushogging or when I just take a walk in the woods. It shoots shorts, longs and long rifles. It's never jammed on me.
For the wilderness I’d go with 1.) Remington 870 2.) any .22 I like my marlin and ruger 3.) ar15 5.56 upper and .300 blackout upper 4.) .357, .44, or 10 mm. But the Remington 870 will do the job of all of the other 3
Great idea on the adapters. Knew they were out there for AR's but never thought about shotguns. Guess I'm gonna buy my own Christmas present ! Thanks for the info.
Good pick. This followed by a rimfire rifle would be pretty much all you needed for most chores. Rimfire only because the ammo is so much cheaper and quieter.
I have a Stevens 20 gauge single shot that’s about 120 years old. It’s beat up but in perfect working order and very accurate. I am also fortunate enough to own 3 Handi Rifle actions that I bought over the years, plus this was back during the barrel exchange program. This gives me multiple calibers from 22 hornet to 45-70 Buffalo Classic and I paid less than a grand spread out over the years. Over time I even managed to find some really cool stocks, scope mounts etc. These are all fine rifles. Changing calibers takes less than a minute..an I should always be able to find ammo for one or two.
I got a nomad single shot 12 gauge great gun I luv her, I want to start hunting this year and will be using her the most honestly. Like the man said easy to use and clean also very versatile with adapters 👍🏾
My only criteria for a single shot shottie is that it has a shell ejector (not an extractor). With an ejector you save valuable time loading in a self defense situation
I have a Winchester 37A and I have barrel inserts for it in .22, .38/.357, and 30-30. I also have a 20ga tube for it. I had a buddy install a front and rear sight which really helps with the rifled inserts. I wouldn’t guess as to the number of squirrels, rabbits, grouse, turkeys and four deer taken with this over 50 years. You’re very right in saying a single shot shotgun is the one to have. It has put food on my table and would absolutely be my choice as a survival weapon.
I AGREE with you about a 12ga single shot shotgun is the MOST versatile weapon (tool) you could have when the GOING GETS TOUGH. I bought a New England Arms single shot with rifle sights so it would be even better when using SLUGS and the adapters to different calibers. 😁👍
Several companies make a .22/410 combo gun and I've always considered it the gun you could survive with, if you could only have one. Yeah, I know they're only single shots but still...
big advantage is that the ammo is lite.If you had to get and go its the .22. Four 500 round boxes can fit in your back pack.I do have a .17 caliber air rife,spring activated,4 power scope.Its deadly on small game out to 50yds and you can carry (alot!) of ammo
Good pick and good explanations. Well done! Very similar to my picks & reasons. "Chazel" brand adapters in the U.S. State of Georgia are the ones that I have. They make various calibers & gauges. From .22 rimfire up to .45-70 Govt. cartridges. My 12-gauge single-shot shotgun is a long-barreled Winchester model 37.
Good stuff, my first gun was a New England Firearms single shot 410. Literally have killed everything from birds to deer with that old gun. When I turned 15 my uncle gave me an H&R topper 58 just like that, no tellin how much I've put in the freezer with that thing. Great guns for sure and hold a very special place in my heart, I've got a handful of adapters for mine now to allow me to fire 12, 20, 410, 45 colt, 40 s&w, 38 special, 9mm, and 22lr. Not all the most accurate but could work in a pinch if it's all you had and couldnt find certain ammo for your gun.
Love those Ol' Toppers too, always thought the ones with a spare rifle or shotgun barrel were a great idea too! Where does one buy chamber adapters for a reasonable price?? Thanks, Blsgs, gg
I at 12 yo dropped a bull moose at 20 feet with a 12 ga. Double brl. shotgun. My trading mentor let me use one of his. We reloaded and made lead ball ammo or slugs. The moose was actually attacking me as it burst from brush, seeing me it charged. And no it was not moose season but back then we hunted 13 months a year.😊
My buddes bought H&R 20 ga in 1971 for $70. I got a Coast to Coast 12 ga. slide gun. We hunted everything. But in a few years we all went and got 12 ga. Reminton 1100's. That's still my go to. One screw to remove the barrel. I have mulitple barrels. Thanks for a good video.
Oh , BTW that H&R with the multiple caliber tunes is a nice choice. I'm not a fan of single shots BUT they do have a way of making you a better shooter as you don't have any room for Era
That adapter also fits in the stock by removing the recoil pad .I put a price of cork in the bottom of it to keep from scratching it and raddleing around so much
Good choice. Since the H&R is no longer manufactured, I found that Savage made one, the Savage Stevens Model 301. It has an ejector rather than an extractor and it's very simple. I also have some Short Lane Adapters for several different calibers and gauges. It is a very versatile weapon.
Well presented logic and conclusion. Gave me something to think about. I probably don't have enough versatility in my ammo stockpile for 12 gauge. Seems I have both ends of the shot spectrum (#8's and 00) but not enough in the middle. Thanks for the thought provokers.
Ive got a 12 gauge benelli M1 super 90. Its been an amazing hunting weapon for a number of years. I added a pistol grib and a +6 round tube extension to make it a very formidable self defense weapon too.
I still have my first shotgun given to me by my grandpa 49 years ago. Harrington and Richardson 410 shotgun. Shot my first rabbit with it . Great memories!
My favorite Shotgun is my Rossi Coach Gun. I have a 357 rifled insert for one barrel. And the whole thing brakes down to a nice compact package for storing.
Well, when I first saw the title of your video, my first thoughts were a .22 rifle or a .357 magnum revolver. But it's mighty hard to argue against the versatilty of a scattergun. Nice choice.
H&R and it's successor, NEF, are both out of business, (2024). I agree that the single-shot, break-open shotties, are an excellent choice for the backwoods homestead. I like them so much that I have, ( among all the rest, both black powder and modern firearms ) three of them. As you mentioned, Short Lane makes adapters for break-open actions, in many pistol calibers, ( tho' I don't think they make them in rifle calibers ) I bought one in .45 Colt to pair it with a 1873 SAA, reproduction revolver, and a Circuit Judge, (410/.45 Colt) when I'm in the back country, which makes sense for me. I live in country where mountain lions have become problematical. But I can hunt Blacktail deer, down to rabbits, squirrel, birds, etc. with the break-opens, if I need to.
The newer single shot break action shotguns have a fatal engineering flaw. The transfer bar system is the weak link and subject to breakage because the connection arm between the bottom of the bar and the top is rather thin and breaks easily. I suggest if this is THE gun you are relying on, order some spare transfer bars and learn how to replace them. I kept the shop well stocked with transfer bars and replaced many. These single shots in 20 ga. are often a youngster’s first gun. Kids & adults should be instructed never to dry fire the gun.
I agree the 22 mag can kill large game for survival at 100 yds with head shots! The 12 ga. is the best up close defensive weapon with buckshot and slug combo.
My first shotgun as a kid an Ithaca 66 12-gauge full choke single given to me for hunting geese. Well, later rabbit. And spooked dove flying super high. My experience if you don't have rapid follow-up shots, well, you get scary better. I think a good break single is WAY underrated. Yeah, I wouldn't ever sell it!
In response to Mr. Springers' remark about lack of firepower, a break action w/ auto. ejector is pretty fast to reload! A buttstock ammo cuff keeps extra ammo handy! Another option is one of the bolt-action repeater shotguns! An older Savage 24, .22 LR or Mag./over 20 gauge 3" is also a great choice, IF you can find one! God Bless, Merry Christmas Everyone! gg
With a break open 12 g, u can obtain many different inserts from 17 HMR to 9mm to 45 long colt. The 9mm insert makes the 9mm to have an effective range at 75 yards.
Brother, I tuned in for shiggles on this to see what your offering was and sure as shit my go to H&R SB1 12 gauge. #6 shot bird and take a handful and cut the shells. I made sure to send in for the .44 Magnum barrel when Remington offered them (starting 12/07). Inexpensive, light, durable. I graduated into getting a couple SB2's (hardened receiver for centerfire). Out of production, who knows maybe Ruger will revive these.
I like my 870 Express Combo. A spare barrel that's rifled with sights on it. 12 gauge shells from low base 2 3/4" dove & quail loads, up to 3" highbase loades, chokes for everything from close-in to way out goose or turkey hunting. The slugs will put any animal on the continent down at modest range. The Swiss Army Knife of the gun world.
Hard to argue that a 12 ga. Shotgun is the most versatile gun to have if you can only grab one. Those adapters are pretty cool too , never seen em before. Personally I would grab my trusty Remington 870 pump, have had it for 40 + years and it’s never malfunctioned once. If I was gonna grab an adapter and some other secondary ammo I’d probably just grab my Ruger .22 Single Six revolver and strap that on my belt. Good stuff Kirk.
Yeah got myself a straight pull Stoeger 3000 ,7 in the tube and 1 in the chamber 8 all up ,I decided it’s the best do everything gun,comes with 5 chokes from straight to number1 ,good out to 100 meters with a solid slug , and surprisingly accurate ,does everything
I own a 12 ga Stoeger coachgun. Such a great piece with a simple mechanism. Plus, you get that second shot. On my way of getting a sweet Marlin 336 in 30-30 caliber within a month or so. :)
Actually by my surprise marlin baught out HnR. For a long time i couldnt find one till i walked in a pawn shop and finally found one. I use to see them everywhere for around $100 to $175. This one that looks like a HnR but it said marlin on the but stock Anyway they are the most usefull tool for wilderness survival. I baught 3 adapters for mine. 1 in 45 acp and 1 in 357 mag and the other in 9mm. Which i have plenty of ammo for all 3.
I agree. Although i have other guns for specific game, i keep a 12 single shot where i can get it quickly and load with whatever size shell i need. I use it for predators that raid my chickens or threaten other livestock. I normally use birdshot for close work near the house or barn, but have high brass goose loads for longer ranges. I even keep slugs handy since ive had a bear come to my porch.
I have had the pleasure of listening to old men talking good and bad.. about every caliber in the realm.. the oldest guy was 75 yrs..I learned so much.. every one has their favorites and opinions... ain't,America great...? the education started at about 14 years old and 54 years in... I am the old guy ... the last of that association... my choice is most any .22 and a 12 gauge, pump or single shot always been able to get ammo for either...my nickels worth...
2 3/4" & 3" shells. Read the barrel. I agree with your observations, except full choke is a bad idea. Open choke out to 25 yrds. Modified out to 40 yrds. Full choke ruins meat most of the time. Sturdy and reliable. Good call. I carried one in Alaska for years. It fed and protected my family well.
1, .22 rimfire , for reasons that are self explanatory 2, 12 gauge , for all the reasons you mention 3, .308 , there is a reason it's the most popular center-fire , if you want one
Just get a double barrel shotgun with a 22lr adapter, that 2 guns in one. You can get adapters also in 9mm 45, 10mm, etc. so that's even more guns in one...3rd weapon, a crossbow or air-rifle would be best for the stealthy hunting.
Single shot shotgun is great for everything except self protection against armed criminals. No second shot, no chance vs well armed criminals who might number more than a few
Shoot I can pop a shell off have the action open shell in the sky and new shell loaded and shot before the ejected shell hit the ground. Grew up with single shots and still my favorite. Not ideal in a situation like that but you can make it work
When I was a kid, we hunted gators with a Dbl barrel 12 ga. and man, you can reload them FAST especially with your buddy carrying shells and loading. We'd take turns shooting/loading and when we were in tune, a second or 2 max. was all it'd take before another shot would come off. NOT ideal by any means, but sometimes, not by choice, you have to improvise or work together to make it work out the way you want
When i look back at 2020, the most rounds on the shelf were the odd ones, 44 mag, 357, 9x18 etc. Ive had a hell of a time finding common ones. Now if you're gonna have to break into peoples houses looking for ammo than yeah its the common calibers youll find.
I broke mine, I shot one too many 3.5 magnums. I thought it was fun to shoot clays like that for some reason so the barrel was hot. The front stock screw sleeve broke off the barrel and it pretty much just fell apart after the round went off. But we can mark that down as abuse instead of failure.
I own a H&R 20 gauge single shot! My dad bought me for Christmas in 1969 or 70 I was 14 or 15. He paid 26$ for it he bought my Brother and I both one! I believe from Gipson discount store many years ago! 👍
I keep a single shot shotgun and my folding stock AR in my SUV. They both serve a roll and don't take up any room at all. If you get hard up for ammo with the shotgun, you can use the single shot shotgun as a muzzle loader with an adapter and some black powder gear. Dave Canterburry at the Pathfinders vlog covers doing this very well.
I had a 410 years ago in this configuration. I have since learned more about it's versatility. Now I know these things, I agree with you 100% that If I could only have one gun, that shotgun in 12 G would be my pick !
I would go with a Savage model 24 with a 30-30 (or .308) over a 12 gauge and two caliber inserts: .22LR and .357! These calibers cover anything you might need to shot! Twelve gauge shotguns are great but you can carry 500 rounds of .22LR in your pocket but only around 20-30 12 gauge shells in that pocket. The .357 would be the same caliber as my handgun and right beside my Savage! Too bad no one makes (that I know of) a revolver that fires .357 and .22LR, perfect sidearm IMHO! The combination of 12 gauge and 30-30 will quickly give you that (potentially life-saving) second shot if you piss off the wrong bear or person!
I have an H&R single shot 20ga with a scope, rifled barrel. It's a beast, simple & accurate. Only drawback is the weight- but when out of ammo, will still make a good club!
Same! It’s my first firearm and probably still the most versatile. Mine is a 20 gauge NEF Pardner. 18th birthday present i got in 1998. I actually got the 8 inch rifled adapter insert/plug adapter thingy for .38 special.
my wife always asks me how many guns do you really need? One more honey just one more haha
12 gauge pump is the most versatile firearm, you can hunt doves and squirrels, all the way up to grizzly bear and moose! That can’t be done with any other firearm!
I agree with the simplicity angle. I own three guns, a 12 gauge pump shotgun, a 357 magnum revolver, and an AR-15. The only reason I went with an AR is because of my Army experience, it's the rifle I'm most familiar with as far as maintenance and servicing.
Thank you for listing your guns we have updated the database
@@spacecoyote6646
Good luck! LMFAO let me get you started. This guy has the holy trinity of self defense arms±. He has military training which goes beyond pointing and firing a gun, e.g., listening, stalking, hiding, patience, strategy, psychology, preparedness,... list goes on. So... His front door you kicked in, that was your warning to stay out. I'm not joking even a little when I say, his door was closed and locked for your protection, not his. If you're lucky he's a Marine or Navy Seal so your death will be relatively quick, painless, and you won't live long enough to even know it happened. Yippee-ki-yah, kids!@@spacecoyote6646
@@spacecoyote6646you are welcome
Upgrade the AR-15 from the standard 5.56 round to a 6mm ARC. You'll need a new barrel obviously, but also a new bolt carrier group and possibly magazines. Much more power and legal to hunt deer and larger game in all 50 states without very little extra recoil.. Probably the most accurate cartridge for the AR-15 platform and has excellent barrel life. An excellent all-around cartridge.
I grew up on a farm, and my dad had 3 guns, a winchester single shot 12 gauge similar to yours, a Revelation .22 bolt action rifle that held about 15 rounds in a tubular magazine under the barrel, and an HG 9 shot .22 revolver. These served all of our firearms needs, from hunting to pest control to slaughtering livestock. They would have served us well in self defense as well, if we had ever needed that.
There was a time when flintlocks served all a man’s needs.
@@tedwelton2912 Yet those men were elated when the cartridge came along.
@@tedwelton2912 Yea, but that was when men were men. Nowadays?
Similar story here. Dad had a 12 gauge shotgun, just a basic model, don't remember the brand, and a Winchester .25-20 he got as a Christmas gift at work (that was back in the 50's). He gave the shotgun to a neighbor that hunted, but used the .25-20 for varmints until he finished the 2 boxes of ammo he'd gotten with the rifle. When he went to the sporting goods store to get more ammo the firearms fellow said if Dad promised to put that rifle away and keep it safe he'd _give_ him a Ruger .22. Dad's long gone but I've still got both those rifles.
@@xlerb2286 Nice.
Think I'd go with a Ruger 10-22 or a pump-action 12g. But I agree with your thinking.
agree
Thats what I have
or both
.22 and a 12ga (10" barrel)pump... good to go!@@stantheman5929
CCI has released a new .22 round called "Uppercut" which was designed for Pistols BUT runs close to 1500fps out of a Rifle, Mushrooms extremely well,... It actually runs 950fps & mushrooms out of a pistol.
The most useful gun is the one you have on you when you need it.
My first gun was an old Iver Johnson 410 2& 3/4chamber I still have I have taken a lot of squirrels and rabbits with it more than I can count it also have taken doves with it and raccoons and barn rats
My first gun was a Savage 24 20g/22lr. I got it for my 11th birthday. A great gun
A very practical choice.
As a kid on the farm,it was an H&R sportsman 9 shot 22 revolver and a mossberg 12 gauge and I could hunt most anything..
My go to gun is an old Savage 20 gauge with a .22 on top. You can flick a switch on the trigger to choose your barrel.
Don't forget chamber adapters. With a good set, you can shoot the most popular calibers you can find in a survival situation.
I mentioned those in the video inagree
good job @An_Appeal_To_Heaven ..you didn't watch the video. he mentions them and SHOWS you them.
A .22 rifle is the most useful firearm, it’s my first choice by far and checks all boxes.
Would you use 22lr deer hunting?
@@patrikbenjamin8631 You could in a pinch. Shot placement becomes even more important then.
I completely agree 12 gauge is a great all around choice! Great video! 12 gauge also very good for home protection!!
h&r my first 12 gauge single. when "hunting" was fun. 15 years old hunting pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, dove. thanks for the video. keep em coming. I subbed to your channel. as I continued to watch , I saw the adapters...... I have never heard such a thing. im gonna find some.
thank you
For Me this is as simple as it gets.
1) Ruger 10/22. Will take a Deer all the way down to a Squirrel and
2) S&W .44 mag. Nothing on the America's it won't stop From a Coastal Grizzly and a Moose , Human beings. 100 rds of Buffalo Bore rounds and you can easily carry a couple of thousand rounds of .22lr. That alone would last you a decade to supplement your fishing and trapping.
I am 61 years old. Born & raised Outdoors here in Arkansas. I own many guns & rifles but my primary choice of weapon is a Single Barrel. I buy Henry single barrel guns for the sole purpose that they are made 💯 here in the USA 🇺🇸. I fill the freezers each season using them. I believe that the best choice for survival & homesteading is simplicity & the single barrel fits that need. As You stated, a good 22 is as important. Again Henry & Winchester gets the nod on that. I like the more vintage Winchester 22’s as they were also built here in the USA & the quality exceeds the junk being offered today. I like my 22’s being able to shoot all 3 sizes being short, long, & long rifle. Your message in this post is spot on. Thanks for recognizing & spreading the message of Single Barrels. I couldn’t agree more.
Thanks I think a lot of people had missed the point of it being simple and reliable as you said👍
I was born and raised in the Ozark mountain, somethings he said I liked and and agree with some things I did not agree with it, but that’s just me you can take the game with a22 if you know how to shoot
I would suggest looking at the Rossi lever action .22 rifles. I have one that I take with me in my tractor when I am bushogging or when I just take a walk in the woods. It shoots shorts, longs and long rifles. It's never jammed on me.
That's weeķ
I'd prefer a lever 22mag with compact scope be all you'd ever need 😊
Pure practicality and a logical choice for a first or an only.
I agree, a 12ga is very versital. I never knew they made daptors like that
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. Stay safe out there. 😊
Really good video. Well explained. I learned something in this clip.The tubes to make it a rifle/pistol round. I don`t get out enough.Thanks D.
For the wilderness I’d go with 1.) Remington 870 2.) any .22 I like my marlin and ruger 3.) ar15 5.56 upper and .300 blackout upper 4.) .357, .44, or 10 mm. But the Remington 870 will do the job of all of the other 3
You can carry 100X’s more 22lr but to each their own
@@mr.j5919And they’re quiet.
@@mr.j5919shotgun+22 pistol is the standard
Woolsocks. I agree. I have an old 870 and it has never let me down. Super reliable and super adaptable via ammo.
A 12ga. Shotgun with a field barrel and a slug barrel.my Remington pump action has served me well for 30 yrs
I still have my dad's Iver Johnson - Champion. Never fails me. Solid as a rock.
Great idea on the adapters. Knew they were out there for AR's but never thought about shotguns. Guess I'm gonna buy my own Christmas present ! Thanks for the info.
Thanks for sharing. The first shotgun I fired was a family relic break action gun chambered in 16-Ga.
Good pick. This followed by a rimfire rifle would be pretty much all you needed for most chores. Rimfire only because the ammo is so much cheaper and quieter.
I have a Stevens 20 gauge single shot that’s about 120 years old. It’s beat up but in perfect working order and very accurate. I am also fortunate enough to own 3 Handi Rifle actions that I bought over the years, plus this was back during the barrel exchange program. This gives me multiple calibers from 22 hornet to 45-70 Buffalo Classic and I paid less than a grand spread out over the years. Over time I even managed to find some really cool stocks, scope mounts etc. These are all fine rifles. Changing calibers takes less than a minute..an I should always be able to find ammo for one or two.
I got a nomad single shot 12 gauge great gun I luv her, I want to start hunting this year and will be using her the most honestly. Like the man said easy to use and clean also very versatile with adapters 👍🏾
My only criteria for a single shot shottie is that it has a shell ejector (not an extractor). With an ejector you save valuable time loading in a self defense situation
The H&R does. Pops the shell over your shoulder.
Kel-Tec KSG 25 loaded with 40 mini shells. Puts John Wayne to shame thinking he can shoot his 6 gun 15 times.
I have a Winchester 37A and I have barrel inserts for it in .22, .38/.357, and 30-30. I also have a 20ga tube for it. I had a buddy install a front and rear sight which really helps with the rifled inserts. I wouldn’t guess as to the number of squirrels, rabbits, grouse, turkeys and four deer taken with this over 50 years. You’re very right in saying a single shot shotgun is the one to have. It has put food on my table and would absolutely be my choice as a survival weapon.
I AGREE with you about a 12ga single shot shotgun is the MOST versatile weapon (tool) you could have when the GOING GETS TOUGH. I bought a New England Arms single shot with rifle sights so it would be even better when using SLUGS and the adapters to different calibers. 😁👍
Several companies make a .22/410 combo gun and I've always considered it the gun you could survive with, if you could only have one. Yeah, I know they're only single shots but still...
Springfield Armory M6 Scout
big advantage is that the ammo is lite.If you had to get and go its the .22. Four 500 round boxes can fit in your back pack.I do have a .17 caliber air rife,spring activated,4 power scope.Its deadly on small game out to 50yds and you can carry (alot!) of ammo
Good pick and good explanations. Well done! Very similar to my picks & reasons. "Chazel" brand adapters in the U.S. State of Georgia are the ones that I have. They make various calibers & gauges. From .22 rimfire up to .45-70 Govt. cartridges. My 12-gauge single-shot shotgun is a long-barreled Winchester model 37.
If I'd have to choose only one...I'd pick a 10/22......but to each his own...good video
Good stuff, my first gun was a New England Firearms single shot 410. Literally have killed everything from birds to deer with that old gun. When I turned 15 my uncle gave me an H&R topper 58 just like that, no tellin how much I've put in the freezer with that thing. Great guns for sure and hold a very special place in my heart, I've got a handful of adapters for mine now to allow me to fire 12, 20, 410, 45 colt, 40 s&w, 38 special, 9mm, and 22lr. Not all the most accurate but could work in a pinch if it's all you had and couldnt find certain ammo for your gun.
Love those Ol' Toppers too, always thought the ones with a spare rifle or shotgun barrel were a great idea too! Where does one buy chamber adapters for a reasonable price?? Thanks, Blsgs, gg
Yes and I have a Harrison and Richardson .love that 12 gage.
That's the exact gun I inherited from my dad as my first firearm. Foolproof. Love that gun.
I at 12 yo dropped a bull moose at 20 feet with a 12 ga. Double brl. shotgun.
My trading mentor let me use one of his.
We reloaded and made lead ball ammo or slugs.
The moose was actually attacking me as it burst from brush, seeing me it charged.
And no it was not moose season but back then we hunted 13 months a year.😊
Heard moose is right tasty!
Good ole double, it works on anything in north America .
Dave Canterbury goes deep into detail on this even showing you how to make a muzzle loader out of it
My buddes bought H&R 20 ga in 1971 for $70. I got a Coast to Coast 12 ga. slide gun. We hunted everything. But in a few years we all went and got 12 ga. Reminton 1100's. That's still my go to. One screw to remove the barrel. I have mulitple barrels. Thanks for a good video.
I always liked the barrel exchange that they have available
Oh , BTW that H&R with the multiple caliber tunes is a nice choice. I'm not a fan of single shots BUT they do have a way of making you a better shooter as you don't have any room for Era
Don't u mean error
That adapter also fits in the stock by removing the recoil pad .I put a price of cork in the bottom of it to keep from scratching it and raddleing around so much
Cool beans love the adapter!👍
This is helpful, thanks.
Good choice. Since the H&R is no longer manufactured, I found that Savage made one, the Savage Stevens Model 301. It has an ejector rather than an extractor and it's very simple. I also have some Short Lane Adapters for several different calibers and gauges. It is a very versatile weapon.
Well presented logic and conclusion. Gave me something to think about. I probably don't have enough versatility in my ammo stockpile for 12 gauge. Seems I have both ends of the shot spectrum (#8's and 00) but not enough in the middle. Thanks for the thought provokers.
Very comprehensive video.
I agree , different loads for different reasons, pump action preferred
Ive got a 12 gauge benelli M1 super 90. Its been an amazing hunting weapon for a number of years. I added a pistol grib and a +6 round tube extension to make it a very formidable self defense weapon too.
Cool. Still have my first gun from about 40 years ago. 16 gauge Harrington & Richardson! Love it. Though I have a bunch more nowadays 🤫. Lol
I still have my first shotgun given to me by my grandpa 49 years ago. Harrington and Richardson 410 shotgun. Shot my first rabbit with it . Great memories!
I have to keep a few secret too👌
My favorite Shotgun is my Rossi Coach Gun. I have a 357 rifled insert for one barrel. And the whole thing brakes down to a nice compact package for storing.
+ 1 for the coach gun…small travel package!…great fun when dollar store 2liters are in season!
I own Harrington & Richardson shotguns in 410ga and 12ga. You were able to get at one time rifle barrels from .22 to 45/70. Thanks for the video.
Well, when I first saw the title of your video, my first thoughts were a .22 rifle or a .357 magnum revolver. But it's mighty hard to argue against the versatilty of a scattergun.
Nice choice.
Great video, thank you, bro.
Appreciate it
Good choice. Just from a practicality standpoint. Shot shells for small game and buckshot or slugs for large game.
Helpful info, thanks
1. Ruger 10/22
2. Mossberg 590 A1 Retro 12 gauge
3. Windham weaponry 20 inch Government profile m16 clone 5.56 NATO
4. Glock 19
Yep! I’m looking into getting a 20 gauge single shot shotgun for all around upland game hunting.
A 22 is very useful as a survival weapon .
H&R and it's successor, NEF, are both out of business, (2024).
I agree that the single-shot, break-open shotties, are an excellent choice for the backwoods homestead. I like them so much that I have, ( among all the rest, both black powder and modern firearms ) three of them.
As you mentioned, Short Lane makes adapters for break-open actions, in many pistol calibers, ( tho' I don't think they make them in rifle calibers ) I bought one in .45 Colt to pair it with a 1873 SAA, reproduction revolver, and a Circuit Judge, (410/.45 Colt) when I'm in the back country, which makes sense for me. I live in country where mountain lions have become problematical. But I can hunt Blacktail deer, down to rabbits, squirrel, birds, etc. with the break-opens, if I need to.
The newer single shot break action shotguns have a fatal engineering flaw. The transfer bar system is the weak link and subject to breakage because the connection arm between the bottom of the bar and the top is rather thin and breaks easily. I suggest if this is THE gun you are relying on, order some spare transfer bars and learn how to replace them. I kept the shop well stocked with transfer bars and replaced many. These single shots in 20 ga. are often a youngster’s first gun. Kids & adults should be instructed never to dry fire the gun.
1. Airguns, kills small game and can be use for practice very cheaply
2. .22WMR, much more useful than a .22LR
3.12Ga
Air guns are very useful
Air guns have a tone of use! I’ve got a nice two barrel Beeman that shoots .22 and .25 pellets. The .25 hit hard!!
I agree the 22 mag can kill large game for survival at 100 yds with head shots! The 12 ga. is the best up close defensive weapon with buckshot and slug combo.
In a 12 gauge you can buy multiple gauge and adapters to shoot different caliber’s out of one gun. Not a nail driver but works .
My first shotgun as a kid an Ithaca 66 12-gauge full choke single given to me for hunting geese. Well, later rabbit. And spooked dove flying super high. My experience if you don't have rapid follow-up shots, well, you get scary better. I think a good break single is WAY underrated. Yeah, I wouldn't ever sell it!
You are 100 percent correct if you could only have 1 gun the 12g would serve very well with all the different shot shells that are available
In response to Mr. Springers' remark about lack of firepower, a break action w/ auto. ejector is pretty fast to reload! A buttstock ammo cuff keeps extra ammo handy! Another option is one of the bolt-action repeater shotguns! An older Savage 24, .22 LR or Mag./over 20 gauge 3" is also a great choice, IF you can find one! God Bless, Merry Christmas Everyone! gg
With a break open 12 g, u can obtain many different inserts from 17 HMR to 9mm to 45 long colt.
The 9mm insert makes the 9mm to have an effective range at 75 yards.
Brother, I tuned in for shiggles on this to see what your offering was and sure as shit my go to H&R SB1 12 gauge. #6 shot bird and take a handful and cut the shells. I made sure to send in for the .44 Magnum barrel when Remington offered them (starting 12/07). Inexpensive, light, durable. I graduated into getting a couple SB2's (hardened receiver for centerfire). Out of production, who knows maybe Ruger will revive these.
I like my 870 Express Combo. A spare barrel that's rifled with sights on it. 12 gauge shells from low base 2 3/4" dove & quail loads, up to 3" highbase loades, chokes for everything from close-in to way out goose or turkey hunting. The slugs will put any animal on the continent down at modest range. The Swiss Army Knife of the gun world.
Of all the guns we had in my family, the 12 ga. got the most use by far.
Spot on.
Agree - 12 gauge single shot is a great choice. Problem with single shots today is that the are fetching ridiculous prices.
Mississippi. Thank you!
Yep 22 or 12ga and your so right 12 ga is so useful 12 is my personal pick and 00 buck works great on deer
Hard to argue that a 12 ga. Shotgun is the most versatile gun to have if you can only grab one. Those adapters are pretty cool too , never seen em before. Personally I would grab my trusty Remington 870 pump, have had it for 40 + years and it’s never malfunctioned once. If I was gonna grab an adapter and some other secondary ammo I’d probably just grab my Ruger .22 Single Six revolver and strap that on my belt. Good stuff Kirk.
I had a Shell Extractor break on my 870 only problem in over 25 years!
All 3 are great guns , I have the rugar but I think I like my marlin 60 22 as much and it holds more and easy to load
Love my Henry single shot 12ga! Good made in WI quality!
I have probably the same gun just a little shorter barrel and I agree it is my go to gun in many ways.
I own an break open H&R 17HMR. Very accurate very reliable. Helped me rid my garden of groundhogs.
Yeah got myself a straight pull Stoeger 3000 ,7 in the tube and 1 in the chamber 8 all up ,I decided it’s the best do everything gun,comes with 5 chokes from straight to number1 ,good out to 100 meters with a solid slug , and surprisingly accurate ,does everything
I own a 12 ga Stoeger coachgun. Such a great piece with a simple mechanism. Plus, you get that second shot. On my way of getting a sweet Marlin 336 in 30-30 caliber within a month or so. :)
Actually by my surprise marlin baught out HnR. For a long time i couldnt find one till i walked in a pawn shop and finally found one. I use to see them everywhere for around $100 to $175. This one that looks like a HnR but it said marlin on the but stock
Anyway they are the most usefull tool for wilderness survival. I baught 3 adapters for mine. 1 in 45 acp and 1 in 357 mag and the other in 9mm. Which i have plenty of ammo for all 3.
I agree. Although i have other guns for specific game, i keep a 12 single shot where i can get it quickly and load with whatever size shell i need.
I use it for predators that raid my chickens or threaten other livestock. I normally use birdshot for close work near the house or barn, but have high brass goose loads for longer ranges. I even keep slugs handy since ive had a bear come to my porch.
😅I am glad I have now just learned that I "NEEDED" this gun after all those wilderness living years toting just an open sight Ruger 1022
I have had the pleasure of listening to old men talking good and bad.. about every caliber in the realm.. the oldest guy was 75 yrs..I learned so much.. every one has their favorites and opinions... ain't,America great...? the education started at about 14 years old and 54 years in... I am the old guy ... the last of that association... my choice is most any .22 and a 12 gauge, pump or single shot always been able to get ammo for either...my nickels worth...
2 3/4" & 3" shells. Read the barrel. I agree with your observations, except full choke is a bad idea. Open choke out to 25 yrds. Modified out to 40 yrds. Full choke ruins meat most of the time. Sturdy and reliable. Good call. I carried one in Alaska for years. It fed and protected my family well.
its is believed by many that firing a slug down a full choke will have an affect on the choke
1, .22 rimfire , for reasons that are self explanatory
2, 12 gauge , for all the reasons you mention
3, .308 , there is a reason it's the most popular center-fire , if you want one
Good list. But the 30/30 still holds the popularity title.
Just get a double barrel shotgun with a 22lr adapter, that 2 guns in one. You can get adapters also in 9mm 45, 10mm, etc. so that's even more guns in one...3rd weapon, a crossbow or air-rifle would be best for the stealthy hunting.
Perfect!
Single shot shotgun is great for everything except self protection against armed criminals. No second shot, no chance vs well armed criminals who might number more than a few
Why getting a double barrel might be a solid idea
The ability to fire a shit ton of rounds doesn't surpass the ability to make a single well placed shot.
Shoot I can pop a shell off have the action open shell in the sky and new shell loaded and shot before the ejected shell hit the ground. Grew up with single shots and still my favorite. Not ideal in a situation like that but you can make it work
When I was a kid, we hunted gators with a Dbl barrel 12 ga. and man, you can reload them FAST especially with your buddy carrying shells and loading. We'd take turns shooting/loading and when we were in tune, a second or 2 max. was all it'd take before another shot would come off. NOT ideal by any means, but sometimes, not by choice, you have to improvise or work together to make it work out the way you want
I’ve got a topper buck. I’ve had it since I was a kid. Killed a lot of game with that old thing.
Thank you 😊
When i look back at 2020, the most rounds on the shelf were the odd ones, 44 mag, 357, 9x18 etc. Ive had a hell of a time finding common ones. Now if you're gonna have to break into peoples houses looking for ammo than yeah its the common calibers youll find.
It might be good to gave a cache somewhere away from your homestead, that you can access after having to haul buns.
I bought a Henry single shot. Beautiful gun, not too expensive.
I broke mine, I shot one too many 3.5 magnums. I thought it was fun to shoot clays like that for some reason so the barrel was hot. The front stock screw sleeve broke off the barrel and it pretty much just fell apart after the round went off. But we can mark that down as abuse instead of failure.
over and under Stevens shotgun wit .22LR over and 20ga under is my around the camp gun. With a skeeter the shotgun barrel will also shoot.410 shells.
I own a H&R 20 gauge single shot! My dad bought me for Christmas in 1969 or 70 I was 14 or 15. He paid 26$ for it he bought my Brother and I both one! I believe from Gipson discount store many years ago! 👍
I keep a single shot shotgun and my folding stock AR in my SUV. They both serve a roll and don't take up any room at all. If you get hard up for ammo with the shotgun, you can use the single shot shotgun as a muzzle loader with an adapter and some black powder gear. Dave Canterburry at the Pathfinders vlog covers doing this very well.
Dave is a joke.
I had a 410 years ago in this configuration. I have since learned more about it's versatility. Now I know these things, I agree with you 100% that If I could only have one gun, that shotgun in 12 G would be my pick !
Wow 410 years ago! You must be very old. That's a long time ago.
1/3 of my shotguns are single shot break action. I have them in 12, 16, and 20 gauge. They are by far my favorite shotguns i own.
I would go with a Savage model 24 with a 30-30 (or .308) over a 12 gauge and two caliber inserts: .22LR and .357! These calibers cover anything you might need to shot! Twelve gauge shotguns are great but you can carry 500 rounds of .22LR in your pocket but only around 20-30 12 gauge shells in that pocket. The .357 would be the same caliber as my handgun and right beside my Savage! Too bad no one makes (that I know of) a revolver that fires .357 and .22LR, perfect sidearm IMHO! The combination of 12 gauge and 30-30 will quickly give you that (potentially life-saving) second shot if you piss off the wrong bear or person!
I have an H&R single shot 20ga with a scope, rifled barrel. It's a beast, simple & accurate. Only drawback is the weight- but when out of ammo, will still make a good club!
I like that Sir ( will still make a good club !!! ) 🤣👍 Cheers !!!
Hopefully it doesn’t get to the clubbing stag😂
Same! It’s my first firearm and probably still the most versatile. Mine is a 20 gauge NEF Pardner. 18th birthday present i got in 1998. I actually got the 8 inch rifled adapter insert/plug adapter thingy for .38 special.
I'd rather get shot then blugend to death but I like the club part that was pretty useful
Sweet survival weapon!! Good choice!!