These are what every sporting son or daughter should be taught in terms of firearms training, not necessarily in this order. Proper teaching should also include a hunter’s safety course as well.
- A .22 LR rifle upon which to learn to shoot such as a lightweight AR style S&W M&P 15-22 or a lever action Golden Boy.
- A beginner’s rifle AR Rifle in such as the S&W M&P .300 whisper or the Colt .223. For white-tailed deer hunting, zombies, and to learn to shoot a real rifle, some also like a bolt action .243 in a junior model for this purpose of teaching beginner’s to shoot and hunt. An AR is a better option in my experience, for kids, due to the collapsible stock and light weight.
- A .22 LR handgun for small game and plinking, which is where the Ruger stands out as a good and fairly inexpensive choice.
- A shotgun, preferably graduating to a proper side by side shotgun in 20 or 12 gauge.
- A 9 mm handgun for self defense. In a significant shift in law enforcement armament, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has selected the Gen4 Glock 17 and Glock 19 as its new service pistols. This decision marks a return to 9mm handguns for the agency and reflects a broader trend within law enforcement entities in the United States. The move away from the older .40 caliber Glock 22 and 23 models to the Glock Gen 5 handguns came after an extensive evaluation of their performance and efficacy for FBI agents. The transition to 9mm rounds was based on several factors. The FBI concluded that 9mm ammunition now provides sufficient stopping power for most law enforcement encounters, thanks to advancements in ballistic technology. Moreover, the smaller caliber offers higher magazine capacities and reduced recoil, allowing for faster and more accurate follow-up shots. Cost efficiency was another factor, as 9mm rounds tend to be less expensive than their .40 S&W counterparts. The adoption of these Glock models is in line with the preferences of various elite military and government agencies, a testament to Glock’s global standing. With its simple design and robust reliability, the Glock 19 has become the official sidearm for elite units such as Army Special Forces, Delta Force, and the Rangers, as well as the CIA and FBI. The Navy SEALs, for example, have transitioned to the Glock 19, calling it the Mk27, reflecting its suitability for both concealable and duty-carry roles.
- A .270 or .30-06 hunting rifle in Model 70. In .270 or .30-06 this will be good for all big game animals.
And an optional seventh gun, if you plan to hunt dangerous game, you will need to learn another rifle (i.e., a bear gun, Alaskan gun, or safari gun), such as a pre-64 Model 70 Winchester .375 H&H Magnum. Jack O’Connor said if he went on safari tomorrow, he’d take a .270 and a .375. A double barrel rifle is traditional, but I think I’d go for the Model 70 here, as they are hefty and kick like a mule in the double barrel. I might go towards the HOLLAND & HOLLAND Best Quality magazine rifle MODELE DE LUXE Mauser TAKE DOWN, .375 H&H MAG. RIFLE CIRCA 1970.
