A 22 does not count in the total because of it's magical qualities appearing when given to a young nimrod it suddenly is a slayer of lion, tiger, elephant and various monsters. As the hunter grows older it becomes a tool,taken for granted, but constantly reappearing because of need.

FirstBubba,
I have been a lucky hunter, all of those "artillery" pieces have seen their share of battle. That is why I would not part with them. Interestingly, my fanciest, most beautiful rifle did not make the short list. It is a 416 Rigby by a very famous smith, and is the rifle that was between me and a very angry leopard while we wrestled around in the dirt. I finally, and unfairly, broke the tie by shooting the cat again and beating it with the barrel. Afterwards, my clothes were in shreds,I had been mauled, and was covered with my blood. The beautiful rifle did not have a scratch on it. Go figure.

I have no idea how many rifles I own, but have managed to get rid of a few in recent years, at seventy three I need no more. Well, maybe a 6.5 something or other.. Here are a few I cannot do without. A 22-250 Remington 40X; a 257 Ackley Improved by Bolliger (my Son absquatulated with my 25-06); an 06 by Frank Pachmayr; a 300 Win Mag by Seely Masker; a 338 by Bolliger; a 375 by Ike Ellis; a 416 Rigby by Griffin & Howe; a 458 Ackley by Bolliger; and a 470 Nitro Express by LeBeau Courally.

As many guns as there are clubs in an experienced golfers bag, one for every shot.

There is no limit to the amount of guns one man can or should own. So my answer is yes Sir, I will have another.

To CL3: A real nice old S&W Model 29 .44 magnum, in which I shoot .44 Specials, and an S&W Model 41 .22. Six shotguns, I think, which I shoot whether I need to or not. All 12 gauges. Put as much shot in the air as you possibly can.

To Happy Myles: "Absquatulated"? Also, did you know Seeley Masker? Also, if you need a 6.5, may I suggest the 6.5x284?

My state's governor, Brian Schweitzer, was once asked by a reporter how many guns he owned. His answer was a good one: More than I need but fewer than I want.

And yes, he is a Democrat. That's how we grow them out here.

I have no idea were 124th Edition came from. Should read 12th Edition.

When someone asks me how many guns I own I always answer the same way, "Not enough." I am a sucker for guns. Nedless to say I have more than I probably actually need. I too agree with the comment about the .22. Everybody needs atleast one .22.

TO Happy Myles: Absquatulate sounds like a word W.C. Fields would have used.

The reason I asked about Seeley is, he lived in the next town down the road from me, and was indeed a character. He was a roofer by trade, had a shop the size of a gas-station bathroom, and was so grouchy that you would have to coin a new word for his mental state. His rifles, however, were beyond reproach. He specialized in benchrest guns, and his son, although legally blind, won some championships at it. Seeley built a .220 Swift for me that was so awful looking I had to warn people before I took it out of the case. Sadly, he is gone now, a great gunsmith.

Great thread Dave. Some have guns for practical reasons, use them as the tools they are. Some have guns for sentimental reasons: dad or grandpa gave it to me, your hunting mentor had one just like it, or it was your first. All are valid reasons. I think the best is a blend of both is such a thing is possible.

I know this is heresy, but after acquiring my first three firearms, I've had all the guns I need.
Of course, I've added a few since then, and done some trading, and I presently own a respectable collection. But actually, when I head out to the range, or go hunting, I almost always take my favorites.

I probably ought to clarify my post earlier...in that I would give all of them up to have Papaw back, and my brother out of the hosptial.

I really don't need any more but I want more!! I currently have a .22, Model 94 30.30,Savage .270 and a 20 gauge single shot....would like to have a model 70 in 30.06 for moose hunting, a .300 Savage, a Browning .308 and a 22.250 for coyotes (I am in New Brunswick Canada and that is the highest caliber we can carry by law all year round). In reality, if I could I would have dozens of guns, don't need that many but I am a certified gun nut just like DP taught me to be.

In my opinion you only need 2 and thats it. You should not have more than 2.

2 of each that is.

H. Myles
The closest I'll come to having my moniker emblazoned in the honored tomes of the CBC (and survived!) will be in the pages of a Pete H. Capstick book!
As far as the "artillery" pieces? I had the distinct pleasure of having an acquaintance with African experience show me his "trio" of arms, one of which would equate in value o my entire estate! (one had H&H in the caliber AND maker names!)
All my limited vocabulary could offer was a muffled "wow." and a deep heart felt, "Thank you for showing them to me."
Happy trails my friend!

Hey Guys don't give out your gun inventory until you know what we got after the elections! Uncle BHO is taking notes.

Off topic but worth mentioning, I received my 1st edition Berger reloading manual yesterday. I allocated a few hours examining the content last night and was left with mixed feelings. The information is excellent but some narratives leaves something to be desired. Probably 25% of the book is nothing but stories, 25% introduction to reloading which is obviously necessary for beginners, with the remainder dedicated to those wonderful VLDs. At least I now have information directly from Berger rather than using other data or creating my own. I would suggest you consider the book if you shoot Bergers but if you don't maybe it will not serve you any better than the books presently on your reloading bench. I was disappointed that they chose to exclude data for the new .338 bullets and did not place much importance on reloading the Hybrids. Oddly enough there were even some printing errors plus the pictures of the cartirdges look like they are made of plastic. Maybe I am being too critical so I want to again point out that the data exhibited is well worth the cost of the book if you like Bergers. Mine is even autographed by Walt and other writers. Look at their website if interested.

To tootall75: Thank you for the kind words. I don't feel like 70; I feel like I'm 28 and there is something terribly wrong. Also, I'm mildly amazed that I haven't run out of b.s. yet.

All anyone needs is a Ruger 10/22, a Remington 870, and a Winchester Model 70 30-06. I know a lot of hunters that would be better off with only this combination, especially if they went out and bought the items today.

No shotguns or pistols?!

There is no limit to the amount of guns one man can or should own. So my answer is yes Sir, I will have another.

My collection tripled the year my papaw died, and my brother was deemed unfit for medical reasons for the shooting sports.

-3 Mossberg 500's with differing barrel lengths
-3 .50 cal. M-85 Knight muzzloaders w/green mountain barrels
-5 .22 rifles

-plus a franchi, an 870, an old A-5, a model 700 7mm mag.,....not counting the ones I owned before.

Of course...I'm moving my guns around my safe to see how I can fit more in..

Happy Myles your comment is well taken. I have a 22 I bought in my teens over 50 years ago. It is the only one I have ever owned or will ever own. I still use it every fall for squirrels and rabbits. In fact, I really think I bought my last rifle/shotgun a number of years ago. I am perfectly satisfied with what is in my safe.

My firearms collection is not T-N-T-C. And, I always would like another. I also, like DSMbirddog, have the first firearm I purchased 53 years ago, a .22. It's accounted for T-N-T-C squirrels over the years. Growing up with a duck hunting grandfather, my 12th yr. Christmas had a Browning A-5 20 ga. under the tree. That makes it over 50 years old, and, by my estimate, it has had over 15,000 rounds fired thru it, most in the first 10 years of use - grandmother had a hardware store with shelves stocked with shotshell and .22 ammo. It was a teenage shooter/hunter's dream. There have been numerous additional rifles, shotguns, & pistols purchased, traded and sold over the last 30 years - more will surely follow.

Every time I think I have enough some gun writer brings to my attention something that I gota have, and most of the time he is right!

Too many to maintain the proficiency I expect from myself. "Beware the man with 1 gun, he know how to use it” always echo’s in the back of my mind. I believe I should have the minimum I need to do the job and practice more,

I have a beautiful hand made Pennsylvania Long Rifle flintlock in curly maple that from a rest shoots patch and roundball with 777 powder in 3 or 4 inches at 100 yards.
1 40 year old Rem 7600 in .06,
1 40 year old Marlin .22 that I thought was shot out but a good gunsmith recovered it,
1 Rem 700 in 22-250. Amazingly accurate rifle.
1 Rem 870 in 12 gauge. What Can you say. Workhorse.
1 Marlin 1895Guide gun 45-70 (bought on Mr, Petzal’s recommendation)
1 Henry .17 HMR. Damn accurate, when there is no wind. Any wind, put it away,
1 40 year old Savage 24v .222 over 20 gauge. my first firearm. Only comes out to oil.
1 H&R .22 pistol in the gunsmith that I fear this time may not recover
1 Rugar 44Mag in 6 inch (guys here have listened to me whine about the scope)
1 Rugar .357
1 Target .45cal 1911 that can shoot the eyes off a fly at 25 yards.
1 p22 Walther for plinking.

Rock solid guns all. But I think I may need to pair down.

The ones that matter:

A 10-22 that still shoots and handles beautifully decades after I bought it.

A .257 Ackley I saved my pennies (for a long time) to have custom-made.

A 7x57 Ackley I saved my pennies (for a long time) to have custom-made.

A 30-06 made by P.O. Ackley.

A rotary magazine Savage Model 99 I'm rebarreling to .257 Roberts or 7mm-08--I'm torn on the caliber. Is there a sweeter rifle than the 99?

A 1911 in .38 Super that shoots and handles better than any pistol I've owned, as if it cost ten times more than it did.

Mr. Petzal,

I keep most of my back issues of this fine publication, and in one of those is an article entitled, "The Guns You Keep." On your current list there are two rifles that missing from that previous list. One is the first Weatherby in .300 Weatherby that you bought, and the other is the EBC. I dearly hope that you still have the EBC, it was a beautiful rifle. And the name, priceless.

my philosophy is more the merrier

Happy,

Works of art indeed. Just reading the gunmakers' names makes my eyes water.

Uncle Dave;
I have more than I need, but far less than want.
I'm reminded, daily, to not get my needs and wants mixed up.
I really liked this article but was amazed at how quick we put our guns "out there".
Would you see if you can talk ol Bourjaily into doing one with the Browning Ciotori.

42
but a man might only need two.. a 270win/3006 sprg. and a 12 gauge.. IF he also has an airrifle he utilises often ;)

My dear brother has an OCD for .22's and .410's. I think he might have a 16 ga. for rabbit hunting and dove shooting. I'll bet he has a hundred .22 rimfires and even a couple of .22 Winchester Rimfire Automatics, for which they have not made ammo for years. He occasionally gives me one like a Remington Scoremaster like new built in the year I was born or a refurbished .410 that he deems worthy of whacking some muskrats, opossums, or other such vermin.

I enjoy shooting so, reason 1 for owning whatever I need or want. The other side of the coin is utility. Some are better for one purpose as another for a different purpose. That said, it is the same as owning any other tool variety enables your options to do more of whatever chore you want accomplish whether self defense or hunting. This is so aptly pointed out with the difference to hunting groundhogs or buffalo.

To R Peterson: Both the .270 and the .375 H&H are Montana Rifles. They're not cheap, but if you're looking for a working gun, I don't think you can do better, and will be hard pressed to do as well. As an alternative to the Montana .375, you might consider one of the new Winchester Model 70s, although I'm told they're hard to come by.

To Bullock: I still have both.

To damo450: Correct on all counts. John Barsness has Norm's .358, and it could not be in better hands.

To Kudukid: Thanks.

First, will all due respect to H. Myles. Some of those calibers are "artillery" pieces, not rifles!

Next. I married late (nearly 30) but finally found a female that loves me, wild game and guns! I've never had a purchase request stamped "NO"! I have had a few marked "Next Month", but never NO!

I also find it amusing (as does the wife!) that firearms purchased for specific tasks, are seldom used specifically for "said" task, but take on roles never dreamed of for which means... "I've got to replace my ______ gun, I'm using this one for _____shooting only now!"
Also, a "specific" gun is seldom at hand when said "specific" tasks arise?

Oh well, back to the drawing board! There's GOT to be some specific creature in this area that needs a "specific" gun/caliber I don't currently possess!!

How many guns do I *need*? This is a loaded question leading to a corner I always, but unsuccessfully try to avoid. It’s sorta like going to the Chinese Buffet featuring 20-ft of food and answering, “What do I need”.

For the record I don’t *need* more than my presently owned 22 auto, Remington 1100 12-ga, Springfield 30-06, and Winchester 458.

This present inventory represents a retirement..of sorts..from running around the wilds and clay target fields.

Sob!

To domo450, that was from the 110th anniversary issue (I was reading it last night for the umpteenth time) it is filled with tons of tips, bios on editors past and present (Ted Trueblood, Gene Hill, Norman Strung, Jerome Robinson, William Tapley, Keith McCafferty and of course David Petzal)and tons of other great stuff....I have have thought of having that issue laminated..one of my favorite editions of the magazine.

i have enough long guns in my collection to handle any task north america could ask for (.22, 22-250, .270 wsm, .300 roy, .50 cal T/C Omega, deer slayer slug gun), and one 12 gauge auto (beretta a400 unico) that will cater to any target or bird hunting occasion...but that is not enough. im only 20 though, so i have plenty of time to build that collection to where it needs to be.

To ajvigs: Yes it is. I don't remember when I wrote about it, but it now has a new barrel, and is a sub half MOA rifle. No way that's going down the road.

For all the guns I have, I don't have a single rifle over a .22 caliber...that needs to change soon.

Currently have:
2 - 22LR bolt actions
2 - 12 Ga Pump shotguns
An M1 Carbine
A Moisin-Nagant being sporterized
A 30-30 lever-action
A 6.5 Swede Mauser, sporterized
An SKS
An AK clone
And 6 handguns from 22 to 45ACP

And YES, I Need MORE!
;-)

Mr Petzal,
Respectfully, I ordered my copy of,The Total Gun Manual, some time ago and have seen neither hide nor hair of it. Is that because it is being leather bound, or will it come with the next shipment of free products to test? All in jest....Kindest Regards

thats like asking how many wrenches you'd need to take apart a car, my uncle the mechanic has snap on tool chest worth about ten grand not including the tools. So i would venture to say that a gun safe about the same size and price should hold all you'd need but its also handy to have a few torque wrenches, torches and vice grips handy for those really tough jobs. The point is there really shouldn't be a limit if the (legal)l have to put that cause there are some just not practical applications) job calls for it.

To Happy Myles: I believe I know 5 PHs personally who have been chewed by leopards. When did you order the book, and from whom?

To Tootall75: Tough question. In terms of superior and unfailing performance over 17 years, and with something like 5,000-plus rounds through it, a Kenny Jarrett-modified Remington 700 in .30/06. A plain-vanilla rifle that you wouldn't look at twice, but it has never lied to me.

Dave Petzal,
Please, I was attempting to pull your leg, and not complaining. A couple of weeks ago, I asked my secretary to order all your books and had no idea where she placed the order. Your other books , with the exception of this new one had previously arrived. I just called her and the new one arrived at my office this morning . Apparently she went through Amazon. Kindest Regards

I too know several PH's who are members of the CBC (Chewed By Chui) club including Jeff Rann his incident occurred the same year as mine, and John Greff lost an eye the year after we hunted together for thirty five days in Tanzania. As you know, the vast majority of Big Five injuries are caused by leopard.

.22LR, 22Hornet, 223, 220Swift, 250Sav, 25-06, 7x57, 270Weatherby, 30-06, 9x3.74, 44magnum, and a 45-70 is on the way.........I won't even get into handguns and shotguns,particularly sxs's.
"There is no such thing as having too many guns."

Dave,
What load do you use in your 25-06 Beanfield rifle? I remember reading a column you wrote on using this gun for shooting whitetails at long range.

You don't have close to enough until you get over 50. Which is a good start.

MG

Need and want are two very different things. Practically speaking you could do just about all you need to do with a 3. a 223 for varmit, 30/06 for everything from antelope - moose, a 12 gauge that will handle 2 3/4 and 3" high brass .

But practical is sooo boring!!! My current collection is humble and needs to grow! the only problem is money and time. I don't have enough money to get what I want and Barely enough time to shoot what I do have. My current collection looks like this

243 win model 70

7mm rem mag model 700 bdl

marlin 336 30/30

7mm STW rem model 700 bdl (technically its my brothers but he would rather eat quinoa and tofu that elk steaks so I feel its just right he gives it to a carnivore like myself)

model 1100 12 gauge

Rem model 58 20

As far as a wish list, how much time do you have???

Placing a number on firearms is lunacy.In ones lifetime you can not put a number on women,bottles of bourbon,porterhouse steaks,cold beer or hunting trips. You enjoy them as they come,some are better then others.Some you keep, some you trade but you always come back to the ones that serve you the best.

DP, the great Range Officer will not call you if you are LACKING... A good .308 Win. that is.

I don't have a .22 but I have traditionally used my father-in-law's which he left here back in 1994. If he doesn't come pick it up soon I'll wrap it around a tree. Or his skinny useless neck if I can catch him! He's trying to help his daughter who ran the red light resulting in my wife's death to steal my daughter's inheritance! Useless piece of crap! The man, not the gun. It's a fine old Marlin clip feed with a very old Weaver scope. Great for plinking grouse.

My guns include two 30-06s both from my dad. He built the Springfield for me and the 760 Remington was given to him by my mom's dad shortly after I was born. I have three shotguns: 16 gauge Model 12 (my first gun given to me by the same two guys above on my 12th birthday), 870 3" mag 12 gauge (bought in 1968), and Browning Light 12 auto (bought in Korea in 1973). And last but definitely least, I have a Model 1881 Marlin in 40-60 that I bought in the gunshop where I worked as a kid before going in the army. Paid $75 for it and Dad thought I was nuts. Worth several thousand today I expect. It's the only collectable I own ... and ever will own. My brother in Montana still has my 357 S&W Highway Patrolman. Can't use it here so I left it with him. That's it for me. Haven't bought a gun in almost forty years and you'd be hard pressed to find someone else who uses them more.

Mr. Petzal,

I was reading an old copy of Field and Stream last night (from 2005, reading and re-reading them never gets old) and I read an article in which you were looking to improve your wing shooting.

A small blurb about you in the lower corner of the page stated you were 63 at the time and I thought hmm...that was 7 years ago which would make you 70. I was rather perturbed at realizing this because I unfortunately only started subscribing in 2005 and like many others who comment here, I enjoy your articles a lot and although I am sure you have many years ahead of you, the day will come when you will hang up the keyboard. This makes me a) envious of those who have been subscribers for longer than I and b)angry with myself for not subscribing earlier; and I have the nerve to call myself a hunter, fisher and outdoorsman.

I guess I can stop weeping now that it appears Dave really has a lot more guns than previously disclosed. According to Jack O'Connor all you "need" (what a nasty little word) is a .22, a 30-06, and a 12 gauge. You can hunt anything in the world with three guns, but who wants to? I have five .22's and that's just the tip of the iceberg...

A few hundred seems to be enough..... He's right about the .22 If you've got a .22 and a shotgun, you're set for life. Although a few more wouldn't hurt.

sitting*

The number is debatable unless it does not include a Ruger super black hawk 44 mag and at least a plan to acquire a pre 1970 Colt Python. Now if you have to ask why as to the selection of those two you may be spending too much time at yoga classes.

As others have mentioned, it may be either impolite or impolitic to ask such a question. I'm a nurse; many co-workers over the years have recoiled at the idea of a nurse, even a male one, would have a gun at all. over the past 30 years, thankfully, that has changed both in the number of male nurses (oooh my aching back!) and the number of either sex owning or at least having a decent response to the idea of gun ownership. In Illinois their isn't much point in having a rifle more powerful than a .223 for coyotes; I have a single-shot H&R 30-30 that I handload for that. I think back on what I've bought for myself over the past 20 years and it all lands on one hand; those for my wife and kids are another story. As well, they and my in-laws have kept their ears perked up when I mention certain handguns, my preference. But the basic premise of need is covered; .22 rifle, suitable centerfire rifle, 12 ga. Mossberg 500 minimums. My handguns I'd not be without are easily-found chamberings as well; .22 Mark 2 Ruger, .38/.357, and 9mm. The rest I'll have to check on....

to keep ammo common among platforms, pistol and cqb riifle can be same caliber, 9mm, then a scatter gun and a good bolt gun in 308 with optics

i'm working on making a collection like that, just to keep things simple

would probably be "the minimum"

David,

Thank you once again for responding (this is the 3rd or 4th time and I can imagine you're a busy guy so I appreciate it); I am also glad to hear you are feeling spry at 70, that said, I hope I am not coming across as a suck up as I have complimented your work a couple of times (well deserved however).

I suppose I am like many others who follow you or who were fortunate enough to follow the likes Gene Hill, Ted Trueblood, Warren Page etc....we read and re-read your words and after a while we feel like we know you and when we hear from you we think, hey that's pretty cool...

It certainly helps that we have a medium such as this to reach out to folks like you, a luxury not afforded to those many years ago.

In any case, thanks again.

You can still get a deluxe sporter 10/22 in walnut and an 870 Wingmaster in walnut and a Model 70 made by F/N that is better than your daddy's Winchester....

I guess if times are slim and money scarce, (like now) you could "live with" a .22 rifle, .22 pistol, a shotgun .20ga or .12ga depending on what game you are hunting, and a deer rifle (again depends on type of area hunted). A service size pistol or revolver (9mm, .38spl, 357 magnum, .45auto). A concealled carry handgun, (snubnose or small auto). And a Magnum hunting revolver .44mag or 10mm auto.

Long ago, say half a century or so, you needed a "bird gun" and a "deer rifle" to be even considered for membership in the southern male club.

But to cinch the deal, you needed a fishing rod or two, and a boat. To really put a lock on it: a jeep or truck, and of course a dog.

Throw in a pipe, an old pork pie hat and a canvas coat to really look the part.

Dave, I agree and love your description on age. I am 5 shy of your 70, but yeah I feel like I am younger and something is wrong. Borrowing your description. Keep the bs coming.

As many as can fit alongside you in your king size bed. After picking up my first shotgun today I'm having to get a little more organized... Not sure what the rule of thumb is for those of you that are not bachelors. Maybe buy a new bed for your guns (or wife... your choice) haha.