What are the essential qualities of your favorite gun?

Hokkmike · May 13th, 2014, 08:05 AM

Since you are a member of PAFOA like me you probably own several firearms. Out of all the handguns, rifles, and shotguns you own I am sure there is a favorite. I have under a dozen guns in my collection. A close friend has 63. Likely some of you have more.

I am curious as to the qualities that lead you to decide on a favorite. Is your choice based on sentimentality, i.e., your dad gave it to you, gift from a GF, or it being rare and an antique? Or, is your choice based on value and functionality?

I will admit that my favorite in handgun selection has changed over time. I have gone from large capacity full sized semi autos to revolvers to pocket pistols. But in the rifle arena my choice has not wavered. My wife says I am a brand name snob. Maybe so, but I love SAKOs, particularly their lightweight guns.

As far as finish, if I could every gun would be in SS. But that is not too practical when choosing milsurp.

And I strongly prefer the middle calibers. My favorite guns is the SAKO Finnlight in 6.5x55. It is lightweight, accurate in a straight line for almost 300 yards, very dependable, and this one was, in fact, a gift from a friend.

My little .380 is close second. (Well, not that close) Why? Because I carry with me every day. As well as being the most practical of my gun tools it is a constant reminder of my life-long interest in shooting. It is like that little multi tool that you might have hanging around in a drawer that you can use to fix the microwave or pull a nail out of 2x4.

What are the essential qualities of your favorite gun?

**ForeverPA** · May 13th, 2014, 08:49 AM

First and foremost is the looks. Then comes how it feels in my hand and how it handles. Reliability and function are of course a given. I had a PPK that I absolutely adored but it jammed all the time. It is gone now. The choice of caliber is secondary. They'll all work; 9, 380, 40, 45. What makes a gun good looking to me? In handguns, it must be made of steel and have some heft. That's why you will never see me holding a Glock or thousands of lookalikes. Never liked the compacts with short grip. In rifles and shotguns, blued with wood stock, preferably American walnut in high gloss. No synthetic or camouflage.

**G17-5291** · May 13th, 2014, 10:14 AM

I like all of mine, but I guess my favorite would be the one that is with me most of the time, my Glock 23.

The rest speaks for itself I guess. It is accurate, utterly reliable, size efficient (14 rounds of .40 in a compact isn't shabby), easily carried and controllable, and as duarble as they come. I know it will always work if I need it.

And IMO, Glocks are some of the best looking pistols, mean, and all business. There is something to be said for the beauty of utility and simplicity.

**JenniferG** · May 13th, 2014, 12:25 PM

That it fires every time the trigger is pulled. If it does not the gun is useless.

**DavidTM** · May 13th, 2014, 12:40 PM

For rifles it's accuracy first. Followed by caliber because of purpose. I love the 6.5x55 Swede as it will take just about anything that I want to hunt. Following that in a rifle I love the 45-70. Again, accuracy (even tho it's a limited 300 yard rifle) is key deer drop right now when hit broadside with a 405gr. lead bullet.

Handguns for hunting, nothing beats a 44 magnum and for me, I love the Smith's because they naturally fit my hand.

For auto's I like the Ultra Kimbers in 45 because they are accurate, easy to carry, easy to shoot. Small lightweight 45's don't have the recoil that a 6"+ full load 44 magnum does. I compare all handgun loads to the 44.

They all have to go bang when you pull the trigger. Savage, Smith and Kimber have never let me down.

Dave

**sprrdhawk44** · May 13th, 2014, 01:13 PM

Looks come in at a very distant last in order of importance. Reliability is the ultimate factor.

My favorite? I shoot 1911s better than any other handgun, and ARs better than any other semiautomatic rifle.

**RockIsland** · May 13th, 2014, 01:21 PM

I love all my children equally.

I can't say that I have one favorite but I do enjoy some more than others.

**Sgt.K** · May 13th, 2014, 01:36 PM

When my booger hook fondles the bang switch, I expect there to appear a hole - no less than .45 inches in diameter - where I have the sights pointed. When that happens every time, the rest is just details.

**Misery Loves Shotguns** · May 13th, 2014, 01:40 PM

My favorite gun is my Mossberg 930 SPX. It's ergonomic, reliable with any type of ammunition from 1 oz. target loads up to 3" slugs, great sights, the controls are positioned perfectly and it shoots soft with the gas-operated action despite crushing whatever is on the business end of the muzzle. It also helps that since it's a semi auto, I can hold at a constant point and maintain my point of aim and be faster and more accurate than with a pump shotgun.