You might find an article entitled “40 Things Every Self-Respecting Man Over 40 Should Own” to be of interest. (Hat tip to Glenn.) The list is woefully incomplete, as the author didn’t mention firearms at all!
So what should every self-respecting man over 40 own so far as guns are concerned? There are three that simply should not be overlooked. The first on the list is, of course, a shotgun.
Double barreled, semi-auto, or pump action. It doesn’t really matter which type you choose, as they all have their advantages. What really matters is that it is the most versatile firearm ever devised.
Need to hunt big game, such as deer? Load your shotgun with solid slugs. If birds are your thing, then get some shells loaded with bird shot and even the most delicate of fowl will be able to grace your table. If concerned about home defense and two-legged predators, then buckshot will cure what ails ya!
Merely select the correct ammunition, and the shotgun will perform extremely well. Same gun, widely different jobs.
The only role a shotgun won’t do is precision shots over a distance. In fact, even with the best ammunition it is very problematic to hit a target beyond the 120 yard mark. But consider that anything up close and personal can be handled with a shotgun.
What does every over 40 man need next? That would be a handgun suitable for concealed carry.
I know what you are thinking. There are plenty of places where it is against the law to pack a concealed firearm. Heck, there are plenty of places in the world where it is illegal to own a firearm at all!
This is true, and many people are prohibited from the right of self defense due to factors beyond their control. But as armed self defense is the main focus of this blog, I will keep with the theme and stand by my guns. (Get it? “Stand by my guns!”)
As with the shotgun, the exact design is not really important. It will do as long as it is a multi-shot variety that is chambered for a caliber large and powerful enough to engage violent criminals as they try to harm the innocent. Revolver, autoloader, whatever. Just about any will do.
So far, that is only two. I said earlier that there are three guns to own. So what is the third?