If we had to stand in front of the safe and give you three firearm recommendations, these are the three we would give you. Not because they’re trendy, not because they’re flashy, but because they’ve been reliable, practical, and proven for us.
This turned into a bit of a face off between me and Sparky. We each picked firearms we stand behind 100 percent and would recommend to the everyday guy looking to own something solid and dependable.
Sparky kicked things off with the Walther PDP. Out of all the handguns he owns, it’s one of his favorites to shoot. Good grip, good trigger feel, and it’s been reliable with a solid round count behind it. It’s hard to argue with something that just keeps running.
On my side, I went with the Glock 47. Predictable pick, sure, but there’s a reason for it. This one has been accurate, comfortable, and boring in the best way possible. It’s simple, reliable, and there’s an endless amount of aftermarket support if you ever want to change things up.
Both of these pistols fill the same role for us. Home defense, range use, duty style setups. Bigger framed pistols are easier to shoot well, easier to manage, and easier to trust when things matter.
If we had to stand in front of the safe and give you three firearm recommendations, these are the three we would give you. Not because they’re trendy, not because they’re flashy, but because they’ve been reliable, practical, and proven for us.
This turned into a bit of a face off between me and Sparky. We each picked firearms we stand behind 100 percent and would recommend to the everyday guy looking to own something solid and dependable.
Sparky kicked things off with the Walther PDP. Out of all the handguns he owns, it’s one of his favorites to shoot. Good grip, good trigger feel, and it’s been reliable with a solid round count behind it. It’s hard to argue with something that just keeps running.
On my side, I went with the Glock 47. Predictable pick, sure, but there’s a reason for it. This one has been accurate, comfortable, and boring in the best way possible. It’s simple, reliable, and there’s an endless amount of aftermarket support if you ever want to change things up.
Both of these pistols fill the same role for us. Home defense, range use, duty style setups. Bigger framed pistols are easier to shoot well, easier to manage, and easier to trust when things matter.
EDGAR SHERMAN SLING
STREAMLIGHT PROTAC
HOLOSUN ARO
My second pick was the Mossberg 590. I’ve always gravitated toward Mossberg shotguns. They’re simple, durable, and proven. The 590 in particular has been used forever by law enforcement and military units for a reason.
Sparky countered with the Remington 870. Different safety location, slightly different controls, but fundamentally the same idea. Pump action, reliable, and versatile.
We both intentionally stayed away from semi-auto shotguns here. To get a semi-auto we would fully trust, you’re spending real money. Pump shotguns are cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to clear if something goes wrong.
Shotguns can do a lot. Home defense, hunting, training, and everything in between. You can change barrels, swap chokes, and tailor them to almost any role. That versatility is why we both think a pump shotgun belongs in every collection.
Sparky went with the Ruger 10/22, and honestly, it’s hard to argue against it. They’re fun, cheap to shoot, reliable, and perfect for learning fundamentals. Ammo is everywhere, parts are everywhere, and they’re easy for new shooters.
I went the other direction with a Daniel Defense AR15. The AR platform is incredibly versatile. Home defense, training, preparedness, hunting depending on your state. It does a lot well. The 5.56 is easy to shoot, low recoil, and manageable for a wide range of people.
These two rifles represent two different philosophies. One focuses on simplicity and accessibility. The other focuses on capability and adaptability. Both have a place.
If I had to narrow it down to one recommendation for the average person, it would probably be a shotgun. As much as ARs are fun and capable, the versatility of a shotgun is tough to beat.
You can load it with buckshot, slugs, or birdshot. You can defend your home, hunt, or train with it. It’s simple, reliable, and effective.
No matter what you choose, proficiency matters more than the firearm itself. If you don’t know how to use it, it doesn’t matter how good it is. Spend time with your gear and actually learn it.
These aren’t the only good firearms out there. They’re just the ones we personally trust and stand behind because we’ve used them and had good experiences with them.
If you disagree, that’s fine. Everybody’s needs and preferences are different. That’s part of what makes this whole thing interesting.
You can find more of our builds and recommendations in our Builds Section. Let us know what you think we missed or what you would recommend instead.
