Shotguns are the best choice for an "Only" Gun.

[Adam Helmer]

8X56MS,

Perhaps I was unclear in my original post. I will restate for clarification: I had well-to-do urban neighbors buy and reside on a nearby farm. They had 90 acres and farm buildings. They had wildlife issues with their livestock and called 911 and were told to call the game warden, county sheriff or whatever. They received minimal service and asked me for advice. I told them to buy a pump 12 or 20 gauge shotgun and protect their chicken coop from raccoons.

I did not say a shotgun "was an only gun." I said my neighbors did not want ANY guns, but if they had ONLY ONE gun, I RECOMMENDED a shotgun because they had no firearms aiming skills and a shotgun covers much aiming inability. I agree with you, all farms need a .22 rifle, a shotgun and a deer rifle. When the farmers desire to own NO guns, where would you start?

Most old folks here are gun oriented, but many new rural residents do not share our regard for firearms. Start from there and try to assist as I did.

Adam

[wrenchman]

i no friends that live in rural areas and that all they have is shot guns.
rifes are not allowed for deer hunting were they live and they have realy never thougt about a hand gun becouse there kids hunt with them same guns.

[Adam Helmer]

As an update to this thread: Last week a friend and live-alone widow on rural 65 acres nearby asked for gun advice. She has a few bears that continue to come up onto her rear porch/deck and press on the sliding glass doors. She has no guns and deems a gun would be prudent if the bears get into her house. She has no gun experience and calling 911 is not an option.

We met at a local gun shop and there was a single barrel 20 gauge hammer shotgun on the used rack for $75.00. My friend bought the gun and a pair of ear muffs. At her farm we test fired light field loads, #3 Buckshot and slugs out of the 20 gauge gun. After a good range session, I left her with a gun to deal with critters on her land.

Again, I will say, "For those who only want one gun, the shotgun IS the gun."

Adam