This morning, Tam asserted that any American who doesn’t have an M-1 Garand should have a corner clipped off of their ‘Murrican card. I love my Garand, and I agree with Tam. It doesn’t get much more ‘Murrican than the ‘Ping of Freedom’.
But that leads me to wonder: Which firearms should a real ‘Murrican own? Here’s my short list:
- M-1 Garand
- M-1 Carbine
- 1911 in .45 ACP
- Winchester Model 94
- Smith and Wesson Model 29
- AR-15
- M-14/M1A
What other ‘Murrican guns do you all think should be on there?
DaddyBear’s Den 
Lazy Bike Commuter
/ December 4, 2012I am way behind.
Hoping to be able to pick up a Garand in the summer after I do an Appleseed.
So far the only ones I have from the list are the 1911 and the AR.
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daddybear71
/ December 4, 2012I’m just a touch further into the list, so no worries.
Anything you’d like to add?
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Lazy Bike Commuter
/ December 4, 2012Nothing seems more American than a good double barrel shotgun, but the only ones I see in most shops are from Stoeger so I don’t think they count.
I think the list could also use a single action revolver of some sort, maybe.
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ZerCool
/ December 4, 2012Looks like I better just run my card through the shredder, since I’ve only got the 1911 and the AR.
You’re missing a solid 12-gauge pump. Remington 870 or Winchester Model 12.
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daddybear71
/ December 4, 2012Hey, I’ve only got two or three myself. I see this more of a list of life goals.
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Oddball
/ December 4, 2012Yeah… I’m right there with everyone else on this being part of my wish list. I can only currently check off the 1911 and AR-15.
Although, I would argue that a Marlin 336 should be an acceptable substitute for the Winchester 94.
I’m still looking for that IBM M-1 Carbine to come by when I actually have the money (seen two, was broke both times).
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JRebel
/ December 4, 2012I’d have to agree with Oddball. A Marlin 336 is one of the quintessential firearms of our history. There are 3 in this house as of right now. Although, I’m in even worse shape since I only have a couple 1911’s. I’m fairly certain no one would count the Mini-14 in the same group as the M14/M1A even though they were both developed off of the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine.
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Peter
/ December 4, 2012Those are all (or mostly) 20th-century firearms. To have a quintessentially American collection, wouldn’t one need examples of some of the more famous earlier guns? For example:
– Colt Single Action Army, 1873 (the ‘Peacemaker)
– Springfield/Harpers Ferry rifle (the definitive Civil War long gun)
– Winchester 1866 or 1873
– Henry model of 1860 (predecessor of the Winchester)
– Spencer cavalry carbine
– Sharps buffalo gun in at least .45-70, if not .45-110 or .50-120
– A Pennsylvania or Kentucky rifle
– Greener double-barrel stage shotgun
– A Revolutionary War-era musket
There are many others, of course. How about the S&W No. 1 or No. 2 revolvers, which introduced the .22 rimfire cartridge?
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Daddy Hawk
/ December 4, 2012For .22s, let’s go with the Ruger MkII/MkIII series for the semi autos. Marlin 60 and/or Ruger 10/22 for rifle. The Smith & Wesson K-22 revolver.
There is no such thing as a quintessentially American 9mm. In my opinion, of course.
.38 Special – Colt Diamondback
.357 Mag – Colt Python / S&W 27
.44 Mag – S&W Model 29 6 inch barrel (Dirty Harry – Duh)
.45 LC – Colt Single Action Army (duh x 2)
.45 ACP – 1911 (duh tres)
.50 BMG – Browning Ma Duece
.223 – AR-15
.270 – Winchester Model 70
.308 – M14 or Remington 700
The list could go on…and on….and on.
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dennislaDennis the librarin shusher
/ December 4, 2012You forgot the 1903/1903a3 Springfield, and the 1917 Enfield,( I know it was a British design, but it was what Alvin York carried, that makes up for its lineage in my estimation)
Dennis the librarian shusher
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Bob
/ December 4, 2012How about a Smith&Wessen .357 magnum. Remington 870. My Garand is still broke, I havn’t the $$$ yet to get the short stroke issues resolved.
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daddybear71
/ December 4, 2012Excellent choices!
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liberalhatecrime
/ December 5, 2012I like your list DaddyBear. I have three of the seven. If you change Model 29 to Model 15 I’d have four.
I’d like to add the Browning Auto 5. I’d love to have one. I think it’s uniquely American. Powerful and punishing 🙂
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daddybear71
/ December 5, 2012Agreed. JMB was THE American gun designer.
I only have 3 on the list myself, but it gives me a goal.
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