Ranch life doesn’t wait around. You’ve got predators, varmints, sick animals that need putting down, and the occasional trespasser that thinks the gate doesn’t apply to them. A good ranch gun has to be reliable, quick to get to, and tough enough to ride around in a dusty truck or bounce around on a UTV without falling apart.
I’ve spent enough time out on land to know which guns actually pull their weight—and which ones stay in the safe. These are the ones that earn their keep every time.
Ruger 10/22
If there’s a ranch without a Ruger 10/22 on it, I haven’t seen it. This little rimfire stays in the truck, in the barn, or behind the kitchen door for good reason. It’s great for popping raccoons, snakes, or anything else causing problems close to home.
It’s lightweight, runs forever, and there are more parts and upgrades for it than you’ll ever need. But even bone stock, it’ll hit what you’re aiming at and won’t complain about a little dirt or abuse.
Glock 19
It’s not fancy, but it flat-out works. The Glock 19 is compact enough to carry on your hip all day, and still packs enough firepower to handle serious business if it ever comes to that. You don’t need to baby it, and you don’t need to clean it every night.
It’ll ride in your truck console or on your belt, and when you grab it, you know it’s going to fire. Simple controls, a proven track record, and easy to train with—hard to argue with that.
Henry Lever Action .22
For quick shots around the barn, a Henry lever gun in .22 is hard to beat. It’s quiet, accurate, and doesn’t tear things up like a centerfire will. If you’ve got pests in the feed room or a skunk too close to the chicken coop, this thing earns its keep.
The lever action is fast and smooth, and it’s one of those rifles anyone on the ranch can run confidently. It’s also light enough for younger hands to carry, which comes in handy when the kids tag along.
Mossberg 500 12 Gauge
A 12-gauge pump handles all kinds of problems. Coyotes, feral dogs, even snakes if you’re using the right loads—it’s a tool that can adapt. The Mossberg 500 has been around forever, and it’s earned that spot with solid reliability and affordable price tags.
It’ll ride in the truck without fuss, and you can run anything from birdshot to slugs through it. For a ranch gun that does a little bit of everything, this shotgun covers a lot of ground.
Marlin 1895 in .45-70
When you need something with serious stopping power—like dealing with feral hogs or bigger predators—the Marlin 1895 answers the call. That .45-70 round is no joke. It hits hard and keeps going, even through thick brush or bone.
It’s not a lightweight rifle, but it’s not supposed to be. This is for when you need one shot to count and you’re not fooling around. Keep one by the door or in the truck, and you’ll always be ready for the big stuff.
AR-15 in .223/5.56
An AR might seem too tactical for some folks, but on a ranch, it just makes sense. It’s fast, accurate, and you’ve got plenty of capacity if you’re dealing with a pack of hogs or multiple coyotes. Plus, it’s easy to mount lights or optics.
There’s a reason more ranchers are running ARs these days. You can set it up how you like, keep it sighted in, and have it ready in seconds. It’s a modern tool that flat-out works for landowners.
Smith & Wesson Model 66
A .357 Magnum revolver still deserves a spot on any ranch. The Model 66 has the stainless finish you want for all-weather carry, and it’s powerful enough to handle predators or dispatch livestock quickly and humanely.
Load it with .38s for lighter work or .357s for serious defense. The trigger’s smooth, and you don’t have to worry about magazines or safeties when time matters. It’s simple, reliable, and built for real-world use.
Savage Axis II in .243
The .243 is a great all-around round for ranch life—light recoil, flat shooting, and enough punch for varmints, coyotes, and even deer. The Savage Axis II is a budget-friendly bolt gun that still delivers tight groups and consistent performance.
You won’t cry if it gets dinged in the truck, but it’s accurate enough to make the shot count. The AccuTrigger is surprisingly good, and it’s lightweight enough to carry around the property all day without wearing you down.
Single-Shot .410
There’s something to be said for the simplicity of a break-action .410. If you’ve got kids helping out on the ranch or need something for small critters without overkill, this is a smart choice. It’s safe, light, and quick to operate.
It’s not going to replace a 12 gauge, but it doesn’t need to. For snakes, rats, and other close-range problems, it gets the job done without blowing a hole in the barn wall. It’s a tool you’ll be glad to have when you need it.
Winchester Model 70 in .30-06
When it comes to longer shots or serious threats like hogs or mountain lions, the Winchester Model 70 is still king. Chambered in .30-06, it’s got the reach and the punch for just about anything you’ll run into on the ranch.
It’s not your truck gun. This one stays in the safe or the barn until you need to go hunt something down. But when that time comes, it delivers the accuracy and power you want in a full-size bolt-action rifle.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
