There are just some guns that never let you down. You trust them, you shoot them well, and they don’t throw surprises your way. These are the ones that end up getting grabbed the most—whether it’s for a quick range day, a weekend in the woods, or just because you want something that works without fuss. They’re not necessarily the flashiest, but they’re dependable and comfortable—exactly what you want when it counts.
Glock 19
It’s not exciting, but that’s kind of the point. The Glock 19 just works, every time, and it fits the hand better than people give it credit for.
It’s easy to carry, easy to shoot, and easy to maintain. There’s a reason so many people default to it—it’s boring in the best way. I never hesitate to bring it along.
Ruger 10/22
Whether I’m plinking cans, training someone new, or just burning through a brick of .22, the 10/22 is always ready to go.
It’s simple, reliable, and accurate enough to make you feel good. I’ve got a few rimfires, but this one always makes the trip because I know exactly what I’m getting from it.
Smith & Wesson Model 686
When I want a revolver that feels solid and shoots like a dream, the 686 is it. It eats up .357 Magnum or .38 Special without flinching.
The weight soaks up recoil, and the trigger feels right. It’s one of those revolvers that just makes you shoot better. It’s not my fanciest, but it’s the one that gets used the most.
CZ 75B
This one punches above its weight in shootability. The all-steel frame tames recoil, and the ergonomics just make sense.
It’s accurate, soft-shooting, and easy to get along with. I’ve got fancier pistols, sure, but the CZ 75B keeps ending up in my range bag because it’s so dang enjoyable to shoot.
Marlin 336 in .30-30
If I’m heading to the woods, this lever gun usually tags along. It’s short, handy, and hits hard enough for most game inside 150 yards.
The action cycles smooth, and the gun carries well in the field. It’s not tactical, but when you’re walking ridgelines or still-hunting through brush, it’s the one you want in your hands.
PSA AR-15
Say what you will, but this budget build has earned its place. It’s been through a lot and still holds zero, cycles fine, and runs everything I feed it.
It’s not the most high-end rig I own, but it’s the one I trust when I want a no-drama carbine that just gets it done.
Mossberg 500
Nothing fancy here—just a plain-Jane pump shotgun that’s been beaten, dropped, and dragged around the backwoods. And it still works like the day I got it.
It’s great for deer season, turkey, or just keeping around camp. There’s always one within arm’s reach because it’s just that dependable.
Browning Buck Mark
For rimfire accuracy, this one keeps earning its way into the range bag. The trigger’s crisp, and it’s surprisingly precise for a pistol.
Whether I’m knocking down steel or running drills, it always performs. Some of my other .22 pistols sit out more often, but the Buck Mark keeps making it to the range.
Savage Axis II in .308
It’s not expensive, but man does it shoot. The trigger is better than you’d expect, and the accuracy keeps surprising people who think it’s just a budget gun.
I’ve got fancier bolt-actions, but when I want something light, accurate, and dependable for hunting season, this one rides in the truck.
Springfield Hellcat
When I want something truly compact for concealed carry, the Hellcat does the job without being a handful. It disappears under a T-shirt and still gives me plenty of capacity.
It’s not my favorite range toy, but when it comes to daily carry, it checks all the boxes. Reliable, consistent, and confidence-boosting.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
