Some guns just keep making their way back to the range bag. Maybe they’re accurate, cheap to run, or just plain fun. Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern in what I actually shoot the most—and it’s not always what I thought it’d be when I first bought them. These are the 13 firearms I keep reaching for, and the real reasons why they stay in rotation.
Glock 19
I shoot the Glock 19 more than just about anything else. It’s easy to carry, easy to maintain, and I’ve got a pile of 9mm on hand.
It’s not the most exciting gun, but I can trust it to run every time. It’s a practical tool that happens to be fun to shoot, too.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is the one I grab when I just want to relax and shoot. Cheap ammo, hardly any recoil, and it’s surprisingly accurate.
It’s also my go-to for introducing new shooters. Nobody walks away from a day with the 10/22 without smiling.
Smith & Wesson M&P15
This AR sees a lot of use because it’s reliable and lightweight. Whether I’m punching paper or running drills, it holds zero and stays consistent.
It’s not some tricked-out build, just a solid setup with a red dot and sling. Simple works, and this one proves it.
Mossberg 500
For training or messing around with different loads, the Mossberg 500 gets a ton of use. It’s the shotgun I beat on, clean up, and keep using.
I’ve run everything through it—slugs, buckshot, bird. It’s not fancy, but it works, and I don’t baby it.
CZ P-10 C
I didn’t expect to shoot the P-10 C this much, but once I got it, it quickly became a favorite. The trigger feels clean, and it handles recoil better than I thought it would.
It’s one of those pistols that just feels right in the hand. It hasn’t hiccuped once, and that keeps it coming back to the range.
Marlin 336 (.30-30)
This one’s more than just a hunting rifle—it’s fun. The action is smooth, it hits hard, and it’s satisfying to shoot steel with at 100 yards.
If I’m heading to the woods or the range, the 336 often comes with me. It’s a classic for a reason.
Taurus TX22
If you want to train without spending a fortune, the TX22 is hard to beat. It feels like a full-size pistol but eats cheap .22 LR all day.
The trigger is better than expected, and it cycles everything I throw at it. It’s great for practice and just plain fun.
Glock 43X
For a while, I didn’t think I’d shoot my carry gun much. But once I picked up a 43X, that changed. It’s small enough to carry but big enough to actually enjoy shooting.
The 10+1 capacity doesn’t hurt either. I take it out often just to stay sharp, and I’ve come to really enjoy running it.
Henry H001 Lever Action (.22)
The Henry .22 lever gun is something I shoot just for fun. It’s smooth, nostalgic, and it doesn’t cost much to feed.
Great for plinking cans or ringing steel with friends. It brings out the kid in you, and that’s a good enough reason for me.
Springfield XD-M Elite
I know these don’t get much hype anymore, but my XD-M Elite shoots flat and fast. I use it a lot for drills and target work.
The grip fits well, and I like the longer sight radius. It’s one of those guns that just makes me look better than I am on paper.
Savage Axis II (.308)
This one started as a budget deer rifle, but I’ve ended up shooting it a lot more than expected. It’s accurate enough for the price and doesn’t mind rough conditions.
With a decent scope, it’s great for stretching things out past 200 yards. I shoot it often just to stay tuned up for hunting season.
PSA AK-103
I picked it up as a fun range toy, but this AK has been surprisingly consistent. It eats steel-case ammo like candy and has never given me a reason not to shoot it.
There’s something satisfying about running irons on an AK at 50 yards. I don’t baby it, and it keeps coming back for more.
Browning Buck Mark
This is my go-to for rimfire precision. It’s a little heavier than most .22 pistols, but that makes it stable and accurate.
I shoot it often when I want to focus on fundamentals. The controls feel clean, and it makes every range trip feel a little more dialed in.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
