Many hunters and home defenders face a tough choice when buying guns. They must decide between specialized firearms or ones that can handle both roles well. This article explores 12 firearms that excel at both hunting and defense without compromise.
These versatile guns allow owners to invest in fewer firearms while maintaining effectiveness across different situations. From reliable shotguns to versatile rifles and handguns, these multi-purpose options provide tracking game and home protection solutions.
Each firearm selected offers the flexibility needed for various outdoor pursuits while remaining practical for defensive scenarios.
1. Remington 870 Pump-Action Shotgun
The Remington 870 is a top choice for hunters and home defenders alike. This pump-action shotgun The Remington 870 stands as one of America’s most trusted shotguns. It combines sleek classical lines with ultimate strength and reliability.
This workhorse features a steel heart that delivers consistent performance in various situations. The 870 has earned its reputation through decades of dependable service for hunters and home defenders alike.
It accommodates multiple shot patterns with interchangeable Rem Chokes. These allow the 870 to adapt to hunting, self-defense, or clay target shooting needs.
The versatile pump-action design makes it suitable for turkey hunting, upland game, and even big game. Its mechanical reliability and good fit for average users make the 870 a practical choice for anyone seeking a multipurpose firearm.
2. Ruger 10/22 Takedown Rifle
The Ruger 10/22 Takedown Rifle has been America’s favorite .22 rifle for 60 years. This versatile firearm splits neatly in half for compact and discreet storage, making it an excellent choice for various situations.
The 10/22 Takedown features an 18.5-inch barrel and 10-round capacity. It’s known for its reliability with .22 LR ammunition, which is both affordable and plentiful.
When tested with quality Lapua ammunition, the 10/22 demonstrates impressive accuracy at 50 yards. The rifle handles well and serves as an excellent suppressor host for quieter operation.
Its combination of portability, reliability, and affordability makes the 10/22 Takedown suitable for plinking, hunting small game, and emergency preparedness.
3. Mossberg 500: A Versatile Shotgun
The Mossberg 500 is a versatile pump-action shotgun that serves dual purposes for both hunting and home defense. Its quick-change barrel system allows users to switch from a longer field barrel to a shorter tactical barrel in seconds.
The Field Combo version comes with two barrels – one for hunting and one for defense. This makes it a true do-it-all firearm without needing to buy separate guns.
Mossberg 500s are known for their durability and simple maintenance. They handle well in the field and offer reliable function in defensive situations.
These shotguns have proven their worth through decades of use by hunters, homeowners, and even law enforcement agencies. The 500’s adaptability makes it one of the most practical firearms available.
4. S&W M&P 15 Sport II
The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II stands out as one of the best entry-level AR-15 rifles on the market. It offers excellent value for its midrange price category.
This reliable rifle features a 16-inch threaded 4140 steel barrel with a 1:9 twist rate, making it perfect for using common and affordable ammunition. The durability of its construction makes it suitable for both hunting and home defense scenarios.
The M&P 15 Sport II also serves as an excellent platform for customization. Many owners have successfully upgraded their rifles with additional features while keeping the total cost reasonable.
5. Henry’s Weather-Resistant .45-70 Lever Gun
The Henry All-Weather .45-70 lever action rifle combines old-school nostalgia with modern features. It’s built to withstand harsh conditions with its weather-resistant finish.
This rifle packs substantial power in a functional package that’s perfect for hunters and ranchers. The hard chrome satin silver finish helps protect against rust and corrosion in challenging environments.
Despite its sturdy build, users note the rifle maintains impressive accuracy. It’s about 2 pounds lighter than similar models, making it easier to carry during long hunting trips.
The side gate loading feature adds convenience while maintaining the classic lever action functionality that many shooters appreciate.
6. Glock 19 Gen 5: Versatile and Dependable
The Glock 19 Gen 5 stands as a versatile midsize pistol that works well for both home defense and personal carry. It’s often recommended as an excellent “first gun” for many people due to its reliability and ease of use.
This pistol offers a soft-shooting experience that most users can manage easily. Its accuracy typically exceeds what the average shooter can achieve, making it a dependable option in various situations.
According to many firearm experts, the Glock 19 pairs particularly well with Federal HST ammunition. While not primarily a hunting weapon, the Glock 19 Gen 5 excels in its role as a defensive firearm that can be counted on when needed.
7. Savage Axis II XP .308 Rifle
The Savage Axis II XP .308 is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable hunting rifle on a budget. It comes ready to use out of the box with an included scope.
This bolt-action rifle features a durable synthetic stock and carbon-steel barrel with a matte finish. These features make it low maintenance and suitable for various hunting conditions.
While accuracy is acceptable for hunting purposes, it won’t match competition-grade rifles. Hunters have successfully used this rifle for deer hunting and longer shots up to 175 yards.
The .308 caliber provides enough power for medium to large game while remaining manageable for most shooters.
8. Winchester Model 70
The Winchester Model 70 is often called “The Rifleman’s Rifle” due to its outstanding reputation for accuracy and reliability. This classic bolt-action rifle has earned the trust of hunters for generations.
The Model 70 has evolved over time, with newer versions featuring CNC-machined steel that makes the rifle stronger yet lighter than previous models. This combination of strength and reduced weight makes it an excellent choice for various hunting situations.
Available in multiple calibers, the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight is particularly popular for its versatility. It works well for both standard hunting and can serve as a reliable defense option when needed.
9. Marlin 336 Lever Gun in .30-30
The Marlin 336 in .30-30 Winchester is a classic lever-action rifle that excels in both hunting and defense scenarios. It features smooth lines with just enough aggressive styling to show it means business.
This rifle handles well with good balance and provides very good grouping. Its walnut stock and forend give it a traditional appearance that many shooters appreciate.
The 336 is particularly effective as a deer hunting rifle with its iron sights making it excellent for mid-range shooting. In 16-inch barrel configurations, it remains more compact than many other rifles.
Many owners consider the Marlin 336 suitable for home defense due to its reliability and versatility.
10. CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1
The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 is a semi-automatic pistol version of the famous Scorpion submachine gun. This compact firearm offers versatility for both range use and home defense scenarios.
While not primarily designed for hunting, the Scorpion shines in defensive applications. Its manageable size and reliable performance make it an appealing option for home protection.
The Scorpion is known for being enjoyable to shoot and follows a bare-essentials design philosophy. It features simple controls and maintains good reliability.
Some users debate its effectiveness compared to other platforms, noting that it lacks the ballistic efficiency of larger firearms. However, its compact size remains an advantage in tight spaces.
11. Springfield M1A Scout Squad Rifle
The Springfield M1A Scout Squad Rifle offers a blend of power and maneuverability in a .308 Win/7.62x51mm package. With its 18-inch barrel, it’s more compact than standard M1A models while maintaining excellent accuracy.
This semi-automatic rifle features a unique muzzle brake that helps reduce recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more comfortable. The Scout Squad can use magazines ranging from 20 to 30 rounds.
The M1A Scout Squad is versatile enough for hunting various game, including deer, moose, bear, and bison. It’s also effective for defense scenarios due to its reliability and stopping power.
12. Taurus Judge Revolver
The Taurus Judge is a unique revolver that offers versatility for both defense and limited hunting applications. It chambers both .45 Colt ammunition and .410 shotshells, giving users multiple options in a single firearm.
For home defense, the Judge provides options between solid bullets and shotshell loads. Most experts recommend using .45 Colt rounds for defense purposes due to their better penetration and accuracy.
The revolver’s size makes it more practical for home defense than concealed carry. Some models like the Raging Judge can also chamber the powerful .454 Casull cartridge.
While not ideal for serious hunting, the Judge can handle small game at close range when loaded with appropriate ammunition.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.